CN117395792A - A beam switching method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

The application provides a beam switching method and device, which are used for improving the communication performance of a system and relate to the technical field of wireless communication. In the method, a first device transmits a PPDU. The PPDU includes first information for indicating whether to switch a beam. The beam for transmitting the first field of the PPDU is a first transmission beam, and the beam for transmitting the second field of the PPDU is a second transmission beam. The transmission time of the first field of the PPDU is earlier than the transmission time of the first information, and the transmission time of the second field of the PPDU is later than the transmission time of the first information. Based on the above scheme, the first device and the second device can indicate whether to switch the beam through the first information, and when the beam needs to be switched, the second device can switch the beam according to the first information, so that the influence of the communication performance deterioration of the original < receiving beam, transmitting beam > on the transmission performance can be reduced, and the communication performance is improved.

Description

A beam switching method and device

Technical field

The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular, to a beam switching method and device.

Background technique

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ad introduces beam tracking technology, which can transmit beams from the sending node and the receiving node while transmitting normal data frames (or control frames, management frames) and receiving beam training, so that the beams of the sending node and the receiving node are in a configuration more conducive to channel reception.

During the process of data transmission between the sending node and the receiving node according to the previously trained <sending beam, receiving beam>, various factors that cause channel deterioration such as movement or occlusion of the sending node and/or receiving node occur, resulting in The communication performance of the original <transmit beam, receive beam> deteriorates, resulting in a subsequent significant increase in packet loss rate, thus affecting system performance.

Contents of the invention

The present application provides a beam switching method and device to reduce the degradation of system communication performance caused by the deterioration of communication performance of receiving beams and transmitting beams.

In a first aspect, a beam switching method and device are provided. The method may be executed by the first device, or by a chip similar to the function of the first device. In this method, the first device sends a physical protocol data unit (PPDU). The PPDU includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate whether to switch the beam. The beam used to send the first field of the PPDU is the first sending beam, and the beam used to send the second field of the PPDU is the second sending beam. The sending time of the first field of the PPDU is earlier than the sending time of the first information, and the sending time of the second field of the PPDU is later than the sending time of the first information. The first transmission beam and the second transmission beam are the same, or the first transmission beam and the second transmission beam are different.

Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can indicate whether to switch the beam through the first information. When the beam needs to be switched, the second device can switch the beam according to the first information. Therefore, the original <receiving beam, transmitting beam> can be reduced. reduce the impact of deterioration of communication performance on transmission performance and improve communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the first information indicates switching a beam, the first information includes first indication information, and the first indication information instructs the second device to receive the beam of the second field. Based on the above solution, the first device can instruct the second device to receive the beam of the second field through the first indication information, which can reduce the impact on the transmission performance due to the deterioration of the communication performance of the original received beam and improve the communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the first information further includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the second transmission beam of the first device. Based on the above solution, the first device can indicate the second transmission beam of the first device to the second device through the second indication information, that is, the first device sends the transmission beam of the second field.

In a possible implementation, the first information also includes second information. Within the duration occupied by the second information, the first device switches from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam. Within the duration occupied by the second information, the first device switches from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam. The second device switches the receiving beam. Optionally, the second information may be a padding field or a symbol (such as a modulation symbol). Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can switch beams during the time period occupied by the second information. Therefore, the first device and the second device can transmit the second field through the switched beams, which can improve communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the duration occupied by the second information is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the maximum value of the duration required by the first device to switch the beam and the duration required by the second device to switch the beam. Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device need to switch beams within the time period occupied by the second information. Therefore, the time period occupied by the second information is greater than or equal to the time required for the first device to switch beams and the time required for the second beam to switch beams. The maximum value of the duration can ensure enough time for the first device and the second device to switch beams.

In a possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate not to switch beams, and the receiving beam used by the second device to receive the first field is the same as the receiving beam used by the second device to receive the second field. Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can determine not to switch the beam through the first information.

In a possible implementation manner, the PPDU includes one or more first information. Based on the above solution, the first device can indicate to the second device whether the beam needs to be switched through one or more first messages, so that when transmitting PPDU, the first device can switch the beam according to the instructions of the first message to improve communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the PPDU also includes third information, and the third information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the number of first information in the PPDU and the bit position of each first information in the PPDU. Based on the above solution, the second device can obtain the first information according to the instructions of the third information, which can reduce the complexity of the second device obtaining the first information.

In a possible implementation, the first device sends fourth information to the second device, the fourth information includes capability information of the first device, and the capability information of the first device includes that the first device supports beam switching, or the first device The capability information includes that the first device does not support beam switching. Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can exchange capability information to determine whether to support beam switching.

In a possible implementation, the capability information of the first device includes when the first device supports beam switching, and the capability information of the first device also includes duration information required for beam switching. Based on the above solution, the capability information may also include the duration information required for beam switching, so that the first device and the second device can determine the duration information required for beam switching, so that there is enough time for beam switching when transmitting the PPDU. .

In a possible implementation manner, the fourth information further includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the fourth information contains the capability information of the first device. Based on the above solution, the third indication information is used to indicate whether the fourth information contains the capability information of the first device. When the third indication information indicates that the fourth information contains the capability information, the second device can obtain the capability information. When the third indication information When it is indicated that the fourth information does not contain capability information, the second device may not obtain the capability information.

In a second aspect, a beam switching method and device are provided. The method may be executed by the second device, or by a chip similar to the function of the second device. In this method, the second device receives the PPDU. The PPDU includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate whether to switch the beam. The beam for receiving the first field of the PPDU is the first receiving beam, and the beam for receiving the second field of the PPDU is the second receiving beam. The sending time of the first field of the PPDU is earlier than the sending time of the first information, and the sending time of the second field of the PPDU is later than the sending time of the first information. The first receiving beam is the same as the second receiving beam, or the first receiving beam is different from the second receiving beam.

Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can indicate whether to switch the beam through the first information. When the beam needs to be switched, the second device can switch the beam according to the first information. Therefore, the original <receiving beam, transmitting beam> can be reduced. reduce the impact of deterioration of communication performance on transmission performance and improve communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the first information indicates switching beams, and the first receiving beam is different from the second receiving beam. Wherein, the first information includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates the second receiving beam of the second device. Based on the above solution, the first device can instruct the second device to receive the beam of the second field through the first indication information, which can reduce the impact on the transmission performance due to the deterioration of the communication performance of the original received beam and improve the communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the first information further includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the first device to send the beam of the second field. Based on the above solution, the first device may instruct the first device to send the transmission beam of the second field to the second device through the second indication information.

In a possible implementation, the first information also includes second information. Within the duration occupied by the second information, the second device switches from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam. Within the duration occupied by the second information, the second device switches from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam. A device switches transmit beams. Optionally, the second information may be a padding field or a symbol (such as a modulation symbol). Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can switch beams during the time period occupied by the second information. Therefore, the first device and the second device can transmit the second field through the switched beams, which can improve communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the duration occupied by the second information is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the maximum value of the duration required by the first device to switch the beam and the duration required by the second device to switch the beam. Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device need to switch beams within the time period occupied by the second information. Therefore, the time period occupied by the second information is greater than or equal to the time required for the first device to switch beams and the time required for the second beam to switch beams. The maximum value of the duration can ensure enough time for the first device and the second device to switch beams.

In a possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate not to switch beams, and the first receiving beam and the second receiving beam are the same. Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can determine not to switch the beam through the first information.

In a possible implementation manner, the PPDU includes one or more first information. Based on the above solution, the first device can indicate to the second device whether the beam needs to be switched through one or more first messages, so that when transmitting PPDU, the first device can switch the beam according to the instructions of the first message to improve communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the PPDU also includes third information, and the third information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the number of first information in the PPDU and the bit position of each first information in the PPDU. Based on the above solution, the second device can obtain the first information according to the instructions of the third information, which can reduce the complexity of the second device obtaining the first information.

In a possible implementation, the second device sends fifth information to the first device, the fifth information includes capability information of the second device, and the capability information of the second device includes that the second device supports beam switching, or the second device The capability information includes that the second device does not support beam switching. Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can exchange capability information to determine whether to support beam switching.

In a possible implementation, the capability information of the second device includes when the second device supports beam switching, and the capability information of the second device also includes the duration required for beam switching. Based on the above solution, the capability information may also include the duration information required for beam switching, so that the first device and the second device can determine the duration information required for beam switching, so that there is enough time for beam switching when transmitting the PPDU. .

In a possible implementation manner, the fifth information further includes fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the fifth information contains capability information of the second device. Based on the above solution, the fourth indication information indicates whether the fifth information contains the second device capability information. When the fourth indication information indicates that the fifth information contains the capability information, the first device can obtain the capability information. When the fourth indication information indicates When the fifth information does not contain capability information, the first device may not obtain the capability information.

In a third aspect, a beam switching method and device are provided. The method may be executed by the first device or by a chip similar to the function of the first device. In this method, the first device sends the first PPDU to the second device using the first sending beam. The first device interrupts the sending of the first PPDU. The first device sends sixth information to the second device, and the sixth information is used to switch the beam. The first device sends the second PPDU to the second device using the second transmit beam. Wherein, the first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam are the same, or the first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam are different.

Based on the above solution, when the first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result during the process of sending the first PPDU, it can interrupt the sending of the first PPDU and send the sixth information to the second device. The sixth information can be used to switch beams. The first device can use the switched beam to send the second PPDU to the second device to reduce the subsequent transmission process due to the deterioration of the communication performance of the original <transmit beam, receive beam> Solve the problem of significant increase in packet loss rate and improve communication performance.

In a possible implementation manner, the sixth information includes first indication information, and the first indication information instructs the second device to receive the beam of the second PPDU. Based on the above solution, the first device can instruct the second device to receive the beam of the second field through the first indication information, which can reduce the impact on the transmission performance due to the deterioration of the communication performance of the original received beam and improve the communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information further includes second indication information, and the second indication information indicates the second transmission beam of the first device. Based on the above solution, the first device may indicate the second transmission beam of the first device, that is, the transmission beam for transmitting the second PPDU, to the second device through the second indication information.

In a possible implementation, the inter-frame interval between the sixth information and the second PPDU is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the duration required by the first device to switch the beam and the time required by the second device to switch the beam. The maximum value of the duration. Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can switch beams within the inter-frame interval, and use the switched beams to transmit the second PPDU.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information also includes second information, and the sum of the duration occupied by the second information and the inter-frame interval between the sixth information and the second PPDU is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the maximum value of the time required for the first device to switch the beam and the time required for the second device to switch the beam. Alternatively, the duration occupied by the second information is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the maximum value of the duration required by the first device to switch the beam and the duration required by the second device to switch the beam. Optionally, the second information may be a padding field or a symbol (such as a modulation symbol).

Based on the above solution, the sixth information may include the second information, and the first device and the second device may switch within the duration occupied by the second information, or within the duration represented by the sum of the duration occupied by the second information and the inter-frame interval. beam, and use the switched beam to transmit the second PPDU.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information includes one or more training fields and fifth indication information. Wherein, the fifth indication information indicates at least one receiving beam to be trained, and each of the one or more training fields is used to determine the optimal receiving beam among the at least one receiving beam. Optionally, the fifth indication information may include an index of the receiving beam, or the fifth indication information may include a receiving beam bitmap.

Based on the above solution, when the first device determines that it needs to switch beams based on the sensing results, it can send one or more training fields to the second device for the second device to train the optimal receiving beam, so that the optimal receiving beam can be used for reception. The second PPDU can improve communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information further includes sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate the number of transmission beams. Based on the above solution, the first device can indicate the number of transmit beams to be trained to the second device, thereby indicating the beam pairs to be trained to the second device.

In a possible implementation, the first device receives seventh information from the second device, and the seventh information is used to indicate that one or more training fields are received. In a possible implementation, the seventh information includes seventh indication information. The seventh indication information is used to indicate the second transmission beam of the first device, and the second transmission beam is the optimal transmission beam determined according to one or more training fields. Based on the above solution, the first device may switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam after receiving the seventh indication information.

In a possible implementation, the seventh information also includes second information. The first device and the second device switch beams within the time period occupied by the second information. Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can switch beams within the duration occupied by the second information.

In a possible implementation, the end time of the second PPDU is later than the end time of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the end time of the second PPDU is the same as the end time of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the end time of the second PPDU is earlier than the end time of the second PPDU.

The fourth aspect provides a beam switching method. The method may be executed by the second device, or by a chip similar to the function of the second device. In this method, the second device receives the first PPDU from the first device using a first receiving beam. The second device receives sixth information from the first device, and the sixth information is used to switch the beam. The second device receives the second PPDU from the second device in the second receive beam. Wherein, the first receiving beam and the second receiving beam are different.

Based on the above solution, when the first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result during the process of sending the first PPDU, it can interrupt the sending of the first PPDU and send the sixth information to the second device. The sixth information can be used to switch beams. The first device can use the switched beam to send the second PPDU to the second device to reduce the subsequent transmission process due to the deterioration of the communication performance of the original <transmit beam, receive beam> Solve the problem of significant increase in packet loss rate and improve communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates the second receiving beam of the second device. Based on the above solution, the first device can instruct the second device to receive the beam of the second field through the first indication information, which can reduce the impact on the transmission performance due to the deterioration of the communication performance of the original received beam and improve the communication performance.

In a possible implementation manner, the sixth information further includes second indication information, and the second indication information instructs the first device to send the beam of the second PPDU. Based on the above solution, the first device may instruct the first device to send the transmission beam of the second PPDU to the second device through the second indication information.

In a possible implementation, the inter-frame interval between the sixth information and the second PPDU is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the duration required by the first device to switch the beam and the time required by the second device to switch the beam. The maximum value of the duration. Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can switch beams within the inter-frame interval, and use the switched beams to transmit the second PPDU.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information also includes second information, and the sum of the duration occupied by the second information and the inter-frame interval between the sixth information and the second PPDU is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the maximum value of the time required for the first device to switch the beam and the time required for the second device to switch the beam. Alternatively, the duration occupied by the second information is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the maximum value of the duration required by the first device to switch the beam and the duration required by the second device to switch the beam. Optionally, the second information may be a padding field or a symbol (such as a modulation symbol).

Based on the above solution, the sixth information may include the second information, and the first device and the second device may switch within the duration occupied by the second information, or within the duration represented by the sum of the duration occupied by the second information and the inter-frame interval. beam, and use the switched beam to transmit the second PPDU.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information includes one or more training fields and fifth indication information. Wherein, the fifth indication information indicates at least one receiving beam to be trained, and each of the one or more training fields is used to determine the optimal receiving beam among the at least one receiving beam. Optionally, the fifth indication information may include an index of the receiving beam, or the fifth indication information may include a receiving beam bitmap.

Based on the above solution, when the first device determines that it needs to switch beams based on the sensing results, it can send one or more training fields to the second device for the second device to train the optimal receiving beam, so that the last receiving beam can be used to receive the third Two PPDUs can improve communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information further includes sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate the number of transmission beams. Based on the above solution, the first device can indicate the number of transmit beams to be trained to the second device, thereby indicating the beam pairs to be trained to the second device.

In a possible implementation, the second device sends seventh information to the first device, where the seventh information is used to indicate that one or more training fields are received. In a possible implementation, the seventh information includes seventh indication information. The seventh indication information is used to indicate the second transmission beam of the first device, and the second transmission beam is the optimal transmission beam determined according to one or more training fields. Based on the above solution, the first device may switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam after receiving the seventh indication information.

In a possible implementation, the seventh information also includes second information. The first device and the second device switch beams within the time period occupied by the second information. Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can switch beams within the duration occupied by the second information.

In a possible implementation, the end time of the second PPDU is later than the end time of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the end time of the second PPDU is the same as the end time of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the end time of the second PPDU is earlier than the end time of the second PPDU.

In a fifth aspect, a beam switching method is provided. The method may be executed by the first device, or by a chip similar to the function of the first device. In this method, the first device sends the first field of the PPDU to the second device using a first transmission beam on a first frequency. The first device sends eighth information to the second device on the second frequency, and the eighth information is used to instruct switching beams. The first frequency is different from the second frequency. The first device transmits the second field of the PPDU to the second device in a second transmit beam on the first frequency. The first transmission beam and the second transmission beam are the same, or the first transmission beam and the second transmission beam are different.

Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can use the second frequency to transmit the eighth information indicating beam switching, which can reduce the complexity of the first frequency and reduce the deterioration of communication performance due to the original <transmit beam, receive beam> , causing the problem of a significant increase in packet loss rate during the subsequent transmission process, improving communication performance.

In a possible implementation manner, the eighth information includes first indication information, and the first indication information instructs the second device to receive the beam of the second field. Based on the above solution, the first device can instruct the second device to receive the beam of the second field through the first indication information, which can reduce the impact on the transmission performance due to the deterioration of the communication performance of the original received beam and improve the communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the eighth information further includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the second transmission beam of the first device. Based on the above solution, the first device can indicate the second transmission beam of the first device to the second device through the second indication information, that is, the first device sends the transmission beam of the second field.

In a possible implementation, the eighth information also includes a receiving address, and the receiving address is used to determine the second device. Based on the above solution, the second device can determine whether the eighth information is sent to itself by receiving the address, which can improve data security.

In a possible implementation, the eighth information also includes a sending address, and the sending address is used to determine the first device. Based on the above solution, the second device can determine the first device by sending the address.

In a possible implementation, the first device receives ninth information from the second device on the second frequency, and the ninth information is used to indicate that the eighth information is received. The first device switches from the first transmit beam to the second transmit beam. Based on the above solution, after receiving the ninth information, the first device can determine that the second device has received the eighth information, so the first device can switch the beam, thereby avoiding beam switching caused by the second device not receiving the eighth information. failed, causing the transmission of the second field to fail.

A sixth aspect provides a beam switching method. The method may be executed by the second device, or by a chip similar to the function of the second device. In the method, the second device receives the first field of the PPDU from the first device in a first receiving beam on a first frequency. The second device receives eighth information from the first device on the second frequency, and the eighth information is used to indicate switching beams. The first frequency is different from the second frequency. The second device receives a second field of the PPDU from the first device in a second receive beam on the first frequency. The first receive beam is different from the second receive beam.

Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can use the second frequency to transmit the eighth information indicating beam switching, which can reduce the complexity of the first frequency and reduce the deterioration of communication performance due to the original <transmit beam, receive beam> , causing the problem of a significant increase in packet loss rate during the subsequent transmission process, improving communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the eighth information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the first receiving beam. Based on the above solution, the first device can instruct the second device to receive the beam of the second field through the first indication information, which can reduce the impact on the transmission performance due to the deterioration of the communication performance of the original received beam and improve the communication performance.

In a possible implementation manner, the eighth information further includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate a beam for transmitting the second field. Based on the above solution, the first device can indicate the second transmission beam of the first device to the second device through the second indication information, that is, the first device sends the transmission beam of the second field.

In a possible implementation, the eighth information also includes a receiving address, and the receiving address is used to determine the second device. Based on the above solution, the second device can determine whether the eighth information is sent to itself by receiving the address, which can improve data security.

In a possible implementation, the eighth information also includes a sending address, and the sending address is used to determine the first device. Based on the above solution, the second device can determine whether the eighth information is sent to itself by receiving the address, which can improve data security.

In a possible implementation, the second device sends ninth information to the first device on the second frequency, and the ninth information is used to indicate that the eighth information is received. The second device switches from the first receive beam to the second receive beam. Based on the above solution, after receiving the ninth information, the first device can determine that the second device has received the eighth information, so the first device can switch the beam, thereby avoiding beam switching caused by the second device not receiving the eighth information. failed, causing the transmission of the second field to fail.

In a seventh aspect, a beam switching method is provided. The method may be executed by the first device, or by a chip similar to the function of the first device. In this method, the first device sends the first field of the PPDU to the second device using a first sending beam. The first device performs sensing measurements, and the sensing measurements are used to determine the optimal transmit beam. The first device sends the second field of the PPDU to the second device using the second sending beam, and the second sending beam is the optimal sending beam.

Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can have real-time sensing capabilities, and when it is determined that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing results, the beam switching operation can be performed during the transmission process of the PPDU without additional instructions.

In an eighth aspect, a beam switching method is provided. The method may be executed by the second device, or by a chip similar to the function of the second device. In this method, the second device receives the first field of the PPDU from the first device using a first receiving beam. The second device performs perceptual measurements, and the perceptual measurements are used to determine the optimal receiving beam. The second device receives the second field of the PPDU from the first device using a second receiving beam, and the second receiving beam is the optimal receiving beam.

Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can have real-time sensing capabilities, and when it is determined that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing results, the beam switching operation can be performed during the transmission process of the PPDU without additional instructions.

In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

Processing unit, used to generate PPDU. Transceiver unit, used to send PPDU. The PPDU includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate whether to switch the beam. The beam used to send the first field of the PPDU is the first sending beam, and the beam used to send the second field of the PPDU is the second sending beam. The sending time of the first field of the PPDU is earlier than the sending time of the first information, and the sending time of the second field of the PPDU is later than the sending time of the first information. The first transmission beam and the second transmission beam are the same, or the first transmission beam and the second transmission beam are different.

In a possible implementation, the first information indicates switching a beam, the first information includes first indication information, and the first indication information instructs the second device to receive the beam of the second field.

In a possible implementation, the first information further includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the second transmission beam of the first device.

In a possible implementation, the first information also includes second information. Within the duration occupied by the second information, the first device switches from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam. Within the duration occupied by the second information, the first device switches from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam. The second device switches the receiving beam. Optionally, the second information may be a padding field or a symbol (such as a modulation symbol).

In a possible implementation, the duration occupied by the second information is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the maximum value of the duration required by the first device to switch the beam and the duration required by the second device to switch the beam.

In a possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate not to switch beams, and the receiving beam used by the second device to receive the first field is the same as the receiving beam used by the second device to receive the second field.

In a possible implementation manner, the PPDU includes one or more first information.

In a possible implementation, the PPDU also includes third information, and the third information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the number of first information in the PPDU and the bit position of each first information in the PPDU.

In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also configured to send fourth information to the second device, where the fourth information includes capability information of the first device, and the capability information of the first device includes that the first device supports beam switching, or The capability information of the first device includes that the first device does not support beam switching.

In a possible implementation, the capability information of the first device includes when the first device supports beam switching, and the capability information of the first device also includes duration information required for beam switching.

In a possible implementation manner, the fourth information further includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the fourth information contains the capability information of the first device.

In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

The transceiver unit is configured to receive the PPDU, where the PPDU includes first information. The processing unit is used to determine the first information. The first information is used to indicate whether to switch the beam. The beam for receiving the first field of the PPDU is the first receiving beam, and the beam for receiving the second field of the PPDU is the second receiving beam. The sending time of the first field of the PPDU is earlier than the sending time of the first information, and the sending time of the second field of the PPDU is later than the sending time of the first information. The first receiving beam is the same as the second receiving beam, or the first receiving beam is different from the second receiving beam.

In a possible implementation, the first information indicates switching beams, and the first receiving beam is different from the second receiving beam. Wherein, the first information includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates the second receiving beam of the second device.

In a possible implementation, the first information further includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the first device to send the beam of the second field.

In a possible implementation, the first information also includes second information. Within the duration occupied by the second information, the second device switches from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam. Within the duration occupied by the second information, the second device switches from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam. A device switches transmit beams. Optionally, the second information may be a padding field or a symbol (such as a modulation symbol).

In a possible implementation, the duration occupied by the second information is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the maximum value of the duration required by the first device to switch the beam and the duration required by the second device to switch the beam.

In a possible implementation, the first information is used to indicate not to switch beams, and the first receiving beam and the second receiving beam are the same.

In a possible implementation manner, the PPDU includes one or more first information.

In a possible implementation, the PPDU also includes third information, and the third information is used to indicate one or more of the following: the number of first information in the PPDU and the bit position of each first information in the PPDU.

In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also configured to send fifth information to the first device, where the fifth information includes capability information of the second device, and the capability information of the second device includes that the second device supports beam switching, or The capability information of the second device includes that the second device does not support beam switching.

In a possible implementation, the capability information of the second device includes when the second device supports beam switching, and the capability information of the second device also includes the duration required for beam switching.

In a possible implementation manner, the fifth information further includes fourth indication information, and the fourth indication information is used to indicate that the fifth information contains capability information of the second device.

In an eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

The transceiver unit is configured to send the first PPDU to the second device using the first transmission beam. The first device interrupts the sending of the first PPDU. The transceiver unit is also configured to send sixth information to the second device, where the sixth information is used to switch beams. A processing unit configured to generate the second PPDU. The transceiver unit is also configured to send the second PPDU to the second device using the second transmission beam. Wherein, the first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam are the same, or the first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam are different.

In a possible implementation manner, the sixth information includes first indication information, and the first indication information instructs the second device to receive the beam of the second PPDU.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information further includes second indication information, and the second indication information indicates the second transmission beam of the first device.

In a possible implementation, the inter-frame interval between the sixth information and the second PPDU is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the duration required by the first device to switch the beam and the time required by the second device to switch the beam. The maximum value of the duration.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information also includes second information, and the sum of the duration occupied by the second information and the inter-frame interval between the sixth information and the second PPDU is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the maximum value of the time required for the first device to switch the beam and the time required for the second device to switch the beam. Alternatively, the duration occupied by the second information is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the maximum value of the duration required by the first device to switch the beam and the duration required by the second device to switch the beam. Optionally, the second information may be a padding field or a symbol (such as a modulation symbol).

In a possible implementation, the sixth information includes one or more training fields and fifth indication information. Wherein, the fifth indication information indicates at least one receiving beam to be trained, and each of the one or more training fields is used to determine the optimal receiving beam among the at least one receiving beam. Optionally, the fifth indication information may include an index of the receiving beam, or the fifth indication information may include a receiving beam bitmap.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information further includes sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate the number of transmission beams.

In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also configured to receive seventh information from the second device, where the seventh information is used to indicate that one or more training fields are received. In a possible implementation, the seventh information includes seventh indication information. The seventh indication information is used to indicate the second transmission beam of the first device, and the second transmission beam is the optimal transmission beam determined according to one or more training fields.

In a possible implementation, the seventh information also includes second information. The first device and the second device switch beams within the time period occupied by the second information.

In a possible implementation, the end time of the second PPDU is later than the end time of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the end time of the second PPDU is the same as the end time of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the end time of the second PPDU is earlier than the end time of the second PPDU.

In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

The transceiver unit is configured to receive the first PPDU from the first device using the first receiving beam. The transceiver unit is also configured to receive sixth information from the first device, where the sixth information is used to switch beams. A processing unit configured to determine the second receiving beam according to the sixth information. The transceiver unit is also configured to receive the second PPDU from the second device using the second receiving beam. Wherein, the first receiving beam and the second receiving beam are different.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates the second receiving beam of the second device.

In a possible implementation manner, the sixth information further includes second indication information, and the second indication information instructs the first device to send the beam of the second PPDU.

In a possible implementation, the inter-frame interval between the sixth information and the second PPDU is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the duration required by the first device to switch the beam and the time required by the second device to switch the beam. The maximum value of the duration.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information also includes second information, and the sum of the duration occupied by the second information and the inter-frame interval between the sixth information and the second PPDU is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the maximum value of the time required for the first device to switch the beam and the time required for the second device to switch the beam. Alternatively, the duration occupied by the second information is greater than or equal to the first duration, and the first duration is the maximum value of the duration required by the first device to switch the beam and the duration required by the second device to switch the beam. Optionally, the second information may be a padding field or a symbol (such as a modulation symbol).

In a possible implementation, the sixth information includes one or more training fields and fifth indication information. Wherein, the fifth indication information indicates at least one receiving beam to be trained, and each of the one or more training fields is used to determine the optimal receiving beam among the at least one receiving beam. Optionally, the fifth indication information may include an index of the receiving beam, or the fifth indication information may include a receiving beam bitmap.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information further includes sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information is used to indicate the number of transmission beams.

In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send seventh information to the first device, where the seventh information is used to indicate receipt of one or more training fields. In a possible implementation, the seventh information includes seventh indication information. The seventh indication information is used to indicate the second transmission beam of the first device, and the second transmission beam is the optimal transmission beam determined according to one or more training fields.

In a possible implementation, the seventh information also includes second information. The first device and the second device switch beams within the time period occupied by the second information.

In a possible implementation, the end time of the second PPDU is later than the end time of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the end time of the second PPDU is the same as the end time of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the end time of the second PPDU is earlier than the end time of the second PPDU.

In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

The transceiver unit is configured to send the first field of the PPDU to the second device using the first transmission beam on the first frequency. A processing unit configured to generate eighth information. The transceiver unit is further configured to send eighth information to the second device on the second frequency, where the eighth information is used to instruct the beam to be switched. The first frequency is different from the second frequency. The transceiver unit is also configured to send the second field of the PPDU to the second device using the second transmission beam on the first frequency. The first transmission beam and the second transmission beam are the same, or the first transmission beam and the second transmission beam are different.

In a possible implementation manner, the eighth information includes first indication information, and the first indication information instructs the second device to receive the beam of the second field.

In a possible implementation, the eighth information further includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the second transmission beam of the first device.

In a possible implementation, the eighth information also includes a receiving address, and the receiving address is used to determine the second device.

In a possible implementation, the eighth information also includes a sending address, and the sending address is used to determine the first device.

In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also configured to receive ninth information from the second device on the second frequency, where the ninth information is used to indicate receipt of the eighth information. The processing unit is also configured to switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam.

In a fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

A transceiver unit, configured to receive the first field of the PPDU from the first device in the first receiving beam on the first frequency. The transceiver unit is also configured to receive eighth information from the first device on the second frequency, where the eighth information is used to instruct the beam to be switched. The first frequency is different from the second frequency. A processing unit configured to determine the second receiving beam according to the eighth information. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive the second field of the PPDU from the first device in the second receiving beam on the first frequency. The first receive beam is different from the second receive beam.

In a possible implementation, the eighth information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the first receiving beam.

In a possible implementation manner, the eighth information further includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate a beam for transmitting the second field.

In a possible implementation, the eighth information also includes a receiving address, and the receiving address is used to determine the second device.

In a possible implementation, the eighth information also includes a sending address, and the sending address is used to determine the first device.

In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also configured to send ninth information to the first device on the second frequency, where the ninth information is used to indicate receipt of the eighth information. The processing unit is also configured to switch from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam.

In a fifteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

The transceiver unit is configured to send the first field of the PPDU to the second device using the first transmission beam. The processing unit is used to perform perceptual measurements, and the perceptual measurements are used to determine the optimal transmitting beam. The transceiver unit is also configured to send the second field of the PPDU to the second device using a second transmission beam, where the second transmission beam is the optimal transmission beam.

In a sixteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing unit and a transceiver unit.

The transceiver unit is configured to receive the first field of the PPDU from the first device using the first receiving beam. The processing unit is used to perform perceptual measurements, and the perceptual measurements are used to determine the optimal receiving beam. The transceiving unit is further configured to receive the second field of the PPDU from the first device using a second receiving beam, where the second receiving beam is the optimal receiving beam.

In a seventeenth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the communication device of any one of the ninth to sixteenth aspects in the above-mentioned embodiments, or may be provided in the ninth to sixteenth aspects. A chip in a communication device of any aspect. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally, a memory. Wherein, the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions or data, and the processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor reads the computer program, instructions or data, the communication device is caused to execute the above first to eighth aspects. The method executed by the first device or the second device in any of the method embodiments.

It should be understood that the communication interface can be implemented through antennas, feeders, codecs, etc. in the communication device, or if the communication device is a chip provided in network equipment or terminal equipment, the communication interface can be the input of the chip /Output interface, such as input/output pins, etc. The communication device may also include a transceiver for communicating with other devices.

In an eighteenth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a chip system, which includes a processor and may also include a memory for implementing the method performed by the communication device in any one of the first to eighth aspects. In a possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and/or data. The chip system can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete devices.

In a nineteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run, the implementation of the above aspects is performed by the first device. method; or implement the method performed by the second device in the above aspects.

In a twentieth aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes: computer program code or instructions. When the computer program code or instructions are executed, the steps executed by the first device node in the above aspects are caused. The method is executed, or causes the method executed by the second device in the above aspects to be executed.

In a twenty-first aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a unit or module that performs the methods of the above aspects.

A twenty-second aspect provides a chip system including a logic circuit and an input-output unit.

Exemplary logic circuit for generating PPDU. Input and output interface, used to output PPDU. The PPDU includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate whether to switch the beam. The beam that outputs the first field of the PPDU is the first output beam, and the beam that outputs the second field of the PPDU is the second output beam. The output time of the first field of the PPDU is earlier than the output time of the first information, and the output time of the second field of the PPDU is later than the output time of the first information. The first output beam and the second output beam are the same, or the first output beam and the second output beam are different.

Exemplarily, the input and output interface is used to input PPDU, where the PPDU includes first information. Logic circuit for determining first information. The first information is used to indicate whether to switch the beam. The beam input into the first field of the PPDU is the first input beam, and the beam input into the second field of the PPDU is the second input beam. The output time of the first field of the PPDU is earlier than the output time of the first information, and the output time of the second field of the PPDU is later than the output time of the first information. The first input beam is the same as the second input beam, or the first input beam is different from the second input beam.

Exemplarily, the input and output interface is used to output the first PPDU to the second device in the first output beam. The first device interrupts the output of the first PPDU. The input and output interface is also used to output sixth information to the second device, and the sixth information is used to switch the beam. Logic circuit for generating the second PPDU. The input and output interface is also used to output the second PPDU to the second device in the second output beam. Wherein, the first output beam and the second output beam are the same, or the first output beam and the second output beam are different.

Exemplarily, the input and output interface is used to input the first PPDU from the first device in the first input beam. The input and output interface is also used to input sixth information from the first device, and the sixth information is used to switch beams. Logic circuit for determining the second input beam based on the sixth information. The input and output interface is also used to input the second PPDU from the second device in the second input beam. Wherein, the first input beam and the second input beam are different.

Exemplarily, the input and output interface is used to output the first field of the PPDU to the second device in a first output beam on a first frequency. Logic circuit for generating eighth information. The input and output interface is also configured to output eighth information to the second device on the second frequency, where the eighth information is used to instruct the beam to be switched. The first frequency is different from the second frequency. The input and output interface is also configured to output the second field of the PPDU to the second device in the second output beam on the first frequency. The first output beam and the second output beam are the same, or the first output beam and the second output beam are different.

Exemplarily, the input and output interface is used to input the first field of the PPDU from the first device in the first input beam on the first frequency. The input and output interface is also used to input eighth information from the first device on the second frequency, where the eighth information is used to instruct the beam to be switched. The first frequency is different from the second frequency. A logic circuit configured to determine the second input beam based on the eighth information. The input and output interface is also used to input the second field of the PPDU from the first device in the second input beam on the first frequency. The first input beam is different from the second input beam.

Exemplarily, the input and output interface is used to output the first field of the PPDU to the second device in a first output beam. Logic circuitry for making perceptual measurements used to determine the optimal output beam. The input and output interface is also used to output the second field of the PPDU to the second device in a second output beam, and the second output beam is the optimal output beam.

Exemplarily, the input and output interface is used to input the first field of the PPDU from the first device in the first input beam. Logic circuitry for making perceptual measurements used to determine the optimal input beam. The input and output interface is also used to input the second field of the PPDU from the first device with the second input beam, and the second input beam is the optimal input beam.

In a twenty-third aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes the communication device described in any possible implementation manner of the ninth aspect, and the communication device described in any possible implementation manner of the tenth aspect. Alternatively, the communication system includes the communication device described in any possible implementation manner of the eleventh aspect, and the communication device described in any possible implementation manner of the twelfth aspect. Alternatively, the communication system includes the communication device described in any possible implementation manner of the thirteenth aspect, and the communication device described in any possible implementation manner of the fourteenth aspect. Alternatively, the communication system includes the communication device described in any possible implementation manner of the fifteenth aspect, and the communication device described in any possible implementation manner of the sixteenth aspect.

For the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned ninth to twenty-third aspects and their implementation methods, reference may be made to the description of the beneficial effects of the methods of the first to eighth aspects and their implementation methods.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of PPDU used for beam training provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 3 is one of the exemplary flow charts of a beam switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 4A is one of the schematic diagrams of the PPDU provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of first information provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 5A is one of the scene schematic diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 5B is one of the scenario diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 6A is one of the schematic diagrams of capability information provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 6B is one of the schematic diagrams of capability information provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 7 is one of the exemplary flow charts of a beam switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 8A is one of the scene schematic diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 8B is one of the scene schematic diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 8C is one of the scene schematic diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 9 is one of the scene schematic diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of sixth information provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 11A is one of the scenario diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 11B is one of the scene schematic diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 11C is one of the scene schematic diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the end time of the second PPDU provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 13 is one of the exemplary flow charts of a beam switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the eighth information provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 15 is one of the scenario diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 16 is one of the exemplary flow charts of a beam switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 17 is one of the scene diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 18 is a throughput curve chart in different modes provided by the embodiment of the present application;

Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed ways

The "after" and "before" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be understood as the sequence of sending time or the sequence of receiving time. For example, if the first information is after the first field, it can be understood that the sending time of the first information is later than the first field, or the receiving time of the first information is later than the second field. For another example, if the first information precedes the second field, it can be understood that the sending time of the first information is earlier than the second field, or the receiving time of the first information is earlier than the second field.

Embodiments of the present application may be applicable to WLAN scenarios, for example, may be applicable to Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11a/b/g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11 ax standard, or its next generation, such as 802.11be standard, Wi-Fi 7 or extremely high throughput (EHT), 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11bf, and the next generation of 802.11be, such as Wi-Fi 8 or next generation standards. Or the embodiments of the present application may also be applied to wireless local area network systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle to X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as LTE systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD), general mobile communications System (universal mobile telecommunication system, UMTS), global interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, 5G communication system, and future 6G communication system, etc.

The following takes a scenario where the embodiments of the present application are applicable to WLAN as an example. It should be understood that WLAN starts with the 802.11a/g standard and proceeds through 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax and now the 802.11be being discussed. Among them, 802.11n can also be called high throughput (HT); 802.11ac can also be called very high throughput (VHT); 802.11ax can also be called high efficiency (HE) or Wi- Fi 6; 802.11be can also be called EHT or Wi-Fi 7, while standards before HT, such as 802.11a/b/g, can be collectively called non-high throughput (Non-HT).

Referring to FIG. 1 , a network architecture diagram of a WLAN applicable to the embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 1 takes the WLAN as an example including 1 wireless access point (AP) and 2 stations (STAs). A STA associated with an AP can receive wireless frames sent by the AP and can also send wireless frames to the AP. In addition, the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to the communication between APs. For example, each AP can communicate with each other through a distributed system (DS). The embodiments of the present application are also applicable to the communication between STAs. . It should be understood that the number of APs and STAs in Figure 1 is only an example, and may be more or less.

Among them, the access point can be an access point for terminal devices (such as mobile phones) to enter the wired (or wireless) network. It is mainly deployed inside homes, buildings and campuses. The typical coverage radius is tens of meters to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also Can be deployed outdoors. The access point is equivalent to a bridge connecting the wired network and the wireless network. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together, and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, the access point can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router) with a Wi-Fi chip. The access point can be a device that supports the 802.11be standard. The access point can also be a variety of wireless local area networks (WLAN) of the 802.11 family that supports 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a and 802.11be next generation. ) standard equipment. The access point in this application can be a HE AP or an extremely high throughput (EHT) AP, or an access point suitable for a certain future generation of Wi-Fi standards.

The site can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor or wireless communication terminal, etc., and can also be called a user. For example, the site can be a mobile phone that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a tablet computer that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a set-top box that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a smart TV that supports Wi-Fi communication function, or a smart TV that supports Wi-Fi communication function. Smart wearable devices, vehicle-mounted communication devices that support Wi-Fi communication functions, computers that support Wi-Fi communication functions, etc. Optionally, the site can support the 802.11be standard. The site can also support multiple wireless local area networks (WLAN) standards of the 802.11 family such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11be next generation.

The site in this application can be a HE STA or an extremely high throughput (EHT) STA, or a STA that is applicable to a certain future generation of Wi-Fi standards.

For example, access points and sites can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles, IoT nodes, sensors, etc. in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water meters and electricity meters in smart homes, and Sensors in smart cities, etc.

The APs and STAs involved in the embodiments of this application may be APs and STAs applicable to the IEEE 802.11 system standard. AP is a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STAs. The AP can be used as the hub of the communication system. It is usually a network-side product that supports the MAC and PHY of the 802.11 system standard. For example, it can be a base station. , routers, gateways, repeaters, communication servers, switches or bridges and other communication equipment, wherein the base stations may include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. Here, for convenience of description, the above-mentioned devices are collectively referred to as APs. STA is usually a terminal product that supports media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) of the 802.11 system standard, such as mobile phones, laptops, etc.

It can be understood that the first device involved in the embodiment of this application may be an AP or a STA. Similarly, the second device involved in the embodiment of this application may be an AP or a STA.

WLAN has experienced standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11/ax in the frequency band below 7GHz. Up to 802.11be, which is currently under discussion, WLAN standard versions continue to evolve and develop. Demands such as virtual reality, ultra-high-definition video projection, and the metaverse have put forward new requirements for WLAN: ultra-high-speed short-distance communication. To this end, the IEEE802 organization has also formulated the IEEE 802.11ad, 802.11aj and 802.11ay standards accordingly. It is worth noting that the operating frequencies specified by these standards are bands above 45GHz, such as 60GHz. Among them, IEEE 802.11ad is called directional multi-Gigabit (DMG), IEEE 802.11aj is called China directional multi-Gigabit (CDMG), and IEEE 802.11ay is called enhanced directivity. Multi-Gigabit (enhanced directional multi-Gigabit, EDMG). Because it works in the millimeter wave frequency band, there are problems such as fast channel attenuation and weak diffraction ability. Therefore, directional beam transmission is often used when transmitting data. That is, the direction of the transmitting and receiving antennas does not radiate uniformly to 300° in space, but based on Antenna pattern, the radiation gain of a specific antenna is large and the antenna gain is small in other directions.

Traditional communication systems focus on the information transfer process and aim to ensure efficient and reliable transfer of information. With the increasingly strong demand for the Internet of Everything, sensing and perception technologies are becoming increasingly rich and mature. How to assist the communication system with sensing capabilities outside the communication system to improve the performance of the communication system, and how to enhance the accuracy and accuracy of perception through efficient communication systems. Aggregation and distribution efficiency has become a focus of the industry. At present, the sixth generation mobile communication system (6G) has integrated communication and sensing technology ISAC as one of the key technologies. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) has also established a work center with WLAN sensing as the core. Group TGbf to promote the IEEE 802.11bf standard. Among them, the perception of node mobility to assist communication systems has become an important research direction of ISAC. Especially for millimeter-wave WLAN, node mobility brings greater challenges to directional transmission. How to make the transmit beam and receive beam always keep up with the node mobility has become an important challenge affecting system performance.

IEEE 802.11ad introduces beam tracking (beamtracking) technology, which can train the transmitting beam and receiving beam of the transmitting node and the receiving node while transmitting normal data (or control, management) frames, so that the beams of the transmitting node and the receiving node are in the same position. A configuration more conducive to channel reception. As shown in Figure 2, at the end of a physical layer protocol data unit (PHY Protocol Data Unit, PPDU), a series of training subfields (Training (TRN) subField) are used to realize the transmission beam of the sending node and the receiving beam of the receiving node. Training, so that the current best sending beam of the sending node and the current best receiving beam of the receiving node can be obtained.

Referring to Figure 2, during the process of PPDU transmission by the sending node and the receiving node according to the previously trained <transmitting beam, receiving beam>, various factors such as movement (or occlusion) of the sending node and/or receiving node cause channel deterioration. Transmit), resulting in the deterioration of the communication performance of the original <transmit beam, receive beam>, resulting in a significant increase in the subsequent MPDU packet loss rate, thus affecting system performance. This problem is particularly serious when frame aggregation makes the PPDU time longer.

In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide a beam switching method. In this method, the sending node and the receiving node can determine whether to switch beams through the first information, thereby reducing the impact of the deterioration of the original <sending beam, receiving beam> communication performance on the communication performance.

Referring to Figure 3, an exemplary flow chart of a beam switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application may include the following operations.

S301: The first device determines the first information.

The first information may be used to indicate whether to switch the beam. For example, the first information may indicate whether to switch the transmission beam. For another example, the first information may indicate whether to switch the reception beam.

S302: The first device sends PPDU.

Correspondingly, the second device receives the PPDU.

The PPDU may contain the first information. For example, the PPDU may contain one or more first information.

It should be noted that the first information may be determined based on the following two situations, which are introduced respectively through situation 1 and situation 2.

Case 1: The first device presets one or more first information before sending the PPDU.

It should be noted that the PPDU may be generated based on one or more MAC management protocol data units (MAC protocol data unit, MPDU) delivered by the media access control (media access control, MAC) layer. Alternatively, the PPDU may be generated based on one or more aggregated MPDUs (aggregated MPDU, A-MPDU) delivered by the MAC layer.

In a possible implementation, the first device may preset one or more first information between fields of the PPDU before sending the PPDU. Optionally, the first information may be called a sensing midamble (SEN-MID).

Referring to Figure 4A, the first information may split the PPDU into several fields. It can be understood that, in Figure 4A, the number of first pieces of information is multiple as an example. The number of first pieces of information can also be one. Then the piece of first piece of information can split the PPDU into two fields, such as the first field. and second field. Optionally, several fields of the PPDU may be called PPDU subframes. That is to say, the first information can split the PPDU into several PPDU subframes.

In one possible case, each PPDU subframe can completely carry one or more MPDUs. That is to say, the first device can generate a PPDU subframe of the PPDU based on the data carried by one or more MPDUs, and preset a piece of first information after the PPDU subframe.

In another possible situation, each PPDU subframe can completely carry one or more A-MPDUs delivered by the MAC layer. That is to say, the first device can generate a PPDU subframe of the PPDU based on the data carried by one or more A-MPDUs, and preset a piece of first information after the PPDU subframe.

In another possible case, each PPDU subframe does not need to ensure the integrity of the MPDU or A-MPDU. That is to say, the first device can generate one or more PPDU subframes according to the bit stream of the PPDU. And the first information is preset after each PPDU subframe.

In a possible implementation, the first information may include first indication information. The first indication information may instruct the second device to receive the beam of the second field of the PPDU. For example, the first indication information may include an index or number (index) of a beam that receives the second field of the PPDU. Optionally, the first information may also include second indication information. The second indication information is used to instruct the first device to send the beam of the second field of the PPDU. For example, the second indication information may include an index or number (index) of a beam that transmits the second field of the PPDU.

It can be understood that, in the case where the first information includes the first indication information and the second indication information, it can be considered that the first information includes the information of the beam for transmitting the second field and the beam pair for receiving the second field, such as transmitting the second field. The index or number (index) of the beam of the field and the beam pair receiving the second field.

In one example, the first information may indicate switching beams. The first device may transmit the first field of the PPDU using the first transmission beam. If the first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result, such as the second device needs to switch the receiving beam and/or the first device needs to switch the transmitting beam, then the first indication information can be filled in the first information after the above-mentioned first field. middle. Optionally, the first device may also fill the second indication information into the first information after the above-mentioned first field. In this way, the first device can transmit the second field using the second transmission beam. It can be understood that the beam for transmitting the second field indicated by the second indication information can be understood as the second transmitting beam. The first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam may be the same or different. The receive beam by which the second device receives the first field is different from the beam by which the second device receives the second field.

Optionally, the first information may also include second information. The first device may switch from the first transmission beam to the second transmission beam within the time period occupied by the second information. It can be understood that if the first transmitting beam is the same as the second transmitting beam, it can be considered that the first device does not need to switch beams, and the description will not be repeated below. Optionally, the second device may switch the receiving beam within the time period occupied by the second information, such as switching from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam. The first receiving beam may be used to receive the first field of the PPDU, and the second receiving beam may be used to receive the second field of the PPDU. The first receive beam is different from the second receive beam.

It can be understood that assuming that the beam switching time of the first device, such as the time required for the first device to switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam, is _Δs , and the beam switching time of the second device, such as the time required for the second device to switch from The time required for the first receiving beam to switch to the second receiving beam is Δ _r , so that the second information occupies a duration t _padding ≥ max{Δ _s ,Δ _d }.

In one possible case, the second information may be padding. A bit sequence can be filled in the padding field, occupying the air interface for a period of time to ensure that the first device and/or the second device can complete beam switching. Among them, the number of bits in the padding field b _padding ≥|max{Δ _s , Δ _d }×p|, where p is the physical layer rate for transmitting the first information.

In another possible case, the second information may be symbols, such as modulation symbols. The modulation symbol may occupy a period of time on the air interface to ensure that the first device and/or the second device can complete beam switching. It can be understood that the number of modulation symbols may be predefined or preconfigured by the protocol, such as 64, 128, etc., which is not specifically limited in this application.

Optionally, the first information may also include EDMG header information A (EDMG-header-A), and EDMG header information A may be used for signal synchronization. Optionally, the first information may also include an EDMG channel estimation field (EDMG channel estimation field, CEF) for channel estimation.

It can be understood that the above second information is to reserve enough time to complete the beam switching. If the beginning of the second field (such as EDMG CEF) can ensure that the first device and/or the second device can complete the beam switching, then the first The information may not include the second information.

In another example, the first information may indicate not to switch the beam. The first device may transmit the first field of the PPDU using the first transmission beam. If the first device determines that the first device and the second device do not need to switch beams based on the sensing result, the first indication information can be filled in the first information after the above-mentioned first field. Optionally, the first device may also fill the second indication information into the first information after the above-mentioned first field. In this way, the first device can transmit the second field using the second transmission beam. Wherein, the first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam are the same. The second device receives the first field with the same beam as the second device receives the second field.

In order to reduce the time for the second device to parse the first information, when the first information indicates not to switch the beam, the first information may include the first bit sequence. The first bit sequence may be preset, such as a bit sequence of all 1s or a bit sequence of all 0s. In this way, when the first information includes the first bit sequence, the second device can determine not to switch the beam, without the need for the second device to parse the first indication information and the second indication information.

It should be noted that in the above situation 1, the first device may fill in the relevant information (such as the first indication information, the second indication information or the first bit sequence) when sending each first information. Alternatively, in case 1 above, the first device can fill each first information into the first bit sequence, and when determining that the beam needs to be switched, modify the first bit sequence into the first indication information and/or the second indication. information.

Referring to FIG. 4B , an implementation manner of the first information is shown. In Figure 4B, the first information includes EDMG header information A, sensing header information (sensing header), second information and EDMG CEF. Among them, EDMG header information A can be used for signal synchronization. The perception header information may contain a beam indication field. For example, the sensing header information may include first indication information. Optionally, the perceptual header information may include second indication information. At this time, it can be considered that the first information indicates beam switching. For another example, the sensing header information may include the first bit sequence, in which case the first information may be considered to indicate not to switch the beam. During the time period occupied by the second information, the first device and the second device may switch beams. EDMG CEF can be used for channel estimation.

It should be noted that the first information can also be implemented in the form of implicit instructions. For example, the modulation waveform of the first information may indicate whether to switch the beam. For example, when the modulation waveform of the first information is the first waveform, switching of the beam may be instructed. For another example, when the modulation waveform of the first information is the second waveform, it may be indicated not to switch the beam. Wherein, the first waveform and the second waveform are different.

Optionally, the modulation waveform of the first information may also indicate the switched beam. For example, when the modulation waveform of the first information is a third waveform, it may indicate the second transmitting beam of the first device and/or the second receiving beam of the second device. For another example, when the modulation waveform of the first information is the fourth waveform, the third transmitting beam and/or the third receiving beam may be indicated. Among them, the third waveform is different from the fourth waveform. The third transmit beam is different from the second transmit beam, and the third receive beam is different from the second receive beam.

Based on the above situation 1, the first device can preset one or more first information in the PPDU, so that it can indicate to the second device whether to switch the beam through one or more first information, which can reduce the number of transmissions caused by the original receiving beam. The impact of beam > communication performance deterioration on transmission performance.

In the following, an introduction will be made through FIG. 5A.

Refer to FIG. 5A , which is one of the scenario diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application. In Figure 5A, the first device may transmit PPDU subframe 1 using the first transmit beam. The second device may receive PPDU subframe 1 using the first receiving beam. The first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result. Then, the first device can determine the switched beam. The first device may fill the first indication information into the sensing header information. Optionally, the first device may fill the second indication information into the sensing header information. The first indication information may indicate the second receiving beam of the second device, and the second indication information may indicate the second transmitting beam of the first device. The first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam may be the same or different, and the first receiving beam and the second receiving beam are different. The first device can send the first information. The first device may switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam within the duration occupied by the second information. The second device may receive the first information, and according to the instruction of the first information, switch from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam within the duration occupied by the second information. The first device uses the second transmit beam to send PPDU subframe 2, and the second device uses the second receive beam to receive PPDU subframe 2.

The first device determines that it is not necessary to switch the beam according to the sensing result. Then, the first device can fill the first bit sequence into the sensing header information. The first device transmits PPDU subframe 3 in the second transmission beam. The second device may receive the first information and determine according to the first bit sequence that there is no need to switch the beam, and then the second device may use the second receiving beam to receive PPDU subframe 3.

Case 2: During the transmission process of PPDU, the first device adds the first information between PPDUs.

In a possible implementation, during the transmission of the PPDU, if the first device determines that it is necessary to switch beams based on the sensing results, such as switching from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam, it may add a First information. It can be understood that the first information can be implemented with reference to the first information in the aforementioned case 1, which will not be described again here.

If the first device determines that it is not necessary to switch the beam based on the sensing result during the transmission of the PPDU, the first device may continue to send the PPDU. That is to say, when the first information exists in the PPDU, it can be considered that the beam needs to be switched.

In one example, the above-mentioned added first information may be after the completion of the complete MPDU. That is to say, the first device can generate a PPDU subframe based on the data carried by an MPDU. And add a piece of first information after the PPDU subframe.

In another example, the above added first information can be added at any position of the PPDU. That is to say, when the first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result, the first information can be added to any position of the PPDU without ensuring the integrity of the MPDU.

Based on the above situation 2, the first device and the second device can instruct beam switching through the first information, which can reduce the impact on transmission performance due to the deterioration of communication performance of the original <receiving beam, transmitting beam>. In addition, when there is no need to switch beams, the PPDU does not carry the first information. Therefore, compared with case 1, the time required for the second device to parse the first information can be reduced, and the transmission delay of the PPDU can be reduced.

In the following, an introduction will be made through FIG. 5B.

Refer to FIG. 5B , which is one of the scene diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application. In Figure 5B, the first device may transmit PPDU subframe 1 using the first transmit beam. The second device may receive PPDU subframe 1 using the first receiving beam. The first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result, and the first device can add the first information after PPDU subframe 1. The first device may determine the switched beam. The first device may fill the first indication information into the sensing header information. Optionally, the first device may fill the second indication information into the sensing header information. The first indication information may indicate the second receiving beam of the second device, and the second indication information may indicate the second transmitting beam of the first device. The first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam may be the same or different, and the first receiving beam and the second receiving beam are different. The first device can send the first information. The first device may switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam within the duration occupied by the second information. The second device may receive the first information, and according to the instruction of the first information, switch from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam within the duration occupied by the second information. The first device uses the second transmit beam to send PPDU subframe 2, and the second device uses the second receive beam to receive PPDU subframe 2.

The first device determines that it is not necessary to switch the beam according to the sensing result. Then the first device can continue to use the second transmission beam to continue transmitting the PPDU. The second device may continue to receive the PPDU using the second receiving beam.

In a possible implementation, the PPDU may also include one or more of the following information 1 to information 4:

Information 1. Whether the PPDU contains indication information of the first information.

In the PPDU, the indication information of information 1 may be used to indicate whether the PPDU contains the first information. For example, when the value of the indication information of information 1 is 1, it may indicate that the PPDU contains the first information; when the value of the indication information of information 1 is 0, it may indicate that the PPDU does not contain the first information. Vice versa, when the value of the indication information of information 1 is 1, it can indicate that the PPDU does not contain the first information; when the value of the indication information of information 1 is 0, it can indicate that the PPDU contains the first information.

Information 2. The number of the first information in the PPDU.

For example, the PPDU may also indicate the quantity of the first information in the PPDU.

Information 3. The position of the first information in the PPDU.

For example, the PPDU may also indicate the location of the first information in the PPDU. For example, the third information may indicate the time domain location of the first information in the PPDU.

Message 4. The duration occupied by the second message.

The PPDU may indicate the duration occupied by the second information, and the first device and the second device may switch beams within the duration occupied by the second information.

Based on the above information 1 to information 4, the first device can indicate the relevant information of the first information to the second device, thereby helping the second device receive and parse the first information, and switch beams.

In another possible implementation, the first device and the second device can exchange capability information. The capability information may be used to indicate whether beam switching is supported. For example, the capability information of the first device may include that the first device supports beam switching, or the capability information of the first device may include that the first device does not support beam switching. For another example, the capability information of the second device may include that the second device supports beam switching, or the capability information of the second device may include that the second device does not support beam switching. Optionally, the capability information may also include duration information required for beam switching.

Optionally, the first device and the second device may exchange capability information during a probe process or an association process.

In one possible case, a field of capability information can be added to an element of the detection process or association process. For example, as shown in Figure 6A, a beam switchcapability field can be added to this element. The beam switching capability field may indicate whether beam switching is supported. For example, when the value of the beam switching capability field is 0, it indicates that beam switching is not supported, and when the value of the beam switching capability field is 1, it indicates that beam switching is supported. Vice versa, when the value of the beam switching capability field is 0, it indicates that beam switching is supported, and when the value of the beam switching capability field is 1, it indicates that beam switching is not supported.

Optionally, the capability information may also include the duration required for beam switching. For example, a beam switch time subfield (beam switch time) may exist in the beam switching capability domain. The value of the beam switching duration subfield can correspond to a certain unit time (such as us or 50us). For example, assuming that the unit time corresponding to the value of the beam switching duration subfield is 50 us, and the value of the beam switching duration subfield is 1, it can indicate that the time required for beam switching is 50 us. Alternatively, the value of the beam switching duration subfield may be a gear, corresponding to a discrete switching duration. For example, when the discrete switching durations are 64us, 128us and 256us respectively, and the value of the beam switching duration subfield is level 1, it can indicate that the required time for beam switching is 64us, and the value of the beam switching duration subfield is level 2. , you can indicate that the time required for beam switching is 128us, and so on.

In another possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 6B , third indication information, such as a beam switching capability presence indication field, can be added to an element of the detection process or association process. The third indication information may indicate whether the element contains a field of capability information. For example, when the value of the third indication information is 0, it may indicate that the field in the element does not contain capability information; when the value of the third indication information is 1, it may indicate that the field in the element contains capability information. Vice versa, when the value of the third indication information is 0, it can indicate that the field in the element contains capability information; when the value of the third indication information is 1, it can indicate that the field in the element does not contain capability information.

It can be understood that in the example shown in Figure 6B, the field of capability information, that is, the beam switching capability field, is optional. That is to say, when the third indication information (such as the beam switching capability existence indication field) indicates that the field in the element does not contain capability information (such as the beam switching capability field), the beam switching capability field in Figure 6B does not exist.

Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can exchange whether to support beam switching through capability information.

In the above-mentioned Figures 3 to 6B, the first device and the second device can indicate whether to switch the beam through the first information, and when the first information indicates to switch the beam, switch the beam according to the instructions of the first information, and transmit according to the switched beam. PPDU can reduce the impact on transmission performance due to the deterioration of communication performance of the original <receiving beam, transmitting beam>.

The embodiment of the present application also provides another beam switching method. In this method, when the first device sends the PPDU, if it is determined based on the sensing result that the beam needs to be switched, the first device can interrupt the transmission of the PPDU and indicate the information for switching the beam to the second device through the sixth information.

Referring to Figure 7, an exemplary flow chart of a beam switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application may include the following operations.

S701: The first device uses the first sending beam to send the first PPDU to the second device.

Correspondingly, the second device uses the first receiving beam to receive the first PPDU from the first device.

S702: The first device interrupts sending the first PPDU.

During the process of sending the first PPDU, the first device may determine whether the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result. If the first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result, such as the second device needs to switch the receiving beam and/or the first device needs to switch the transmitting beam, the first device may stop transmitting the first PPDU.

In a possible situation, the first device may interrupt the sending of the first PPDU after one or more MPDUs are completely sent. In another possible situation, when the first device interrupts the sending of the first PPDU, the integrity of the MPDU may not be guaranteed.

S703: The first device sends the sixth information to the second device.

Correspondingly, the second device receives the sixth information from the first device.

S704: The first device uses the second transmission beam to send the second PPDU to the second device.

Correspondingly, the second device uses the second receiving beam to receive the second PPDU from the first device.

The first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam may be the same or different.

It can be understood that the sixth information can be used for beam switching. For example, the sixth information may indicate whether to switch beams, or the sixth information may be used for sensing. The following is introduced through case a and case b respectively.

Case a: The sixth information indicates switching beams.

For example, the sixth information may instruct the second device to switch the reception beam.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information may include first indication information, and the first indication information may indicate the second receiving beam of the second device. Optionally, the sixth information may include second indication information, and the second indication information may indicate the second transmission beam of the first device. It can be understood that the first instruction information and the second instruction information can be implemented with reference to the first instruction information and the second instruction information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , which will not be described again here.

In another possible implementation, the sixth information may include the second information. Optionally, the second information may be a padding field or a symbol. It can be understood that due to different implementation methods of the sixth information, the duration occupied by the second information satisfies different conditions. In the following, the implementation of the sixth information will be introduced using Method 1 and Method 2 respectively.

Method 1: The sixth information is located after the first PPDU is interrupted, and the sixth information is used as part of the first PPDU.

In method one, the first device may send the sixth information after interrupting the sending of the first PPDU. The sixth information may be part of the first PPDU. After switching the beam, the first device may use the second sending beam to send the second PPDU.

Optionally, sensing postamble (SEN-POST) may be a possible implementation method of the sixth information. The perceptual postamble is located after the interrupted first PPDU.

In a possible situation, the sixth information may include the second information. During the time period occupied by the second information, the first device and the second device may switch beams. It should be noted that the second information can be implemented with reference to the second information shown in Figure 3, which will not be described again here.

Refer to FIG. 8A , which is one of the scenario diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application. In FIG. 8A, the first device may transmit the first PPDU using the first transmission beam. The second device may receive the first PPDU using the first receive beam. The first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result. Then, the first device may interrupt sending the first PPDU and send the sixth information to the second device. The sixth information may include first indication information, and the first indication information may indicate the second receiving beam of the second device. Optionally, the sixth information may also include second indication information, and the second indication information may indicate the second transmission beam of the first device. The first transmitting beam is different from the second transmitting beam, and the first receiving beam is different from the second receiving beam. The sixth information may also include second information. The first device may switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam within the duration occupied by the second information. The second device may switch from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam within the duration occupied by the second information. The first device uses the second transmitting beam to send the second PPDU, and the second device uses the second receiving beam to receive the second PPDU.

In another possible situation, after transmitting the sixth information, the second device may use the second transmitting beam to transmit the second PPDU at intervals of the first interframe space (IFS). Optionally, the sixth information may not include the second information. That is to say, within the first IFS, the first device and the second device switch beams.

In one example, the first IFS may be greater than or equal to the first duration. The first duration may be a maximum value of a duration required by the first device to switch the beam and a duration required by the second beam to switch the beam. For example, the time required for the first device to switch beams, such as the time required to switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam, is T1, and the time required for the second device to switch beams, such as switching from the first receiving beam to the second transmitting beam, is T1. The time required for the second receiving beam is T2, and T1 is greater than T2, then the first IFS needs to be greater than or equal to T1.

Refer to FIG. 8B , which is one of the scene diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application. In FIG. 8B, the first device may transmit the first PPDU using the first transmission beam. The second device may receive the first PPDU using the first receive beam. The first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result. Then, the first device may interrupt sending the first PPDU and send the sixth information to the second device. The sixth information may include first indication information, and the first indication information may indicate the second receiving beam of the second device. Optionally, the sixth information may also include second indication information, and the second indication information may indicate the second transmission beam of the first device. The first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam may be the same or different, and the first receiving beam and the second receiving beam are different. The first device may switch from the first transmit beam to the second transmit beam at the first IFS. The second device may switch from the first receive beam to the second receive beam within the first IFS. The first device uses the second transmitting beam to send the second PPDU, and the second device uses the second receiving beam to receive the second PPDU.

In another example, the sum of the duration occupied by the first IFS and the second information is greater than or equal to the first duration. That is to say, within the duration occupied by the second information and the first IFS, the first device and the second device can complete beam switching.

Refer to FIG. 8C , which is one of the scene diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application. In Figure 8C, the first device may transmit the first PPDU using the first transmission beam. The second device may receive the first PPDU using the first receive beam. The first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result. Then, the first device may interrupt sending the first PPDU and send the sixth information to the second device. The sixth information may include first indication information, and the first indication information may indicate the second receiving beam of the second device. Optionally, the sixth information may also include second indication information, and the second indication information may indicate the second transmission beam of the first device. The first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam may be the same or different, and the first receiving beam and the second receiving beam are different. The sixth information also includes the second information. The first device may switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam within the duration occupied by the second information and the first IFS. The second device may switch from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam within the duration occupied by the second information and the first IFS. The first device uses the second transmitting beam to send the second PPDU, and the second device uses the second receiving beam to receive the second PPDU.

Based on the above method one, after interrupting the sending of the first PPDU, the first device may send the sixth information to the second device, instructing the second device to switch the beam for receiving the second PPDU.

Method 2: The sixth information is located in the header of the second PPDU.

In method two, the first device may send the sixth information to the second device before sending the second PPDU. The sixth information may be located in the header of the second PPDU.

Optionally, a sensing preamble may be a possible implementation of the sixth information. The perceptual preamble is located in the header of the second PPDU.

In a possible situation, the sixth information may include the second information. During the time period occupied by the second information, the first device and the second device may switch beams. It can be understood that the second information can be implemented with reference to the second information shown in Figure 3, which will not be described again here. Optionally, the first device may use the first sending beam to send the sixth information.

Refer to FIG. 9 , which is one of the scene diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application. In Figure 9, the first device may send the first PPDU using the first sending beam. The second device may receive the first PPDU using the first receive beam. The first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result. Then, the first device may interrupt sending the first PPDU and send the sixth information to the second device. The sixth information may include first indication information, and the first indication information may indicate the second receiving beam of the second device. Optionally, the sixth information may also include second indication information, and the second indication information may indicate the second transmission beam of the first device. The first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam may be the same or different, and the first receiving beam and the second receiving beam are different. The sixth information may also include second information. The first device may switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam within the duration occupied by the second information. The second device may switch from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam within the duration occupied by the second information. The first device uses the second transmitting beam to send the second PPDU, and the second device uses the second receiving beam to receive the second PPDU.

In another possible situation, the second device may send the sixth information and the second PPDU using the second transmission beam at intervals of the second IFS after interrupting the first PPDU. It should be noted that the second IFS and the first IFS may be the same or different, and are not specifically limited in this application.

Based on the above solution 2, the first device can sense the preamble and the second device sends the sixth information to instruct the second device to switch the beam for receiving the second PPDU.

Case b: The sixth information is used for perception.

In a possible implementation, the sixth information may include one or more training fields, such as training (tranning, TRN) subfields. This sixth information can be used to train the optimal receive beam. The sixth information may further include fifth indication information for indicating at least one receiving beam. In this way, the second device can train at least one receiving beam according to the one or more training fields, thereby determining the optimal receiving beam among the at least one receiving beam.

In one example, the fifth indication information may include a number or index of at least one receiving beam.

In another example, the fifth indication information may include a receive beam bitmap. Wherein, the receiving beam bitmap may indicate at least one receiving beam that the second device needs to train. The receive beam bitmap may indicate whether the receive beam requires training via bit 0 and bit 1. For example, the receiving beam corresponding to bit 1 may be a beam to be trained, or the receiving beam corresponding to bit 0 may be a beam to be trained. It can be understood that the indication sequence of the receive beam bitmap may be preconfigured or predefined. In the following, the description will be given by taking the receiving beam corresponding to bit 1 as the beam to be trained as an example.

For example, assume that the second device has four receiving beams, namely receiving beam 1, receiving beam 2, receiving beam 3 and receiving protection 4. Assuming that the receiving beam bitmap is "0011" and assuming that the indication sequence of the receiving beam bitmap starts from receiving beam 1, then the receiving beam bitmap may indicate that receiving beam 3 and receiving beam 4 are receiving beams to be trained.

In another possible implementation, the sixth information may also include sixth indication information. The sixth indication information may be used to indicate the number of transmission beams. For example, the number of transmit beams to be trained can be indicated.

Refer to FIG. 10 , which is an example of sixth information shown in the embodiment of the present application. In Figure 10, short training domain (short TRN, S-TRN) may be a possible implementation of the sixth information. The short training field may include short training header information (S-TRN header) and one or more training fields, such as TRN subfields. The short training header information may include fifth instruction information and sixth instruction information.

Optionally, each training field can correspond to the training of a pair of <transmitting beam, receiving beam>. For example, if the number of transmitting beams to be trained is M and the number of receiving beams to be trained is N, then the number of training fields may be M×N.

Based on the above solution, when the first device determines that it needs to switch beams based on the sensing results, it can send one or more training fields to the second device for the second device to train the optimal receiving beam, so that the optimal receiving beam can be used for reception. The second PPDU can improve communication performance.

In a possible implementation, the second device may send seventh information to the first device. The seventh information may be used to indicate that one or more training fields are received. Alternatively, the seventh message may be used to indicate the end of training.

In one example, the seventh information may include seventh indication information. The seventh indication information is used to indicate the optimal transmission beam. It can be understood that the optimal transmission beam may be an optimal transmission beam trained by the second device according to one or more training fields.

It should be noted that the first device may switch from the first transmission beam to the optimal transmission beam, or may switch from the first transmission beam to the second transmission beam. The second transmitting beam may be different from the optimal transmitting beam. The second transmitting beam may be determined by the first device based on the sensing result.

In another example, the seventh information may include the second information. The first device and the second device may switch beams within the time period occupied by the second information. The second information may be implemented with reference to the second information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, which will not be described again here.

In a possible situation, the sixth information may include the second information. During the time period occupied by the second information, the first device and the second device may switch beams. It can be understood that the second information can be implemented with reference to the second information shown in Figure 3, which will not be described again here.

Refer to FIG. 11A , which is one of the scene diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application. In Figure 11A, the first device may transmit the first PPDU using the first transmission beam. The second device may receive the first PPDU using the first receive beam. The first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result. Then, the first device may interrupt sending the first PPDU and send the sixth information to the second device. The sixth information may include one or more training fields and fifth indication information. The fifth indication information may indicate at least one receiving beam. Optionally, the sixth information may also include sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information may indicate the number of transmission beams. The second device may train at least one receiving beam indicated by the fifth indication information based on one or more training fields to obtain the optimal receiving beam, such as the second receiving beam.

The second device may send seventh information to the first device. The seventh information may include second information. The first device may switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam within the duration occupied by the second information. The second device may switch from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam within the duration occupied by the second information. The first device uses the second transmitting beam to send the second PPDU, and the second device uses the second receiving beam to receive the second PPDU.

In another possible situation, after transmitting the sixth information, the first device may use the second transmitting beam to transmit the second PPDU at intervals of the third IFS. Optionally, the sixth information may not include the second information. That is to say, in the third IFS, the first device and the second device switch beams.

In one example, the third IFS may be greater than or equal to the first duration. The first duration may be a maximum value of a duration required by the first device to switch the beam and a duration required by the second beam to switch the beam. For example, the time required for the first device to switch beams, such as the time required to switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam, is T1, and the time required for the second device to switch beams, such as switching from the first receiving beam to the second transmitting beam, is T1. The time required for the second receiving beam is T2, and T1 is greater than T2, then the third IFS needs to be greater than or equal to T1.

It can be understood that the third IFS may be the same as or different from the first IFS, and the third IFS may be the same as or different from the second IFS, which will not be described again here.

Refer to FIG. 11B , which is one of the scene diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application. In Figure 11B, the first device may transmit the first PPDU using the first transmission beam. The second device may receive the first PPDU using the first receive beam. The first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result. Then, the first device may interrupt sending the first PPDU and send the sixth information to the second device. The sixth information may include one or more training fields and fifth indication information. The fifth indication information may indicate at least one receiving beam. Optionally, the sixth information may also include sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information may indicate the number of transmission beams. The second device may train at least one receiving beam indicated by the fifth indication information based on one or more training fields to obtain the optimal receiving beam, such as the second receiving beam.

The second device may send seventh information to the first device. Optionally, the seventh information may include seventh indication information, where the seventh indication information is used to indicate the second transmission beam of the first device. The first device may switch from the first transmit beam to the second transmit beam at the third IFS. The second device may switch from the first receive beam to the second receive beam at the third IFS. The first device uses the second transmitting beam to send the second PPDU, and the second device uses the second receiving beam to receive the second PPDU.

In another example, the sum of the duration occupied by the third IFS and the second information is greater than or equal to the first duration. That is to say, within the duration occupied by the second information and the first IFS, the first device and the second device can switch beams.

Refer to FIG. 11C , which is one of the scene diagrams of the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application. In Figure 11C, the first device may transmit the first PPDU using the first transmission beam. The second device may receive the first PPDU using the first receive beam. The first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result. Then, the first device may interrupt sending the first PPDU and send the sixth information to the second device. The sixth information may include one or more training fields and fifth indication information. The fifth indication information may indicate at least one receiving beam. Optionally, the sixth information may also include sixth indication information, and the sixth indication information may indicate the number of transmission beams. The second device may train at least one receiving beam indicated by the fifth indication information based on one or more training fields to obtain the optimal receiving beam, such as the second receiving beam.

The second device may send seventh information to the first device. Optionally, the seventh information may include seventh indication information, where the seventh indication information is used to indicate the second transmission beam of the first device. The seventh information may include second information. The first device may switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam within the duration occupied by the second information and the third IFS. The second device may switch from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam within the duration occupied by the second information and the third IFS. The first device uses the second transmitting beam to send the second PPDU, and the second device uses the second receiving beam to receive the second PPDU.

Based on the above solution, the first device can indicate the training field for switching beams to the second device through the sixth information, and the second device can train the receiving beam according to the training field to determine the optimal receiving beam.

In a possible implementation, the end time of the second PPDU may be earlier than the end time of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the end time of the second PPDU may be later than the end time of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the end time of the second PPDU may be the same as the end time of the first PPDU. The following is introduced using Figure 12.

Refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the end time of the second PPDU in the embodiment of the present application. It can be seen from Figure 12 that the originally planned end time of the first PPDU is T0. Since the first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result, the sending of the first PPDU can be interrupted at T1. The first device may send sixth information to the second device and switch the beam. The first device may transmit the second PPDU using the second transmit beam. The end time of the second PPDU is T2. T2 can be before T1, after T1, or the same as T1.

It can be understood that the time interval between T2 and T1 in FIG. 12 is exemplary and does not constitute a limitation on the time interval between T2 and T1.

Based on the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 12, when the first device determines that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result during the process of sending the first PPDU, it can interrupt the sending of the first PPDU and send the second PPDU to the second device. Six messages. The sixth information can be used to switch beams. The first device can use the switched beam to send the second PPDU to the second device to reduce the subsequent transmission process due to the deterioration of the communication performance of the original <transmit beam, receive beam> Solve the problem of significant increase in packet loss rate and improve communication performance.

The embodiment of the present application also provides another beam switching method. In this method, the first device can use other frequency bands or channels to indicate to the second device whether to switch beams during the process of sending PPDU, thereby improving communication performance.

Referring to Figure 13, an exemplary flow chart of a beam switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application may include the following operations.

S1301: The first device sends the first field of the PPDU to the second device using the first transmission beam on the first frequency.

Correspondingly, the second device receives the first field of the PPDU from the first device using the first receiving beam on the first frequency.

It can be understood that the frequency in the embodiment of this application can also be understood as a frequency band or a channel. For example, the first frequency may also be called a first frequency band or a first channel. In one possible case, the first frequency may be a high frequency, such as 60GHz.

S1302: The first device sends eighth information to the second device on the second frequency.

Correspondingly, the second device receives the eighth information from the first device on the second frequency.

The second frequency may be different from the first frequency. For example, the second frequency may be lower than the first frequency. For example, the second frequency may be a frequency of 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz or 1GHz or a frequency below 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz or 1GHz.

In a possible implementation, the first device may compete for a channel on the second frequency, and after successful channel competition, access the second frequency and send the eighth information to the second device. It can be understood that the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the channel competition and channel access methods. For example, the first device may access the second frequency after the second frequency remains idle for a specified period of time. For another example, the first device may use a listen before talk (LBT) mechanism to access the second frequency.

In a possible situation, the eighth information mentioned above may be used to indicate beam switching. For example, when the first device determines that the second device needs to switch the receiving beam based on the sensing result while sending the PPDU, the first device may send the eighth information to the second PPDU on the second frequency to instruct the second device to switch the receiving beam. beam.

Referring to FIG. 14, an example of eighth information is shown.

In one example, the eighth information may include the first indication information. The first indication information may be used to instruct the second device to receive the beam of the second field of the PPDU, such as the second receiving beam. It can be understood that the first indication information can be implemented with reference to the first indication information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , which will not be described again here.

Optionally, the above-mentioned eighth information may also include second indication information. The second indication information may be used to instruct the first device to send a beam of the second field of the PPDU, such as a second sending beam. It can be understood that the second instruction information can be implemented with reference to the second instruction information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , which will not be described again here.

In another example, the eighth information may also include a receiving address, which may be the address of the second device and may be used to determine the second device. Optionally, the eighth information may also include a sending address, which may be the address of the first device and may be used to determine the first device.

In yet another example, the eighth information may also include one or more of the following: frame control, duration, and frame check sequence. Among them, frame control is used to describe the basic characteristics of the control frame. Duration is used to indicate the length of time for channel protection. The frame check sequence is used to verify whether the control frame is received correctly.

S1303: The first device sends the second field of the PPDU to the second device using the second transmission beam on the first frequency.

Correspondingly, the second device receives the second field from the PPDU in the second receiving beam on the first frequency.

The second transmitting beam may be the same as or different from the first transmitting beam, and the second receiving beam may be different from the first receiving beam.

In a possible implementation, before S1303, the second device may send ninth information to the first device on the second frequency. Correspondingly, the first device receives the ninth information from the second device on the second frequency. The ninth information may be used to indicate that the eighth information is received. For example, the ninth information may be an acknowledgment (ACK). The first device can switch from the first transmit beam to the second transmit beam, and the second device can switch from the first receive beam to the second receive beam. For example, the second device may switch from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam after sending the ninth information, and the first device may switch from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam after receiving the ninth information.

Based on the above solution, the first device and the second device can use the second frequency to transmit the eighth information indicating beam switching, which can reduce the complexity of the first frequency and improve communication performance. The following is introduced using Figure 15.

Refer to Figure 15, which is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a beam switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In Figure 15, the first device may use the first transmission beam to send the PPDU to the second device on the first frequency. Correspondingly, the second device may use the first receiving beam to receive the PPDU on the first frequency. During the transmission of the PPDU, for example, at time T1, the first device can determine that the beam needs to be switched based on the sensing result, and the first device can perform channel access on the second frequency. The first device may send eighth information to the second device on the second frequency. Correspondingly, the second device may receive the eighth information on the second frequency. The eighth information may indicate beam switching, for example, the eighth information may carry the first indication information. Optionally, the eighth information may carry second indication information. The second device may send ninth information to the first device on the second frequency to indicate receipt of the eighth information. Correspondingly, the first device may receive the eighth information on the second frequency. The first device can switch from the first transmit beam to the second transmit beam, and the second device can switch from the first receive beam to the second receive beam. The first device may transmit the remainder of the PPDU using the second transmit beam on the first frequency. Correspondingly, the second device may use the second receiving beam on the first frequency to receive the remaining part of the PPDU.

The embodiment of the present application also provides another beam switching method. In this method, the first device and the second device can have real-time sensing capabilities, and each can perform a beam switching operation during the transmission of the PPDU based on the sensing results without requiring additional instructions.

Referring to Figure 16, an exemplary flow chart of a beam switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application may include the following operations.

S1601: The first device sends the first field of the PPDU to the second device using the first sending beam.

Correspondingly, the second device receives the first field of the PPDU from the first device using the first receiving beam.

S1602: The first device performs sensing measurement.

Correspondingly, the second device performs sensing measurements.

Among them, perceptual measurement can be used to determine the optimal beam. For example, perceptual measurement can be used to determine the optimal transmitting beam and the optimal receiving beam.

S1603: The first device sends the second field of the PPDU to the second device using the second sending beam.

Correspondingly, the second device receives the second field of the PPDU from the first device using the second receiving beam.

The second transmitting beam is different from the first transmitting beam, and the second receiving beam is different from the first receiving beam.

Based on the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the first device and the second device may have real-time sensing capabilities, and when it is determined that beam switching is required based on the sensing results, the beam switching operation may be performed during the transmission process of the PPDU without Additional instructions.

Referring to Figure 17, the first device can perform sensing measurements during the process of sending PPDU, and based on the sensing results, when it determines that the beam needs to be switched, it can directly switch the beam, such as switching from the first transmitting beam to the second transmitting beam, without additional instructions. The second device can perform sensing measurements during the process of receiving the PPDU, and based on the sensing results, when it determines that the beam needs to be switched, it can directly switch the beam, such as switching from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam, without requiring additional instruction information.

In the embodiments of the present application, in the above-mentioned embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 17, even if the first device and/or the second device moves in the long PPDU scenario, the beam can be switched in time based on the sensing results, so that it is possible to Improve system throughput performance. Referring to Figure 18, it shows the throughput curves in different modes when the number of frame aggregation is 64. The curve corresponding to the sensing mode is the curve in which the throughput increases with the service rate in the beam switching method mode provided by the embodiment of the present application. It can be seen that as the service rate increases in sensing mode, the throughput is significantly higher than the throughput in beam training mode (protocol enhanced mode) in IEEE 802.11ad, and is close to the ideal mode (GOD mode).

The communication device used to implement the above method in the embodiment of the present application will be introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the above content can be used in subsequent embodiments, and repeated content will not be described again.

Figure 19 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1900 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1900 can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the first device or the second device in each of the above method embodiments. The communication device may include a processing unit 1910 and a transceiver unit 1920. Optionally, a storage unit may also be included, which may be used to store instructions (code or programs) and/or data. The processing unit 1910 and the transceiver unit 1920 can be coupled with the storage unit. For example, the processing unit 1910 can read the instructions (code or program) and/or data in the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. Each of the above units can be set up independently or partially or fully integrated.

In some possible implementations, the communication device 1900 can correspondingly implement the behaviors and functions of the first device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1900 may be a first device, or may be a component (such as a chip or a circuit) used in the first device. The transceiver unit 1920 may be used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the first device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 . For example, S302 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein; wherein, the processing unit 1910 is used to perform what is performed by the first device in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 All operations except the transceiver operation, such as S301 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

Processing unit 1910, used to generate PPDU. Transceiver unit 1920, used to send PPDU. The PPDU includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate whether to switch the beam. The beam used to send the first field of the PPDU is the first sending beam, and the beam used to send the second field of the PPDU is the second sending beam. The sending time of the first field of the PPDU is earlier than the sending time of the first information, and the sending time of the second field of the PPDU is later than the sending time of the first information. The first transmission beam and the second transmission beam are the same, or the first transmission beam and the second transmission beam are different.

In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to send fourth information to the second device, where the fourth information includes capability information of the first device, and the capability information of the first device includes that the first device supports beam switching, Or the capability information of the first device includes that the first device does not support beam switching.

In some possible implementations, the communication device 1900 can correspondingly implement the behaviors and functions of the first device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1900 may be a first device, or may be a component (such as a chip or a circuit) used in the first device. The transceiver unit 1920 may be used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the first device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 . For example, S701 or S703 or S704 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein; wherein, the processing unit 1910 is used to perform the first step in the embodiment shown in Figure 7. All operations performed by a device except for transceiver operations, such as S702 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

The transceiver unit 1920 is configured to send the first PPDU to the second device using the first transmission beam. The first device interrupts the sending of the first PPDU. The transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to send sixth information to the second device, where the sixth information is used to switch beams. The processing unit 1910 is used to generate the second PPDU. The transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to send the second PPDU to the second device using the second transmission beam. Wherein, the first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam are the same, or the first transmitting beam and the second transmitting beam are different.

In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to receive seventh information from the second device, where the seventh information is used to indicate that one or more training fields are received.

In some possible implementations, the communication device 1900 can correspondingly implement the behaviors and functions of the first device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1900 may be a first device, or may be a component (such as a chip or a circuit) used in the first device. The transceiver unit 1920 may be used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the first device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 . For example, S1301 to S1303 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein; wherein, the processing unit 1910 is used to execute the first device in the embodiment shown in Figure 13 All operations performed except transmit and receive operations, and/or other processes in support of the techniques described herein.

The transceiver unit 1920 is configured to send the first field of the PPDU to the second device in the first transmission beam on the first frequency. The processing unit 1910 is used to generate eighth information. The transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to send eighth information to the second device on the second frequency, where the eighth information is used to instruct the beam to be switched. The first frequency is different from the second frequency. The transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to send the second field of the PPDU to the second device in the second transmission beam on the first frequency. The first transmission beam and the second transmission beam are the same, or the first transmission beam and the second transmission beam are different.

In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to receive ninth information from the second device on the second frequency, where the ninth information is used to indicate receipt of the eighth information. The processing unit 1910 is also configured to switch from the first transmission beam to the second transmission beam.

In some possible implementations, the communication device 1900 can correspondingly implement the behaviors and functions of the first device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1900 may be a first device, or may be a component (such as a chip or a circuit) used in the first device. The transceiver unit 1920 may be used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the first device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 . For example, S1601 or S1603 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein; wherein, the processing unit 1910 is used to execute the first device in the embodiment shown in Figure 16 All operations performed except the transceiver operation, such as S1602 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

The transceiver unit 1920 is configured to send the first field of the PPDU to the second device using the first transmission beam. The processing unit 1910 is used to perform perceptual measurement, and the perceptual measurement is used to determine the optimal transmission beam. The transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to send the second field of the PPDU to the second device using a second transmission beam, where the second transmission beam is the optimal transmission beam.

In some possible implementations, the communication device 1900 can correspondingly implement the behaviors and functions of the second device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1900 may be a second device, or may be a component (such as a chip or a circuit) used in the second device. The transceiver unit 1920 may be used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the second device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 . For example, S701 or S703 or S704 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein; wherein, the processing unit 1910 is used to perform other than the transceiver operation performed by the second device. All operations other than the above, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

The transceiver unit 1920 is used to receive the PPDU, where the PPDU includes the first information. Processing unit 1910, used to determine first information. The first information is used to indicate whether to switch the beam. The beam for receiving the first field of the PPDU is the first receiving beam, and the beam for receiving the second field of the PPDU is the second receiving beam. The sending time of the first field of the PPDU is earlier than the sending time of the first information, and the sending time of the second field of the PPDU is later than the sending time of the first information. The first receiving beam is the same as the second receiving beam, or the first receiving beam is different from the second receiving beam.

In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to send fifth information to the first device, where the fifth information includes capability information of the second device, and the capability information of the second device includes that the second device supports beam switching, Or the capability information of the second device includes that the second device does not support beam switching.

In some possible implementations, the communication device 1900 can correspondingly implement the behaviors and functions of the second device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1900 may be a second device, or may be a component (such as a chip or a circuit) used in the second device. The transceiver unit 1920 may be used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the second device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 . For example, S1301 to S1303 in the embodiment shown in Figure 13, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein; wherein, the processing unit 1910 is used to perform other than the transceiver operation performed by the second device. All operations, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

The transceiver unit 1920 is configured to receive the first PPDU from the first device using the first receiving beam. The transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to receive sixth information from the first device, where the sixth information is used to switch beams. The processing unit 1910 is configured to determine the second receiving beam according to the sixth information. The transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to receive the second PPDU from the second device using the second receiving beam. Wherein, the first receiving beam and the second receiving beam are different.

In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to send seventh information to the first device, where the seventh information is used to indicate that one or more training fields are received. In a possible implementation, the seventh information includes seventh indication information. The seventh indication information is used to indicate the second transmission beam of the first device, and the second transmission beam is the optimal transmission beam determined according to one or more training fields.

In some possible implementations, the communication device 1900 can correspondingly implement the behaviors and functions of the second device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1900 may be a second device, or may be a component (such as a chip or a circuit) used in the second device. The transceiver unit 1920 may be used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the second device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 . For example, S1601 or S1603 in the embodiment shown in Figure 16, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein; wherein, the processing unit 1910 is used to perform other than the transceiver operation performed by the second device. All operations. For example, S1602 in the embodiment shown in Figure 16, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

The transceiver unit 1920 is configured to receive the first field of the PPDU from the first device in the first receiving beam on the first frequency. The transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to receive eighth information from the first device on the second frequency, where the eighth information is used to instruct the beam to be switched. The first frequency is different from the second frequency. The processing unit 1910 is configured to determine the second receiving beam according to the eighth information. The transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to receive the second field of the PPDU from the first device in the second receiving beam on the first frequency. The first receive beam is different from the second receive beam.

In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1920 is also configured to send ninth information to the first device on the second frequency, where the ninth information is used to indicate receipt of the eighth information. The processing unit 1910 is also configured to switch from the first receiving beam to the second receiving beam.

In some possible implementations, the communication device 1900 can correspondingly implement the behaviors and functions of the second device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1900 may be a second device, or may be a component (such as a chip or a circuit) used in the second device. The transceiver unit 1920 may be used to perform all receiving or sending operations performed by the second device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 . For example, S301 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein; wherein, the processing unit 1910 is used to perform all operations performed by the second device except for the transceiver operation. , and/or other processes used to support the technology described herein.

The transceiving unit 1920 is configured to receive the first field of the PPDU from the first device using the first receiving beam. The processing unit 1910 is used to perform perceptual measurement, and the perceptual measurement is used to determine the optimal receiving beam. The transceiving unit 1920 is also configured to receive the second field of the PPDU from the first device using a second receiving beam, where the second receiving beam is the optimal receiving beam.

For operations performed by the processing unit 1910 and the transceiver unit 1920, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the foregoing method embodiments.

It should be understood that the processing unit 1910 in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and the transceiver unit 1920 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components or a communication interface.

Based on the same concept, as shown in Figure 20, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device 2000. The communication device 2000 includes a processor 2010. Optionally, the communication device 2000 may also include a memory 2020 for storing instructions executed by the processor 2010 or input data required for the processor 2010 to run the instructions or data generated after the processor 2010 executes the instructions. The processor 2010 can implement the method shown in the above method embodiment through instructions stored in the memory 2020.

Based on the same concept, as shown in Figure 21, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device 2100. The communication device 2100 may be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

The communication device 2100 may include at least one processor 2110 coupled with a memory. Optionally, the memory may be located within the device or outside the device. For example, the communication device 2100 may further include at least one memory 2120. The memory 2120 stores the computer programs, configuration information, computer programs or instructions and/or data necessary to implement any of the above embodiments; the processor 2110 may execute the computer program stored in the memory 2120 to complete the method in any of the above embodiments.

The coupling in the embodiment of this application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which may be in electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information interaction between devices, units or modules. The processor 2110 may cooperate with the memory 2120. The specific connection medium between the above-mentioned transceiver 2130, processor 2110 and memory 2120 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

The communication device 2100 may also include a transceiver 2130, and the communication device 2100 may interact with other devices through the transceiver 2130. The transceiver 2130 can be a circuit, a bus, a transceiver, or any other device that can be used for information exchange, or is also called a signal transceiver unit. As shown in Figure 20, the transceiver 2130 includes a transmitter 2131, a receiver 2132 and an antenna 2133. In addition, when the communication device 2100 is a chip-like device or circuit, the transceiver in the communication device 2100 can also be an input-output circuit and/or a communication interface, which can input data (or receive data) and output data ( Or, sending data), the processor is an integrated processor or microprocessor or integrated circuit, and the processor can determine the output data according to the input data.

In a possible implementation, the communication device 2100 can be applied to the first device. Specifically, the communication device 2100 can be the first device, or can be a first device that can support the first device to implement any of the above-mentioned embodiments. functional device. The memory 2120 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions and/or data to implement the functions of the first device in any of the above embodiments. The processor 2110 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 2120 to complete the method executed by the first device in any of the above embodiments.

In another possible implementation, the communication device 2100 can be applied to the second device. Specifically, the communication device 2100 can be the second device, or can support the second device to implement the second device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments. 2. Functional device of the equipment. The memory 2120 stores necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions and/or data to implement the functions of the second device in any of the above embodiments. The processor 2110 can execute the computer program stored in the memory 2120 to complete the method executed by the second device in any of the above embodiments.

Because the communication device 2100 provided in this embodiment can be applied to a first device to complete the method executed by the first device, or applied to a second device to complete the method executed by the second device. Therefore, the technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be described again here.

In the embodiment of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or Execute each method, step and logical block diagram disclosed in the embodiment of this application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor for execution, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

In the embodiment of the present application, the memory may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), etc., or it may be a volatile memory (volatile memory), such as a random access memory. Access memory (random-access memory, RAM). Memory may also be, but is not limited to, any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. The memory in the embodiment of the present application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of performing a storage function, used to store computer programs, computer programs or instructions and/or data.

Based on the above embodiments, referring to Figure 22, the embodiment of the present application also provides another communication device 2200, including: an input and output interface 2210 and a logic circuit 2220; the input and output interface 2210 is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the logic circuit 2220; Logic circuit 2220 is used to run code instructions to perform the method performed by the first device or the second device in any of the above embodiments.

Hereinafter, operations performed by the communication device when applied to the first device or the second device will be described in detail.

In an optional implementation, the communication device 2200 can be applied to a first device to perform the method performed by the first device, specifically, for example, the method performed by the first device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 .

Logic circuit 2220, used to generate PPDU. Input and output interface 2210, used to output PPDU. The PPDU includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate whether to switch the beam. The beam that outputs the first field of the PPDU is the first output beam, and the beam that outputs the second field of the PPDU is the second output beam. The output time of the first field of the PPDU is earlier than the output time of the first information, and the output time of the second field of the PPDU is later than the output time of the first information. The first output beam and the second output beam are the same, or the first output beam and the second output beam are different.

In an optional implementation, the communication device 2200 can be applied to a first device to perform the method performed by the first device, specifically, for example, the method performed by the first device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 .

The input and output interface 2210 is used to output the first PPDU to the second device in the first output beam. The first device interrupts the output of the first PPDU. The input and output interface 2210 is also used to output sixth information to the second device, and the sixth information is used to switch the beam. Logic circuit 2220, used to generate the second PPDU. The input and output interface 2210 is also used to output the second PPDU to the second device in the second output beam. Wherein, the first output beam and the second output beam are the same, or the first output beam and the second output beam are different.

In an optional implementation, the communication device 2200 can be applied to a first device to perform the method performed by the first device, specifically, for example, the method performed by the first device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 .

The input and output interface 2210 is configured to output the first field of the PPDU to the second device in the first output beam on the first frequency. Logic circuit 2220, used to generate eighth information. The input and output interface 2210 is also used to output eighth information to the second device on the second frequency, where the eighth information is used to instruct the beam to be switched. The first frequency is different from the second frequency. The input and output interface 2210 is also configured to output the second field of the PPDU to the second device in the second output beam on the first frequency. The first output beam and the second output beam are the same, or the first output beam and the second output beam are different.

In an optional implementation, the communication device 2200 can be applied to a first device to perform the method performed by the first device, specifically, for example, the method performed by the first device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 .

The input and output interface 2210 is configured to output the first field of the PPDU to the second device in the first output beam. Logic circuit 2220 is used to perform perceptual measurements, and the perceptual measurements are used to determine the optimal output beam. The input and output interface 2210 is also used to output the second field of the PPDU to the second device in a second output beam, where the second output beam is the optimal output beam.

In another optional implementation, the communication device 2200 can be applied to a second device to perform the method performed by the second device, specifically, for example, the method performed by the second device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 3. method.

The input and output interface 2210 is used to input PPDU, where the PPDU includes first information. Logic circuit 2220, used to determine the first information. The first information is used to indicate whether to switch the beam. The beam input into the first field of the PPDU is the first input beam, and the beam input into the second field of the PPDU is the second input beam. The output time of the first field of the PPDU is earlier than the output time of the first information, and the output time of the second field of the PPDU is later than the output time of the first information. The first input beam is the same as the second input beam, or the first input beam is different from the second input beam.

In another optional implementation, the communication device 2200 can be applied to a second device to perform the method performed by the second device. Specifically, for example, the method performed by the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 7 method.

The input and output interface 2210 is used to input the first PPDU from the first device in the first input beam. The input and output interface 2210 is also used to input sixth information from the first device, and the sixth information is used to switch beams. Logic circuit 2220, configured to determine the second input beam according to the sixth information. The input and output interface 2210 is also used to input the second PPDU from the second device in the second input beam. Wherein, the first input beam and the second input beam are different.

In another optional implementation, the communication device 2200 can be applied to a second device to perform the method performed by the second device. Specifically, for example, the method performed by the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 13 method.

The input and output interface 2210 is configured to input the first field of the PPDU from the first device in the first input beam on the first frequency. The input and output interface 2210 is also used to input eighth information from the first device on the second frequency, where the eighth information is used to instruct the beam to be switched. The first frequency is different from the second frequency. Logic circuit 2220, configured to determine the second input beam according to the eighth information. The input and output interface 2210 is also used to input the second field of the PPDU from the first device in the second input beam on the first frequency. The first input beam is different from the second input beam.

In another optional implementation, the communication device 2200 can be applied to a second device to perform the method performed by the second device. Specifically, for example, the method performed by the second device in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 16 method.

The input and output interface 2210 is used to input the first field of the PPDU from the first device with the first input beam. Logic circuit 2220 is used to perform perceptual measurements, and the perceptual measurements are used to determine the optimal input beam. The input and output interface 2210 is also used to input the second field of the PPDU from the first device in the second input beam, and the second input beam is the optimal input beam.

Because the communication device 2200 provided in this embodiment can be applied to a first device to complete the method executed by the first device, or applied to a second device to complete the method executed by the second device. Therefore, the technical effects that can be obtained can be referred to the above method embodiments, and will not be described again here.

Based on the same concept, as shown in Figure 23, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device 2300. The communication device 2300 includes a processor 2310 and a memory 2320. The memory 2320 is used to store instructions executed by the processor 2010 or input data required by the processor 2310 to run the instructions or data generated after the processor 2310 executes the instructions. The processor 2310 can implement the method shown in the above method embodiment through instructions stored in the memory 2320. The communication device 2300 may also include a transmitter 2330, a receiver 2340, a signal detector 2350, a user interface 2360, and a digital signal processor 2370. Among them, the transmitter 2330 is used to send data or information to other devices, and the transmitter 2330 is used to receive data or information sent from other devices. The signal detector 2350 is used to sense signals and can convert the sensed signals into electrical signals. The digital signal processor 2370 is used to process digital signals. The user interface 2360 can be used as a medium for interaction and information exchange between the system and the user.

Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application also provide a communication system. The communication system includes at least one communication device applied to a first device and at least one communication device applied to a second device. The technical effects that can be obtained may refer to the above method embodiments and will not be described again here.

Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer programs or instructions. When the instructions are executed, the first device in any of the above embodiments is executed. The method is performed or the method performed by the second device is performed. The computer-readable storage medium may include: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk or optical disk and other various media that can store program codes.

In order to realize the functions of the communication device in Figures 19 to 22, an embodiment of the present application also provides a chip, including a processor, to support the communication device to implement the functions involved in the first device or the second device in the above method embodiment. Function. In a possible design, the chip is connected to a memory or the chip includes a memory, which is used to store computer programs or instructions and data necessary for the communication device.

Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present application may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Accordingly, the present application may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment that combines software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present application may take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) having computer-usable program code embodied therein.

The present application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the application. It will be understood that each process and/or block in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of processes and/or blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by a computer program or instructions. These computer programs or instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, embedded processor or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce Means for implementing the functions specified in a process or processes of a flowchart and/or a block or blocks of a block diagram.

These computer programs or instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that causes a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture that includes the instruction means, The instruction means implements the functions specified in a process or processes of the flowchart and/or a block or blocks of the block diagram.

These computer programs or instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, causing a series of operating steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce computer-implemented processing, thereby executing on the computer or other programmable device. The instructions provide steps for implementing the functions specified in a process or processes in the flow diagram and/or in a block or blocks in the block diagram.

Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present application without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present application. In this way, if these modifications and variations of the embodiments of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and equivalent technologies, then this application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims (26)

1. A method for beam switching, comprising:

the first device transmits a PPDU; the PPDU includes first information for indicating whether to switch a beam;

the beam for transmitting the first field of the PPDU is a first transmitting beam, and the beam for transmitting the second field of the PPDU is a second transmitting beam; the transmission time of a first field of the PPDU is earlier than the transmission time of the first information, and the transmission time of a second field of the PPDU is later than the transmission time of the first information;

the first transmit beam is the same as the second transmit beam or the first transmit beam is different from the second transmit beam.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first information indicates to switch beams, the first information comprising first indication information indicating that the second device receives beams of the second field.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first information further comprises second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate the second transmit beam.

4. A method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first information further comprises second information, the first device switching from the first transmit beam to the second transmit beam for a period of time occupied by the second information, the second device switching the receive beam for a period of time occupied by the second information.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the second information occupies a time period greater than or equal to a first time period, the first time period being a maximum of a time period required for the first device to switch beams and a time period required for the second device to switch beams.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first information is used to indicate that the beam is not to be switched, and wherein the second device receives the same receive beam of the first field as the second device receives the second field.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more of the first information is included in the PPDU.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the PPDU further comprises third information therein, the third information indicating one or more of:

the number of the first information in the PPDU and the bit position of each of the first information in the PPDU.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:

the first device sends fourth information to the second device, the fourth information including capability information of the first device, the capability information of the first device including that the first device supports beam switching, or the capability information of the first device including that the first device does not support beam switching.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the capability information of the first device comprises duration information required for beam switching when the first device supports beam switching.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the fourth information further comprises third indication information, the third indication information being used for indicating that the fourth information contains capability information of the first device.

12. A method for beam switching, comprising:

the second device receives the PPDU; the PPDU includes first information for indicating whether to switch a beam;

the beam receiving the first field of the PPDU is a first receiving beam, and the beam receiving the second field of the PPDU is a second receiving beam; the transmission time of a first field of the PPDU is earlier than the transmission time of the first information, and the transmission time of a second field of the PPDU is later than the transmission time of the first information;

the first receive beam is the same as the second receive beam or the first receive beam is different from the second receive beam.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first information indicates a handover beam, the first reception beam being different from the second reception beam;

Wherein the first information includes first indication information indicating the second reception beam.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first information further comprises second indication information, the second indication information being used to instruct the first device to transmit the beam of the second field.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the first information further comprises second information, the second device switching from the first receive beam to the second receive beam for a duration occupied by the second information, and the first device switching a transmit beam for a duration occupied by the second information.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second information occupies a time period greater than or equal to a first time period, the first time period being a maximum of a time period required for the first device to switch beams and a time period required for the second device to switch beams.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the first information is used to indicate that no beam is to be switched, the first receive beam being the same as the second receive beam.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein one or more of the first information is included in the PPDU.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the PPDU further comprises third information therein, the third information indicating one or more of:

the number of the first information in the PPDU and the bit position of each of the first information in the PPDU.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, further comprising:

the second device sends fifth information to the first device, the fifth information including capability information of the second device, the capability information of the second device including that the second device supports beam switching, or the capability information of the second device including that the second device does not support beam switching.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the capability information of the second device comprises a duration required for beam switching when the second device supports beam switching.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the fifth information further comprises fourth indication information, the fourth indication information being used to indicate that the fifth information contains capability information of the second device.

23. A communication device comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 11 or means for performing the method of any one of claims 12 to 22.

24. A communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory;

the memory is used for storing a computer program or instructions;

the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions in a memory to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 11 or to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 12 to 22.

25. A computer readable storage medium storing computer executable instructions which, when invoked by an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 11 or the electronic device to perform the method of any one of claims 12 to 22.

26. A computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 11 or cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 12 to 22.