BEAMFORMING TECHNIQUES IN WI-FI FREQUENCY BANDS

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A first wireless device may communicate signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link. The first wireless device may then communicate one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, where the beam is based on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure, or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following relates to wireless communications, including beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands.

BACKGROUND

Wireless communications systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be multiple-access systems capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). A wireless network, for example a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as a Wi-Fi (i.e., Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11) network may include an access point (AP) that may communicate with one or more stations (STAs) or mobile devices. The AP may be coupled to a network, such as the Internet, and may enable a mobile device to communicate via the network (or communicate with other devices coupled to the access point). A wireless device may communicate with a network device bi-directionally. For example, in a WLAN, a STA may communicate with an associated AP via downlink (DL) and uplink (UL). The DL (or forward link) may refer to the communication link from the AP to the STA, and the UL (or reverse link) may refer to the communication link from the STA to the AP.

Many Wi-Fi deployments may use 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and/or 6 GHz bands, which may be referred to as “sub-7” GHz bands. Future Wi-Fi enhancements aim to leverage multi-link operation techniques to enhance a user experience within other frequency bands, such as a 60 GHz frequency band. While the 60 GHz band may offer a large swath of resources for Wi-Fi devices to use, the 60 GHz band is not widely used due to several challenges, including high propagation loss. As such, there is a need to improve Wi-Fi communications on respective frequency bands, such as the 60 GHz band.

SUMMARY

The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, or apparatuses that support beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands. Generally, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to techniques that enable wireless devices to exchange information indicating whether beam training procedures are expected to be performed for a Wi-Fi frequency band (e.g., 60 GHz link), and, if a beam training procedure is expected to be performed, what level of beam training procedures should be performed. In particular, wireless devices may be able to completely refrain from performing beam training in some circumstances, or may be able to perform less precise (and less power intensive) beam training procedures. For example, a relative quality of communications performed over a 60 GHz link may be used to determine whether a beam training procedure should be performed, or how precise (and therefore power intensive) of a beam training procedure should be performed. In other cases, information determined from other links, such as sub-7 GHz links, may be used to facilitate beam training procedures on the 60 GHz link. For example, position information and/or beam information determined using the sub-7 link may be used to determine whether (or what level of precision) of beam training procedures should be performed on the 60 GHz link.

A method for wireless communications at a first wireless device is described. The method may include communicating signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure, or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

An apparatus for wireless communications at a first wireless device is described. The apparatus may include a processor, memory coupled with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions may be executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to communicate signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and communicate one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure, or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

Another apparatus for wireless communications at a first wireless device is described. The apparatus may include means for communicating signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and means for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure, or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications at a first wireless device is described. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to communicate signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and communicate one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure, or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for performing one or more measurements on signals received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, where the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based on the one or more measurements failing to satisfy one or more thresholds.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for performing one or more measurements on signals received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, where the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device may be to skip performance of the beam training procedure based on the one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the radio frequency link may be associated with a first frequency band and the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium may include further operations, features, means, or instructions for communicating with the second wireless device via a second radio frequency link associated with a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, where communicating the signaling may be based on position information, beam information, or both, where the position information, the beam information, or both, may be based on communicating via the second radio frequency link.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the first frequency band may be associated with a frequency above 7 GHz and the second frequency band may be associated with a frequency below 7 GHz.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for communicating the signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based on the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both, previously operating in accordance with an idle state for at least a time duration.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the first beam training procedure includes a beam refinement procedure without a sector-level training procedure, and the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium may include further operations, features, means, or instructions for performing one of the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure in accordance with the signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure, where the beam used for communicating the one or more messages via the radio frequency link may be selected based on performing the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, performing the second beam training procedure may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving, from the second wireless device during one or more beacon transmit intervals associated with the sector-level training procedure, a first set of multiple signals using a set of multiple wide beams that may be spatially separated within a set of multiple sectors to identify a first sector of the set of multiple sectors and receiving, from the second wireless device during one or more service periods associated with the beam refinement procedure, a second set of multiple signals using a set of multiple narrow beams that may be spatially separated within the first sector, where the beam may be selected from the set of multiple narrow beams.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, performing the second beam training procedure may include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting, to the second wireless device during one or more service periods associated with the sector-level training procedure, a first set of multiple signals using a set of multiple wide beams that may be spatially separated within a sector of a set of multiple sectors to identify a first sector of the set of multiple sectors and transmitting, to the second wireless device during one or more additional service periods associated with the beam refinement procedure, a second set of multiple signals using a set of multiple narrow beams that may be spatially separated within the first sector, where the beam may be selected from the set of multiple narrow beams.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, performing the first beam training procedure may include operations, features, means, or instructions for transmitting, to the second wireless device as part of the beam refinement procedure, a set of multiple signals using a subset of narrow beams of the set of multiple narrow beams that may be spatially separated across a sector of the set of multiple sectors, where the beam may be selected from the subset of narrow beams.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, performing the second beam training procedure may include operations, features, means, or instructions for receiving, from the second wireless device as part of the sector-level training procedure, a first set of multiple signals using a set of multiple wide beams that may be spatially separated across a set of multiple sectors to identify a first sector of the set of multiple sectors and receiving, from the second wireless device as part of the beam refinement procedure, a second set of multiple signals using a set of multiple narrow beams that may be spatially separated across the first sector, where the beam may be selected from the set of multiple narrow beams.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for communicating, with the second wireless device, a message indicating the first sector of the set of multiple sectors based on transmitting the first set of multiple signals as part of the sector-level training procedure, where transmitting the second set of multiple signals as part of the beam refinement procedure may be based on the message indicating the first sector.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for communicating, with the second wireless device, a request for one of the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure, where the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based on the request.

Some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein may further include operations, features, means, or instructions for communicating the signaling based on a mobility state associated with the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both.

In some examples of the method, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the first wireless device includes an AP, a first multi-link device, or both, the second wireless device includes a STA, a second multi-link device, or both, the first wireless device includes the STA, the first multi-link device, or both, and the second wireless device includes the AP, the second multi-link device, or both.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some deployments, wireless devices (such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) devices) may support multi-link operation (MLO) according to which the devices may communicate via multiple different links. For example, an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) may communicate with a non-AP MLD via a 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) link, a 5 GHz link, a 6 GHz link, or any combination thereof, which may generally be referred to as “sub-7” GHz bands. In some systems, an AP MLD and a non-AP MLD may be capable of communication via other radio frequency links, such as 45 GHz and GHz links (e.g., non-sub-7 links), which may provide relatively higher data rates or greater link diversity.

Communication over such other radio frequency links may present several challenges, which may hinder adoption of such other radio frequency links (which may, in turn, limit an achievable throughput or diversity of a system). For example, the non-sub-7 bands, such as the GHz and the 60 GHz bands, may be relatively more susceptible to propagation losses as compared to sub-7 bands. As such, beam refinement procedures may be utilized in sub-7 bands and in the GHz band to identify beams within the respective bands that exhibit sufficient performance and are less susceptible to propagation loss. However, performance of multiple beam training procedures for different bands may be time consuming, and may increase power consumption at the wireless devices.

Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to techniques that enable wireless devices (e.g., AP MLD, non-AP MLD) to exchange information indicating whether beam training procedures are expected to be performed for a radio frequency link (e.g., Wi-Fi link, 60 GHz link), and, if a beam training procedure is expected to be performed, what level or type of beam training procedures should be performed. In particular, wireless devices may be able to completely refrain from performing beam training in some circumstances, thereby avoiding time and power consumption used for beam training in situations where beam training may not be needed or useful. Comparatively, when beam training is expected to be performed for the radio frequency link (e.g., Wi-Fi link, 60 GHz link) the wireless devices may indicate whether the devices are expected to perform a more precise (and therefore more power intensive) beam training procedure, or whether the devices can perform a less precise perform less precise (and therefore more power intensive) beam training procedure for the radio frequency link. In this way, power recourses may be more efficiently used for different situations when beam training is expected to be performed.

Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. For example, by exchanging signaling indicating whether, or what type/extent, of beam training is expected for a respective radio frequency link, a wireless devices (e.g., AP MLD, non-AP MLD) may be able to completely refrain from performing beam training procedures for the respective radio frequency link, thereby decreasing resource usage, and reducing power consumption at the wireless devices. Moreover, in cases where beam training is still expected to be performed on the respective radio frequency link, by exchanging signaling indicating the type/extent of beam training that is expected, the wireless devices may be able to perform shorter and less power-intensive beam training procedures, thereby expediting communications performed on the radio frequency link, reducing power consumption at the wireless devices, and improving overall user experience. Further, enabling the wireless devices to perform less intensive beam training procedures may result in a more efficient use of wireless resources.

In some implementations, a relative quality of communications performed over a 60 GHz link may be used to determine whether a beam training procedure should be performed, or how precise (and therefore power intensive) of a beam training procedure should be performed. In other cases, information determined from other links, such as sub-7 GHz links, may be used to facilitate beam training procedures on the 60 GHz link. For example, position information and/or beam information determined using a sub-7 link may be used to determine whether (or what level of precision) of beam training procedures should be performed on the 60 GHz link.

Techniques described herein may utilize one or more parameters, such as mobility information and/or a quality of communications performed over non-sub-7 links, to determine whether (or what extent of) beam training is needed on the non-sub-7 links. As such, techniques described herein may enable wireless devices (e.g., AP MLD, non-AP MLD) to refrain from performing beam training for non-sub-7 links in some scenarios, thereby reducing power consumption and expediting communications over the non-sub-7 links. Moreover, by leveraging communications on sub-7 bands to facilitate beam training on non-sub-7 bands, techniques described herein may leverage existing Wi-Fi frameworks and signaling to improve beam training techniques for non-sub-7 bands.

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of a wireless communications system. Additional aspects of the disclosure are described in the context of an example L2 message formats and an example process flow. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands.

The following description is directed to some implementations for the purposes of describing the innovative aspects of this disclosure. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in a multitude of different ways. The described implementations may be implemented in any device, system, or network that is capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals according to any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 16.11 standards, or any of the IEEE 802.11 standards, the Bluetooth® standard, code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), GSM/General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), 1×EV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, EV-DO Rev B, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), AMPS, or other known signals that are used to communicate within a wireless, cellular or internet of things (IOT) network, such as a system utilizing third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) or fifth generation (5G), or further implementations thereof, technology.

FIG.1illustrates a wireless communications system100configured in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communications system100may be an example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a Wi-Fi network and may include an AP105and multiple associated STAs115, which may represent devices such as mobile stations, personal digital assistant (PDAs), other handheld devices, netbooks, notebook computers, tablet computers, laptops, display devices (such as TVs or computer monitors), or printers. The AP105and the associated STAs115may represent a basic service set (BSS) or an extended service set (ESS). The various STAs115in the network are able to communicate with one another through the AP105. Also shown is a coverage area110of the AP105, which may represent a BSA of the wireless communications system100. An extended network station (not shown) associated with the wireless communications system100may be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system that may allow multiple APs105to be connected in an ESS.

A STA115may be located in the intersection of more than one coverage area110and may associate with more than one AP105. A single AP105and an associated set of STAs115may be referred to as a BSS. An ESS is a set of connected BSSs. A distribution system (not shown) may be used to connect APs105in an ESS. In some implementations, the coverage area110of an AP105may be divided into sectors (also not shown). The wireless communications system100may include APs105of different types (such as metropolitan area, or home network), with varying and overlapping coverage areas110. Two STAs115also may communicate directly via a direct wireless link125regardless of whether both STAs115are in the same coverage area110. Examples of direct wireless links120may include Wi-Fi Direct connections, Wi-Fi Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) links, and other group connections. STAs115and APs105may communicate according to the WLAN radio and baseband protocol for physical and medium access control (MAC) layers from IEEE 802.11 and versions including, but not limited to, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ah, 802.11ax, or 802.11be. In some other implementations, peer-to-peer (P2P) connections or ad hoc networks may be implemented within wireless communications system100.

In some implementations, a STA115(or an AP105) may be detectable by a central AP105, but not by other STAs115in the coverage area110of the central AP105. For example, one STA115may be at one end of the coverage area110of the central AP105while another STA115may be at the other end. Thus, both STAs115may communicate with the AP105, but may not receive the transmissions of the other. This may result in colliding transmissions for the two STAs115in a contention based environment, such as a carrier-sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) environment, because the STAs115may transmit at the same time. A STA115whose transmissions are not identifiable, but that is within the same coverage area110may be known as a hidden node. CSMA/CA may be supplemented by the exchange of a request to send (RTS) packet transmitted by a sending STA115(or AP105) and a clear to send (CTS) packet transmitted by the receiving STA115(or AP105). This may alert other devices within range of the sender and receiver not to transmit for the duration of the primary transmission. Thus, RTS/CTS may help mitigate a hidden node problem.

In some implementations, the wireless communications system100may support MLO according to which two or more devices may communicate via two or more wireless links, such as two or more radio frequency links. MLO may refer or apply to pre-association or post-association operation. In such implementations, the wireless communications system100may include one or more MLDs that are capable of communicating (such as transmitting or receiving) via multiple links. In some aspects, one or more STAs115may be associated or affiliated with a first MLD, such as a non-AP MLD130, and one or more APs105may be associated or affiliated with a second MLD, such as an AP MLD135. The one or more STAs115or APs105affiliated with an MLD may be associated with multiple functionalities of the MLD.

For example, an MLD may be a device that is capable of communicating via multiple radio frequency links and operation or functionality of the MLD at each of the multiple radio frequency links may be described as being performed by a respective STA115(in examples in which the MLD is a non-AP MLD130, such that each STA115affiliated with a non-AP MLD130is a non-AP STA115) or a respective AP105(in examples in which the MLD is an AP MLD135, such that each STA115affiliated with an AP MLD135is or functions as an AP105). As such, a non-AP MLD130may communicate (such as transmit or receive) via a first radio frequency link using a first STA115and may communicate (such as transmit or receive) via a second radio frequency link using a second STA115. Similarly, an AP MLD135may communicate (such as transmit or receive) via a first radio frequency link using a first AP105and may communicate (such as transmit or receive) via a second radio frequency link using a second AP105. For example, a non-AP MLD130may effectively communicate with an AP MLD135via a wireless link120-ausing a first STA-AP pair and via a wireless link120-busing a second STA-AP pair.

A non-AP MLD130and an AP MLD135may communicate via various radio frequency links, including a 2.4 GHz link, a 5 GHz link, and a 6 GHz link, which may generally be referred to as “sub-7 GHz links.” In some systems, the 2.4 GHz link, the 5 GHz link, and the 6 GHz link may be relatively easy to access. For example, a non-AP MLD130and an AP MLD135may access or communicate using (such as transmit or receive via) any one or more of the 2.4 GHz link, the 5 GHz link, and the 6 GHz link without negotiating access on a different link, without an access constraint (such as an access constraint associated with a service type), or without applying techniques associated with mitigating propagation path loss (such as focusing transmission and reception in a specific direction via beamforming). Some other radio frequency links, however, may be associated with an access constraint or difficulty and, in some implementations, a non-AP MLD130and an AP MLD135may use any one or more of the 2.4 GHz link, the 5 GHz link, and the 6 GHz link to support and facilitate communications via such other radio frequency links.

Accordingly, in some aspects, the wireless communications system100may support techniques that enable wireless devices (e.g., AP MLD135, non-AP MLD130) to exchange information indicating whether beam training procedures are expected to be performed for a radio frequency link (e.g., Wi-Fi link, 60 GHz link), and, if a beam training procedure is expected to be performed, what level of beam training procedures should be performed. In particular, wireless devices may be able to completely refrain from performing beam training in some circumstances. Comparatively, when beam training is expected to be performed for the radio frequency link (e.g., Wi-Fi link, 60 GHz link) the wireless devices may indicate whether the devices are expected to perform a more precise (and therefore more power intensive) beam training procedure, or whether the devices can perform a less precise perform less precise (and therefore more power intensive) beam training procedure for the radio frequency link.

In some implementations, a relative quality of communications performed over a 60 GHz link may be used to determine whether a beam training procedure should be performed, or how precise (and therefore power intensive) of a beam training procedure should be performed. In other cases, information determined from other links, such as sub-7 GHz links, may be used to facilitate beam training procedures on the 60 GHz link. For example, position information and/or beam information determined using a sub-7 link may be used to determine whether (or what level of precision) of beam training procedures should be performed on the 60 GHz link.

In some aspects, the first radio frequency link (such as any one or more of the 2.4 GHz link, the 5 GHz link, or the 6 GHz link) may be referred to as a sub-7 GHz link, where a sub-7 GHz link may generally refer to any radio frequency link, or any collection of two or more radio frequency links, at or below 7 GHz. Further, as described herein, the second radio frequency link may refer to any radio frequency link associated with an access constraint or difficulty. Thus, the implementations described herein may be applicable to any radio frequency band or link that has constraints or rules in terms of which devices may obtain access, when devices may obtain access, or how far (in terms of a reachability distance) messaging can be transmitted via that radio frequency band or link.

Further, the devices of the wireless communications system100may support various possible configurations associated with operation at one or more radio frequencies (such as possible configurations for 45 GHz or 60 GHz operation). For example, depending on a radio configuration, a device (such as an AP105, a STA115, a non-AP MLD130, or an AP MLD135) may operate in accordance with a single link, single radio (SLSR) configuration according to which a single radio device may operate using one radio frequency (e.g., 60 GHz link), a multi-link, single radio (MLSR) configuration according to which a device may operate using one radio frequency band at a time (but may operate using both sub-7 GHz and 45 GHz or 60 GHz), or a multi-link, multi-radio (MLMR) configuration according to which a device may operate on more than one band simultaneously (with at least one radio operating using a sub-7 GHz band). In accordance with the implementations described herein, an MLD may support an MLSR or an MLMR configuration. As such, the described techniques may apply for devices that can communicate via multiple links simultaneously or devices that can communicate via different links at different times.

Further, although described herein as a non-AP MLD130, a non-AP MLD130may function as a soft AP device (which may be referred to as a soft AP device). In such examples in which the non-AP MLD130functions as a soft AP device, the non-AP MLD130may perform the same or similar functions (such as transmit or receive the same or similar signaling) as the AP MLD135to one or more other STAs115or to one or more other non-AP MLDs130. If operating as a soft AP device, which may be a device that operates using a battery or an otherwise limited power supply (or in a power save mode), the non-AP MLD130may use a same set of radio frequency chains for soft AP device operation as used for operation as a non-AP MLD130. Further, although referred to herein as a soft AP device, such a device may be any client device (such as any battery powered client device) that functions as an AP MLD135.

FIG.2illustrates an example of a wireless communications system200that supports beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Aspects of the wireless communications system200may implement, or be implemented by, aspects of the wireless communications system100. For example, the wireless communications system200illustrates communication between a non-AP MLD130and an AP MLD135, which may be examples of the non-AP MLD130and the AP MLD135, respectively, as illustrated by and described with reference toFIG.1.

In some implementations, the non-AP MLD130and the AP MLD135may communicate via a communication link205. In some implementations, the communication link205may include one or more different links. For example, in some implementations, the communication link205may include a first radio frequency link210-a(e.g., a sub-7 link such as any one or more of a 2.4 GHz link, a 5 GHz link, or a 6 GHz link) and a second radio frequency link210-b(e.g., a non-sub-7 link such as a 45 GHz link, or a 60 GHz link). In this example, the first radio frequency link210-a(e.g., sub-7 link) may support communications performed via the second radio frequency link210-b(e.g., non-sub-7 link). In other words, the first radio frequency link210-amay serve as an anchor or stable link that is used to facilitate communications via the second radio frequency link210-b.

Moreover, in some aspects, a 60 GHz link may be part of an MLO setup involving sub7 link(s). In other words, the AP operating on 60 GHz may be affiliated with the AP MLD135that has at least one other AP operating on a sub-7 link. In some implementations, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to utilizing sub-7 links as anchor links to facilitate operations on 60 GHz links, and to reduce management frame overhead. In other words, as will be described in further detail herein, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to utilizing the MLO framework to facilitate operations on a non-sub-7 link, such as a 45 GHz or 60 GHz link.

In some wireless communications systems, wireless communications within a 60 MHz band may be performed within repeating beacon intervals (BIs). Each BI may include a beacon header interval (BHI) and a data transmission interval (DTI). A BHI may include three sub-intervals, including a beacon transmission interval (BTI), an association beamforming training (A-BFT) interval, and an announcement transmission interval (ATI). During the BTI, an AP105, an AP MLD135, or a personal basic service set control point (PCP) may transmit multiple directional beacons (e.g., beacon frames). During the A-BFT, one or more STAs115or non-AP MLDs130may perform beam training for communication with an AP105, AP MLD135, or PCP. Lastly, during the ATI, an AP105, AP MLD135, or PCP may exchange management frames with associated and beam trained STAs115or non-AP MLDs130.

The DTI of a BI may include one or more contention-based access periods (CBAPs) or scheduled SPs, or a combination of the two, for exchanging data frames. For example, a DTI may include a CBAP or SP frame, a CBAP or SP frame, and a CBAP or SP frame. SPs may be dynamic or pseudo-static. In some aspects, a DTI may be a useful portion of time in the BI during which actual data transmission between devices may occur.

Some radio frequency bands (such as a 45 GHz or 60 GHz band) may provide a large amount of communication resources (such as a large swath of spectrum) that communicating devices (such as Wi-Fi devices) may use. Operation on relatively higher radio frequency bands (such as 45 GHz or 60 GHz bands) may present several challenges at a device or system level, which may lead to a lack of widespread adoption of the 45 GHz or 60 GHz band for data communications.

For example, transmissions within 45 GHz or 60 GHz bands may suffer from high propagation loss (e.g., high attenuation). As such, omnidirectional transmissions (e.g., non-beamformed transmissions) will not travel far. As a result, wireless devices may be required to perform directional transmissions to take advantage of beamforming antenna gains to form a narrow beam towards the intended peer device. Stated differently, wireless devices communicating within non-sub-7 bands may be required to focus transmissions and receptions to narrow beams in order for the transmissions to reach the intended receivers.

Beam training procedures220may be performed to identify narrow beams used to perform beamforming communications. During a beam training procedure, transmission/reception planes at a transmitting/receiving devices may be divided up into several sectors, where the wireless devices are configured to identify narrow Tx/Rx beams within a sector that will be used for beamformed communications. Some beam training procedures220(e.g., beam training procedures defined by 802.11ad/ay) may include two steps or phases: (1) a sector-level sweep (SLS) phase (e.g., sector-level training procedure225), and (2) a beam refinement phase (BRP) (e.g., beam refinement procedure230).

While the terms “SLS” and “BRP” (and like terms) are the terms used and defined in 802.11ad/ay, it is noted herein that different terminology may be used to refer to the different steps of a beam training procedure. In particular, future generations of Wi-Fi may adopt different words or phrases that are used to refer to the respective steps of a beam training procedure. Moreover, future generations of Wi-Fi may include additional or alternative steps/phases of a beam training procedure. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which enable wireless devices to skip beam training procedures or perform less-intensive beam training procedures, may be implemented for both the current beam training framework, as well as future beam training framework with additional and/or alternative steps/phases.

During an SLS phase (e.g., sector-level training procedure225) of a beam training procedure220, the wireless devices sweep across sectors/wide beams (e.g., quasi-omnidirectional beams, such as wide beams240) to determine a general direction of a peer device, and identify wide beams240that may be used to communicate with the peer device (e.g., identify a sector corresponding to the peer device). In other words, during SLS, each wireless device (e.g., AP, STA, AP MLD135, non-AP MLD130) may take turns transmitting a short frame on each sector at the respective device, while the other side listens in a quasi-omnidirectional or omnidirectional mode to help establish a general direction of where the peer wireless device is located.

Comparatively, during the BRP (e.g., beam refinement procedure230) of the beam training procedure220, the wireless devices sweep across narrow beams (e.g., beams245that are narrower than the wide beams240used in SLS) within the sector/wide beam240found during the SLS phase, and identify narrow beams245within the identified sector/wide beam240that will be used to communicate with the peer device. In other words, the BRP may follow the SLS to further refine the beam information that will be used for wireless communications. Additionally, or alternatively, BRP may be run independently (e.g., without) the SLS to establish a narrow beam directed towards a peer device.

However, such beam training procedures220are complex, time consuming, and result in large control signaling overhead. In particular, some beam training procedures220require multiple (directional) beacon transmissions during a BTI. Additionally, an unassociated STA may be expected to beam-train before sending an association request frame to the intended AP (e.g., during A-BFT). Further, wireless devices may be expected to perform beam training at regular or irregular intervals post-association to maintain high throughput between the respective devices, therefore introducing frequency beam training procedures220, increasing signaling/training overhead, and reducing useful medium time that may be used for communications between the respective devices. Moreover, beam training procedures220may be utilized in both sub-7 bands and non-sub-7 bands band to identify beams within the respective beams235,245that exhibit sufficient performance and are less susceptible to propagation loss. However, performance of multiple beam training procedures220for different bands may be time consuming, and may increase power consumption at the wireless devices.

Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to techniques that enable wireless devices (e.g., AP MLD135, non-AP MLD130) to exchange information indicating whether beam training procedures220are expected to be performed for a radio frequency link210(e.g., Wi-Fi link, 60 GHz link), and, if a beam training procedure220is expected to be performed, what level of beam training procedures220should be performed. In particular, the AP MLD135and the non-AP MLD130may be able to completely refrain from performing beam training in some circumstances. Comparatively, when beam training is expected to be performed for the second radio frequency link210-b(e.g., Wi-Fi link, 60 GHz link) the AP MLD135and the non-AP MLD130may indicate whether the devices are expected to perform a more precise (and therefore more power intensive) beam training procedure220, or whether the devices can perform a less precise perform less precise (and therefore more power intensive) beam training procedure220for the second radio frequency link210-b.

Aspects of the present disclosure may utilize MLO framework to facilitate operations on non-sub-7 frequency bands, such as a 45 GHz or 60 GHz band, where the non-sub-7 band may be part of an MLO setup involving a sub-7 link. In particular, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, an MLO framework may enable an AP MLD135to perform basic operations (such as time synchronization, receiving traffic indication, receiving critical updates indication, etc.) by monitoring a single link, such as a sub-7 link, to facilitate wireless communications on non-sub-7 links. As such, some aspects, of the present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for wireless devices to monitor beacons on non-sub-7 links for performing basis basic service set (BSS) operations.

In particular, as described herein, full beam training procedures220may include two phases (SLS and BRP) that require two peer devices to each perform short transmissions across each of its sectors (e.g., sector sweep). However, sectorized beacons may aid wireless devices to make decisions on whether or not to perform beam training. With sectorized beaconing, the sector sweep at the AP MLD130may be performed, where the AP MLD135may determine if beam training is needed or not, and, if needed, whether to perform full beam training (e.g., SLS and BRP) or refinement-only (e.g., only BRP) based on a strength of the received beacon on the expected sector. Thus, sectorized beacons and BTIs described herein may enable more efficient beam training techniques.

Stated differently, aspects of the present disclosure may be used to determine whether beam training procedures220are required/expected for non-sub-7 links, which may reduce the frequency with which beam training procedures220are performed, and/or reduce the time and power consumption used to perform beam training procedures220. In particular, techniques herein may be used between wireless devices to determine whether the wireless devices can completely skip performing a beam training procedure220for a radio frequency link210, such as a 60 GHz link (e.g., second radio frequency link210-b). Additionally, if the wireless devices determine that a beam training procedure220is required, techniques described herein may be used by the wireless devices to determine whether a full beam training procedure220(e.g., beam training including SLS and BRP) is required, or if the wireless devices can perform a truncated or shortened beam training procedure220(e.g., beam training including only BRP).

For example, referring toFIG.2, the non-AP MLD130and the AP MLD135may communicate with one another via a first radio frequency link210-aassociated with a first frequency band. In some cases, the first frequency band associated with the first radio frequency link210-amay include a sub-7 frequency band, such as a 2.4 GHz band or a 5 GHz band. In some implementations, the non-AP MLD130and the AP MLD135may perform a beam training procedure220associated with the first radio frequency link210-ain order to identify beams used to communicate with one another via the first radio frequency link210-a.

In some aspects, the non-AP MLD130, the AP MLD135, or both, may determine position information, beam information, or both, associated with the respective wireless devices. That is, the wireless devices may determine position information (e.g., relative geographical positions) associated with the non-AP MLD130, the AP MLD135, or both, and/or may determine Tx/Rx beams used by the non-AP MLD130, the AP MLD135. The wireless devices may determine the position information and/or the beam information based on performing communications via the first radio frequency link210-a.

For example, the wireless devices may determine relative geographical positions of the respective devices and/or Tx/Rx beams used by the respective devices based on communicating with one another via the sub-7 link. For example, STA instances (e.g., non-AP MLD130) may perform angle of arrival (AoA) measurements (and/or other types of measurements/procedures) on the sub-7 link to determine the general direction (e.g., coarse estimate of the sector(s)) of the peer device (e.g., AP MLD135). In some implementations, as will be described in further detail herein, the position information and/or beam information associated with the respective devices and/or first radio frequency link210-amay be used to determine whether a beam training procedure220should be performed for a second radio frequency link210-band, if a beam training procedure220is needed, what type or level of beam training should be performed. In other words, the coarse estimate of the sector(s) of the peer device determined on a sub-7 link may be used as an alternative to performing SLS on a 60 GHz link, which may eliminate overhead associated with performance of SLS for the 60 GHz link.

The non-AP MLD130and the AP MLD135may establish a second radio frequency link210-b. The second radio frequency link210-bmay be associated with a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band associated with the first radio frequency link210-a. For example, the second radio frequency link210-bmay include a non-sub-7 link associated with a frequency band above 7 GHz, such as a 45 GHz band or a 60 GHz band. As noted previously herein, in some implementations, the first radio frequency link210-a(e.g., the sub-7 link) may serve as a stable anchor link that is used to facilitate communications and operations (e.g., beam training procedure220) for the second radio frequency link210-b(e.g., the non-sub-7 link). In this regard, the wireless devices may establish the second radio frequency link210-bas part of a MLO scheme.

In some aspects, non-AP MLD130, the AP MLD135, or both, may perform measurements on communications performed via the second radio frequency link210-b. For example, the non-AP MLD130may perform measurements on signals received from the AP MLD135via the second radio frequency link210-b. Measurements performed on the second radio frequency link210-bmay include, but are not limited to, RSSI measurements, RSRP measurements, RSRQ measurements, SNR measurements, SINR measurements, and the like. In some implementations, as will be described in further detail herein, the relative quality of the second radio frequency link210-b(as determined by the measurements performed for the second radio frequency link210-b) may be used to determine whether a beam training procedure220should be performed for the second radio frequency link210-band, if a beam training procedure220is needed, what type or level of beam training should be performed.

In cases in which the respective wireless devices are associated and active state on the second radio frequency link210-b(e.g., 60 GHz link), the non-AP MLD130that is in the associated state with the 60 GHz link and has an active session with the AP MLD135may be expected to at least occasionally perform measurements to refine Tx/Rx beams (where frequency may be based on mobility) to maintain a sufficient MCS over the second radio frequency link210-b.

For example, in the context of an associated non-AP MLD130with active frame exchange, the AP MLD130may transmit beacons via beams235during a BTI as initiator-side sweep for the 60 GHz link. In this example, the associated non-AP MLD130that has recently exchanged frames with the AP MLD135on the 60 GHz link may listen (e.g., monitor) for beacon frames during the BTI using one or more wide beams240in a quasi-omnidirectional mode, such as a wide beam240in a beamformed sector that was most recently used for exchanging frames with the AP MLD135. For instance, the AP MLD135may sweep across beams235-a,235-b,235-c, and/or 235-d, and the non-AP MLD130may monitor for beacons within the wide beam240-athat was recently used for communicating with the AP MLD135via the second radio frequency link210-b. The non-AP MLD130may perform measurements (e.g., RSSI measurements) on received beacons, and may determine whether (and/or what type/extent) of beam training procedure220is required based on the measurements. For instance, if a beacon frame is received with an RSSI above a certain RSSI threshold, BRP may not be needed, and the wireless devices may skip or refrain from performing a beam training procedure220for the second radio frequency link210-b. Comparatively, if the beacon frames are received with RSSI below the RSSI threshold, the non-AP MLD130may initiate a beam training procedure220(e.g., via signaling215) during a next D-SP.

In some aspects, the non-AP MLD130, the AP MLD135, or both, may communicate signaling215indicating whether or not a beam training procedure220is expected to be performed for the second radio frequency link210-b. Moreover, in cases where a beam training procedure220is expected to be performed for the second radio frequency link210-b, the signaling215may indicate what type or level of beam training procedure220is to be performed. As shown inFIG.2, the signaling215may be communicated between the respective devices via the first radio frequency link210-a(e.g., sub-7 link), the second radio frequency link210-b(e.g., non-sub-7 link), or both.

In some implementations, the frequency and intensity (e.g., type) of beam training procedure220performed for the second radio frequency link210-bmay be based on the scenario. Different scenarios which may result in different frequencies/intensities of beam training procedures may include: (1) the non-AP MLD130is an associated and active state on the 60 GHz link, (2) the non-AP MLD130is an associated and idle state on the 60 GHz link, and (3) the non-AP MLD130established a new association on the 60 GHz link.

For example, the signaling215may indicate for the wireless devices to skip performance of a beam training procedure220for the second radio frequency link210-b, or may indicate a selection between a first beam training procedure220and a second beam training procedure220. In this example, the first beam training procedure220may include only a beam refinement procedure230(e.g., BRP without SLS), and the second beam training procedure220may include a sector-level training procedure225(e.g., SLS, or sector-level sweep) and a beam refinement procedure230(e.g., SLS+BRP).

The wireless devices may transmit/receive the signaling215indicating whether or not (and what type/extent) of beam training procedure220is expected for the second radio frequency link210-bbased on communicating via the first radio frequency link210-a, determining the beam/position information, establishing the second radio frequency link210-b, performing the measurements for the second radio frequency link210-b, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the AP MLD135, the non-AP MLD130, or both, may indicate a need for performing a beam training procedure220during a D-SP via a field in the initiating frame of the signaling215. A D-SP may include polling and response frames, in which the AP MLD135and the non-AP MLD130exchange messages (e.g., signaling215) indicating whether either of the devices is to initiate a beam training procedure220. Polling and response frames may include a trigger frame (e.g., poll) followed by a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) (e.g., response), such as a trigger-based PPDU (TB). Moreover, polling and response frames may include a new frame that is configured/defined for carrying out such poll-response, or some other existing frame extended to perform poll-response.

For example, one or more bits in a trigger frame of signaling215transmitted by the AP MLD135may indicate to perform a beam training procedure220including a sector-level training procedure225, a beam refinement procedure230, or both. By way of another example, one or more bits in a TB of the signaling215transmitted by the non-AP MLD130may indicate to perform a beam training procedure220including a sector-level training procedure225, a beam refinement procedure230, or both. For instance, a first bit field value (e.g., “00”) of the signaling215may indicate for the wireless devices to skip a beam training procedure220, a second bit field value (e.g., “01”) may indicate for the wireless devices to perform a beam training procedure220with only a beam refinement procedure230(e.g., to perform a beam refinement procedure without a sector-level training procedure225), and a third bit field value (e.g., “11”) may indicate for the wireless devices to perform a beam training procedure220with both a sector-level training procedure225and a beam refinement procedure230.

In some implementations, the signaling215may indicate whether or not (and/or what type/extent) of beam training procedure220is to be performed based on a relative quality of the second radio frequency link210-b. For example, in cases where the second radio frequency link210-bexhibits a sufficient quality (e.g., measurements that satisfy some threshold, such as RSSI≥Thresh), the signaling215may indicate that the wireless devices may skip performance of a beam training procedure220for the second radio frequency link, or may perform a less intensive beam training procedure220(e.g., beam training procedure220with only BRP). Comparatively, in cases where the second radio frequency link210-bexhibits relatively poor quality (e.g., measurements that fail to satisfy some threshold, such as RSSI<Thresh), the signaling215may indicate that the wireless devices may perform a more intensive beam training procedure220(e.g., beam training procedure220with only SLS and BRP). In some implementations, the wireless devices may implement multiple different thresholds for determining whether (and what type/extend) of beam training procedures220are to be performed for the second radio frequency link210-b.

As noted previously herein, the beacon frames received by the non-AP MLD130via the wide beam240-a(corresponding to the sector recently used to communicate with the AP MLD130) with RSSI below the RSSI threshold, the non-AP MLD130may initiate a beam training procedure220during a next D-SP via the signaling215. Additionally, or alternatively, the AP MLD135may initiate a beam training procedure220during a D-SP via the signaling215, such as based on a packet error rate (PER) or other criteria determined during a previous frame exchange.

By way of another example, the wireless devices may communicate the signaling215based on the position information and/or beam information determined based on the first radio frequency link210-a. In other words, positioning operations (e.g., 11az) and/or radio frequency sensing operations (e.g., 11bf) may replace at least the sector-level training procedure225(SLS) of a beam training procedure220(e.g., beacon absent). In such cases, it may be assumed that all non-AP MLDs130and the AP MLD135support the positioning/radio frequency sensing operations (e.g., all associating STAs support 11az/11bf-based sector estimation). Moreover, the presence or absence of beacons (or equivalent frames) may be advertised during association. That is, if positioning/beam information determined via the first radio frequency link210-ais used to enable the wireless devices to skip performance of a beam training procedure220for the second radio frequency link210-b, the signaling215may be exchanged during the association for the second radio frequency link210-ato indicate for the devices to skip the beam training procedure220.

For example, beam information (e.g., Tx/Rx beams) used for communicating via the first radio frequency link210-amay be used to determine beam information (e.g., Tx/Rx beams) that may be used for communicating via the second radio frequency link210-b, and may thereby enable the wireless devices to skip performance of a beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link210-b. Similarly, in cases where the respective wireless devices determine position information associated with the non-AP MLD130and/or the AP MLD135based on the first radio frequency link210-a, the position information may be used to determine Tx/Rx beams for the second radio frequency link210-b, and therefore be used to determine whether or not a beam training procedure220(and what type/extent of beam training procedure220) should be performed for the second radio frequency link210-b.

In other implementations, the wireless devices may be configured to perform a beam training procedure220for the second radio frequency link210-bon-demand. That is, in some cases, the wireless devices may only perform a beam training procedure220for a non-sub-7 link only upon request from one of the respective devices. Stated differently, beaconing for a beam training procedure220for a 60 GHz link may be on-demand, where no beaconing is required (e.g., no beam training procedure220) during idle conditions, and where an associated non-AP MLD130and/or an AP MLD135may indicate if beaconing (e.g., beam training procedure220) for the 60 GHz link is needed.

For example, in some cases, the non-AP MLD130may transmit a request for a beam training procedure220for the second radio frequency link210-bto the AP MLD135. In this example, the AP MLD135may transmit the signaling215indicating the what type/extent of beam training procedure220is to be performed (e.g., indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure220and the second beam training procedure220). Criteria for initiating a beam training procedure220on-demand may include, but are not limited to, scenarios where the non-AP MLD130comes out of inactivity and/or needs to perform training (e.g., perform initiator sweep during BTI). The signaling215to initiate on-demand training may be communicated on a sub-7 link and/or a non-sub-7 link (during D-SP).

In additional or alternative implementations, the wireless devices may indicate whether (or what type/extent) of beam training procedure220is to be performed based on other parameters or characteristics, such as a mobility state (e.g., topology) of the respective devices, previous operational states of the respective devices, or both.

For example, in cases where both the non-AP MLD130and the AP MLD135are relatively stationary (e.g., low mobility states, such as a screen-sharing configuration from a laptop to a screen in a conference room), the beams used for communications via the second radio frequency link210-bmay remain relatively constant. As such, the signaling215may indicate that the wireless devices can skip performance of a beam training procedure220, or perform a less intensive beam training procedure220(e.g., perform only a beam refinement procedure230). In other words, beam training (e.g., beaconing) may be turned off based on topology.

In high mobility use cases, it may not make sense to perform frequent beam training procedures220, as the beams235,240used by the respective devices may frequently change. Since traffic is at the MLD level, the two MLDs (e.g., AP MLD135, non-AP MLD130) may start frame exchange on the sub-7 link, and use the 60 GHz link on an opportunistic basis. For example, the AP MLD135may form a sharp beam235(e.g., less sectors) when communicating with a stationary device such as a TV (e.g., non-AP MLD130), but may form a larger beam235(e.g., more sectors) when communicating with a mobile device such as laptop or a phone. As such, the frequency and/or type of beam training procedures220performed between the respective devices may be based on some form of adaptive learning (e.g., adaptive sectorization). In particular, the AP MLD135may change its beam characteristics based on the type of device or historical connections associated with the non-AP MLD130(e.g., low-mobility device or high-mobility device). Moreover, the topology/mobility states of the non-AP MLD130(e.g., mobile device, stationary device) may be signaled to the AP MLD130during association. Additionally, or alternatively, the AP MLD135may be configured to learn or store the information (e.g., a profile) associated with the non-AP MLD130based on previous interactions with the non-AP MLD130.

Further, the type of beam training procedure220may be based on whether the non-AP MLD130is in an associated and idle state on a 60 GHz link. In particular, a non-AP MLD130in an idle state may turn off a 60 GHz radio to conserve power and may not monitor BTIs on the 60 GHz link. As such, over time (and due to mobility during the idle state), the beams at the respective devices (e.g., beams235,240) are likely to become misaligned. As such, in cases where the non-AP MLD130and/or the AP MLD135were previously operating in an idle or inactive state for some threshold duration of time, the signaling215may indicate that the wireless devices are expected to perform a some type of beam training procedure220, such as a beam training procedure220including both a sector-level training procedure225and a beam refinement procedure230. In particular, in some cases, a beam training procedure220including both a sector-level training procedure225and a beam refinement procedure230may be required or expected after a long period of inactivity on the 60 GHz link, or following association. Comparatively, if the 60 MHz link (e.g., second radio frequency link210-b) between AP MLD135and the and non-AP MLD130is in frequent use, a beam training procedure220including only a beam refinement procedure230may be sufficient.

In the event of a new association on the 60 GHz link (e.g., second radio frequency link210-b), whether or not beam training is expected may depend on how/where the association is performed. In cases where the non-AP MLD130establishes a new association for the 60 GHz link (e.g., second radio frequency link210-b), the MLO setup may occur on the sub-7 link (e.g., first radio frequency link210-a). As such, the non-AP MLD130may not be required or expected to beam form (e.g., perform a beam training procedure220) for the 60 GHz link prior to association. Comparatively, a newly-associated non-AP MLD130(e.g., STA) may be expected to perform a beam training procedure on the 60 GHz link.

In cases where the signaling215indicates for the wireless devices to perform a beam training procedure220, the wireless devices may perform a beam training procedure220for the second radio frequency link210-b. For example, the wireless devices may perform one of a first beam training procedure220or a second beam training procedure220based on a selection between the first and second beam training procedures220indicated via the signaling215.

As noted previously herein, the type and extent of beam training procedure220may vary in terms of time used to perform the respective procedures, the steps of the respective procedures, the power consumption associated with the respective procedures, and the relative accuracy/intensity of the respective procedures. For example, in some implementations, the first beam training procedure220may include a beam refinement procedure230(e.g., BRP but not SLS), and the second beam training procedure220may include a sector-level training procedure225and the beam refinement procedure230(e.g., SLS+BRP). In this regard, as compared to the first beam training procedure220, the second beam training procedure220may be more intensive and require more time and power, but may be more accurate and precise for determining beams that will exhibit sufficient performance.

For example, as shown inFIG.2and in the context of a beam training procedure220including both a sector-level training procedure225and the beam refinement procedure230(e.g., SLS+BRP), the AP MLD135may transmit signals by sweeping across a set of narrow Tx beams235that are spatially separated across a set of Tx sectors, and the non-AP MLD130may sweep across a set of wide beams240that are spatially separated across a set of Rx sectors to identify a relative direction/sector of the respective peer device. For instance, as part of the sector-level training procedure225, the non-AP MLD130may identify that the first wide beam240-ais associated with a general direction of the AP MLD135, and may transmit a message to the AP MLD135indicating the wide beam240-a, the corresponding sector, the third narrow beam235-c, or any combination thereof. Subsequently, as part of the beam training procedure220, the devices may perform the beam refinement procedure230in which the AP MLD135transmit signals using the indicated beam235-c, and the non-AP MLD130receives the signals by sweeping across a set of narrow beams245within the wide beam240-a. Accordingly, following the beam refinement procedure230, the wireless devices may determine that the best beams for communications via the second radio frequency link210-bmay include the narrow beam235-c(Tx) and the narrow beam245-b(Rx).

Comparatively, in the in the context of a beam training procedure220including only the beam refinement procedure230(e.g., BRP), the wireless devices may refrain from performing the sector-level training procedure225, and may immediately perform the beam refinement procedure230(e.g., earlier than if the sector-level training procedure225were also performed), as described herein.

WhileFIG.2illustrates the beam training procedure220performed with the AP MLD135acting as the Tx device and the non-AP MLD130acting as the Rx device, the beam training procedure220may be performed in both directions so that each respective device is able to determine Tx and Rx beams used for communications via the second radio frequency link.

In some aspects, the non-AP MLD130and the AP MLD135may determine beams (e.g., Tx/Rx beams235,245) that will be used for communicating via the second radio frequency link210-b. The respective devices may determine the beam(s) (e.g., narrow beams235,245) that will be used for communicating via the second radio frequency link210-bbased on communicating the signaling215, and performing or skipping the beam training procedure220.

For example, in cases where the wireless devices do not perform a beam training procedure220for the second radio frequency link210-b(e.g., the beam training procedure220is skipped), the wireless devices may determine the Tx/Rx beams235,245for the second radio frequency link210-bbased on previous beams used for the second radio frequency link210-b, based on beam information associated with the first radio frequency link210-a, and the like. In this regard, in cases where the wireless devices do not perform a beam training procedure220for the non-sub-7 link, the beams235,245for the second radio frequency link210-bmay be determined by leveraging information and operations performed via the sub-7 link. As used herein, to “to skip performance of a beam training procedure,” and like terms/phrases, may refer to not performing a beam training procedure220, refraining from performing a beam training procedure220, selecting a beam for communication independent of performing a beam training procedure220, and/or selecting a beam for communication without performing a beam training procedure220.

Comparatively, in cases where the wireless devices do perform a beam training procedure220for the second radio frequency link210-b, the wireless devices may determine the Tx/Rx beams235,245for the second radio frequency link210-bbased on the beam training procedure220.

Subsequently, the non-AP MLD130and the AP MLD135may communicate one or more messages with one another via the second radio frequency link210-busing the determined beam(s)235,245. In this regard, the wireless devices may communicate with one another based on communicating the signaling215, performing or skipping the beam training procedure220, determining the beams235,245for the second radio frequency link210-b, or any combination thereof.

Techniques described herein may facilitate more efficient beam training procedures220on non-sub-7 links. For example, techniques described herein may enable wireless devices to completely refrain from performing beam training procedures220on non-sub-7 links. Moreover, in cases where beam training is still expected to be performed on a non-sub-7 link, techniques described herein may enable the wireless devices to determine what level of precision/accuracy of beam training procedure220should be performed. As such, techniques described herein may reduce a frequency with which beam training procedures220are performed on non-sub-7 links. Further, when beam training procedures220are expected to be performed, techniques described herein may enable wireless devices to perform less intensive beam training procedures220in some instances, which may reduce the time and power consumption used to perform such beam training procedures220. By reducing time and power consumption associated with beam training procedures220performed on non-sub-7 links, techniques described herein may improve battery life at wireless devices (e.g., non-AP MLDs130), expedite communications over non-sub-7 bands, and improve overall user experience.

FIG.3illustrates an example of a beam training procedure300that supports beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Aspects of the beam training procedure300may implement, or be implemented by, aspects of the wireless communications system100, the wireless communications system200, or both. For example, the beam training procedure300illustrates communication between a non-AP MLD130and an AP MLD135, which may be examples of the non-AP MLD130and the AP MLD135, respectively, as illustrated by and described with reference toFIG.1.

For example, a STA115and an AP105, or a non-AP MLD130and an AP MLD135(which may be an example of a STA115and an AP105, or a non-AP MLD130and an AP MLD135as illustrated by or described with reference toFIGS.1-2, respectively), may perform the beam training procedure300to measure a signal strength associated with one or more beam pairs and to select a beam pair associated with a suitable or greatest signal strength.

In some implementations, the beam training procedure300may be a beacon frame-based beam training procedure according to which communicating devices may perform beam training via one or more sectorized beacons. The beam training procedure300illustrated inFIG.3may include a BI305that is divided up into three parts: (1) a BTI310, (2) dedicated service periods (D-SPs315), and (3) opportunistic service periods (O-SPs320).

For example, a BI305may include a BTI310during which an AP105may transmit sectorized beacons in different beamformed directions during different beam training resources325(which may generally refer to any one or more of a beam training resource325-a, a beam training resource325-b, a beam training resource325-c, and a beam training resource325-d). In other words, the AP105may perform a sector sweep (e.g., SLS) of short beacon frames during the BTI310. The beacon fames may include short frames that STAs may use as a reference for evaluating if beam training is needed or not.

For instance, as shown inFIG.3, a beam training resource325-amay be associated with a directional beam330-a(which may be denoted as s1) and the AP105may accordingly transmit a sectorized beacon frame during the beam training resource325-ausing the directional beam330-a. Similarly, the beam training resource325-bmay be associated with a directional beam330-b(which may be denoted as s2), the beam training resource325-cmay be associated with a directional beam330-c(which may be denoted as s3), and the beam training resource325-dmay be associated with a directional beam330-d(which may be denoted as s k). As such, the AP105may sweep across a set of directional beams330(which may generally refer to any one or more of the directional beam330-a, the directional beam330-b, the directional beam330-c, or the directional beam330-d) during the BTI310. A STA115may measure the various directional beams330used by the AP105using a and identify a suitable beam pair that the AP105and the STA115may use for exchanging data. Accordingly, the AP105and the STA115may communicate data during an SP for data frame exchange using the suitable beam pair.

For example, the STA115and the AP105may communicate during one or more of a D-SP315-a, a D-SP315-b, and a D-SP315-cusing the suitable beam pair. Additionally, or alternatively, the STA115and the AP105may perform beam training during any one or more of the D-SP315-a, the D-SP315-b, and the D-SP315-c. As illustrated by the beam training procedure300, the AP105may use the directional beam330-dand the STA115may use a directional beam335during the D-SP315-c. The STA115and the AP105also may communicate during one or more open SPs (O-SPs)320(which may generally refer to any one or more of an O-SP320-aand an O-SP320-b).

In accordance with the implementations described herein, a non-AP MLD130(or a STA115associated with a non-AP MLD130) and an AP MLD135(or an AP105associated with an AP MLD135) may perform the beam training procedure300using a 60 GHz link in scenarios in which the non-AP MLD130and the AP MLD135support 60 GHz link beacon frames. In some implementations, the non-AP MLD130and the AP MLD135may conditionally support beacon frame transmissions using the 60 GHz link. For example, the AP MLD135may transmit one or more sectorized beacon frames to the non-AP MLD130using the 60 GHz link in accordance with a satisfaction of a condition associated with 60 GHz link beacon frame transmissions.

The beam training procedure300illustrated inFIG.3may be used to illustrate beam training procedures performed between wireless devices following a new association, or a beam training procedure performed between wireless devices after one of the wireless devices has resumes after a long idle period. In particular, different steps of a beam training procedure (e.g., sector-level training procedure225(SLS), beam refinement procedure230(BRP)) may be performed during different portions of the BI305illustrated inFIG.3.

For example, in accordance with a first implementation, an STA (e.g., non-AP MLD130) may monitors several BTIs310in a quasi-omnidirectional mode to determine the general location of the AP MLD135, and may performs responder-side SLS and BRP during an associated D-SP315. In this regard, the AP MLD130may transmit signals as part of the SLS during the BTI(s)310, and the non-AP MLD130may transmit signals as part of the SLS during D-SPs315, where the BRP is performed during the D-SP(s)315. Stated differently, the non-AP MLD130may receive signals as part of the sector-level training procedure225using a wide beam240within one or more BTIs310, and may transmit signals as part of the sector-level training procedure225during one or more D-SPs315. One drawback of this implementation is that the beam training procedure300may take place over several BTIs310, which may result in longer beam training. However, such delay may be acceptable for use cases that do not require frames to be exchanged on 60 GHz immediately after association.

By way of another example, in accordance with a second implementation, the AP MLD130and the non-AP MLD130(STA) may perform both SLS and BRP during the D-SP315. In this implementation, a portion of the D-SP315(after association or after returning from idle state) may be used towards beam training.

FIG.4illustrates an example of a process flow400that supports beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Aspects of the process flow400may implement, or be implemented by, aspects of the wireless communications system100, the wireless communications system200, the beam training procedure300, or any combination thereof. For example, the process flow400illustrates signaling between a non-AP MLD405and an AP MLD410that may be used to determine whether (or what type/extent) of beam training procedures are expected to be performed for a radio frequency link, such as a 60 GHz link, as shown and described with respect toFIGS.1-3.

The process flow400may include a non-AP MLD405and an AP MLD410, which may be examples of non-AP MLDs130, AP MLDs135, STAs, and other wireless devices described with reference toFIGS.1-3. For example, the non-AP MLD405and the AP MLD410illustrated inFIG.4may include examples of the non-AP MLD130and the AP MLD135, respectively, as illustrated inFIG.2.

At415, the non-AP MLD405and the AP MLD410may communicate (e.g., send and/or receive information) with one another via a first radio frequency link associated with a first frequency band. In some cases, the first frequency band associated with the first radio frequency link may include a sub-7 frequency band, such as a 2.4 GHz band or a 5 GHz band. In some implementations, the non-AP MLD405and the AP MLD410may perform a beam training procedure associated with the first radio frequency link in order to identify beams used to communicate with one another via the first radio frequency link.

At420, the non-AP MLD405, the AP MLD410, or both, may determine position information, beam information, or both, associated with the respective wireless devices. That is, the wireless devices may determine position information (e.g., relative geographical positions) associated with the non-AP MLD405, the AP MLD410, or both, and/or may determine Tx/Rx beams used by the non-AP MLD405, the AP MLD410. The wireless devices may determine the position information and/or the beam information at420based on the communications via the first radio frequency link performed at415. For example, the wireless devices may determine relative geographical positions of the respective devices and/or Tx/Rx beams used by the respective devices based on communicating with one another via the sub-7 link at415. In some implementations, as will be described in further detail herein, the position information and/or beam information associated with the respective devices and/or first radio frequency link may be used to determine whether a beam training procedure should be performed for a second radio frequency link and, if a beam training procedure is needed, what type or level of beam training should be performed.

At425, the non-AP MLD405and the AP MLD410may establish a second radio frequency link. The second radio frequency link may be associated with a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band associated with the first radio frequency link. For example, the second radio frequency link may include a non-sub-7 link associated with a frequency band above 7 GHz, such as a 45 GHz band or a 60 GHz band. As noted previously herein, in some implementations, the first radio frequency link (e.g., the sub-7 link) may serve as a stable anchor link that is used to facilitate communications and operations (e.g., beam training procedures) for the second radio frequency link (e.g., the non-sub-7 link). In this regard, the wireless devices may establish the second radio frequency link as part of a MLO scheme.

At430, the non-AP MLD405, the AP MLD410, or both, may perform measurements on communications performed via the second radio frequency link established at425. For example, the non-AP MLD405may perform measurements on signals received from the AP MLD410via the second radio frequency link. Measurements performed on the second radio frequency link may include, but are not limited to, RSSI measurements, RSRP measurements, RSRQ measurements, SNR measurements, SINR measurements, and the like. In some implementations, as will be described in further detail herein, the relative quality of the second radio frequency link (as determined by the measurements at430) may be used to determine whether a beam training procedure should be performed for the second radio frequency link and, if a beam training procedure is needed, what type or level of beam training should be performed.

At435, the non-AP MLD405, the AP MLD410, or both, may communicate (e.g., send and/or receive) signaling indicating whether or not a beam training procedure is expected to be performed for the second radio frequency link. Moreover, in cases where a beam training procedure is expected to be performed for the second radio frequency link, the signaling may indicate what type or level of beam training procedure is to be performed. The signaling may be communicated between the respective devices via the first radio frequency link (e.g., sub-7 link), the second radio frequency link (e.g., non-sub-7 link), or both.

For example, the signaling may indicate for the wireless devices to skip performance of a beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link, or may indicate a selection between a first beam training procedure and a second beam training procedure. In this example, the first beam training procedure may include only a beam refinement procedure (e.g., BRP), and the second beam training procedure may include a sector-level training procedure (e.g., SLS, or sector-level sweep) and a beam refinement procedure.

The wireless devices may transmit/receive the signaling indicating whether or not (and what type/extent) of beam training procedure is expected for the second radio frequency link at435based on communicating via the first radio frequency link at415, determining the beam/position information at420, establishing the second radio frequency link at425, performing the measurements at430, or any combination thereof.

For example, in cases where the second radio frequency link exhibits a sufficient quality (e.g., measurements that satisfy some threshold, such as RSSI≥Thresh), the signaling may indicate that the wireless devices may skip performance of a beam training procedure, or may perform a less intensive beam training procedure (e.g., beam training procedure with only BRP). Comparatively, in cases where the second radio frequency link exhibits relatively poor quality (e.g., measurements that fail to satisfy some threshold, such as RSSI<Thresh), the signaling may indicate that the wireless devices may perform a more intensive beam training procedure (e.g., beam training procedure with only SLS and BRP). In some implementations, the wireless devices may implement multiple different thresholds for determining whether (and what type/extend) of beam training procedures are to be performed for the second radio frequency link.

By way of another example, the wireless devices may communicate the signaling at435based on the position information and/or beam information determined at420. For example, beam information (e.g., Tx/Rx beams) used for communicating via the first radio frequency link may be used to determine beam information (e.g., Tx/Rx beams) that may be used for communicating via the second radio frequency link. Similarly, in cases where the respective wireless devices determine position information associated with the non-AP MLD405and/or the AP MLD410based on the first radio frequency link, the position information may be used to determine Tx/Rx beams for the second radio frequency link, and therefore be used to determine whether or not beam training procedures (and what type/extent of beam training procedures) should be performed for the second radio frequency link.

In other implementations, the wireless devices may be configured to perform a beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link on-demand. That is, in some cases, the wireless devices may only perform a beam training procedure for a non-sub-7 link only upon request from one of the respective devices. For example, in some cases, the non-AP MLD405may transmit a request for a beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link to the AP MLD410. In this example, the AP MLD410may transmit the signaling at435indicating the what type/extent of beam training procedure is to be performed (e.g., indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure).

In additional or alternative implementations, the wireless devices may indicate whether (or what type/extent) of beam training procedure is to be performed based on other parameters or characteristics, such as a mobility state of the respective devices, previous operational states of the respective devices, or both. For example, in cases where both the non-AP MLD405and the AP MLD410are relatively stationary (e.g., low mobility states), the beams used for communications via the second radio frequency link may remain relatively constant. As such, the signaling at435may indicate that the wireless devices can skip performance of a beam training procedure, or perform a less intensive beam training procedure (e.g., perform only a beam refinement procedure). By way of another example, in cases where the non-AP MLD405and/or the AP MLD410were previously operating in an idle or inactive state for some threshold duration of time, the signaling may indicate that the wireless devices are expected to perform a some type of beam training procedure, such as a beam training procedure including both a sector-level training procedure and a beam refinement procedure.

At440, the non-AP MLD405and the AP MLD410may determine whether (and what type/extent of) a beam training procedure is expected to be performed for the second radio frequency link. In particular, the respective devices may determine whether (and what type/extent) of beam training procedure is expected to be performed for the second radio frequency link based on the signaling at435.

In cases where the wireless devices are not expected to perform a beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link (Step440=NO), the process flow400may proceed to450. Comparatively, in cases where the wireless devices are expected to perform some type of beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link (Step440=YES), the process flow400may proceed to445.

At445, the non-AP MLD405and the AP MLD410may perform a beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link. In particular, the wireless devices may perform a beam training procedure based on the signaling at435. For example, the wireless devices may perform one of a first beam training procedure or a second beam training procedure based on a selection between the first and second beam training procedures indicated via the signaling at435.

As noted previously herein the type and extent of beam training procedures may vary in terms of time used to perform the respective procedures, the steps of the respective procedures, the power consumption associated with the respective procedures, and the relative accuracy/intensity of the respective procedures. For example, in some implementations, the first beam training procedure may include a beam refinement procedure (e.g., BRP), and the second beam training procedure may include a sector-level beam training procedure and the beam refinement procedure (e.g., SLS+BRP). In this regard, as compared to the first beam training procedure, the second beam training procedure may be more intensive and require more time and power, but may be more accurate and precise for determining beams that will exhibit sufficient performance.

At450, the non-AP MLD405and the AP MLD410may determine beams (e.g., Tx/Rx beams) that will be used for communicating via the second radio frequency link. The respective devices may determine the beam(s) (e.g., narrow beams) that will be used for communicating via the second radio frequency link based on communicating the signaling at435, performing the analysis at440, performing the beam training procedure at445, or any combination thereof.

For example, in cases where the wireless devices do not perform a beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link (e.g., Step440=NO), the wireless devices may determine the Tx/Rx beams for the second radio frequency link based on previous beams used for the second radio frequency link, based on beam information associated with the first radio frequency link (as determined at420), and the like. In this regard, in cases where the wireless devices do not perform a beam training procedure for the non-sub-7 link, the beams for the second radio frequency link may be determined by leveraging information and operations performed via the sub-7 link.

Comparatively, in cases where the wireless devices do perform a beam training procedure for the second radio frequency link (e.g., Step440=YES), the wireless devices may determine the Tx/Rx beams for the second radio frequency link based on the beam training procedure performed at445.

At455, the non-AP MLD405and the AP MLD410may communicate one or more messages with one another via the second radio frequency link using the beam(s) determined at450. In this regard, the wireless devices may communicate with one another at455based on communicating the signaling at435, performing the analysis at440, performing the beam training procedure at445, determining the beams for the second radio frequency link at450, or any combination thereof.

Techniques described herein may facilitate more efficient beam training procedures on non-sub-7 links. For example, techniques described herein may enable wireless devices to completely refrain from performing beam training procedures on non-sub-7 links. Moreover, in cases where beam training is still expected to be performed on a non-sub-7 link, techniques described herein may enable the wireless devices to determine what level of precision/accuracy of beam training procedure should be performed. As such, techniques described herein may reduce a frequency with which beam training procedures are performed on non-sub-7 links. Further, when beam training procedures are expected to be performed, techniques described herein may enable wireless devices to perform less intensive beam training procedures in some instances, which may reduce the time and power consumption used to perform such beam training procedures. By reducing time and power consumption associated with beam training procedures performed on non-sub-7 links, techniques described herein may improve battery life at wireless devices (e.g., non-AP MLDs), expedite communications over non-sub-7 bands, and improve overall user experience.

FIG.5shows a block diagram500of a device505that supports beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The device505may be an example of aspects of an AP as described herein. The device505may include a receiver510, a transmitter515, and a communications manager520. The device505may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The transmitter515may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device505. The transmitter515may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The communications manager520, the receiver510, the transmitter515, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof may be examples of means for performing various aspects of beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands as described herein. For example, the communications manager520, the receiver510, the transmitter515, or various combinations or components thereof may support a method for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

In some examples, the communications manager520may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, obtaining, monitoring, outputting, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver510, the transmitter515, or both. For example, the communications manager520may receive information from the receiver510, send information to the transmitter515, or be integrated in combination with the receiver510, the transmitter515, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communications manager520may support wireless communications at a first wireless device in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager520may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link. The communications manager520may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure, or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

By including or configuring the communications manager520in accordance with examples as described herein, the device505(e.g., a processor controlling or otherwise coupled with the receiver510, the transmitter515, the communications manager520, or a combination thereof) may support techniques that facilitate more efficient beam training procedures on non-sub-7 links. For example, techniques described herein may enable wireless devices to completely refrain from performing beam training procedures on non-sub-7 links. Moreover, in cases where beam training is still expected to be performed on a non-sub-7 link, techniques described herein may enable the wireless devices to determine what level of precision/accuracy of beam training procedure should be performed. As such, techniques described herein may reduce a frequency with which beam training procedures are performed on non-sub-7 links. Further, when beam training procedures are expected to be performed, techniques described herein may enable wireless devices to perform less intensive beam training procedures in some instances, which may reduce the time and power consumption used to perform such beam training procedures. By reducing time and power consumption associated with beam training procedures performed on non-sub-7 links, techniques described herein may improve battery life at wireless devices (e.g., non-AP MLDs), expedite communications over non-sub-7 bands, and improve overall user experience.

FIG.6shows a block diagram600of a device605that supports beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The device605may be an example of aspects of a device505or an AP as described herein. The device605may include a receiver610, a transmitter615, and a communications manager620. The device605may also include a processor. Each of these components may be in communication with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The transmitter615may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device605. The transmitter615may utilize a single antenna or a set of multiple antennas.

The device605, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands as described herein. For example, the communications manager620may include a beam training signaling manager625a message communicating manager630, or any combination thereof. The communications manager620may be an example of aspects of a communications manager520as described herein. In some examples, the communications manager620, or various components thereof, may be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, obtaining, monitoring, outputting, transmitting) using or otherwise in cooperation with the receiver610, the transmitter615, or both. For example, the communications manager620may receive information from the receiver610, send information to the transmitter615, or be integrated in combination with the receiver610, the transmitter615, or both to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communications manager620may support wireless communications at a first wireless device in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The beam training signaling manager625may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link. The message communicating manager630may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure, or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

FIG.7shows a block diagram700of a communications manager720that supports beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The communications manager720may be an example of aspects of a communications manager520, a communications manager620, or both, as described herein. The communications manager720, or various components thereof, may be an example of means for performing various aspects of beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands as described herein. For example, the communications manager720may include a beam training signaling manager725, a message communicating manager730, a measurement manager735, a beam training procedure manager740, a request communicating manager745, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate, directly or indirectly, with one another (e.g., via one or more buses).

The communications manager720may support wireless communications at a first wireless device in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The beam training signaling manager725may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link. The message communicating manager730may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure, or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

In some examples, the measurement manager735may be configured as or otherwise support a means for performing one or more measurements on signals received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, where the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based on the one or more measurements failing to satisfy one or more thresholds.

In some examples, the measurement manager735may be configured as or otherwise support a means for performing one or more measurements on signals received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, where the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure based on the one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds.

In some examples, the radio frequency link is associated with a first frequency band, and the message communicating manager730may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating with the second wireless device via a second radio frequency link associated with a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, where communicating the signaling is based on position information, beam information, or both, where the position information, the beam information, or both, is based on communicating via the second radio frequency link.

In some examples, the first frequency band is associated with a frequency above 7 GHz. In some examples, the second frequency band is associated with a frequency below 7 GHz.

In some examples, the beam training signaling manager725may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating the signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based on the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both, previously operating in accordance with an idle state for at least a time duration.

In some examples, the first beam training procedure includes a beam refinement procedure, and the beam training procedure manager740may be configured as or otherwise support a means for performing one of the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure in accordance with the signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure, where the beam used for communicating the one or more messages via the radio frequency link is selected based on performing the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure.

In some examples, to support performing the second beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager740may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the second wireless device during one or more beacon transmit intervals associated with the sector-level training procedure, a first set of multiple signals using a set of multiple wide beams that are spatially separated within a set of multiple sectors to identify a first sector of the set of multiple sectors. In some examples, to support performing the second beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager740may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the second wireless device during one or more service periods associated with the beam refinement procedure, a second set of multiple signals using a set of multiple narrow beams that are spatially separated within the first sector, where the beam is selected from the set of multiple narrow beams.

In some examples, to support performing the second beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager740may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the second wireless device during one or more service periods associated with the sector-level training procedure, a first set of multiple signals using a set of multiple wide beams that are spatially separated within a sector of a set of multiple sectors to identify a first sector of the set of multiple sectors. In some examples, to support performing the second beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager740may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the second wireless device during one or more additional service periods associated with the beam refinement procedure, a second set of multiple signals using a set of multiple narrow beams that are spatially separated within the first sector, where the beam is selected from the set of multiple narrow beams.

In some examples, to support performing the first beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager740may be configured as or otherwise support a means for transmitting, to the second wireless device as part of the beam refinement procedure, a set of multiple signals using a subset of narrow beams of the set of multiple narrow beams that are spatially separated across a sector of the set of multiple sectors, where the beam is selected from the subset of narrow beams.

In some examples, to support performing the second beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager740may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the second wireless device as part of the sector-level training procedure, a first set of multiple signals using a set of multiple wide beams that are spatially separated across a set of multiple sectors to identify a first sector of the set of multiple sectors. In some examples, to support performing the second beam training procedure, the beam training procedure manager740may be configured as or otherwise support a means for receiving, from the second wireless device as part of the beam refinement procedure, a second set of multiple signals using a set of multiple narrow beams that are spatially separated across the first sector, where the beam is selected from the set of multiple narrow beams.

In some examples, the 750 may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating, with the second wireless device, a message indicating the first sector of the set of multiple sectors based on transmitting the first set of multiple signals as part of the sector-level training procedure, where transmitting the second set of multiple signals as part of the beam refinement procedure is based on the message indicating the first sector.

In some examples, the request communicating manager745may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating, with the second wireless device, a request for one of the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure, where the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based on the request.

In some examples, the beam training signaling manager725may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating the signaling based on a mobility state associated with the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both.

In some examples, the first wireless device includes an AP, a first MLD, or both. In some examples, the second wireless device includes an STA, a second MLD, or both. In some examples, the first wireless device includes the STA, the first MLD, or both. In some examples, the second wireless device includes the AP, the second MLD, or both.

The network communications manager810may manage communications with a core network (e.g., via one or more wired backhaul links). For example, the network communications manager810may manage the transfer of data communications for client devices, such as one or more STAs115.

The memory830may include RAM and ROM. The memory830may store computer-readable, computer-executable code835including instructions that, when executed by the processor840, cause the device805to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory830may contain, among other things, a BIOS which may control basic hardware or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The inter-station communications manager845may manage communications with other APs105, and may include a controller or scheduler for controlling communications with STAs115in cooperation with other APs105. For example, the inter-station communications manager845may coordinate scheduling for transmissions to APs105for various interference mitigation techniques such as beamforming or joint transmission. In some examples, the inter-station communications manager845may provide an X2 interface within an LTE/LTE-A wireless communication network technology to provide communication between APs105.

The communications manager820may support wireless communications at a first wireless device in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communications manager820may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link. The communications manager820may be configured as or otherwise support a means for communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure, or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

By including or configuring the communications manager820in accordance with examples as described herein, the device805may support techniques that facilitate more efficient beam training procedures on non-sub-7 links. For example, techniques described herein may enable wireless devices to completely refrain from performing beam training procedures on non-sub-7 links. Moreover, in cases where beam training is still expected to be performed on a non-sub-7 link, techniques described herein may enable the wireless devices to determine what level of precision/accuracy of beam training procedure should be performed. As such, techniques described herein may reduce a frequency with which beam training procedures are performed on non-sub-7 links. Further, when beam training procedures are expected to be performed, techniques described herein may enable wireless devices to perform less intensive beam training procedures in some instances, which may reduce the time and power consumption used to perform such beam training procedures. By reducing time and power consumption associated with beam training procedures performed on non-sub-7 links, techniques described herein may improve battery life at wireless devices (e.g., non-AP MLDs), expedite communications over non-sub-7 bands, and improve overall user experience.

FIG.9shows a flowchart illustrating a method900that supports beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method900may be implemented by an AP or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method900may be performed by an AP as described with reference to FIGs.FIG.1through8. In some examples, an AP may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the described functions. Additionally, or alternatively, the AP may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At905, the method may include communicating signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link. The operations of905may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of905may be performed by a beam training signaling manager725as described with reference toFIG.7.

At910, the method may include communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure, or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure. The operations of910may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of910may be performed by a message communicating manager730as described with reference toFIG.7.

FIG.10shows a flowchart illustrating a method1000that supports beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method1000may be implemented by an AP or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method1000may be performed by an AP as described with reference to FIGs.FIG.1through8. In some examples, an AP may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the described functions. Additionally, or alternatively, the AP may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At1005, the method may include performing one or more measurements on signals received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link. The operations of1005may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1005may be performed by a measurement manager735as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1010, the method may include communicating signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link based on the one or more measurements failing to satisfy one or more thresholds. The operations of1010may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1010may be performed by a beam training signaling manager725as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1015, the method may include communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based on the signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure. The operations of1015may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1015may be performed by a message communicating manager730as described with reference toFIG.7.

FIG.11shows a flowchart illustrating a method1100that supports beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method1100may be implemented by an AP or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method1100may be performed by an AP as described with reference to FIGs.FIG.1through8. In some examples, an AP may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the described functions. Additionally, or alternatively, the AP may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At1105, the method may include performing one or more measurements on signals received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, where the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure based on the one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds. The operations of1105may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1105may be performed by a measurement manager735as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1110, the method may include communicating signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure based at least in part on the one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds. The operations of1110may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1110may be performed by a beam training signaling manager725as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1115, the method may include communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based on the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure. The operations of1115may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1115may be performed by a message communicating manager730as described with reference toFIG.7.

FIG.12shows a flowchart illustrating a method1200that supports beamforming techniques in Wi-Fi frequency bands in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method1200may be implemented by an AP or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of the method1200may be performed by an AP as described with reference to FIGs.FIG.1through8. In some examples, an AP may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of the AP to perform the described functions. Additionally, or alternatively, the AP may perform aspects of the described functions using special-purpose hardware.

At1205, the method may include communicating with the second wireless device via a second radio frequency link associated with a second frequency band different from a first frequency band, where communicating the signaling is based on position information, beam information, or both, where the position information, the beam information, or both, is based on communicating via the second radio frequency link. The operations of1205may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1205may be performed by a message communicating manager730as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1210, the method may include determining position information, beam information, or both, based at least in part on communicating via the second radio frequency link. The operations of1210may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1210may be performed by a message communicating manager730as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1215, the method may include communicating signaling with a second wireless device based on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link, wherein communicating the signaling is based at least in part on position information, beam information, or both, wherein the position information, the beam information, or both, is based at least in part on communicating via the second radio frequency link. The operations of1215may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1215may be performed by a beam training signaling manager725as described with reference toFIG.7.

At1220, the method may include communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure, or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure. The operations of1220may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of1220may be performed by a message communicating manager730as described with reference toFIG.7.

Aspect 1: A method for wireless communications at a first wireless device, comprising: communicating signaling with a second wireless device based at least in part on establishing a radio frequency link, the signaling indicating the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of a beam training procedure, or indicating a selection between a first beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link and a second beam training procedure associated with the radio frequency link; and communicating one or more messages with the second wireless device via the radio frequency link using a beam, the beam being based at least in part on whether the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure, or indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure.

Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, further comprising: performing one or more measurements on signals received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, wherein the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based at least in part on the one or more measurements failing to satisfy one or more thresholds.

Aspect 3: The method of any of aspects 1 through 2, further comprising: performing one or more measurements on signals received from the second wireless device via the radio frequency link, wherein the signaling indicates the first wireless device and the second wireless device are to skip performance of the beam training procedure based at least in part on the one or more measurements satisfying one or more thresholds.

Aspect 4: The method of any of aspects 1 through 3, wherein the radio frequency link is associated with a first frequency band, the method further comprising: communicating with the second wireless device via a second radio frequency link associated with a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, wherein communicating the signaling is based at least in part on position information, beam information, or both, wherein the position information, the beam information, or both, is based at least in part on communicating via the second radio frequency link.

Aspect 5: The method of aspect 4, wherein the first frequency band is associated with a frequency above 7 GHz, and the second frequency band is associated with a frequency below 7 GHz.

Aspect 6: The method of any of aspects 1 through 5, further comprising: communicating the signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based at least in part on the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both, previously operating in accordance with an idle state for at least a time duration.

Aspect 7: The method of any of aspects 1 through 6, wherein the first beam training procedure comprises a beam refinement procedure, and wherein the second beam training procedure comprises a sector-level training procedure and the beam refinement procedure, the method further comprising: performing one of the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure in accordance with the signaling indicating the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure, wherein the beam used for communicating the one or more messages via the radio frequency link is selected based at least in part on performing the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure.

Aspect 8: The method of aspect 7, wherein performing the second beam training procedure comprises: receiving, from the second wireless device during one or more beacon transmit intervals associated with the sector-level training procedure, a first plurality of signals using a plurality of wide beams that are spatially separated within a plurality of sectors to identify a first sector of the plurality of sectors; and receiving, from the second wireless device during one or more service periods associated with the beam refinement procedure, a second plurality of signals using a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated within the first sector, wherein the beam is selected from the plurality of narrow beams.

Aspect 9: The method of any of aspects 7 through 8, wherein performing the second beam training procedure comprises: transmitting, to the second wireless device during one or more service periods associated with the sector-level training procedure, a first plurality of signals using a plurality of wide beams that are spatially separated within a sector of a plurality of sectors to identify a first sector of the plurality of sectors; and transmitting, to the second wireless device during one or more additional service periods associated with the beam refinement procedure, a second plurality of signals using a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated within the first sector, wherein the beam is selected from the plurality of narrow beams.

Aspect 10: The method of any of aspects 7 through 9, wherein the first wireless device is associated with a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated across a plurality of sectors, and wherein performing the first beam training procedure comprises: transmitting, to the second wireless device as part of the beam refinement procedure, a plurality of signals using a subset of narrow beams of the plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated across a sector of the plurality of sectors, wherein the beam is selected from the subset of narrow beams.

Aspect 11: The method of any of aspects 7 through 10, and wherein performing the second beam training procedure comprises: receiving, from the second wireless device as part of the sector-level training procedure, a first plurality of signals using a plurality of wide beams that are spatially separated across a plurality of sectors to identify a first sector of the plurality of sectors; and receiving, from the second wireless device as part of the beam refinement procedure, a second plurality of signals using a plurality of narrow beams that are spatially separated across the first sector, wherein the beam is selected from the plurality of narrow beams.

Aspect 12: The method of aspect 11, further comprising: communicating, with the second wireless device, a message indicating the first sector of the plurality of sectors based at least in part on transmitting the first plurality of signals as part of the sector-level training procedure, wherein transmitting the second plurality of signals as part of the beam refinement procedure is based at least in part on the message indicating the first sector.

Aspect 13: The method of any of aspects 1 through 12, further comprising: communicating, with the second wireless device, a request for one of the first beam training procedure or the second beam training procedure, wherein the signaling indicates the selection between the first beam training procedure and the second beam training procedure based at least in part on the request.

Aspect 14: The method of any of aspects 1 through 13, further comprising: communicating the signaling based at least in part on a mobility state associated with the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both.

Aspect 15: The method of any of aspects 1 through 14, wherein the first wireless device comprises an AP, a first multi-link device, or both, and the second wireless device comprises an STA, a second multi-link device, or both, or the first wireless device comprises the STA, the first multi-link device, or both, and the second wireless device comprises the AP, the second multi-link device, or both.

Aspect 17: An apparatus for wireless communications at a first wireless device, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 1 through 15.

It should be noted that the methods described herein describe possible implementations, and that the operations and the steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified and that other implementations are possible. Furthermore, aspects from two or more of the methods may be combined.

Techniques described herein may be used for various wireless communications systems such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The terms “system” and “network” are often used interchangeably. A code division multiple access (CDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), etc. CDMA2000 covers IS-2000, IS-95, and IS-856 standards. IS-2000 Releases may be commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1×, 1×, etc. IS-856 (TIA-856) is commonly referred to as CDMA2000 1×EV-DO, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD), etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and other variants of CDMA. A time division multiple access (TDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system may implement a radio technology such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc.

The wireless communications system or systems described herein may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the STAs may have similar frame timing, and transmissions from different STAs may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the STAs may have different frame timing, and transmissions from different STAs may not be aligned in time. The techniques described herein may be used for either synchronous or asynchronous operations.