Channel access method and related device for multi-link equipment

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, such as applications in wireless local area networks supporting the 802.11be standard, and more particularly to a channel access method and related apparatus for a multi-link device. The method comprises: when the length of a first PPDU sent by a first multi-link device on a first link is less than or equal to a first value, the first multi-link device does not start a media synchronization delay timer on a second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive simultaneously on the first link and the second link. By using the embodiments of the present application, the efficiency of channel access can be improved when a non-STR MLD is in a blind state / self-interference state.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 202010924423.8, and the original application date is September 4, 2020. The entire content of the original application is incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a channel access method and related apparatus for a multi-link device. Background Art

[0003] With the development of wireless communication technology, more and more wireless communication devices support multi-link communication. For example, they can communicate simultaneously on the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands, or on different channels in the same frequency band. Such wireless communication devices are generally called multi-link devices (MLDs). Obviously, multi-link devices can use multiple links to communicate in parallel, significantly improving the transmission rate.

[0004] Although multi-link devices can increase transmission rates by communicating on multiple links in parallel, when the frequency intervals between the multiple frequency bands supported by extremely high throughput (EHT) multi-link devices are close, transmitting on one frequency band can affect receiving on another. For example, if an EHT multi-link device transmits on Link 1, due to the small frequency interval between Links 1 and 2, the transmitted signal on Link 1 will cause channel interference on Link 2, affecting channel access and information reception on Link 2. Therefore, this device cannot independently transmit and receive on multiple frequency bands simultaneously to avoid mutual interference. The 802.11TGbe standards group has recently developed the definition that EHT multi-link devices can have both simultaneous transmitting and receiving (STR) and non-STR (non-STR) capabilities.

[0005] When a non-STR-capable MLD (non-STR MLD) transmits on a link, interference affects the clear channel assessment (CCA) on other links, causing it to enter a blindness period (also known as a deaf period). A blind period means it cannot detect any information on the channel, or cannot detect any information on the channel. Therefore, when a non-STR MLD is in a blind state on certain links, how to access the channel on these links becomes a pressing issue. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a channel access method and related apparatus for a multi-link device, which can improve the efficiency of channel access when a non-STRMLD is in a blind state / self-interference state.

[0007] The present application is introduced below from different aspects. It should be understood that the implementation methods and beneficial effects of the following different aspects can be referenced to each other.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a channel access method for a multi-link device, the method comprising: when a length of a first PPDU sent by a first multi-link device on a first link is less than or equal to a first value, the first multi-link device does not start a media synchronization delay timer on a second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time.

[0009] The first multi-link device not starting the media synchronization delay timer on the second link includes: when the first multi-link device performs channel competition on the second link, setting the energy detection threshold used by the idle channel assessment CCA to a first threshold, and the first threshold is -62dBm; or, after the backoff counter on the second link backs off to 0, the first multi-link device is allowed to send frames other than RTS frames and MU-RTS frames.

[0010] In this solution, when the length of the PPDU sent on one link is less than or equal to a certain value, the media synchronization delay timer is not started on the other link, or when channel competition is performed on the other link, the energy detection threshold used by CCA is set to -62dBm, or there is no need to use RTS frames on the other link to perform channel protection / channel availability testing, thereby improving the channel access efficiency or channel access success rate of the first multi-link device on the other link, or improving the channel access opportunity of the first multi-link device on the other link.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: the first multi-link device receiving a first value. The first value may be carried in a beacon frame, or in an association response frame or a reassociation response frame.

[0012] Optionally, the first value may be carried in a multi-link element, an extremely high throughput operation element, or a newly defined element.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: when the length of the first PPDU is greater than the first value, the first multi-link device determines an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, and starts the media synchronization delay timer with the initial value on the second link.

[0014] Optionally, the method further includes: the first multi-link device receiving first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) length and an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer.

[0015] This solution determines the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer according to the length of the first PPDU, making the setting of the media synchronization delay timer more flexible.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: when the length of the first PPDU is greater than the first value, the first multi-link device starts the media synchronization delay timer on the second link; within the time period of the media synchronization delay timer, if the first multi-link device performs channel competition on the second link, the energy detection threshold used by the CCA on the second link is set to the threshold value corresponding to the length of the first PPDU.

[0017] Optionally, before the first multi-link device sends the first PPDU on the first link, the method further includes: the first multi-link device receiving second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold.

[0018] This solution determines the energy detection threshold according to the length of the first PPDU, making the channel access mechanism on the second link more flexible, thereby improving the channel access efficiency.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present application provides a first multi-link device or a chip in the first multi-link device, such as a Wi-Fi chip. The first multi-link device may be a non-STR Multi-Link Device (MLD). The first multi-link device includes a processing unit configured to, when the length of a first PPDU sent by the first multi-link device on a first link is less than or equal to a first value, disable a media synchronization delay timer on a second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first and second links simultaneously.

[0020] The processing unit is specifically configured to set an energy detection threshold used by a clear channel assessment (CCA) on the second link to a first threshold, where the first threshold is -62 dBm. Alternatively, the first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit configured to send frames other than RTS frames and MU-RTS frames after a backoff counter on the second link reaches 0.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit configured to receive a first value. The first value may be carried in a beacon frame, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

[0022] Optionally, the first value may be carried in a multi-link element, an extremely high throughput operation element, or a newly defined element.

[0023] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the above-mentioned processing unit is also used to: when the length of the first PPDU is greater than the first value, determine the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, and start the media synchronization delay timer with the initial value on the second link.

[0024] Optionally, the first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit, which is further configured to: receive first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer.

[0025] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing unit is further used to: when the length of the first PPDU is greater than the first value, start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link; within the time period of the media synchronization delay timer, if the first multi-link device performs channel competition on the second link, set the energy detection threshold used by CCA on the second link to the threshold value corresponding to the length of the first PPDU.

[0026] Optionally, the first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit, which is further configured to: the first multi-link device receives second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold.

[0027] In a third aspect, the present application provides a channel access method for a multi-link device, the method comprising: when a first frame sent by a first multi-link device on a first link is of a first type, the first multi-link device does not start a media synchronization delay timer on a second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive simultaneously on the first link and the second link.

[0028] The first multi-link device not starting the media synchronization delay timer on the second link includes: when the first multi-link device performs channel competition on the second link, setting the energy detection threshold used by the idle channel assessment CCA to a first threshold, and the first threshold is -62dBm; or, after the backoff counter on the second link backs off to 0, the first multi-link device is allowed to send frames other than RTS frames and MU-RTS frames.

[0029] Optionally, when the above-mentioned first frame is any of the following frames, the type of the first frame is the first type: request to send (RTS) frame, multiple user request to send (MU-RTS) frame, power save-Poll (PS-Poll) frame, CTS frame, buffer status report (BSR) frame, bandwidth query report (BQR) frame, null data packet (NDP) frame, acknowledgment (ACK) frame, (block ACK, BA) block acknowledgment frame.

[0030] Optionally, the first frame is a request to send (RTS) frame or a multiple user RTS (MU-RTS) frame. If the first multi-link device does not receive a clear to send (CTS) frame on the first link within a preset time, the first multi-link device does not start a media synchronization delay timer on the second link.

[0031] Optionally, the first frame is a power save-poll (PS-Poll) frame. If the first multi-link device does not receive a PS-Poll frame indicating permission to send on the first link within a preset time, the first multi-link device does not start a media synchronization delay timer on the second link.

[0032] Optionally, the first frame is a CTS frame. Before the first multi-link device sends the first PPDU on the first link, the method further includes: the first multi-link device receives an RTS frame or an MU-RTS frame on the first link.

[0033] Optionally, the first frame is a status report BSR frame. Before the first multi-link device sends the first PPDU on the first link, the method further includes: the first multi-link device receives a status report polling BSRP trigger frame on the first link.

[0034] Optionally, the first frame is a bandwidth query report (BQR) frame. Before the first multi-link device sends the first PPDU on the first link, the method further includes: the first multi-link device receives a bandwidth query report poll (BQRP) trigger frame on the first link.

[0035] Optionally, the first frame is a Null Data Packet (NDP) frame. Before the first multi-link device sends the first PPDU on the first link, the method further includes: the first multi-link device receives a Beamforming Report Poll (BFRP) trigger frame on the first link.

[0036] Optionally, the first frame is an ACK frame or a BA frame. Before the first multi-link device sends the first PPDU on the first link, the first multi-link device receives a data frame or a management frame on the first link.

[0037] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a first multi-link device or a chip in the first multi-link device, such as a Wi-Fi chip. The first multi-link device may be a non-STR Multi-Link Device (MLD). The first multi-link device includes a processing unit configured to, when a first frame sent by the first multi-link device on a first link is of a first type, cause the first multi-link device to not start a media synchronization delay timer on a second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first and second links simultaneously.

[0038] The processing unit is specifically configured to set an energy detection threshold used by a clear channel assessment (CCA) on the second link to a first threshold, where the first threshold is -62 dBm. Alternatively, the first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit configured to send frames other than RTS frames and MU-RTS frames after a backoff counter on the second link reaches 0.

[0039] Optionally, when the above-mentioned first frame is any of the following frames, the type of the first frame is the first type: request to send (RTS) frame, multiple user request to send (MU-RTS) frame, power save-Poll (PS-Poll) frame, CTS frame, buffer status report (BSR) frame, bandwidth query report (BQR) frame, null data packet (NDP) frame, acknowledgment (ACK) frame, (block ACK, BA) block acknowledgment frame.

[0040] Optionally, the first frame is an RTS frame or an MU-RTS frame. The processing unit is specifically configured to: when the first multi-link device does not receive a clear to send (CTS) frame on the first link within a preset time, not start a media synchronization delay timer on the second link.

[0041] Optionally, the first frame is a PS-Poll frame. The processing unit is specifically configured to: when the first multi-link device does not receive a PS-Poll frame indicating permission to send on the first link within a preset time, not start a media synchronization delay timer on the second link.

[0042] Optionally, the first frame is a CTS frame. The first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit configured to receive an RTS frame or an MU-RTS frame on the first link.

[0043] Optionally, the first PPDU is a status report BSR frame. The first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit configured to receive a status report polling BSRP trigger frame on the first link.

[0044] Optionally, the first PPDU is a bandwidth query report (BQR) frame. The first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit configured to receive a bandwidth query report poll (BQRP) trigger frame on the first link.

[0045] Optionally, the first PPDU is a Null Data Packet (NDP) frame. The first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit configured to receive a beamforming report polling (BFRP) trigger frame on the first link.

[0046] Optionally, the first PPDU is an ACK frame or a BA frame. The first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit configured to receive a data frame or a management frame on the first link.

[0047] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a method for determining an initial duration of a media synchronization delay timer, the method comprising: a first multi-link device receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an initial value (or initial duration) of a media synchronization delay timer; the first multi-link device determining, based on the length of a first PPDU sent on a first link, an initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, the initial value being used to determine whether to enable the media synchronization delay timer on a second link. The first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0048] Optionally, the first multi-link device determines whether to start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link according to an initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU.

[0049] Optionally, if the determined initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is equal to 0, the first multi-link device does not start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. If the determined initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is equal to 0, the first multi-link device starts the media synchronization delay timer on the second link with the initial value.

[0050] The first multi-link device starts the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link. This can be understood (or described) as follows: During the time the mediumSyncDelay timer is ticking, the first multi-link device can adopt a more conservative channel access mechanism on the second link. This more conservative channel access mechanism includes, but is not limited to: 1) using a lower energy detection threshold (here, an ED threshold lower than -62dBm) to determine whether the channel is busy; and 2) requiring the transmission of an RTS frame to test channel availability.

[0051] In this solution, different PPDU lengths / byte lengths correspond to different initial values ​​of the mediumSyncDelay timer, which makes the setting of the mediumSyncDelay timer more flexible and can improve channel access efficiency.

[0052] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a method for determining the initial duration of a media synchronization delay timer, the method comprising: a second multi-link device generates and sends first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a first multi-link device or a chip in the first multi-link device, such as a Wi-Fi chip. The first multi-link device may be a non-STR MLD. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer; and a processing unit for determining, based on the length of the first PPDU sent on the first link, an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU. The communication device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0054] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to determine whether to start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link according to an initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU.

[0055] Optionally, the above-mentioned processing unit is specifically used to: if the determined initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is equal to 0, then the media synchronization delay timer is not started on the second link; if the determined initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is equal to 0, then the media synchronization delay timer is started on the second link.

[0056] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a second multi-link device or a chip in the second multi-link device, such as a Wi-Fi chip. The second multi-link device may be an MLD of a STR. The communication device includes: a processing unit configured to generate first indication information, the first indication information being configured to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an initial value (or initial duration) of a media synchronization delay timer; and a transceiver configured to transmit the first indication information.

[0057] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a method for determining an energy detection threshold during a CCA process, the method comprising: a first multi-link device receiving second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an energy detection threshold; the first multi-link device sending a first PPDU on a first link; the first multi-link device determining, based on the length of the first PPDU sent on the first link, an energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, the energy detection threshold being used to determine whether to enable a media synchronization delay timer on a second link. The first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0058] Optionally, the first multi-link device determines whether to start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link according to an energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU.

[0059] Optionally, if the determined energy detection threshold is equal to -62 dBm, the first multi-link device does not start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. If the determined energy detection threshold is less than -62 dBm, the first multi-link device starts the media synchronization delay timer on the second link.

[0060] In this solution, different PPDU lengths / byte lengths correspond to different energy detection thresholds, which makes the channel access mechanism on the second link more flexible and improves the channel access efficiency.

[0061] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a method for determining an energy detection threshold during a CCA process, the method comprising: a second multi-link device generates and sends second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold.

[0062] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a first multi-link device or a chip in the first multi-link device, such as a Wi-Fi chip. The first multi-link device may be a non-STR MLD. The communication device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold; a processing unit for determining the energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU sent on the first link, wherein the energy detection threshold is used to determine whether to start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. The first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time.

[0063] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to determine whether to start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link based on an energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU. The communication device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time.

[0064] Optionally, the above-mentioned processing unit is specifically used to: if the determined energy detection threshold is equal to -62dBm, the first multi-link device does not start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link; if the determined energy detection threshold is less than -62dBm, the first multi-link device starts the media synchronization delay timer on the second link.

[0065] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a second multi-link device or a chip in the second multi-link device, such as a Wi-Fi chip. The second multi-link device may be an MLD of a STR. The communication device includes: a processing unit configured to generate second indication information indicating a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an energy detection threshold; and a transceiver configured to transmit the second indication information.

[0066] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a first multi-link device, comprising a processor. Optionally, the present application further comprises a transceiver. The processor is configured to, when a length of a first PPDU sent by the first multi-link device on a first link is less than or equal to a first value, not start a media synchronization delay timer on a second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0067] In one possible design, the processor is configured to, when a first frame sent by a first multi-link device on a first link is of a first type, not start a media synchronization delay timer on a second link by the first multi-link device, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive simultaneously on the first link and the second link.

[0068] In one possible design, the transceiver is configured to receive first indication information indicating a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an initial value (or initial duration) of a media synchronization delay timer; and the processor is configured to determine, based on the length of a first PPDU sent on a first link, an initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU. The communication device cannot simultaneously transmit and receive on the first link and the second link.

[0069] In one possible design, the transceiver is configured to receive second indication information, the second indication information being configured to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length / byte length and an energy detection threshold; the processor is configured to determine, based on the length of a first PPDU sent on the first link, an energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, the energy detection threshold being configured to determine whether to enable the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. The first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0070] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a second multi-link device, comprising a processor and a transceiver. The processor is configured to generate first indication information, the first indication information being configured to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an initial value (or initial duration) of a media synchronization delay timer; and the transceiver is configured to send the first indication information.

[0071] In one possible design, the processor is used to generate second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold; and the transceiver is used to send the second indication information.

[0072] In a fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a first multi-link device, which may be in the form of a chip product. The structure of the first multi-link device includes an input / output interface and a processing circuit. The input / output interface is configured to receive a code instruction and transmit it to the processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to disable a media synchronization delay timer on a second link when the length of a first PPDU is less than or equal to a first value. The first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0073] In one possible design, the input / output interface is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processing circuit, and the processing circuit is used to, when the type of the first frame sent by the first multi-link device on the first link is the first type, cause the first multi-link device to not start a media synchronization delay timer on the second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time.

[0074] In one possible design, the transceiver is configured to receive first indication information, the input / output interface is configured to receive the first indication information from the transceiver, and send the first indication information to the processing circuit for processing, thereby obtaining a mapping relationship between a PPDU length indicated by the first indication information and an initial value (or initial duration) of a media synchronization delay timer; the processing circuit is configured to determine, based on the length of a first PPDU sent on a first link, an initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, the initial value being used to determine whether to enable the media synchronization delay timer on a second link. The first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0075] In one possible design, the transceiver is configured to receive second indication information, the input / output interface is configured to receive the second indication information from the transceiver, and send the second indication information to the processing circuit for processing, thereby obtaining a mapping relationship between a PPDU length indicated by the second indication information and an energy detection threshold; the processing circuit is configured to determine, based on the length of a first PPDU sent on the first link, an energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, and the energy detection threshold is used to determine whether to enable the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. The first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0076] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a second multi-link device, which can be in the form of a chip product. The structure of the second multi-link device includes an input / output interface and a processing circuit. The input / output interface is configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to generate first indication information, where the first indication information is configured to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an initial value (or initial duration) of a media synchronization delay timer. The input / output interface is configured to transmit the first indication information to a transceiver, and the transceiver is configured to transmit the first indication information.

[0077] In one possible design, the input-output interface is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processing circuit, the processing circuit is used to generate second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold; the input-output interface is used to send the second indication information to the transceiver, and the transceiver is used to send the second indication information.

[0078] In the seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the method described in the first aspect, or the third aspect, or the fifth aspect, or the seventh aspect, or the ninth aspect, or the tenth aspect.

[0079] In the eighteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising program instructions, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the first aspect, or the third aspect, or the fifth aspect, or the seventh aspect, or the ninth aspect, or the tenth aspect.

[0080] By implementing the embodiments of the present application, the efficiency of channel access can be improved when the non-STR MLD is in a blind state or a self-interference state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments.

[0082] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of communication between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-link device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] Figure 3b is another structural diagram of a multi-link device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a channel access method for a multi-link device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] Figure 5 is another schematic flow chart of the channel access method for a multi-link device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a multi-link element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] Figure 6b This application is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the EHT operation element provided in an embodiment;

[0090] Figure 6c This application is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the non-STR MLD parameter set element provided in an embodiment;

[0091] Figure 7 This is a schematic flow chart of a method for determining the initial duration of a media synchronization delay timer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] Figure 9 This is a schematic flow chart of a method for determining an energy detection threshold in a CCA process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between PPDU length and energy detection threshold provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] Figure 11 is a structural diagram of a first multi-link device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] Figure 12 It is a structural diagram of a second multi-link device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0098] To facilitate understanding of the channel access method for a multi-link device provided in the embodiments of the present application, the system architecture and / or application scenarios of the channel access method for a multi-link device provided in the embodiments of the present application are described below. It is understood that the system architecture and / or application scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0099] An embodiment of the present application provides a channel access method for a non-STR MLD, which can improve the efficiency of channel access when the non-STR MLD is in a blind state or a self-interference state. The channel access method for a multi-link device can be implemented by a communication device in a wireless communication system or a chip or processor in the communication device. The communication device can be a wireless communication device that supports parallel transmission of multiple links. For example, the communication device can be called a multi-link device or a multi-band device. Compared with a communication device that only supports single-link transmission, a multi-link device has higher transmission efficiency and greater throughput.

[0100] A multi-link device includes one or more affiliated stations (affiliated STAs). An affiliated station is a logical station that can operate on a link, a frequency band, or a channel. The affiliated station can be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For the convenience of description, this application refers to a multi-link device whose affiliated station is an AP as a multi-link AP or a multi-link AP device or an AP multi-link device (AP MLD), and a multi-link device whose affiliated station is a non-AP STA as a multi-link non-AP or a multi-link non-AP device or a non-AP multi-link device (non-AP multi-link device, non-APMLD).

[0101] Optionally, a multi-link device may include multiple logical sites, each of which operates on one link, but multiple logical sites are allowed to operate on the same link.

[0102] Optionally, one or more STAs in the non-AP MLD can establish an association with one or more APs in the AP MLD before communicating. Figure 1 , Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of communication between a non-AP MLD and an AP MLD provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1As shown, AP MLDs include AP1, AP2, ..., APn; non-AP MLDs include STA1, STA2, ..., STAn. AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs can communicate in parallel using links 1, 2, ..., and n. STA1 in the non-AP MLD establishes an association with AP1 in the AP MLD, STA2 in the non-AP MLD establishes an association with AP2 in the AP MLD, and STAn in the non-AP MLD establishes an association with APn in the AP MLD.

[0103] Optionally, the multi-link device may implement wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series of protocols, for example, an extremely high throughput (EHT) station, or a station based on or compatible with IEEE 802.11be, to communicate with other devices.

[0104] The channel access method for a multi-link device provided in an embodiment of the present application can be applied to a scenario where one node communicates with one or more nodes; it can also be applied to a single-user uplink / downlink communication scenario, a multi-user uplink / downlink communication scenario; it can also be applied to a device-to-device (D2D) communication scenario.

[0105] Any of the above nodes may be an AP MLD or a non-AP MLD. For example, an AP MLD may communicate with a non-AP MLD, or an AP MLD may communicate with an AP MLD, or a non-AP MLD may communicate with a non-AP MLD. This is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0106] Optionally, in any of the above scenarios, there is at least one node that cannot send and receive simultaneously, that is, has non-STR capability.

[0107] Optionally, for ease of description, the following describes the system architecture of the present application by taking the scenario of communication between AP MLD and non-AP MLD as an example. The channel access method of the multi-link device provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to a wireless local area network (WLAN). Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the wireless communication system provided by the embodiment of the present application. Figure 2As shown, the wireless communication system includes at least one AP MLD and at least one non-AP MLD. Among them, the AP MLD is a multi-link device that provides services to the non-AP MLD. The non-AP MLD can communicate with the AP MLD using multiple links. An AP in the AP MLD can communicate with a STA in the non-AP MLD through one link. It is understandable that Figure 2 The number of AP MLDs and non-AP MLDs is only exemplary. Optionally, the wireless communication system includes at least one MLD with non-STR capability.

[0108] Exemplarily, a multi-link device (here, either a non-AP MLD or an AP MLD) is a device with wireless communication capabilities. This device can be a complete device or a chip or processing system installed in the complete device. Devices equipped with these chips or processing systems can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application under the control of these chips or processing systems. For example, the non-AP multi-link device in the embodiments of the present application has wireless transceiver capabilities, supports the 802.11 series of protocols, and can communicate with AP multi-link devices or other non-AP multi-link devices. For example, a non-AP multi-link device is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and, in turn, with a WLAN. For example, a non-AP multi-link device can be a tablet computer, desktop, laptop, notebook computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), handheld computer, netbook, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, or other network-capable user device, or an IoT node in the Internet of Things (IoT), or an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). A non-AP multi-link device can also be a chip or processing system in any of these terminals. An AP multi-link device can provide services to non-AP multi-link devices and can support the 802.11 series of protocols. For example, an AP multi-link device can be a communication entity such as a communication server, router, switch, or bridge. Alternatively, an AP multi-link device can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, and relay stations. Of course, an AP multi-link device can also be the chip and processing system within these various devices. The 802.11 protocol can be one that supports or is compatible with 802.11be.

[0109] It is understandable that multi-link devices can support high-speed and low-latency transmission. With the continuous evolution of wireless LAN application scenarios, multi-link devices can also be applied to more scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (e.g., smart water meters, smart electricity meters, smart air detection nodes), smart devices in smart homes (e.g., smart cameras, projectors, displays, TVs, speakers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (e.g., wearable devices such as AR and VR), smart devices in smart offices (e.g., printers, projectors, etc.), Internet of Vehicles devices in the Internet of Vehicles, and some infrastructure in daily life scenarios (e.g., vending machines, self-service navigation counters in supermarkets, self-service cash registers, self-service ordering machines, etc.). The specific form of the multi-link device is not limited in the embodiments of the present application and is only illustrative.

[0110] Optional, see Figure 3a , Figure 3a 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-link device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The IEEE 802.11 standard focuses on the 802.11 physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layer in a multi-link device. Figure 3a As shown, the multiple STAs included in the multi-link device are independent of each other at the low MAC layer and PHY layer, and are also independent of each other at the high MAC layer. Figure 3b , Figure 3b This is another structural diagram of the multi-link device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 3b As shown, the multiple STAs included in the multi-link device are independent of each other in the low MAC layer and the PHY layer, and share the high MAC layer. Of course, the non-AP multi-link device can adopt a structure in which the high MAC layer is independent of each other, or a structure in which the high MAC layer is shared. Similarly, the AP multi-link device can adopt a structure in which the high MAC layer is shared, or a structure in which the high MAC layer is independent of each other. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the internal structure diagram of the multi-link device. Figure 3a and Figure 3b This is merely an exemplary description. For example, the high MAC layer or the low MAC layer may be implemented by a processor in a chip system of the multi-link device, or may be implemented by different processing modules in a chip system.

[0111] Exemplarily, the multi-link device in the embodiment of the present application can be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, it can be a device with more than two antennas. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of antennas included in the multi-link device. In the embodiment of the present application, the multi-link device can allow services of the same access category (AC) to be transmitted on different links, and even allow the same data packet to be transmitted on different links; it can also not allow services of the same access category to be transmitted on different links, but allow services of different access categories to be transmitted on different links.

[0112] The frequency bands in which the multi-link device operates may include one or more frequency bands of sub 1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, and high frequency 60 GHz.

[0113] For a non-STR MLD, when it transmits on one link (such as Link 1), channel interference can cause the non-STR MLD to misjudge the channel status on one or more links (for example, Link 2). This can also affect the non-STR MLD's reception of overlapping basic service set (OBSS) frames on Link 2. OBSS frames are used by sites to update the network allocation vector (NAV). Therefore, before a non-STR MLD finishes transmitting on one link, it may miss OBSS frames on other links, thereby missing the NAV update. This can cause the non-STR MLD to compete for and access the channel on Link 2 after completing transmission on Link 1. This can cause the data sent on Link 2 to collide with the received OBSS frames, a problem known as blindness or self-interference.

[0114] It can be understood that NAV can be understood as a countdown timer, which gradually decreases as time passes. When the countdown reaches 0, the medium is considered to be in an idle state. Specifically, when a station receives a frame, if the receiving address of the frame is not the station, the station can update the NAV based on the duration field in the received frame. If the receiving address of the frame is the station, it means that the station is the receiving station, and the NAV cannot be updated. Before updating the NAV, it can also be determined whether the value of the duration field in the current frame is greater than the current NAV value of the station. If it is greater, the NAV is updated; otherwise, if it is less than or equal to, the NAV is not updated. The NAV value is calculated from the end moment of the received frame.

[0115] In order to solve the blind problem of non-STR MLD, an embodiment of the present application proposes a medium Sync Delay mechanism. The mechanism is specifically: after non-STR MLD is sent on one line (such as link 1), it is necessary to start a timer on another link, namely the medium Sync Delay timer. During the period shown by the medium Sync Delay timer, non-STR MLD needs to adopt a more conservative channel access mechanism on link 2. Among them, the more conservative signal access mechanism includes but is not limited to: 1) using a lower energy detection (ED) threshold to determine whether the channel is busy. In the channel access mechanism, -62dBm is usually used as the energy detection threshold. If the energy on the channel is detected to exceed this threshold, that is, exceeding -62dBm, the channel is considered busy. When a lower ED threshold than -62dBm is used, the signal farther away in the CCA detection will make the channel busy, so the channel access is more conservative. Among them, the lower energy detection threshold can be -82dBm or -72dBm, etc. 2) A request to send (RTS) frame must be sent to test the channel availability. Optionally, the number of times the test is performed (or the number of times the RTS frame is sent) can only be one, or a limited number of times.

[0116] In the aforementioned media synchronization delay mechanism, regardless of the type of frame sent by the non-STR MLD on link 1, as long as it is sent on link 1, the non-STR MLD will adopt a more conservative channel access mechanism on link 2. However, the frames sent by the non-STR MLD on link 1 vary, including control frames, data frames, or management frames, and data frames can be long or short frames. Therefore, when the length of the frames sent by the non-STR MLD on link 1 is shorter, the time the non-STR MLD is in the blind state on link 2 is also shorter, and the possibility (or probability) of the non-STR MLD missing important information (such as NAV) on link 2 is lower. Therefore, in this media synchronization delay mechanism, as long as the non-STR MLD is sent on link 1, the non-STR MLD must be restricted from accessing the channel on link 2. This will result in low channel access efficiency, a low channel access success rate, or reduced channel access opportunities on link 2.

[0117] In this application, “non-STR MLD is in a blind state on a certain link” can also be understood as that the STA working on the link in non-STR MLD is in a blind state.

[0118] It is understandable that the "blind state" mentioned in this application may also be referred to as a "self-interference state" or a "state that cannot be received" or a "deaf state" or the like.

[0119] It is understandable that the "non-STR MLD" in this application may refer to an EHT MLD that is not capable of transmitting and receiving simultaneously.

[0120] It is understood that the "long frames" and "short frames" mentioned in this application are distinguished by the length of time the frame occupies the air interface. For example, a "long frame" may refer to a frame that occupies the air interface for a length greater than or equal to a preset value A, and a "short frame" may refer to a frame that occupies the air interface for a length less than or equal to a preset value B. Preset value A and preset value B may be the same or different. For example, preset value A may be 1ms (milliseconds), and preset value B may be 100us (microseconds).

[0121] An embodiment of the present application provides a channel access method for a multi-link device, which can improve the channel access efficiency or channel access success rate of non-STR MLDs on these links, or increase the channel access opportunities of non-STR MLDs on these links when the non-STR MLDs are in a blind state or a self-interference state.

[0122] The technical solution provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to more drawings.

[0123] It is understood that the first multi-link device in this application can be a non-STR MLD; the second multi-link device can be a STR MLD. For ease of description, this application uses the example of two MLDs communicating over two or more links. In the following embodiments, the technical solution of this application is described using two links as an example, but the technical solution of this application is also applicable to two MLDs supporting multiple links.

[0124] The technical solution provided by this application is illustrated through Examples 1 to 4. Among them, Example 1 illustrates how to perform channel access on another link when a specific type of frame is sent on one link. Example 2 illustrates how to determine whether a more conservative channel access mechanism is needed on another link based on the length of the frame sent on one link. Example 3 illustrates how to determine the initial duration of the mediumSyncDelay timer. Example 4 illustrates how to determine the ED threshold used in the CCA process.

[0125] The following is a detailed description of Embodiments 1 to 4. It is understandable that the technical solutions described in Embodiments 1 to 4 of the present application can be combined in any way to form new embodiments.

[0126] Example 1

[0127] Embodiment 1 of the present application introduces how to determine whether a more conservative channel access mechanism needs to be adopted on another link based on the type of frames sent on one link.

[0128] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic flow chart of a channel access method for a multi-link device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, the channel access method of the multi-link device includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0129] S101: When a first frame sent by a first multi-link device on a first link is of a first type, the first multi-link device does not start a media synchronization delay timer on a second link, and the first multi-link device cannot send and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time.

[0130] Among them, when the above-mentioned first frame is any of the following frames, the type of the first frame is the first type: request to send frame, multiple user request to send (multiple user RTS) frame, power save poll (Powersave-Poll, PS-Poll) frame, clear to send (Clear to send, CTS) frame, status report (Buffer status report, BSR) frame, bandwidth query report (BQR) frame, null data packet (NDP) frame, acknowledgement A (ACK) frame, block acknowledgement (BA) frame.

[0131] In a first implementation, the first frame is an RTS frame or an MU-RTS frame. Specifically, if the first multi-link device sends an RTS frame or an MU-RTS frame on the first link, and the first multi-link device does not receive a clear-to-send frame within a preset time, the first multi-link device does not start a medium synchronization delay timer (mediumSyncDelay timer) on the second link. The first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time. In other words, if the first multi-link device does not receive a CTS frame on the first link within a preset time (for example, a short inter-frame space (SIFS) plus a slot time, plus a physical layer reception delay, i.e., aSIFSTime+aSlotTime+aRxPHYStartDelay) after sending an RTS / MU-RTS frame on the first link, the first multi-link device does not start a mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link.

[0132] The fact that the first multi-link device does not start the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link can be understood (or described) as follows: when the first multi-link device performs channel contention on the second link, the energy detection threshold used in the CCA operation is the first threshold; or, after the first multi-link device backs off to 0 on the second link, it is allowed to directly send frames other than RTS and MU-RTS frames. In other words, after the first multi-link device backs off to 0 on the second link, it does not send RTS / MU-RTS frames to perform channel protection / channel availability testing. The first threshold can be -62dBm.

[0133] Understandably, the reasons why the first multi-link device did not receive the CTS frame within the preset time (e.g., aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + aRxPHYStartDelay) may be: (a) the RTS frame sent by the first multi-link device conflicts with a frame sent by another device; (b) the receiver of the RTS frame sent by the first multi-link device fails to successfully receive the RTS frame; or (c) the receiver of the RTS frame sent by the first multi-link device is busy.

[0134] Optionally, if the first multi-link device has started the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link after sending the RTS / MU-RTS frame on the first link, and the first multi-link device has not received a CTS frame within the preset time, the first multi-link device turns off (or stops, or cancels) the mediumSyncDelay timer.

[0135] Optionally, if the first multi-link device receives a CTS frame within the preset time, the first multi-link device can start the mediumSyncDelay timer. The first multi-link device starts the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link, which can be understood (or described as): the first multi-link device adopts a more conservative channel access mechanism on the second link. That is, a lower energy detection threshold (referring to an energy detection threshold lower than -62dBm, such as -82dBm) is used to determine whether the channel is busy, and RTS / MU-RTS frames must be sent to test the channel availability. Optionally, the number of probes (or the number of RTS / MU-RTS frames sent) can only be 1, or a limited number of times.

[0136] Optionally, the "RTS frame or MU-RTS frame" in the first implementation described above can be replaced by a power save-Poll (PS-Poll) frame, and the "CTS frame" can be replaced by a data frame or an acknowledgement (ACK) frame. Therefore, the first implementation described above can also be described as follows: if the first multi-link device sends a PS-Poll frame on the first link, and the first multi-link device does not receive a data frame or an acknowledgement frame within the preset time, the first multi-link device does not start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. Optionally, if the first multi-link device sends a PS-Poll frame on the first link, and the first multi-link device receives a data frame or an acknowledgement frame within the preset time, the first multi-link device can start the mediumSyncDelay timer.

[0137] It can be seen that in the embodiment of the present application, when the non-STR MLD (i.e., the first multi-link device) sends an RTS (or MU-RTS) frame on the first link but does not receive a CTS frame, the mediumSyncDelay timer is not started on the second link, so that the non-STR MLD performs normal channel contention on the second link. That is, the energy detection threshold used in the CCA operation is -62dBm, or RTS / CTS frames can be omitted for channel protection. This improves the channel access efficiency or channel access success rate of the non-STR MLD on the second link, or increases the channel access opportunities of the non-STR MLD on the second link.

[0138] In the second implementation, the first frame is a CTS frame. Specifically, if the first multi-link device receives an RTS frame or a MU-RTS frame on the first link and replies / sends a CTS frame on the first link, the medium synchronization delay timer (mediumSyncDelay timer) is not started on the second link. The first multi-link device cannot send and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time. In other words, the second multi-link device sends an RTS frame or a MU-RTS frame on the first link. Accordingly, the first multi-link device receives the RTS frame or the MU-RTS frame on the first link and replies / sends a CTS frame on the first link. After the first multi-link device sends the CTS frame on the first link, the mediumSyncDelay timer is not started on the second link.

[0139] The fact that the first multi-link device does not start the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link can be understood (or described) as follows: when the first multi-link device performs channel contention on the second link, the energy detection threshold used in the CCA operation is the first threshold; or, after the first multi-link device backs off to 0 on the second link, it is allowed to directly send frames other than RTS and MU-RTS frames. In other words, after the first multi-link device backs off to 0 on the second link, it does not send RTS / MU-RTS frames to perform channel protection / channel availability testing. The first threshold can be -62dBm.

[0140] Optionally, if the first multi-link device has started a mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link after sending a CTS frame on the first link, the first multi-link device turns off (or stops or cancels) the mediumSyncDelay timer.

[0141] Optionally, the "RTS / CTS frame" in the above-mentioned second implementation method can be replaced by a status report poll trigger (buffer status reportpoll trigger, BSRPTrigger) frame / status report (buffer statusreport, BSR) frame, or a bandwidth query report poll trigger (bandwidth query report poll trigger, BQRPTrigger) frame / bandwidth query report (bandwidth query report, BQR), or a beamforming report poll trigger (beamforming report poll trigger, BFRP Trigger) frame / null data packet (NDP) frame, or a data frame / acknowledgement (ACK) frame, or a management frame / ACK frame, or a data frame / block acknowledgement (BA) frame. Therefore, the above step S201 can also be described as: the first multi-link device receives a BSRPTrigger frame on the first link and replies to / sends a BSR frame on the first link; or, the first multi-link device receives a BQRPTrigger frame on the first link and replies to / sends a BQR frame on the first link; or, the first multi-link device receives a BFRP Trigger frame on the first link and replies to / sends an NDP frame on the first link; or, the first multi-link device receives a data frame or a management frame on the first link and replies to / sends an ACK frame on the first link; or, the first multi-link device receives a data frame on the first link and replies to / sends a BA frame on the first link. Accordingly, the above second implementation can also be described as: after the first multi-link device sends a BSR frame, a BQR frame, or an NDP frame on the first link, it does not start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link.

[0142] It is understandable that after the first multi-link device replies to / sends a CTS frame, an NDP frame, a BSR frame, a BQR frame, an ACK frame, or a BA frame on the first link, the first multi-link device is in a receiving state on the first link. Therefore, reception on the first link does not affect channel contention on the second link. The first multi-link device can perform normal channel contention on the second link, i.e., the energy detection threshold used in the CCA operation is -62dBm, or RTS / CTS frames can be omitted for channel protection.

[0143] It can be seen that the non-STR MLD (i.e., the first multi-link device) in the embodiment of the present application receives an RTS (or MU-RTS) frame on the first link, and after replying a CTS frame, does not start the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link, which can improve the channel access efficiency or channel access success rate of the non-STR MLD on the second link, or increase the channel access opportunity of the non-STR MLD on the second link.

[0144] In the embodiment of the present application, when sending a specific type of frame, the media synchronization delay timer is not started on the second link. When the non-STR MLD is in a blind state / self-interference state, the channel access efficiency or channel access success rate of the non-STR MLD on these links can be improved, or the channel access opportunity of the non-STR MLD on these links can be increased.

[0145] Example 2

[0146] The second embodiment of the present application introduces how the non-STR MLD performs channel access on the second link when the length of the PPDU sent by the non-STR MLD on the first link is less than a preset value.

[0147] See also Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is another schematic flowchart of the channel access method for a multi-link device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0148] like Figure 5 As shown, the channel access method of the multi-link device includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0149] S201: When the length of a first PPDU sent by a first multi-link device on a first link is less than or equal to a first value, the first multi-link device does not start a media synchronization delay timer on a second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time.

[0150] The fact that the first multi-link device does not start the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link can be understood (or described) as follows: when the first multi-link device performs channel contention on the second link, the energy detection threshold used in the CCA operation is the first threshold; or, after the first multi-link device backs off to 0 on the second link, it is allowed to directly send frames other than RTS and MU-RTS frames. In other words, after the first multi-link device backs off to 0 on the second link, it does not send RTS / MU-RTS frames to perform channel protection / channel availability testing. The first threshold can be -62dBm.

[0151] Optionally, if the first multi-link device has started a mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link after sending the first PPDU on the first link, when it is determined that the length of the above-mentioned first PPDU is less than or equal to the first value, the first multi-link device turns off (or stops, or cancels) the mediumSyncDelay timer.

[0152] Optionally, the first value may be a fixed value specified by the protocol, such as 50 us, 100 us, or 200 us.

[0153] Optionally, the above-mentioned first value may also be determined by the access point (or AP MLD) and sent to the site (i.e., non-APMLD). Specifically, before step S201, the channel access method of the multi-link device in the embodiment of the present application may also include: step S202, the second multi-link device sends indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate the first value. Correspondingly, the first multi-link device receives the indication information. The indication information may be carried in a beacon frame, and may also be carried in an association response frame or a reassociation response frame. The above-mentioned first multi-link device may be a non-STR MLD, specifically a non-AP MLD of a non-STR. The above-mentioned second multi-link device may be a STR MLD, specifically an AP MLD of a STR.

[0154] In one implementation, the indication information may be located in a multi-link element. Figure 6a , Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the multi-link element provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 6a As shown, the multilink element may include an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, a multi-link control field, a medium SyncDelay timer threshold field, an optional subelements field, etc. The medium SyncDelay timer threshold field is used to indicate a first value.

[0155] In another implementation, the indication information may be located in an EHT operation element. Figure 6b , Figure 6b This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the EHT operation element provided by the embodiment of the present application. Figure 6bAs shown, the EHT operation element may include an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, and a medium Sync Delay timer threshold field, etc. The medium Sync Delay timer threshold field is used to indicate a first value.

[0156] In another implementation, a new information unit may be defined to carry the indication information. The new information unit is used to carry the configuration parameters of the non-STR MLD. Optionally, the new information unit may be called a non-STR MLD parameter set element. It is understandable that the new information unit may have other names, which are not limited in this embodiment of the present application. Figure 6c , Figure 6c This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the non-STR MLD parameter set element provided by the embodiment of this application. Figure 6c As shown, the non-STR MLD parameter set element may include an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, and a medium SyncDelay timer threshold field, etc. The medium SyncDelay timer threshold field is used to indicate a first value.

[0157] Optionally, when the length of the first PPDU is greater than the first value, the first multi-link device may enable a media synchronization delay timer on the second link. During the period of the media synchronization delay timer, the first multi-link device may adopt a more conservative channel access mechanism on the second link. The more conservative channel access mechanism includes, but is not limited to: 1) using a lower energy detection threshold (here, an ED threshold lower than -62dBm) to determine whether the channel is busy. 2) requiring the transmission of an RTS frame to test channel availability. Optionally, the number of probes (or the number of RTS frames sent) can only be one, or a limited number. It is understood that when the length of the first PPDU is equal to the first value, the operation of the first multi-link device may be to either not enable the media synchronization delay timer on the second link or to enable the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. The embodiment of the present application may set the operation of the first multi-link device when the length of the first PPDU is equal to the first value according to actual conditions.

[0158] Optionally, before the first multi-link device starts the media synchronization delay timer on the second link, the first multi-link device may determine an initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, and then start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. It is understandable that the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer started by the first multi-link device on the second link is the initial value corresponding to the determined length of the first PPDU.

[0159] The standard protocol may specify a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer. Alternatively, before the first multi-link device sends the first PPDU on the first link, the second multi-link device sends first indication information, and the first multi-link device receives the first indication information accordingly. The first indication information is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer.

[0160] Optionally, after or at the same time as the first multi-link device starts the media synchronization delay timer on the second link, the first multi-link device determines an energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, and when performing channel competition on the second link, sets the energy detection threshold used in the CCA operation to the threshold value corresponding to the length of the first PPDU.

[0161] The standard protocol may specify a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold. Alternatively, before the first multi-link device sends the first PPDU on the first link, the second multi-link device sends second indication information, and the first multi-link device receives the second indication information accordingly. The second indication information is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold.

[0162] It is understandable that the first indication information and the second indication information may be one indication information, that is, one indication information simultaneously indicates the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer, and the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold. In other words, the first indication information and the second indication information are carried in one frame.

[0163] It can be seen that the embodiments of the present application restrict the non-STR MLD from sending short frames on one link and then not starting the mediumSyncDelay timer on the other link, or setting the energy detection threshold used by CCA to -62dBm when performing channel competition on the other link, or eliminating the need to use RTS frames to test channel protection / channel availability on the other link, thereby improving the channel access efficiency or channel access success rate of the non-STR MLD on the other link, or increasing the channel access opportunity of the non-STR MLD on the other link.

[0164] As an optional embodiment, the above-mentioned "length of the first PPDU" can be replaced with "length (in bytes or bits) of the medium access control (MAC) frame in the first PPDU." Accordingly, the above-mentioned step S301 can be replaced with: when the length of the MAC frame in the first PPDU sent by the first multi-link device on the first link is less than or equal to the second value, the first multi-link device does not start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time.

[0165] As another optional embodiment, the channel access method provided in the aforementioned embodiment 1 and embodiment 2 can also be applied to the scenario of single-link, multi-access channels. Taking two channels as an example, it is assumed that the AP can use two channels for channel access, but can only complete access on one of the channels at a time, and cannot access two channels at the same time. Specifically, the AP performs channel contention on the primary channel (primary channel), such as the first channel. When the primary channel is busy, the AP can switch to another channel (such as the second channel) to perform channel contention, and after backing off to 0 on the second channel, send on the second channel.

[0166] For the above-mentioned single-link, multiple access channel scenario, an embodiment of the present application proposes that: after the AP sends a short frame (e.g., RTS frame, CTS frame, block acknowledgement (BA) frame, BSR frame, BQR frame, PS-Poll frame, NDP frame, etc.) on the second channel, the AP does not start a timer on the first channel. The timer can be a media synchronization delay timer. Optionally, an embodiment of the present application further proposes that: the AP sends a first PPDU on the second channel; when the PPDU length of the first PPDU is less than or equal to a first value, the AP does not start a media synchronization delay timer on the first channel.

[0167] Optionally, the AP not starting the timer on the first channel can be understood (or described as): when the AP performs channel contention on the first channel, the energy detection threshold used in the CCA operation is the first threshold; or, after the AP backs off to 0 on the first channel, it is allowed to directly send other frames except RTS and MU-RTS frames. In other words, after the AP backs off to 0 on the first channel, it does not send RTS / MU-RTS frames to perform channel protection / channel availability testing. The first threshold can be -62dBm.

[0168] It can be understood that the second channel in the embodiment of the present application is equivalent to the first link in the aforementioned embodiment one and embodiment two, and the first channel in the embodiment of the present application is equivalent to the second link in the aforementioned embodiment one and embodiment two.

[0169] It can be seen that the channel access method provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to single-link, multi-access channel scenarios, which expands the scenarios of the method and can also improve the channel access efficiency or channel access success rate of the AP on the first channel.

[0170] Example 3

[0171] Embodiment 3 of the present application provides a method for determining the initial duration of a media synchronization delay timer. The method for determining the initial duration of a media synchronization delay timer determines the initial duration of the media synchronization delay timer by using the length of a frame sent on a first link (or a second channel).

[0172] See also Figure 7 , Figure 7 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method for determining the initial duration of a media synchronization delay timer provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the method for determining the initial duration of the media synchronization delay timer includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0173] S301: A second multi-link device sends first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length / byte length and an initial value (or initial duration) of a media synchronization delay timer.

[0174] Specifically, the second multi-link device may be an AP MLD, and the AP MLD may have STR capabilities. The link over which the AP MLD sends the first indication information may be the first link or another link, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. The first indication information may be used to indicate a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer.

[0175] For an example, see Figure 8 , Figure 8Schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown in the figure, when the PPDU length is in the range of 0 to 100us (microseconds) (i.e., the interval [0,100us], or the interval (0,100us), or the interval (0,100us], or the interval [0,100us)), the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is 0ms. When the PPDU length is in the range of 100us to 1ms (i.e., the interval [100us,1000us], or the interval (100us,1000us), or the interval (100us,1000us], or the interval [100us,1000us)), the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is 3ms. When the PPDU length is greater than or equal to 1ms, the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is 6ms.

[0176] in, Figure 8 The mapping relationship can be summarized as shown in Table 1 below.

[0177] Table 1

[0178] PPDU length Initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer <=100us 0 >=100us and <=1ms 3ms >=1ms 6ms

[0179] Understandable, Figure 8 The mapping relationship shown in Table 1 is only an example. In actual applications, the mapping relationship can be determined according to the actual application scenario. For example, when the PPDU length is less than or equal to 50us, the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is 0ms; when the PPDU length is greater than or equal to 50us and less than or equal to 200us, the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is 1ms; when the PPDU length is greater than or equal to 200us and less than or equal to 500us, the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is 3ms; when the PPDU length is greater than or equal to 500us, the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is 5ms. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0180] Optionally, the first indication information may include an array. For example, the array (0, 100, 0) indicates that when the PPDU length is in the range of 0 to 100 μs, the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is 0 ms; the array (100, 1000, 3) indicates that when the PPDU length is in the range of 100 μs to 1 ms, the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is 3 ms; and the array (1000, maximum PPDU length, 6) indicates that when the PPDU length is in the range of 1 ms to the maximum PPDU length, the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is 6 ms. The maximum PPDU length is specified by the standard protocol.

[0181] Optionally, the first indication information may include two fields, the first field is used to determine N intervals, and the second field is used to indicate the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to each interval in the N intervals.

[0182] The first field may include N+1 subfields, where the values ​​of the N+1 subfields are monotonically increasing. The values ​​of two adjacent subfields can define an interval, so the N+1 subfields can define N intervals. For example, the value of the first subfield is 0; the value of the N+1 subfield is the maximum PPDU length, or a value greater than the maximum PPDU length, such as 6 ms. Optionally, the first subfield (or the N+1 subfield) may not be included in the first field.

[0183] The second field includes N subfields, and the value of a subfield represents the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to an interval.

[0184] S302: The first multi-link device receives the first indication information.

[0185] S303: The first multi-link device determines, based on the length of the first PPDU sent on the first link, an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU. The initial value is used to determine whether to start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. The first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0186] Specifically, the first multi-link device may be a non-AP MLD, and the non-AP MLD has non-STR capabilities. The first multi-link device may determine the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the PPDU length of the first PPDU based on the mapping relationship between the PPDU length indicated by the first indication information and the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer, and the PPDU length of the first PPDU. For example, the mapping relationship is shown in Table 1 above. Assuming that the length of the first PPDU is 200 μs, the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer is 3 ms.

[0187] Optionally, the first multi-link device determines whether to start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link according to the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU.

[0188] Specifically, if the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer is equal to 0, the first multi-link device does not start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. If the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer is greater than 0, the first multi-link device starts the media synchronization delay timer on the second link, and the initial value / initial duration of the media synchronization delay timer is the value determined in step S301.

[0189] The first multi-link device starts the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link, which can be understood (or described as): during the period of the mediumSyncDelay timer, the first multi-link device can adopt a more conservative channel access mechanism on the second link. The more conservative channel access mechanism includes but is not limited to: 1) using a lower energy detection threshold (here, an ED threshold lower than -62dBm) to determine whether the channel is busy. 2) RTS frames must be sent to test channel availability. Optionally, the number of probes (or the number of RTS frames sent) can only be one, or a limited number of times.

[0190] The first multi-link device does not start the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link. This can be understood (or described) as follows: when the first multi-link device performs channel contention on the second link, the energy detection threshold used in the CCA operation is the first threshold; or, after the first multi-link device backs off to 0 on the second link, it is allowed to directly send frames other than RTS and MU-RTS frames. The first threshold can be -62dBm.

[0191] It is understandable that the method for determining the initial duration of the media synchronization delay timer provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to the scenario of single-link, multiple access channels. Among them, the first channel in the scenario of single-link, multiple access channels is equivalent to the second link above, and the second channel in the scenario of single-link, multiple access channels is equivalent to the first link above, which will not be repeated here.

[0192] It can be seen that the embodiment of the present application indicates the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer through the first indication information, so that the first multi-link device determines the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU sent on the first link based on this mapping relationship and the length of the first PPDU sent on the first link, and does not start the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link when the initial value is equal to 0, and starts the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link when the initial value is greater than 0. Different PPDU lengths correspond to different initial values ​​of the mediumSyncDelay timer, making the setting of the mediumSyncDelay timer more flexible and improving channel access efficiency.

[0193] As an optional embodiment, the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer can be specified in the standard protocol. When the mapping relationship is specified in the standard protocol, Figure 7 The method for determining the initial duration of the media synchronization delay timer shown may not include step S301 and step S302. That is, the method for determining the initial duration of the media synchronization delay timer may include step S303.

[0194] Example 4

[0195] Embodiment 4 of the present application provides a method for determining an energy detection threshold in a CCA process. The method for determining an energy detection threshold in a CCA process determines the size of the ED threshold used in the CCA process when backing off on the second link during the mediumSyncDelay period by using the length of the frame sent on the first link (or the second channel).

[0196] See also Figure 9 , Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method for determining an energy detection threshold in a CCA process according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 9 As shown, the method for determining the energy detection threshold in the CCA process includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0197] S401: A second multi-link device sends second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an energy detection threshold.

[0198] Specifically, the second multi-link device may be an AP MLD, and the AP MLD may have STR capabilities. The link over which the AP MLD sends the second indication information may be the first link or another link, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. The second indication information may be used to indicate a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold.

[0199] For an example, see Figure 10 , Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between PPDU length and energy detection threshold provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 10 As shown in the figure, when the PPDU length is in the range of 0 to 100 μs (microseconds) (i.e., the interval [0, 100 μs], or the interval (0, 100 μs), or the interval (0, 100 μs], or the interval [0, 100 μs)), the energy detection threshold is -62 dBm. When the PPDU length is in the range of 100 μs to 1 ms (i.e., the interval [100 μs, 1000 μs], or the interval (100 μs, 1000 μs), or the interval (100 μs, 1000 μs], or the interval [100 μs, 1000 μs)), the energy detection threshold is -72 dBm. When the PPDU length is greater than or equal to 1 ms, the energy detection threshold is -82 dBm.

[0200] in, Figure 10 The mapping relationship can be summarized as shown in Table 2 below.

[0201] Table 2

[0202] PPDU duration Energy detection threshold <=100us -62dBm >=100us and <=1ms -72dBm >=1ms -82dBm

[0203] Understandable, Figure 10 The mapping relationship shown in Table 2 is only an example. In actual applications, the mapping relationship can be determined based on the actual application scenario. For example, when the PPDU length is less than or equal to 50us, the energy detection threshold is -62dBm; when the PPDU length is greater than or equal to 50us and less than or equal to 200us, the energy detection threshold is -67dBm; when the PPDU length is greater than or equal to 200us and less than or equal to 500us, the energy detection threshold is -72dBm; when the PPDU length is greater than or equal to 500us, the energy detection threshold is -82dBm. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0204] Optionally, the second indication information may include an array. For example, the array (0, 100, -62) indicates that when the PPDU length is in the range of 0 to 100 μs, the energy detection threshold is -62 dBm; the array (100, 1000, -72) indicates that when the PPDU length is in the range of 100 μs to 1 ms, the energy detection threshold is -72 dBm; and the array (1000, maximum PPDU length, -82) indicates that when the PPDU length is in the range of 1 ms to the maximum PPDU length, the energy detection threshold is -62 dBm. The maximum PPDU length is specified by the standard protocol.

[0205] Optionally, the second indication information may include two fields, the first field is used to determine N intervals, and the second field is used to indicate the energy detection threshold corresponding to each interval in the N intervals.

[0206] The first field may include N+1 subfields, where the values ​​of the N+1 subfields are monotonically increasing. The values ​​of two adjacent subfields can define an interval, so the N+1 subfields can define N intervals. For example, the value of the first subfield is 0; the value of the N+1 subfield is the maximum PPDU length, or a value greater than the maximum PPDU length, such as 6 ms. Optionally, the first subfield (or the N+1 subfield) may not be included in the first field.

[0207] The second field includes N subfields, and the value of a subfield represents the energy detection threshold corresponding to an interval.

[0208] S402: The first multi-link device receives the second indication information.

[0209] S403: The first multi-link device determines an energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU sent on the first link according to the length of the first PPDU. The energy detection threshold is used to determine whether to start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link.

[0210] Specifically, the first multi-link device may be a non-AP MLD that has non-STR capabilities. The first multi-link device may determine the energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU based on the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold indicated by the second indication information and the length of the first PPDU. For example, the mapping relationship is shown in Table 2 above. Assuming that the length of the first PPDU is 200 μs, the energy detection threshold is -72 dBm.

[0211] Optionally, the first multi-link device determines whether to start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link based on the energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU. Specifically, if the energy detection threshold determined in the above step S403 is equal to -62dBm, the first multi-link device does not start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. If the energy detection threshold determined in the above step S403 is less than -62dBm, the first multi-link device starts the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. If the first multi-link device starts the media synchronization delay timer on the second link, it means that the second link is in the mediumSyncDelay period. When the first multi-link device performs channel competition on the second link, the energy detection threshold used by CCA is set to the energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU (that is, the energy detection threshold determined in the above step S401).

[0212] The first multi-link device starts the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link, which can be understood (or described as): during the mediumSyncDelay period, the first multi-link device can adopt a more conservative channel access mechanism on the second link. The more conservative channel access mechanism includes but is not limited to: 1) using a lower energy detection threshold (here, an ED threshold lower than -62dBm) to determine whether the channel is busy. 2) RTS frames must be sent to test channel availability. Optionally, the number of probes (or the number of RTS frames sent) can only be one, or a limited number of times.

[0213] The first multi-link device does not start the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link. This can be understood (or described) as follows: when the first multi-link device performs channel contention on the second link, the energy detection threshold used in the CCA operation is the first threshold; or, after the first multi-link device backs off to 0 on the second link, it is allowed to directly send frames other than RTS and MU-RTS frames. The first threshold can be -62dBm.

[0214] It is understandable that the method for determining the energy detection threshold in the CCA process provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to the scenario of single link and multiple access channels. Among them, the first channel in the scenario of single link and multiple access channels is equivalent to the second link above, and the second channel in the scenario of single link and multiple access channels is equivalent to the first link above, which will not be repeated here.

[0215] It can be seen that the embodiment of the present application indicates the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold through the second indication information, so that the first multi-link device determines the energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU sent on the first link based on this mapping relationship and the length of the first PPDU. When the energy detection threshold is equal to -62dBm, the mediumSyncDelay timer is not started on the second link. When the energy detection threshold is less than -62dBm, the mediumSyncDelay timer is started on the second link. Different PPDU lengths correspond to different energy detection thresholds, making the channel access mechanism on the second link more flexible and improving channel access efficiency.

[0216] As an optional embodiment, the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold may be specified in a standard protocol. When the mapping relationship is specified in a standard protocol, Figure 9 The energy detection threshold determination method in the CCA process shown may not include step S401 and step S402. That is, the energy detection threshold determination method in the CCA process may include step S403.

[0217] As another optional embodiment, the first indication information in the aforementioned embodiment 3 and the second indication information in the aforementioned embodiment 4 can be one indication information, or the first indication information and the second indication information can be carried in the same frame. Therefore, the aforementioned embodiment 3 and the aforementioned embodiment 4 can be combined into one embodiment. Specifically, the second multi-link device sends indication information, which indicates the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer, and the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold; the first multi-link device receives the indication information; the first multi-link device sends a first PPDU on the first link; the first multi-link device determines, based on the length of the first PPDU, the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU and the energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU. Optionally, the first multi-link device can also determine whether to enable the media synchronization delay timer on the second link based on the energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU or the initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU.

[0218] The above content elaborates on the method provided by the present application. In order to facilitate better implementation of the above scheme of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides corresponding devices or equipment.

[0219] In the embodiment of the present application, the functional modules of the communication device can be divided according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0220] In the case of integrated units, see Figure 11 , Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first multi-link device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 11 As shown, the first multi-link device includes: a transceiver unit 11 and a processing unit 12.

[0221] In one design, the processing unit 12 is configured to not start a media synchronization delay timer on a second link when a length of a first PPDU sent by a first multi-link device on a first link is less than or equal to a first value, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive simultaneously on the first link and the second link.

[0222] The processing unit 12 is specifically configured to set the energy detection threshold used in the CCA operation to a first threshold when performing channel contention on the second link. Alternatively, the transceiver unit 11 is configured to transmit frames other than RTS and MU-RTS frames after backing off to 0 on the second link. The first threshold may be -62dBm.

[0223] It should be understood that the first multi-link device in this design can correspondingly execute the aforementioned embodiment 2, and the above operations or functions of each unit in the first multi-link device are respectively for implementing the corresponding operations of the first multi-link device in the aforementioned embodiment 2. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0224] In one design, the processing unit 12 is configured to, when a first frame sent by a first multi-link device on a first link is of a first type, not start a media synchronization delay timer on a second link by the first multi-link device, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive simultaneously on the first link and the second link.

[0225] The processing unit 12 is specifically configured to set the energy detection threshold used in the CCA operation to a first threshold when performing channel contention on the second link. Alternatively, the transceiver unit 11 is further configured to transmit frames other than RTS and MU-RTS frames after backing off to 0 on the second link. The first threshold may be -62dBm.

[0226] It should be understood that the first multi-link device in this design may correspondingly execute the aforementioned embodiment 1, and the aforementioned operations or functions of each unit in the first multi-link device are respectively for implementing the corresponding operations of the first multi-link device in the aforementioned embodiment 1. For the sake of brevity, they are not further described here.

[0227] In one design, a transceiver unit 11 is configured to receive first indication information indicating a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer; and a processing unit 12 is configured to determine, based on the length of a first PPDU sent on a first link, an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, the initial value being used to determine whether to enable the media synchronization delay timer on a second link. A first multi-link device cannot simultaneously transmit and receive on the first link and the second link.

[0228] Optionally, the processing unit 12 is further configured to determine whether to start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link according to an initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU.

[0229] Optionally, the above-mentioned processing unit 12 is specifically used to: if the determined initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is equal to 0, then the media synchronization delay timer is not started on the second link; if the determined initial value of the media synchronization delay timer is equal to 0, then the media synchronization delay timer is started on the second link.

[0230] It should be understood that the first multi-link device in this design can correspondingly execute the aforementioned embodiment 3, and the above operations or functions of each unit in the first multi-link device are respectively for implementing the corresponding operations of the first multi-link device in the aforementioned embodiment 3. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0231] In one design, the transceiver unit 11 is configured to receive second indication information indicating a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an energy detection threshold; and the processing unit 12 is configured to determine, based on the length of a first PPDU sent on a first link, an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU. The communication device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0232] Optionally, the processing unit 12 is further configured to determine whether to start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link according to an energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of the first PPDU.

[0233] Optionally, the above-mentioned processing unit 12 is specifically used to: if the determined energy detection threshold is equal to -62dBm, the first multi-link device does not start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link; if the determined energy detection threshold is less than -62dBm, the first multi-link device starts the media synchronization delay timer on the second link.

[0234] It should be understood that the first multi-link device in this design may correspondingly execute the aforementioned fourth embodiment, and the aforementioned operations or functions of each unit in the first multi-link device are respectively for implementing the corresponding operations of the first multi-link device in the aforementioned fourth embodiment. For the sake of brevity, they are not further described here.

[0235] See also Figure 12 , Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of the second multi-link device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 12 As shown, the second multi-link device includes: a processing unit 21 and a transceiver unit 22.

[0236] In one design, the processing unit 21 is used to generate first indication information, which is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer; the transceiver unit 22 is used to send the first indication information.

[0237] It should be understood that the second multi-link device in this design can correspondingly execute the aforementioned embodiment 3, and the above operations or functions of each unit in the second multi-link device are respectively for implementing the corresponding operations of the second multi-link device in the aforementioned embodiment 3. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0238] In another design, the processing unit 21 is used to generate second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold; the transceiver unit 22 is used to send the second indication information.

[0239] It should be understood that the second multi-link device in this design can correspondingly execute the aforementioned fourth embodiment, and the above operations or functions of each unit in the second multi-link device are respectively for implementing the corresponding operations of the second multi-link device in the aforementioned fourth embodiment. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0240] The first multi-link device and the second multi-link device of the embodiment of the present application are introduced above. The following describes the possible product forms of the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device. It should be understood that any device with the above Figure 11 Any product having the function of the first multi-link device as described above Figure 12Any product that has the functions of the second multi-link device falls within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. It should also be understood that the following description is only an example and does not limit the product forms of the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device of the embodiments of the present application to only these.

[0241] As a possible product form, the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device described in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by a general bus architecture.

[0242] The first multi-link device includes a processor and a transceiver in internal communication with the processor.

[0243] In one design, the processor is configured to, when a length of a first PPDU sent by a first multi-link device on a first link is less than or equal to a first value, not start a media synchronization delay timer on a second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously. Optionally, the transceiver is configured to send the first PPDU on the first link;

[0244] In one design, the processor is configured to not start a media synchronization delay timer on a second link when a first frame sent by a first multi-link device on a first link is of a first type, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive simultaneously on the first link and the second link.

[0245] In one design, the transceiver is configured to receive first indication information indicating a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer; the processor is configured to determine, based on the length of a first PPDU sent on a first link, an initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, the initial value being used to determine whether to enable the media synchronization delay timer on a second link. The first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0246] In one design, the transceiver is configured to receive second indication information indicating a mapping between a PPDU length / byte length and an energy detection threshold; and the processor is configured to determine, based on the length of a first PPDU sent on a first link, an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU. The communication device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0247] The second multi-link device includes a processor and a transceiver in internal communication with the processor.

[0248] In one design, the processor is used to generate first indication information, which is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer; the transceiver is used to send the first indication information.

[0249] In another design, the processor is used to generate second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold; and the transceiver is used to send the second indication information.

[0250] As a possible product form, the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device described in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by a chip.

[0251] The chip implementing the first multi-link device includes a processing circuit and an input and output interface internally connected to and communicating with the processing circuit.

[0252] In one design, the input-output interface is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processing circuit, which is used to not start the media synchronization delay timer on the second link when the length of the first PPDU is less than or equal to a first value, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time.

[0253] In one design, the input / output interface is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processing circuit, and the processing circuit is used to, when the type of the first frame sent by the first multi-link device on the first link is the first type, cause the first multi-link device to not start a media synchronization delay timer on the second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time.

[0254] In one design, a transceiver is configured to receive first indication information, the input / output interface is configured to receive the first indication information from the transceiver, and send the first indication information to the processing circuit for processing, thereby obtaining a mapping relationship between a PPDU length indicated by the first indication information and an initial value (or initial duration) of a media synchronization delay timer; the processing circuit is configured to determine, based on the length of a first PPDU sent on a first link, an initial value of the media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, the initial value being used to determine whether to enable the media synchronization delay timer on a second link. The first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0255] In one design, the transceiver is configured to receive second indication information, the input / output interface is configured to receive the second indication information from the transceiver and send the second indication information to the processing circuit for processing, thereby obtaining a mapping relationship between a PPDU length indicated by the second indication information and an energy detection threshold; the processing circuit is configured to determine an energy detection threshold corresponding to the length of a first PPDU sent on the first link based on the length of the first PPDU, and the energy detection threshold is used to determine whether to enable the media synchronization delay timer on the second link. The first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously.

[0256] The chip implementing the second multi-link device includes a processing circuit and an input and output interface internally connected to and communicating with the processing circuit.

[0257] In one design, the input-output interface is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processing circuit, and the processing circuit is used to generate first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the initial value (or initial duration) of the media synchronization delay timer; the input-output interface is used to send the first indication information to the transceiver, and the transceiver is used to send the first indication information.

[0258] In another design, the input-output interface is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processing circuit, and the processing circuit is used to generate second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the PPDU length and the energy detection threshold; the input-output interface is used to send the second indication information to the transceiver, and the transceiver is used to send the second indication information.

[0259] As a possible product form, the first multi-link device and the second multi-link device described in the embodiments of the present application may also be implemented using: one or more FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), PLDs (programmable logic devices), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described throughout this application.

[0260] It should be understood that the communication devices in various product forms described above have any functions of the first multi-link device or the second multi-link device in the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0261] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the method in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0262] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0263] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which can exist in the form of a chip product. The structure of the device includes a processor and an interface circuit. The processor is used to communicate with other devices through a receiving circuit, so that the device executes the method in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0264] The steps of the method or algorithm described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application can be implemented in hardware or by executing software instructions by a processor. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, mobile hard disks, read-only compact disks (CD-ROMs), or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a core network interface device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist in the core network interface device as discrete components.

[0265] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in one or more of the examples above, the functions described herein can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer-readable storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0266] The specific implementation methods described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the above description is only the specific implementation methods of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A channel access method for a multi-link device, characterized in that: include: When the length of a first physical layer protocol data unit PPDU sent by the first multi-link device on the first link is less than or equal to a first value, the first multi-link device does not start a medium synchronization delay timer on the second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time; When the length of the first PPDU is greater than the first value, the first multi-link device starts the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link; During the time period of the mediumSyncDelay timer, if the first multi-link device performs channel contention on the second link, an energy detection threshold used by a clear channel assessment CCA on the second link is set to be less than -62dBm.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first multi-link device not starting a media synchronization delay timer on the second link includes: Setting an energy detection threshold used by a clear channel assessment CCA on the second link to a first threshold, wherein the first threshold is -62dBm; Alternatively, the first multi-link device sends frames other than the RTS frame and the MU-RTS frame after the backoff counter on the second link backs off to 0.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first multi-link device receives a first value, where the first value is carried in a beacon frame, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that When the length of the first PPDU is greater than the first value, the first multi-link device determines an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, and starts the media synchronization delay timer with the initial value on the second link.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first multi-link device receives first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein Before the first multi-link device sends the first PPDU on the first link, the method further includes: The first multi-link device receives second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an energy detection threshold.

7. A first multi-link device, characterized in that: include: a processing unit, configured to, when a length of a first PPDU sent by the first multi-link device on the first link is less than or equal to a first value, not start a medium synchronization delay (mediumSyncDelay) timer on the second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link simultaneously; The processing unit is further configured to, when the length of the first PPDU is greater than the first value, start the media synchronization delay mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link by the first multi-link device; During the time period of the mediumSyncDelay timer, if the first multi-link device performs channel contention on the second link, an energy detection threshold used by a clear channel assessment CCA on the second link is set to be less than -62dBm.

8. The first multi-link device according to claim 7, wherein: The processing unit is specifically configured to: Setting an energy detection threshold used by a clear channel assessment CCA on the second link to a first threshold, wherein the first threshold is -62dBm; Alternatively, the first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit, configured to send frames other than the RTS frame and the MU-RTS frame after the backoff counter on the second link backs off to 0.

9. The first multi-link device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit, configured to receive a first value, where the first value is carried in a beacon frame, an association response frame, or a reassociation response frame.

10. The first multi-link device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The processing unit is further configured to: when the length of the first PPDU is greater than the first value, determine an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer corresponding to the length of the first PPDU, and start the media synchronization delay timer with the initial value on the second link.

11. The first multi-link device according to claim 10, wherein: The first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit, configured to receive first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an initial value of a media synchronization delay timer.

12. The first multi-link device according to claim 7, wherein: The first multi-link device further includes a transceiver unit, configured to receive second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate a mapping relationship between a PPDU length and an energy detection threshold.

13. A first multi-link device, characterized in that: comprising a processor configured to: When the length of the first PPDU sent by the first multi-link device on the first link is less than or equal to a first value, the mediumSyncDelay timer is not started on the second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time; When the length of the first PPDU is greater than the first value, starting the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link; During the time period of the mediumSyncDelay timer, if the first multi-link device performs channel contention on the second link, an energy detection threshold used by a clear channel assessment CCA on the second link is set to be less than -62dBm.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein program instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the program instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

15. A first multi-link device, characterized in that: It includes an input / output interface and a processing circuit, wherein the input / output interface is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processing circuit, and the processing circuit is used to: When the length of the first PPDU is less than or equal to the first value, the mediumSyncDelay timer is not started on the second link, wherein the first multi-link device cannot transmit and receive on the first link and the second link at the same time; When the length of the first PPDU is greater than the first value, the first multi-link device starts the mediumSyncDelay timer on the second link; During the time period of the mediumSyncDelay timer, if the first multi-link device performs channel contention on the second link, an energy detection threshold used by a clear channel assessment CCA on the second link is set to be less than -62dBm.

16. A computer program product comprising program instructions, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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