Method for displaying nominal packet padding value, method for determining it, and communication device

Abstract

The present application provides a method for indicating a nominal packet padding value, a method for determining it, and a communication device for reducing the overhead of a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The indicating method comprises the following: A first device generates a PPDU and transmits the PPDU to a second device. A physical layer packet extension threshold information field included in the PPDU includes a plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, and each packet extension threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU of n and an RU with index b. If the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an RU with index y is 0, the value range of b does not include y. In the packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to the same nominal packet padding value, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an RU with index y is 0, which indicates that the modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index y is the modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index m1.

Description

Technology Field

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[0004] The present application relates to the field of wireless fidelity technology, and in particular to a method for displaying a nominal packet padding value, a method for determining it, and a communication device. Background Technology

[0005] To ensure that the receiver has sufficient processing time for data packets received from the transmitter, the receiver may set a modulation threshold corresponding to the number of spatial and time streams (NSTS) and the resource unit (RU) size. The transmitter may determine a nominal packet padding value to be used based on the modulation threshold. Then, the transmitter determines an actual padding value based on the nominal packet padding value and pads the packet extensions that may be included in the data packets transmitted to the receiver based on the actual padding value. The data in the packet extensions is not needed by the receiver. Therefore, other data can be processed within the processing time of the packet extensions, allowing the receiver to have sufficient processing time.

[0006] If one or more of the NSTS and RU sizes and modulation schemes used by the transmitter differ, the corresponding minimum processing time required by the receiver also differs. In other words, the corresponding nominal packet padding values ​​may differ. Currently, nominal packet padding values ​​corresponding to each NSTS, RU, and modulation threshold are provided in an exhaustive or traversal manner. As the NSTS and RU sizes supported by the device increase, providing nominal packet padding values ​​corresponding to each NSTS, RU, and modulation threshold in an exhaustive or traversal manner causes significant overhead.

[0007] The present application provides a nominal packet padding value display method, a determination method, and a communication device for reducing overhead for displaying nominal packet padding values ​​and flexibly displaying nominal packet padding values ​​corresponding to each NSTS and each RU size.

[0008] According to a first embodiment, a method for indicating a nominal packet padding value is provided. The method may be performed by a first communication device. The first communication device may be a communication device or a chip system capable of supporting a communication device, for example, to implement the function required by the method. In the following description, an example is used where the communication device is the first device. The first device may be an AP. The method comprises the following steps.

[0009] The first device generates a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) and transmits the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field, the value of which is 1, and the physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes multiple packet extension threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each set of packet extension threshold subfields indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold. The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], and m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0010] In a set of packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to the same nominal packet padding value, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, which indicates that the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y and the NSS of n is the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index m1 and the NSTS of n, where m1 is the smallest index among the indices that correspond to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and exceed y; otherwise, m1 is the largest index among the indices that correspond to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and are less than y.

[0011] In this solution, the modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index y may be the modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index m1. That is, the modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index y can be indicated using the packet extension threshold subfield, where the packet extension threshold subfield indicates the modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index m1. Therefore, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field may omit the packet extension threshold subfield indicating the modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index y, and nevertheless, the modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index y can be indicated using the packet extension threshold subfield indicating the modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index m1. In other words, the modulation threshold corresponding to an RU can be indicated without iterating through all RUs of different sizes. In this way, the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field is reduced.

[0012] According to a second embodiment, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. The method may be performed by a second communication device. The second communication device may be a communication device or a chip system capable of supporting a communication device, for example, to implement the function required by the method. In the description below, an example is used where the communication device is the second device. The second device may be a STA. The method comprises the following steps.

[0013] The second device receives a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Existence subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold field, the value of which is 1. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold field includes an RU Index Bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field includes multiple sets of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each set of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold. The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0014] The second device determines a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an index y of an RU based on a modulation threshold indicated by a physical layer packet extension threshold field, where m1 is the smallest index among indices that correspond to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and exceed y; otherwise, m1 is the largest index among indices that correspond to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and is less than y.

[0015] In accordance with the solution provided in the first embodiment, although the PPDU transmitted by the first device to the second device does not include a set of packet extension threshold subfields indicating a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index y, the second device can nevertheless determine a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index y. For example, the second device can determine a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index y based on a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index m1. The condition that m1 must satisfy is as follows: m1 is the smallest index among the indices that correspond to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and exceeds y; otherwise, m1 is the largest index among the indices that correspond to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and is less than y. Specifically, if it is determined that there exists an m1 satisfying the condition, the second device can determine a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and an index y.

[0016] In possible implementations of the first and second embodiments, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an index less than y is 1. A value of 0 for the RU index bitmask subfield may correspond to multiple RUs, i.e., multiple indices less than y. Based on such cases, this solution also limits the conditions that y must satisfy. Specifically, when the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an index less than y is 1, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with n NSS and index y is the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with n NSTS and index m1. That is, if there is no y satisfying this condition, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with n NSS and index y may be another possible value, for example, a fixed value. In this case, the second device may directly determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is a fixed value and does not determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with n NSS and index m1. This is simpler.

[0017] In a possible implementation of the first embodiment, if the index corresponding to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield does not exceed y, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, which indicates that the NSS of n and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 20 microseconds. Correspondingly, in a possible implementation of the second embodiment, if the index corresponding to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield does not exceed y, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 20 microseconds. In this solution, if there is no m1 satisfying the condition, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y may be a fixed value, for example, 20 microseconds.

[0018] In a possible implementation of the second embodiment, if the second device uses dual carrier modulation (DCM), the second device determines a nominal packet padding value to be used based on a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index y+1, where index y corresponds to multiple RUs of different sizes.

[0019] In this solution, multiple types of RUs (combinations of RUs and MRUs) are considered to correspond to a single RU allocation index, that is, a single index. Multiple RUs are combined, so the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field can be reduced. In this case, the second device may not determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the NSS of n and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y. For example, the second device may determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the NSS of n and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y+1.

[0020] In a possible implementation of the second embodiment, when the second device uses DCM, the second device determines a nominal packet padding value based on a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and an index y. The index y corresponds to multiple types of RUs, and the multiple types of RUs include at least one type of multiple resource unit (MRU), and the RU used by the second device is not the largest RU among the multiple RUs.

[0021] Similarly, to reduce the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field, multiple types of RUs can be combined. In other words, multiple types of RUs (a combination of RUs and MRUs) correspond to a single RU allocation index, that is, a single index. In this case, if the RU used by the second device to transmit data is not the largest RU among the multiple RUs, even if the second device uses DCM, the second device can still determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with n NSS and index y, instead of determining the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with n NSS and index y+1.

[0022] According to a third embodiment, a method for indicating a nominal packet padding value is provided. The method may be performed by a first communication device. The first communication device may be a communication device or a chip system capable of supporting a communication device, for example, to implement the function required by the method. In the description below, an example is used where the communication device is the first device. The first device may be an AP. The method comprises the following steps.

[0023] The first device generates a PPDU and transmits the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field, the value of the physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield is 1, and the physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet extension threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0024] The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], and m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, the physical layer packet extension threshold field indicates that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 0 microseconds, and the value range does not include y.

[0025] Similar to the solution of the first embodiment, in this solution, the packet extension threshold subfield indicating the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y and the NSS of n may also be omitted from the physical layer packet extension threshold field. Although the packet extension threshold subfield indicating the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y and the NSS of n is omitted, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is still indicated as 0 microseconds, thereby reducing the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0026] According to a fourth embodiment, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. The method may be performed by a second communication device. The second communication device may be a communication device or a chip system capable of supporting a communication device, for example, to implement the function required by the method. In the description below, an example is used where the communication device is the second device. The second device may be a STA. The method comprises the following steps.

[0027] The second device receives a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Existence subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold field, the value of which is 1. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold field includes an RU Index Bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field includes multiple sets of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each set of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold. The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0028] The second device determines that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 0 microseconds based on the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0029] In accordance with the solution of the third embodiment, the PPDU transmitted by the first device to the second device does not include a packet extension threshold subfield indicating an NSS of n and a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with index y. However, if the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an RU with index y is 0, the second device can determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is 0 microseconds. This is simpler.

[0030] In possible implementations of the third and fourth embodiments, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an index less than y does not contain 1. A value of 0 for the RU index bitmask subfield may correspond to multiple RUs, i.e., multiple indices less than y. Based on such cases, this solution also limits the conditions that y must satisfy. Specifically, when the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an index less than y does not contain 1, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with an NSS of n and index y is 0 microseconds.

[0031] According to a fifth embodiment, a method for indicating a nominal packet padding value is provided. The method may be performed by a first communication device. The first communication device may be a communication device or a chip system capable of supporting a communication device, for example, to implement the function required in the method. In the description below, an example is used where the communication device is the first device. The first device may be an AP. The method comprises the following steps.

[0032] The first device generates a PPDU and transmits the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field, the value of the physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield is 1, and the physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet extension threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0033] The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If the RU with index y corresponds to a bit set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield, the value range of b does not include y, and the physical layer packet extension threshold field indicates that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0034] Similar to the solution of the third embodiment, in this solution, the packet extension threshold subfield indicating the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with an NSS of n and index y may also be omitted from the physical layer packet extension threshold field. For the omitted modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with an NSS of n and index y, the corresponding nominal packet padding value may be specified as a fixed value, e.g., 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds. In other words, although the packet extension threshold subfield indicating the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with an NSS of n and index y is omitted, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is still indicated, thereby reducing the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0035] According to a sixth aspect, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. The method may be performed by a second communication device. The second communication device may be a communication device or a chip system capable of supporting a communication device, for example, to implement the function required by the method. In the description below, an example is used where the communication device is the second device. The second device may be an AP or a STA. The method comprises the following steps.

[0036] The second device receives a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Existence subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold field, the value of which is 1. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold field includes an RU Index Bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field includes multiple sets of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each set of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold. The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If an RU with index y corresponds to a bit set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield, the value range of b does not include y.

[0037] The second device determines, based on the physical layer packet extension threshold field, that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0038] In accordance with the solution of the fifth embodiment, the PPDU transmitted by the first device to the second device does not include an NSS of n and a packet extension threshold subfield indicating a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with index y. However, if the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an RU with index y is 0, the second device can determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is a fixed value without referring to the modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with a different index to determine the nominal packet padding value to be used. This is simpler.

[0039] In a possible implementation of the fifth or sixth embodiment, at least one bit with a value of 1 exists before a bit set to 0. A value of 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield may correspond to multiple RUs, i.e., multiple indices less than y. Based on this case, the solution is further restricted that at least one bit set to 1 exists before a bit set to 0, i.e., the condition that y must satisfy is further restricted. Only when at least one bit set to 1 corresponds to index y and exists before a bit set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield is the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y fixed.

[0040] In a possible implementation of the fifth embodiment, if the NSS used by the second device exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the physical layer packet extension threshold field indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds. Correspondingly, in a possible implementation of the sixth embodiment, if the NSS used by the second device exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the second device may determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0041] In this solution, the NSS does not need to be circulated. Specifically, if the NSS used by the second device exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, this may specify that the nominal packet padding value to be used by the second device is a fixed value, e.g., 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds. In this way, the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field can be further reduced.

[0042] In a possible implementation of the fifth embodiment, if the NSS used by the second device exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the physical layer packet extension threshold field indicates that the second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the NSS used by the second device and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y. Correspondingly, in a possible implementation of the sixth embodiment, if the NSTS used by the second device exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the NSS used by the second device and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y.

[0043] In this solution, the NSS also does not need to be circulated. Specifically, if the NSS used by the second device exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, it may be specified that the second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the NSS used by the second device and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y.

[0044] According to the seventh aspect, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. The method may be performed by a first communication device. The first communication device may be a communication device or a chip system capable of supporting a communication device, for example, to implement the function required by the method. In the description below, an example is used where the communication device is the first device. The first device may be an AP. The method comprises the following steps.

[0045] The first device generates a PPDU and transmits the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a spatial stream count (NSS) index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, and each set of packet expansion threshold subfields includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfields indicating an NSS of n, and the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device the corresponding packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The packet expansion threshold subfield indicates the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold, and the value range of n is [1, ..., N] and N is an integer greater than 8.

[0046] According to the eighth aspect, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. The method may be performed by a second communication device. The second communication device may be a communication device or a chip system capable of supporting a communication device, for example, to implement the function required by the method. In the description below, an example is used where the communication device is the second device. The second device may be a STA. The method comprises the following steps.

[0047] The second device receives a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a spatial stream count (NSS) index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, and each set of packet expansion threshold subfields includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfields indicating an NSS of n, and the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device the corresponding packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The packet expansion threshold subfield indicates the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold, and the value range of n is [1, ..., N] and N is an integer greater than 8.

[0048] The second device determines the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is j, based on the physical layer packet extension threshold information field and the first value, where j is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0049] In the solution of the seventh embodiment, the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field uses a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values ​​to indicate a corresponding packet expansion threshold used when the NSS is n and the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for a resource unit (RU) allocated to the second device is a first value. In this way, the second device can determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the packet expansion threshold subfield corresponding to the NSS used by the second device and the first value. That is, when the NSS used is n and the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value, the corresponding packet expansion threshold is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value instead of the modulation threshold corresponding to the NSS and RU size. This can reduce the dimensions of the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field, thereby simplifying the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field and reducing the overhead of the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the first value satisfies the following mathematical expression:

[0051] .

[0052] is the first value, and is the maximum quantity of RU242 that can be included in RU, and is the quantity of coded bits returned from each subcarrier of a single spacetime stream.

[0053] The first value may be considered to be related to the RU assigned to the second device, and in practice, is the quantization of the RU assigned to the second device. This solution provides an exemplary method for determining the first value. The specific method for determining the first value is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0054] It should be understood that when the quantity of nominal packet padding values ​​indicated by multiple packet extension threshold subfield sets differs, the method by which the second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used also differs. Several cases may be included, such as the following.

[0055] Case 1: A plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets include a first packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value, and in the first packet expansion threshold subfield set, the first packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device a corresponding first packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The first packet expansion threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the first packet expansion threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and that the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds. Correspondingly, when the NSS is j and When NSS is j, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is j is greater than or equal to the first nominal packet padding value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield.

[0056] Case 2: A plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets further include a second packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value, wherein in the second packet expansion threshold subfield set, the second packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device a corresponding second packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The second packet expansion threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the second packet expansion threshold is the second nominal packet padding value, and that the second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds. Correspondingly, when the NSS is j and When NSS is j, the second nominal packet padding value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield is greater than or equal to the second nominal packet padding value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield is less than the first nominal packet padding value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield is less than the second nominal packet padding value, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is j is the second nominal packet padding value.

[0057] Case 3: Multiple packet expansion threshold subfield sets further include a third packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value, wherein the third packet expansion threshold subfield in the third packet expansion threshold subfield set indicates to the second device a corresponding third packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The third packet expansion threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the third packet expansion threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and indicates that the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds. Correspondingly, when the NSS is j and When NSTS is j, the third nominal packet padding value corresponding to the third packet extension threshold subfield is greater than or equal to the third nominal packet padding value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield is less than the second nominal packet padding value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield is less than the second nominal packet padding value, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is j is the third nominal packet padding value.

[0058] In a possible implementation of the seventh embodiment, the NSS index bitmask subfield occupies at least 8 bits, the i-th bit of the NSS index bitmask subfield is 0, and the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field does not include a set of packet expansion threshold subfields corresponding to the NSS of i. In this solution, packet expansion threshold subfields that can be omitted are represented using the NSS index bitmask subfield, thereby further reducing the overhead of the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field.

[0059] In a possible implementation of the eighth aspect, when the NSS used by the second device exceeds the NSS corresponding to the most significant bit among the bits not set to zero in the NSS index bitmask subfield, and when the first value corresponding to the assigned RU is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device is 20 microseconds. In this solution, specific conditions may be defined. For example, when the NSS used by the second device exceeds the NSS corresponding to the most significant bit among the bits not set to zero in the NSS index bitmask subfield, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device is a fixed value, e.g., 20 microseconds. In this way, when determining the nominal packet padding value to be used, the second device does not need to compare the NSS with a plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets one by one. This is more direct and simple.

[0060] According to the ninth aspect, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. The method may be performed by a first communication device. The first communication device may be a communication device or a chip system capable of supporting a communication device, for example, to implement the function required by the method. In the description below, an example is used where the communication device is the first device. The first device may be an AP. The method comprises the following steps.

[0061] The first device generates a PPDU and transmits the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes an NSS subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a packet expansion threshold subfield corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates a packet expansion threshold, and the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8, and the second value relates to the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the NSS and allocated resource units (RU) used by the second device.

[0062] The difference from the solution of the seventh embodiment is that in this solution, the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field does not separately indicate packet expansion thresholds associated with NSS; that is, a single packet expansion threshold field can indicate packet expansion thresholds corresponding to multiple NSSs. This simplifies the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field, thereby reducing the overhead of the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field.

[0063] According to the tenth aspect, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. The method may be performed by a second communication device. The second communication device may be a communication device or a chip system capable of supporting a communication device, for example, to implement the function required by the method. In the description below, an example is used where the communication device is the second device. The second device may be a STA. The method comprises the following steps.

[0064] The second device receives a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a spatial stream count (NSS) subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a packet expansion threshold subfield corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates a packet expansion threshold, and the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8, and the second value relates to the NSS used by the second device and the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the allocated resource units (RU).

[0065] The second device determines a second value based on the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the used NSS and allocated resource units (RU); and determines a nominal packet padding value to be used based on the second value and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field.

[0066] In this solution, the second value may be considered as a value related to the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the NSS and allocated resource units (RU) used by the second device. For example, the second value may be determined based on the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the NSS and allocated resource units (RU) used. Before determining the nominal packet padding value to be used, the second device may first determine the second value and determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the second value and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field.

[0067] In a possible implementation of the 10th embodiment, determining by the second device based on the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the used NSS and allocated resource units (RU) includes the following: the second device determines a second value according to the following relationship:

[0068] . NSS is an NSS corresponding to the RU assigned to the second device, and is the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the RUs assigned to the second device, and the following relationship is satisfied:

[0069] .

[0070] is the maximum quantity of RU242 that can be included in RU, and is the quantity of coded bits returned from each subcarrier of a single spacetime stream.

[0071] It should be understood that when the quantity of nominal packet padding values ​​indicated by multiple packet extension threshold subfields differs, the method of determining the nominal packet padding value to be used by the second device also differs. Several cases may be included, such as the following.

[0072] In a possible implementation of the ninth and tenth embodiments, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a first packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. The first packet extension threshold subfield indicates the first packet extension threshold to the second device, and the first packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and that the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds. Correspondingly, when the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value to be used is the first nominal packet padding value.

[0073] In a possible implementation of the ninth and tenth embodiments, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a second packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value. The second packet extension threshold subfield indicates to the second device the second packet extension threshold, and the second packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold is the second nominal packet padding value, and that the second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds. Correspondingly, when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold and the second value is less than the first packet extension threshold, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value to be used is the second nominal packet padding value.

[0074] In a possible implementation of the ninth and tenth embodiments, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a third packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. The third packet extension threshold subfield indicates the third packet extension threshold to the second device, and the third packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and that the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds. Correspondingly, when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold and the second value is less than the second packet extension threshold, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value to be used is the third nominal packet padding value.

[0075] According to the eleventh embodiment, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. The method may be performed by a first communication device. The first communication device may be a communication device or a chip system capable of supporting a communication device, for example, to implement the function required by the method. In the description below, an example is used where the communication device is the first device. The first device may be an AP. The method comprises the following steps.

[0076] The first device generates a PPDU and transmits the PPDU and a first packet extension threshold range to the second device. The first packet extension threshold range indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the second device to transmit data to the first device when a third value is within the first packet extension threshold range, and different packet extension threshold ranges correspond to different nominal packet padding values.

[0077] According to the 12th aspect, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. The method may be performed by a second communication device. The second communication device may be a communication device or a chip system capable of supporting a communication device, for example, to implement the function required by the method. In the description below, an example is used where the communication device is the second device. The second device may be a STA. The method comprises the following steps.

[0078] The second device receives a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) and a first threshold range from the first device. The first threshold range represents a nominal packet padding value used by the second device to transmit data to the first device when a third value is within the first packet extension threshold range, and different packet extension threshold ranges correspond to different nominal packet padding values. The third value relates to one or more parameters among the number of spatial streams (NSS), RU size, and modulation scheme used by the second device.

[0079] If the third value is within the range of the first packet extension threshold, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value to be used is the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the range of the first packet extension threshold.

[0080] Unlike the solution of the seventh or ninth embodiment, in this solution, multiple packet expansion threshold ranges may be defined, and different packet expansion threshold ranges correspond to different nominal packet padding values. The first device may display the packet expansion threshold ranges to the second device. The second device may determine a quantized value based on one or more factors affecting the nominal packet padding value, for example, the order of NSS, RU, or modulation scheme used by the second device, and then determine the nominal packet padding value by comparing the quantized value with the first packet expansion threshold range transmitted by the first device. In this way, the overhead of the physical layer packet expansion threshold field may be further reduced because the first packet expansion threshold range may not be displayed using the physical layer packet expansion threshold field. Even if the physical layer packet expansion threshold field is used for display, a single packet expansion threshold range is displayed instead of multiple packet expansion threshold ranges. The overhead of the physical layer packet expansion threshold field may also be reduced.

[0081] In a possible implementation of the 11th or 12th mode, the 3rd value satisfies the following relationship:

[0082]

[0083] x is the third value, NSS is the NSS used by the second device, RU is the RU size used by the second device, and Modulation is the sequence of the modulation scheme used by the second device.

[0084] In this solution, a method for determining a third value is used as an example. That is, the third value relates to the order of the NSS, RU, and modulation scheme used by the second device. The specific determination method is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0085] According to the 13th embodiment, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the first device described above or a device placed on the first device. The communication device may be configured to perform a method according to the first embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the first embodiment. Specifically, the communication device may include a module configured to perform a method according to the first embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the first embodiment, for example, may include a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. For example, the communication device is the first device described above.

[0086] The processing module is configured to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module is configured to transmit the PPDU to a second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field, the value of the physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield is 1, and the physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet extension threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0087] The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], and m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. When the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0088] In the set of packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to the same nominal packet padding value, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, which indicates that the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y and the NSS of n is the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index m1 and the NSTS of n, where m1 is the smallest index among the indices that correspond to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and exceed y; otherwise, m1 is the largest index among the indices that correspond to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and are less than y.

[0089] In a possible implementation, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an index less than y contains 1.

[0090] In a possible implementation, if the index corresponding to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield does not exceed y, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, which indicates that the NSS of n and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 20 microseconds.

[0091] According to the 14th embodiment, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the aforementioned second device or a device disposed on the second device. The communication device may be configured to perform a method according to the second embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the second embodiment. Specifically, the communication device may include a module configured to perform a method according to the second embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the second embodiment, for example, may include a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. For example, the communication device is the aforementioned second device.

[0092] The transceiver module is configured to receive a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) from a first device. The PPDU includes a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Presence subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold field, the value of which is 1. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold field includes a Resource Unit (RU) Index Bitmask subfield, a Spatial Stream Count (NSS) subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field includes multiple sets of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each set of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold. The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. When the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0093] The processing module is configured to determine a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an index y, based on the modulation threshold indicated by the physical layer packet extension threshold field, corresponding to an NSS of n and an index m1, where m1 is the smallest index among the indices that correspond to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and exceed y; otherwise, m1 is the largest index among the indices that correspond to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and is less than y.

[0094] In a possible implementation, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an index less than y contains 1.

[0095] In a possible implementation, if the index corresponding to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield does not exceed y, the processing module is configured to determine that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index x is 20 microseconds.

[0096] In a possible implementation, the communication device uses a DCM, and the processing module is configured to determine a nominal packet padding value to be used based on an NSS of n and a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with index y+1, where index y corresponds to multiple RUs of different sizes. Alternatively, the processing module is configured to determine a nominal packet padding value based on an NSS of n and a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with index y, where index y corresponds to multiple RUs of different sizes, and the RU used by the communication device is not the largest RU among multiple RUs of different sizes.

[0097] According to the 15th embodiment, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the first device described above or a device placed on the first device. The communication device may be configured to perform a method according to the third embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the third embodiment. Specifically, the communication device may include a module configured to perform a method according to the third embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the third embodiment, for example, may include a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. For example, the communication device is the first device described above.

[0098] The processing module is configured to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module is configured to transmit the PPDU to a second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold field, the value of the physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield is 1, and the physical layer packet expansion threshold field includes a resource unit (RU) index bitmask subfield, a spatial stream count (NSS) subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet expansion threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0099] The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], and m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. When the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, in the physical layer packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to the same nominal packet padding value, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, which indicates that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 0 microseconds, and the value range of b does not include y.

[0100] In possible implementations, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an index less than x does not contain 1.

[0101] According to the 16th embodiment, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the aforementioned second device or a device disposed on the second device. The communication device may be configured to perform a method according to the fourth embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the fourth embodiment. Specifically, the communication device may include a module configured to perform a method according to the fourth embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the fourth embodiment, for example, may include a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. For example, the communication device is the aforementioned second device.

[0102] The transceiver module is configured to receive a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Existence subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold field, the value of which is 1. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold field includes a Resource Unit (RU) Index Bitmask subfield, a Spatial Stream Count (NSS) subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field includes multiple sets of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each set of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold. The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. When the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0103] The processing module is configured to determine that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 0 microseconds based on the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0104] In possible implementations, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an index less than y does not contain 1.

[0105] According to the 17th embodiment, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the first device described above or a device placed on the first device. The communication device may be configured to perform a method according to the fifth embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the fifth embodiment. Specifically, the communication device may include a module configured to perform a method according to the fifth embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the fifth embodiment, for example, may include a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. For example, the communication device is the first device described above.

[0106] The processing module is configured to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module is configured to transmit the PPDU to a second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field, the value of the physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield is 1, and the physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet extension threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0107] The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If the RU with index y corresponds to a bit set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield, the value range of b does not include y, and the physical layer packet extension threshold field indicates that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0108] In a possible implementation, at least one bit with a value of 1 exists before a bit set to 0.

[0109] In a possible implementation, if the NSS used exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the physical layer packet extension threshold field indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds. Alternatively, if the NSS used exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the physical layer packet extension threshold field indicates that the second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the NSS used and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y.

[0110] According to the 18th embodiment, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the aforementioned second device or a device disposed on the second device. The communication device may be configured to perform a method according to the 6th embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the 6th embodiment. Specifically, the communication device may include a module configured to perform a method according to the 6th embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the 6th embodiment, for example, may include a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. For example, the communication device is the aforementioned second device.

[0111] The transceiver module is configured to receive a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Existence subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold field, the value of which is 1. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold field includes an RU Index Bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field includes multiple sets of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each set of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold. The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If an RU with index y corresponds to a bit set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield, the value range of b does not include y.

[0112] The processing module is configured to determine, based on the physical layer packet extension threshold field, that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0113] In a possible implementation, at least one bit with a value of 1 exists before a bit set to 0.

[0114] In a possible implementation, if the NSS used by the communication device exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the processing module is also configured to determine that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds. Alternatively, if the NSS used by the communication device exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the processing module is also configured to determine the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y based on the NSS used and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y.

[0115] According to the 19th embodiment, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the first device described above or a device placed on the first device. The communication device may be configured to perform a method according to the 7th embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the 7th embodiment. Specifically, the communication device may include a module configured to perform a method according to the 7th embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the 7th embodiment, for example, may include a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. For example, the communication device is the first device described above.

[0116] The processing module is configured to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module is configured to transmit the PPDU to a second device. The PPDU includes a spatial stream count (NSS) index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, and each set of packet expansion threshold subfields includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfields indicating an NSS of n. The packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device a corresponding packet expansion threshold used when the NSS used by the second device is n and the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value, and the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than 8.

[0117] In a possible implementation, the first value satisfies the following mathematical expression:

[0118] .

[0119] is the first value, and is the maximum quantity of RU242 that can be included in RU, and is the quantity of coded bits returned from each subcarrier of a single spacetime stream.

[0120] In a possible implementation, a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets include a first packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value, and in the first packet expansion threshold subfield set, the first packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device a corresponding first packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The first packet expansion threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the first packet expansion threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and that the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0121] In a possible implementation, a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets further include a second packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value, and in the second packet expansion threshold subfield set, the second packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device a corresponding second packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The second packet expansion threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the second packet expansion threshold is the second nominal packet padding value, and that the second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0122] In a possible implementation, a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets further include a third packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value, and in the third packet expansion threshold subfield set, the third packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device a corresponding third packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The third packet expansion threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the third packet expansion threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and indicates that the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0123] In a possible implementation, the NSS index bitmask subfield occupies at least 8 bits, the i-th bit of the NSS index bitmask subfield is 0, and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not contain a set of packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to the NSS of i.

[0124] In a possible implementation, when the physical layer packet extension threshold information field indicates that the NSS used by the second device exceeds the NSS corresponding to the most significant bit among the bits not set to 0 in the NSS index bitmask subfield, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the assigned RU is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold is 20 microseconds.

[0125] According to the 20th embodiment, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the aforementioned second device or a device disposed on the second device. The communication device may be configured to perform a method according to the 8th embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the 8th embodiment. Specifically, the communication device may include a module configured to perform a method according to the 8th embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the 8th embodiment, for example, may include a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. For example, the communication device is the aforementioned second device.

[0126] The transceiver module is configured to receive a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) from a first device. The PPDU includes a Spatial Stream Count (NSS) Index Bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Expansion Threshold Information field includes a plurality of Packet Expansion Threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, and each set of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields includes a plurality of Packet Expansion Threshold subfields indicating an NSS of n. The Packet Expansion Threshold subfield indicates to the communication device a corresponding Packet Expansion Threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n, and the Packet Expansion Threshold subfield indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the first value is greater than or equal to the Packet Expansion Threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than 8.

[0127] The processing module is configured to determine the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is j, based on the physical layer packet extension threshold information field and the first value, where j is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0128] In a possible implementation, the first value satisfies the following mathematical expression:

[0129] .

[0130] is the first value, and is the maximum quantity of RU242 that can be included in RU, and is the quantity of coded bits returned from each subcarrier of a single spacetime stream.

[0131] In a possible implementation, a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets include a first packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value, and in the first packet expansion threshold subfield set, the first packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the communication device a corresponding first packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The first packet expansion threshold indicates a first nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the first packet expansion threshold, and the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0132] When NSS is j and When NSS is j, the communication device determines that the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is j is greater than or equal to the first nominal packet padding value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield.

[0133] In a possible implementation, a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets further include a second packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value, and in the second packet expansion threshold subfield set, the second packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the communication device a corresponding second packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The second packet expansion threshold indicates a second nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the second packet expansion threshold, and the second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0134] When NSS is j and When NSS is j, the second nominal packet padding value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield is greater than or equal to, and when NSS is j, the first nominal packet padding value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield is less than, the communication device determines that the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is j is the second nominal packet padding value.

[0135] In a possible implementation, a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets further include a third packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value, and in the third packet expansion threshold subfield set, the third packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the communication device a corresponding third packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The third packet expansion threshold indicates a third nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the third packet expansion threshold, and the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0136] When NSS is j and When NSTS is j, the third nominal packet padding value corresponding to the third packet extension threshold subfield is greater than or equal to the third nominal packet padding value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield is less than the second nominal packet padding value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield when NSTS is j, the communication device determines that the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is j is the third nominal packet padding value.

[0137] In a possible implementation, the NSS index bitmask subfield occupies at least 8 bits, the i-th bit of the NSS index bitmask subfield is 0, and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not contain a set of subfields corresponding to the NSS of i.

[0138] In a possible implementation, if the NSS used by the communication device exceeds the NSS corresponding to the most significant bit among the bits not set to zero in the NSS index bitmask subfield, the processing module is also configured to use a nominal packet padding value of 20 microseconds when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold.

[0139] According to the 21st embodiment, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the first device described above or a device placed on the first device. The communication device may be configured to perform a method according to the ninth embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the ninth embodiment. Specifically, the communication device may include a module configured to perform a method according to the ninth embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the ninth embodiment, for example, may include a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. For example, the communication device is the first device described above.

[0140] The processing module is configured to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module is configured to transmit the PPDU to a second device. The PPDU includes a spatial stream count (NSS) subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a packet expansion threshold subfield corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates the packet expansion threshold, and the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8, and the second value relates to the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the NSS used by the second device and the allocated RU.

[0141] In a possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a first packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. The first packet extension threshold subfield indicates a first packet extension threshold, and the first packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and that the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0142] In a possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a second packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value. The second packet extension threshold subfield indicates a second packet extension threshold, and the second packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold is the second nominal packet padding value, and that the second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0143] In a possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a third packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. The third packet extension threshold subfield indicates a third packet extension threshold, and the third packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and that the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0144] According to the 22nd embodiment, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the aforementioned second device or a device disposed on the second device. The communication device may be configured to perform a method according to the 10th embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the 10th embodiment. Specifically, the communication device may include a module configured to perform a method according to the 10th embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the 10th embodiment, for example, may include a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. For example, the communication device is the aforementioned second device.

[0145] The transceiver module is configured to receive a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a spatial stream count (NSS) subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a packet expansion threshold subfield corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates the packet expansion threshold, and the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8, and the second value relates to the NSS used by the second device and the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the allocated RU.

[0146] The processing module is configured to: determine a second value based on the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the used NSS and allocated resource units (RU); and determine a nominal packet padding value to be used based on the second value and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field.

[0147] In a possible implementation, the processing module is configured to determine a second value specifically according to the following relationship:

[0148] . NSS is the NSS corresponding to the RU assigned to the communication device. is the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the RUs assigned to the communication device, and satisfies the following relationship:

[0149] .

[0150] is the maximum quantity of RU242 that can be included in RU, and is the quantity of coded bits returned from each subcarrier of a single spacetime stream.

[0151] In a possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a first packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. The first packet extension threshold subfield indicates a first packet extension threshold, and the first packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and that the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0152] When the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold, the processing module determines that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device is the first nominal packet padding value.

[0153] In a possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a second packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value. The second packet extension threshold subfield indicates a second packet extension threshold, and the second packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold is the second nominal packet padding value, and that the second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0154] When the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold and the second value is less than the first packet extension threshold, the processing module determines that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device is the second nominal packet padding value.

[0155] In a possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a third packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. The third packet extension threshold subfield indicates a third packet extension threshold, and the third packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0156] When the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold and the second value is less than the second packet extension threshold, the processing module determines that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device is the third nominal packet padding value.

[0157] According to the 23rd embodiment, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the first device described above or a device disposed on the first device. The communication device may be configured to perform a method according to the 11th embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the 11th embodiment. Specifically, the communication device may include a module configured to perform a method according to the 11th embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the 11th embodiment, for example, may include a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. For example, the communication device is the first device described above.

[0158] The processing module is configured to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module is configured to transmit the PPDU and a first packet extension threshold range. When a third value is within the first packet extension threshold range, the first packet extension threshold range indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the communication device to transmit data to the first device. Different packet extension threshold ranges correspond to different nominal packet padding values.

[0159] In a possible implementation, the third value satisfies the following relationship:

[0160]

[0161] x is the third value, NSS is the NSS used by the communication device, RU is the RU size used by the communication device, and Modulation is the sequence of modulation schemes used by the communication device.

[0162] According to the 24th embodiment, a communication device is provided. For example, the communication device is the aforementioned second device or a device placed on the second device. The communication device may be configured to perform a method according to the 12th embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the 12th embodiment. Specifically, the communication device may include a module configured to perform a method according to the 12th embodiment or any one of the possible implementations of the 12th embodiment, for example, may include a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. For example, the communication device is the aforementioned second device.

[0163] The transceiver module is configured to receive a PPDU and a first packet extension threshold range from a first device. When a third value is within the first packet extension threshold range, the first packet extension threshold range indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the communication device to transmit data to the first device. Different packet extension threshold ranges correspond to different nominal packet padding values. The third value is related to one or more parameters among the number of spatial streams (NSS), RU size, and modulation scheme used by the communication device.

[0164] If the third value is within the range of the first packet extension threshold, the processing module determines that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device is the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the range of the first packet extension threshold.

[0165] In a possible implementation, the third value satisfies the following relationship:

[0166]

[0167] x is the third value, NSS is the NSS used by the communication device, RU is the RU size used by the communication device, and Modulation is the sequence of modulation schemes used by the communication device.

[0168] According to the 25th aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be a communication device of any one of the 13th to 24th aspects of the above-described embodiment, or a chip disposed in a communication device of any one of the 13th to 24th aspects. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program, instructions, or data. The processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor reads a computer program, instructions, or data, the communication device performs a method performed by a first device or a second device in any one of the method embodiments of the 1st to 12th aspects.

[0169] It should be understood that a communication interface can be implemented in a communication device using an antenna, a feeder, a codec, etc. Alternatively, if the communication device is a chip placed on a first device or a second device, the communication interface may be an input / output interface of the chip, for example, an input / output pin. The communication device may further include a transceiver configured to perform communication between the communication device and another device. For example, when the communication device is the first device, the other device is the second device; otherwise, when the communication device is the second device, the other device is the first device.

[0170] According to the 26th aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system. The chip system includes a processor and may further include a memory configured to implement a method performed by a communication device of any one of the first through 12 aspects. In a possible embodiment, the chip system further includes a memory configured to store program instructions and / or data. The chip system may include a chip or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0171] According to the 27th aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system. The communication system comprises a communication device according to the 13th and 14th aspects; the communication system comprises a communication device according to the 15th and 16th aspects; the communication system comprises a communication device according to the 17th and 18th aspects; the communication system comprises a communication device according to the 19th and 20th aspects; the communication system comprises a communication device according to the 21st and 22nd aspects; or the communication system comprises a communication device according to the 23rd and 24th aspects.

[0172] According to the 28th aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, a method performed by the first device in the aforementioned aspect is implemented, or a method performed by the second device in the aforementioned aspect is implemented.

[0173] According to the 29th embodiment, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes computer program code. When the computer program code is executed, a method performed by the first device in the aforementioned embodiment is performed, or a method performed by the second device in the aforementioned embodiment is performed.

[0174] For the beneficial effects of the 13th to 29th embodiments and their implementation, refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the method and its implementation according to the 1st to 12th embodiments. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0175] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a WLAN to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable. Figure 2 shows the PPDU bit padding process in the last coded symbol. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a PPDU according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an HE physical layer capability information field according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a HE capability element according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a physical layer packet extension threshold field according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the existing physical layer packet extension threshold information field. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an HE physical layer packet extension threshold information field according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of Method 1 for displaying a nominal packet padding value according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart of method 2 for displaying a nominal packet padding value according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an HE physical layer packet extension threshold information field according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart of method 3 for displaying nominal packet padding values ​​according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing another structure of a physical layer packet extension threshold information field according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 14 is a schematic flowchart of method 4 for displaying a nominal packet padding value according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing another structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0176] To clarify the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application, embodiments of the present application are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0177] Embodiments of the present application may be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios and to IEEE 802.11 system standards, e.g., 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, or next-generation standards, e.g., 802.11be, or additional next-generation standards. Alternatively, embodiments of the present application may be applied to wireless local area network systems, e.g., Internet of Things (IoT) or Vehicle to X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments of the present application may also be applied to other possible communication systems, for example, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems and future 5G communication systems.

[0178] The following uses examples in which the embodiments of the present application are applicable to WLAN scenarios. It should be understood that WLAN has evolved from the 802.11a / g standards and is currently being discussed through 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and 802.11be. 802.11n may also be referred to as high throughput (HT), 802.11ac as very high throughput (VHT), 802.11ax as high efficiency (HE) or Wi-Fi 6, and 802.11be as extremely high throughput (EHT) or Wi-Fi 7. Standards prior to HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, are collectively referred to as Non-HT (non-high throughput).

[0179] Refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a WLAN to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable. In FIG. 1, the WLAN is used as an example to include one wireless access point (AP) and two stations (STA). The STA associated with the AP can receive radio frames transmitted by the AP and can also transmit radio frames to the AP. Additionally, an embodiment of the present application is applicable to communication between APs. For example, APs can communicate with each other using a distributed system (DS). An embodiment of the present application is also applicable to communication between STAs. It should be understood that the number of APs and STAs in FIG. 1 is merely an example. There may be more or fewer APs and STAs.

[0180] In embodiments of the present application, the STA may be a user terminal, user device, access device, subscriber station, subscriber unit, mobile station, user agent, user device, or other device having wireless communication capabilities. The user terminal may be a handheld device, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a computing device, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem having wireless communication capabilities. The user terminal may also be user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a terminal, terminal equipment, a portable communication device, a handheld device, a portable computing device, an entertainment device, a game device or system, a global positioning system device, or any other suitable device of various forms configured to perform network communication over a wireless medium. For example, the STA may be a router, a switch, or a bridge, etc. For convenience of description, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as a station or STA.

[0181] In the embodiments of the present application, the AP and STA may be APs and STAs applicable to the IEEE 802.11 system standard. An AP is a device deployed in a wireless communication network that provides wireless communication functions to the STA associated with the AP. The AP may be used as the center of a communication system and is generally a network-side product that supports MAC and PHY in the 802.11 system standard; it may be a communication device such as, for example, a base station, router, gateway, repeater, communication server, switch, or bridge. The base station may include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. For convenience of explanation, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as APs. An STA is generally a terminal product that supports Media Access Control (MAC) and the physical layer (PHY) of the 802.11 system standard; for example, a mobile phone or a laptop computer.

[0182] According to 802.11ax, pre-(forward error correction padding, FEC) padding, post-FEC padding, and packet extensions may be added to the PPDU. Pre-FEC padding and excess information occupy approximately one-quarter multiples of the subcarrier (e.g., one-quarter, two-quarters, three-quarters, and all) of the last coded symbol, and the remaining subcarrier may be used to return the post-FEC padding. Decoding of the last coded symbol of the PPDU may be performed only on the one-quarter multiples of the subcarrier occupied by pre-FEC padding and excess information, rather than decoding the entire coded symbol. This saves decoding time and reserves more processing time for the PPDU.

[0183] For ease of understanding, this will be explained below with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows the PPDU bit padding process in the last coded symbol. In FIG. 2, a indicates that after scrambling and coding, the excess information bits and pre-forward error correction padding bits occupy approximately one-quarter of the subcarrier in the symbol. For example, in FIG. 2, a=1 indicates that after scrambling and coding, the excess information bits and pre-forward error correction padding bits occupy approximately one-quarter of the subcarrier in the symbol. Similarly, a=2 indicates that after scrambling and coding, the excess information bits and pre-forward error correction padding bits occupy approximately two-quarters of the subcarrier in the symbol; and a=3 indicates that after scrambling and coding, the excess information bits and pre-forward error correction padding bits occupy approximately three-quarters of the subcarrier in the symbol; a=4 indicates that after scrambling and coding, excess information bits and pre-forward error correction padding bits occupy all subcarriers in the symbol.

[0184] As illustrated in FIG. 2, since the remaining subcarrier in a symbol is padded through post-FEC padding, the number of bits occupied by the data reaches NCBPS bits, where NCBPS represents the number of coded bits in each symbol (bits coded per symbol). Since it is clearly stated that pre-FEC padding bits and excess information bits occupy approximately one-quarter of the subcarrier in the last decoded symbol, it should be understood that when receiving a PPDU, the receiver can decode the last coded symbol of the PPDU by decoding only one-quarter of the subcarrier, rather than decoding the entire coded symbol. This saves decoding time and reserves more processing time for the PPDU.

[0185] However, due to the uncertainty of the duration corresponding to post-FEC padding and the limitation of the total duration, the extra processing time reserved in the PPDU may not meet the minimum time required by the receiver. In order for the extra processing time reserved in the PPDU to reach the minimum time required by the receiver (e.g., 8 μs and 16 μs), a field that may need to be added, namely the packet extension (PE) field, is introduced into the last symbol of the PPDU.

[0186] Refer to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a PPDU. Fig. 3 shows the duration of the PE field in the PPDU when a=1, a=2, a=3, and a=4 in Fig. 2. The duration of the PE field may also be referred to as the nominal packet extension time (nominal TPE). The nominal packet extension time is related to the nominal packet padding value included in the PPDU. From Fig. 3, it can be seen that the nominal packet extension time is related to the value of a and the nominal packet padding value. For details, refer to Table 1.

[0187]

[0188] The second row of Table 1 represents the nominal packet padding value, which can be 0 µs, 8 µs, or 16 µs. It should be understood that post-FEC padding can also provide additional processing time, and that the processing time provided by post-FEC padding is combined with the nominal packet extension time to obtain the actual packet extension time (TPE). From Table 1, it can be seen that the packet extension time does not necessarily have to be equal to the minimum time required by the receiver (e.g., 0 µs, 8 µs, or 16 µs). For example, the nominal packet padding value could be 16 µs, and the nominal TPE could be 4 µs, 8 µs, 12 µs, or 16 µs. In other words, the TPE is greater than or equal to the nominal TPE. Generally, the TPE value is the minimum value that satisfies the requirements. In the case of two communication terminals, for example, a first device and a second device, in order to enable the first device to have sufficient processing time for data packets received from the second device, the first device may indicate a modulation threshold corresponding to the NSTS and RU sizes, and the second device may determine a nominal packet padding value to be used based on the modulation threshold. Then, the second device determines the duration of the PE field based on the nominal packet padding value and the aforementioned a, and pads the PE field that may be included in the PPDU transmitted to the first device based on the duration of the PE. The second device generates a PPDU based on the duration of the PE field and transmits the PPDU to the first device. This allows the first device to have sufficient processing time, that is, it can guarantee the minimum processing time requirements of the first device. In this embodiment of the present application, it may be understood that the first device may indicate to the second device a nominal packet padding value to be used by the second device. "To be used" means that the second device determines the duration of the PE field based on the nominal packet padding value and the aforementioned a.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first device may directly indicate a nominal packet padding value to be used by the second device. For example, the first device may indicate a nominal packet padding value using a nominal packet padding subfield that indicates the nominal packet padding value. For example, the first device may transmit a PPDU that returns the nominal packet padding subfield to the second device.

[0190] In some other embodiments, the first device may indirectly indicate a nominal packet padding value to be used by the second device. For example, the first device may indirectly indicate a nominal packet padding value using a modulation threshold associated with the nominal packet padding value. For example, the first device may transmit a PPDU to the second device that returns a packet extension threshold subfield indicating the modulation threshold.

[0191] In this specification, the method in which the nominal packet padding subfield displays a nominal packet padding value used by a second device is referred to as the direct display method, and the method in which the packet extension threshold subfield displaying a modulation threshold indirectly displays a nominal packet padding value used by the second device is referred to as the indirect display method. A PPDU includes a nominal packet padding subfield and a packet extension threshold subfield displaying a modulation threshold. To distinguish when the nominal packet padding subfield or the packet extension threshold subfield displaying a modulation threshold is used to display a nominal packet padding value, the PPDU further includes a physical layer packet extension (PPE) thresholds present subfield. When the value of the physical layer packet extension thresholds present subfield is 0, the nominal packet padding subfield displays a nominal packet padding value. When the value of the physical layer packet extension thresholds present subfield is 1, the packet extension threshold subfield displaying a modulation threshold displays a nominal packet padding value.

[0192] Below, the direct and indirect display methods of nominal packet padding values ​​are explained separately.

[0193] Direct indication method: As illustrated in FIG. 4, the physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and the nominal packet padding subfield are returned in the HE physical layer capability information field. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the HE physical layer capability information field is included in the HE capability element. The HE capability element may include an element field, a length field, an element ID extension field, an HE (medium access control, MAC) capability information field, an HE physical layer capability information field, a Supported HE-MCS and NSS Set field for high efficiency (HE) modulation and coding schemes (MCS) and number of spatial streams (NSS), and may further include a physical layer packet extension threshold field. In this embodiment of the present application, the number of bits occupied by each field or subfield included in the HE capability element is not limited. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the element field occupies 1 bit, the length field occupies 1 bit, the element identifier extension field occupies 1 bit, the HE media access control capability information field occupies 6 bits, the HE physical layer capability information field occupies 11 bits, and the physical layer packet extension threshold field occupies a variable number of bits. Additionally, the physical layer packet extension threshold field is optional, that is, not mandatory.

[0194] Refer to Table 2 for the nominal packet padding value indicated by the nominal packet padding subfield when the value of the physical layer packet extension threshold existence subfield is 0.

[0195]

[0196] As the number of streams supported by each device changes from 8 to 16, the supported modulation scheme changes from 1K quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) to 4KQAM, and the supported bandwidth changes from 160 MHz to 320 MHz. In this case, the receiver requires more processing time. Based on this, a nominal packet padding value exceeding 16 µs is proposed; for example, a nominal packet padding value supporting 20 µs is proposed. Table 2 continues to be used, and a value 3 may be added to the nominal packet padding subfield. For example, if the nominal packet padding value is 16 µs for all modes where the constellation is 1024 or less, the NSTS is 8 or less, and the RU is 996×2 or less, the nominal packet padding subfield is set to 3, and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to other modes is 20 µs. (Set to 3 if the nominal packet padding is 16 μs for all modes with constellation<=1024, NSTS<=8 and RU<=996×2, and 20 μs for all other modes the STA supports.) In other words, when the value of the nominal packet padding subfield is 3, the nominal packet padding value is 16 μs when the modulation mode is 1KQAM or less, NSTS is 8 or less, and RU size is 2×996 or less. Otherwise, the nominal packet padding value is 20 μs.

[0197] For example, the nominal packet padding field of the HE physical layer capability information field may still be used, and the number of bits occupied by the nominal packet padding field to indicate the nominal packet padding value may be increased. As another example, a field indicating the nominal packet padding value may be set in a newly defined EHT capability element.

[0198] Indirect display mode:

[0199] The nominal packet padding value can be indirectly indicated using the Physical Layer Packet Expansion Thresholds subfield and the Physical Layer Packet Expansion Thresholds field of the PPDU. For example, the value of the Physical Layer Packet Expansion Thresholds subfield is 1, and the Physical Layer Packet Expansion Thresholds field indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to the NSTS and RU of n. The second device can determine the nominal packet padding value based on the modulation threshold. In this way, different nominal packet padding values ​​can be indicated based on different NSTS, RU sizes, and modulation schemes, which is more flexible.

[0200] For example, refer to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an NSTS subfield, an RU Index Bitmask subfield, a physical layer packet extension threshold information field, and a physical layer packet extension padding (PPE) field.

[0201] The NSTS subfield can indicate the quantity of spatiotemporal streams for data transmission. For example, the NSTS subfield occupies 3 bits, and the values ​​of the 3 bits range from 0 to 7, representing the first through the eighth streams, respectively. In other words, the value of one of the 3 bits corresponds to a quantity of one spatiotemporal stream. The RU index bitmask subfield can indicate the RU size. Table 3 shows the relationship between the RU index bitmask subfield and the RU size.

[0202] RU Allocation Index RU allocation size 0(Bitmap 1000) 242 1(Bitmap 0100) 484 2(Bitmap 0010) 996 3(Bitmap 0001) 2×996

[0203] The RU index bitmask subfield is a bitmap. In Table 3, the RU allocation index indicates a specific bit in the bitmap. For example, in Table 3, the RU index bitmask occupies 4 bits. The first row of Table 3 indicates that the first bit of the RU index bitmask is set to 1, and therefore the corresponding RU shown in FIG. 6 is 242. Similarly, the second row indicates that the second bit of the RU index bitmask is set to 1, and therefore the corresponding RU shown in FIG. 6 is 484, and so on. The RU allocation index may also be referred to as the RU index (number). A smaller index (number) indicates a smaller RU size. In this specification, the granularity of the RU size is a subcarrier. For example, 242 refers to 242 subcarriers, and 484 refers to 484 subcarriers. It should be understood that if one or more of the NSTS, RU size, and modulation scheme used by the transmitting end differ, the corresponding minimum processing time required by the receiving end also differs. In other words, the corresponding nominal packet padding values ​​may differ. In the implementation, modulation thresholds corresponding to different RU sizes indicated by the NSTS and minimum granularity from the first stream to the Nth stream are provided in an exhaustion or traversal manner. The value of N may be the maximum value of bits used by the NSTS subfield plus 1. For example, if the NSTS subfield uses 3 bits, the maximum value of the NSTS subfield is 7, and the maximum number of streams that can be indicated by the NSTS subfield is 8 (7+1=8). For example, if the NSTS subfield uses 6 bits, the maximum value of the NSTS subfield is 15, and the maximum number of streams that can be represented by the NSTS subfield is 16 (15+1=16). In this specification, the set of values ​​for the NSTS subfield can be represented as [1, ..., NSTN+1].In this case, the Nth stream is the (NSTS+1)th stream, that is, NSTS is equal to N. In this specification, NSTS may be equivalently replaced with NSS, and NSTS subfields may be equivalently replaced with NSS subfields.

[0204] For example, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of packet extension threshold subfields that indicate modulation thresholds corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. In other words, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes multiple sets of packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each set of packet extension threshold subfields includes multiple packet extension threshold subfields, and each packet extension threshold subfield indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b. It should be understood that the value range of n is [1, ..., N]. Here, index b can be considered as the RU allocation index and indicates the RU size. For example, the value range of b is [m, ..., M], where [m, ..., M] is a bit list formed by sequentially setting all bits in the RU index bitmask subfield to 1, and m is the least significant bit in the bit list. For example, in Table 3, the range of values ​​for b is [0, ..., 3], that is, m is 0 and M is 3.

[0205] For example, refer to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows that a physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a packet extension threshold subfield set displaying multiple packet extension thresholds corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 8 μs and a packet extension threshold subfield set displaying multiple packet extension thresholds corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 16 μs. In this specification, the packet extension threshold subfield set displaying multiple packet extension thresholds corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 8 μs is referred to as the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield, and any subfield among the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfields is referred to as the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield displaying a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSTS of n and an RU with index b. For example, if the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield occupies 3 bits, the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield can display 8 modulation thresholds. Similarly, a set of packet extension threshold subfields indicating multiple packet extension thresholds corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 16 μs may be referred to as the PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield, and any of the subfields of the PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfields is referred to as the PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield indicating a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSTS of n and a RU with index b. Alternatively, for simplicity, the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield may be abbreviated as PPET8, that is, PPET8 represents the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield. Similarly, the PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield may be abbreviated as PPET16.

[0206] FIG. 7 provides a representation of the first to Nth streams in an exhaustion or iteration manner and a representation of the RU size from the minimum granularity. The value of n can be considered to be from 1 to N, i.e., n is an element of [1, ..., N], and b can be considered to iterate from m to M. That is, the PPET16 NSTSn RUb and PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfields exist for all values ​​of n and b, where 1 ≤ n ≤ (N), and b = [m, ..., M] is a set of integers identical to an ordered list of bit positions of all bits set in the RU index bitmask subfield, where m is the lowest value.

[0207] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield / PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSTS of n and an RU with index b. Alternatively, the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield / PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield may be considered to indicate an NSTS of n, an RU with index b, and a modulation threshold. It should be understood that the modulation threshold can indicate a modulation scheme, that is, the modulation threshold indicated by the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield / PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield can indicate a modulation scheme.

[0208] For example, the correspondence between the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield / PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield and the modulation scheme is shown in Table 4. The modulation threshold indicated by the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield / PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield is similar to the constellation index in Table 4, which indirectly indicates the modulation scheme.

[0209]

[0210] The structure of the physical layer packet extension threshold field transmitted from the first device to the second device is illustrated in FIG. 7. The second device obtains the physical layer packet extension threshold field of the first device and can determine the nominal packet padding value to be used by utilizing a combination of the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield and the PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield. Specifically, the second device can determine the nominal packet padding value according to Table 5. Specifically, if the result of comparing the modulation scheme used by the second device with the modulation threshold indicated by the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield and the result of comparing the modulation scheme used by the second device with the modulation threshold indicated by the PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield satisfy the conditions of the row in Table 5, the nominal packet padding value is the value corresponding to the row.

[0211]

[0212] It should be noted that the modulation schemes in Table 5 refer to modulation schemes based on the modulation scheme corresponding to RUb and where DCM is considered. In Table 5, "None" can be understood as not considering the corresponding conditions. For example, if the PPET8 subfield is set to None, the indication of the PPET8 subfield is not used to determine the nominal packet padding value. As shown in Table 5, if the comparison result between the modulation scheme used by the second device and the modulation threshold indicated by PPET8 satisfies Condition 1, and the comparison result between the modulation scheme used by the second device and the modulation threshold indicated by PPET16 satisfies Condition 2, then the nominal packet padding value is the value corresponding to Condition 1 and Condition 2.

[0213] Specifically, if the constellation index x corresponding to the modulation scheme used by the second device is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold indicated by PPET8, and the constellation index x corresponding to the modulation scheme used by the second device is less than the modulation threshold indicated by PPET16 or PPET16 is set to None, the nominal packet padding value is 8 μs. If the constellation index x corresponding to the modulation scheme used by the second device exceeds the modulation threshold indicated by PPET8 or PPET8 is set to None, and the constellation index x corresponding to the modulation scheme used by the second device is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold indicated by PPET16, the nominal packet padding value is 16 μs. That is, if Condition 1 and Condition 2 of the row in Table 5 are satisfied, the nominal packet padding value is the value of that row.

[0214] As the number of streams supported by each device changes from 8 to 16, the supported modulation scheme changes from 1K quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) to 4KQAM, and the supported bandwidth changes from 160 MHz to 320 MHz. In this case, the receiver requires more processing time, and larger nominal packet padding values, for example, 20 μs or other possible durations of nominal packet padding values, must be indicated.

[0215] For example, the structure illustrated in FIG. 7 may still be used, and a field indicating a nominal packet padding value of 20 μs is added to the physical layer packet extension threshold information field illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, a set of packet extension threshold subfields indicating multiple packet extension thresholds corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 20 μs is added to the physical layer packet extension threshold information field illustrated in FIG. 7. The set of subfields may indicate modulation thresholds corresponding to different NSTS and different RU sizes. However, the nominal packet padding value determined by the second device based on the modulation threshold may exceed 16 μs, for example, 20 μs. Similar to the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield, for convenience of explanation, the set of subfields may be represented as the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield, as illustrated in FIG. 8. That is, each PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield can indicate a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSTS of n and an RU with index b.

[0216] Similar to the PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield, the value range of n in the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield is [1, ..., N], and the value range of b is [m, ..., M]. The difference is that the length of the NSTS subfield in Fig. 8 is longer than the length of the NSTS subfield in Fig. 7. For example, the NSTS subfield can occupy 4 bits. In this case, the value range of n is [1, ..., N], and N is equal to 16.

[0217] Similarly, the length of the RU index bitmask subfield in FIG. 8 may be longer than the length of the RU index bitmask subfield in FIG. 7, that is, the RU index bitmask subfield in FIG. 8 occupies more bits. For example, the RU index bitmask field may occupy 5 bits. In this case, the maximum granularity of RU represented by the RU index bitmask subfield is 3×996. As another example, the RU index bitmask subfield may occupy 6 bits. In this case, the maximum granularity of RU represented by the RU index bitmask subfield is 4×996. Of course, the RU index bitmask subfield can occupy more bits, and the RU size is 242+484, 484+996, 242+484+996, 2x996+484, 2x996+996, or 3x996+484, etc. In this case, in the value range [m, ..., M] of b, M can be 5 or greater.

[0218] Similarly, considering the occurrence of higher modulation schemes, the constellation index corresponding to any PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield in the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield may correspond to more bits, e.g., 4 bits, and may indicate 16 modulation thresholds. It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, the number of bits occupied by the NSTS subfield is not limited, the number of bits occupied by the RU index bitmask field is not limited, and the number of bits corresponding to the constellation index corresponding to the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield is not limited.

[0219] It should be noted that the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield, the PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield, and the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield each indicate a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSTS of n and an RU with index b. For convenience of explanation, the modulation threshold indicated by the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield is referred to as the first modulation threshold, the modulation threshold indicated by the PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield is referred to as the second modulation threshold, and the modulation threshold indicated by the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield is referred to as the third modulation threshold. For convenience of explanation, the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield, the PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield, and the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield may be referred to as the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSTSn RUb subfield in this specification. The PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfields, PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfields and PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfields may be referred to as the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSTSn RUb subfields in this specification.

[0220] The second device can determine the nominal packet padding value to be used by utilizing a combination of the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield, the PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield, and the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield. In other words, the second device determines the nominal packet padding value based on the respective comparison results between the modulation scheme used and the first modulation threshold, the second modulation threshold, and the third modulation threshold. Specifically, the second device can determine the nominal packet padding value according to Table 6. If conditions 1, 2, and 3 of a row in Table 6 are satisfied, the second device can determine the value corresponding to the row as the nominal packet padding value to be used. Specifically, if the second device determines that the conditions of a row in Table 6 are satisfied, the second device decides to use the value shown in the row as the nominal packet padding value.

[0221]

[0222] As shown in Table 6, if conditions 1, 2, and 3 of the first row are satisfied, the nominal packet padding value is 8 μs. If conditions 1, 2, and 3 of the second row are satisfied, the nominal packet padding value is 16 μs. If conditions 1, 2, and 3 of the third row are satisfied, the nominal packet padding value is 20 μs. From Figures 7 and 8, it can be seen that as the quantity of streams and the RU size and type increase, the modulation thresholds corresponding to the first to Nth streams are indicated in a dissipative or cyclic manner, and the nominal packet padding value is indicated indirectly using the modulation thresholds. As a result, the overhead is large. In particular, since more different RUs are introduced in 802.11be, the overhead of the PPE threshold field is large.

[0223] To reduce the overhead of the PPE threshold field, some MRUs or RUs can be combined, that is, several types of RUs of different sizes have the same index. In other words, through an extension based on Table 3, the relationship between the RU index bitmask subfield and the RU size shown in Table 7 is obtained.

[0224] RU Allocation Index RU allocation size 0(Bitmap 100000) 242 1(Bitmap 01000) 484 2(Bitmap 001000) 242 +484 / 3(Bitmap 000100) 996+484 / 2x996 / 242+484+996 4(Bitmap 000010) 2x996+484 / 3x996 5(Bitmap 000001) 3x996+484 / 4x996

[0225] In Table 7, different types of RUs of different sizes have the same index; that is, to reduce the overhead of the PPE threshold field, different types of RUs of different sizes can correspond to a single PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSTSn RUb subfield. However, as shown in Table 7, while the overhead of the PPE threshold field can be reduced when different types of RUs of different sizes correspond to the same index, it is not flexible. Taking this into consideration, embodiments of the present application provide a method for displaying nominal packet padding values ​​to reduce the overhead of the PPE threshold field and to display nominal packet padding values ​​corresponding to each NSTS and each RU size more flexibly. It should be noted that in the absence of conflicts, NSTS in the embodiments of the present application may be replaced with NSS. NSS is used as an example below.

[0226] The technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description below, an example is used in which a receiver is a first device and a transmitter is a second device to describe a method in which the first device displays a nominal packet padding value used by the second device to the second device. Refer to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a method for displaying a nominal packet padding value according to an embodiment of the present application. The procedure is described as follows.

[0227] (S901): The first device generates a PPDU. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold field, the value of the physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield is 1, and the physical layer packet expansion threshold field includes an NSS subfield, an RU index bitmask subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet expansion threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold. The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], and m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0228] (S902): The first device transmits the PPDU to the second device, and the second device receives the PPDU.

[0229] (S903): The second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index m1 and the NSS of n, indicated by the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0230] In this embodiment of the present application, the modulation threshold corresponding to an RU may be displayed without iterating through all RUs of different sizes. For example, the PPE threshold field may omit the PPET20 NSSn RUy subfield, PPET16 NSSn RUy subfield, and PPET8 NSSn RUy subfield corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index y, but the PPE threshold field may still display the modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and index y. That is, the value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, the value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0, and the value range of b does not include y. That is, the PPE threshold field does not include the PPET20 NSSn RUy subfield, PPET16 NSSn RUy subfield, and PPET8 NSSn RUy subfield.

[0231] In a possible implementation (referred to as Implementation 1 herein), in this embodiment of the present application, some bits in the RU index bitmask subfield may be redefined to be set to 0. For example, an index (i.e., index) is still configured for the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0, but the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield is not displayed. It should be understood that, according to the provisions of 802.11ax, the PPE threshold field omits the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0. However, in this embodiment of the present application, an index is still configured for the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0. Therefore, even if the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0 is omitted from the PPE threshold field, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0 may still be displayed. The second device can determine a nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0 based on the modulation threshold.

[0232] In other words, assuming that the index of the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0 is y—that is, if the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0—the value range of b may not include y. That is, the PPE threshold field does not include the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUy subfield corresponding to the NSS of n and the RU with index y, but the PPE threshold field still implicitly indicates the modulation threshold corresponding to the NSS of n and the RU with index y. Since the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUy subfield is omitted from the PPE threshold field, the overhead of the PPE threshold field can be reduced. Furthermore, the omitted PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUy subfield actually has a corresponding constellation index. It can be considered that the corresponding constellation index is redefined for the RU corresponding to the omitted PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUy subfield (i.e., the RU with index y). Therefore, even if there are multiple types of RUs, different types of RUs can correspond to different constellation indices. This is more flexible than multiple types of RUs corresponding to the same constellation index. Of course, in this embodiment of the application, multiple types of RUs can also correspond to the same constellation index.

[0233] The following describes how to display the modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and an index y when the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUy subfield corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and an index y is omitted from the PPE threshold field. For example, several cases such as the following may be included.

[0234] Case 1: In a set of packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to the same nominal packet padding value, it may be specified that the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and index y is the same as the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and index m1. That is, for the same NSS, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, which indicates that the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and index y is the same as the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and index m1. For example, m1 is the smallest index among the indices exceeding y that corresponds to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield. In other words, for the equation between the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y and the NSS of n and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index m1 and the NSS of n, condition 1 must be satisfied, that is, the bit corresponding to the RU with index y in the RU index bitmask is set to 0, and m1 corresponds to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and is the smallest index among indices exceeding y.

[0235] For ease of understanding, refer to Table 8, which is a table of correspondence between the RU index bitmask, RU allocation index, RU size, and nominal packet padding value.

[0236] RU / MRU 242 (RU0) 484(RU1) 242+484 / 996(RU2) 996+484 / 2x996 / 242+484+996 (RU3) 2x996+484 / 3x996 (RU4) 3x996+484 / 4x996 (RU5) RU Allocation Index 0 1 2 3 4 5 RU Bitmask Index 0 0 1 0 0 1 Nominal packet padding value 0 ㎲ 0 ㎲ Self-defined (value corresponding to RU2) Same as the value corresponding to RU5 Same as the value corresponding to RU5 Custom definition (value corresponding to RU5)

[0237] It should be noted that in Table 8, "self-defined" means that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU is determined by the RU. Table 8 uses an example containing six types of RU / MRU. For convenience of explanation, the six types of RU / MRU are denoted as RU0, RU1, RU2, RU3, RU4, and RU5 in Table 8. In this embodiment of the present application, some bits set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield may be redefined. For example, in Table 8, instead of directly specifying that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to RU3 and RU4 is 0, the bits corresponding to RU3 and RU4 and set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield are redefined, that is, RU3 and RU4 still have corresponding constellation indices.

[0238] Since the values ​​corresponding to RU3 and RU4 in the RU index bitmask subfield are 0, the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to RU3 or RU4 may be omitted from the PPE threshold field. It should be understood that b=3 or 4. To provide modulation thresholds corresponding to RU3 and RU4, in this embodiment of the application, it may be specified that the modulation thresholds corresponding to RU3 and RU4 are the same as the modulation thresholds corresponding to other RUs. For example, it may be specified that the modulation threshold corresponding to a RU with an NSS of n and index y is the same as the modulation threshold corresponding to a RU with an NSS of n and index m1, where m1 is the smallest index among the indices that exceed y and correspond to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield.

[0239] RU3, i.e., y=3, is used as an example. As seen in Table 8, m1=5. In other words, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU3 is the modulation threshold corresponding to RU5. Similarly, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU4 is the modulation threshold corresponding to RU5. As another example, RU1, i.e., y=1, is used. As seen in Table 8, y1=1 and m1=2. In other words, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU1 is the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2. Although the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is omitted from the PPE threshold field, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y can still be determined using the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to other RUs.

[0240] Of course, if there is no m1 satisfying condition 1, that is, if the index corresponding to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield does not exceed y, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, which indicates that the NSS of n and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y are different fixed values, for example, the nominal packet padding value may be 20 microseconds or other possible values. That is, Table 8 does not contain a column for RU5. In this case, the protocol may specify a value as the nominal packet padding value. For example, the nominal packet padding value may be 20 microseconds, and the second device may determine that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 20 microseconds.

[0241] In an alternative solution, in this embodiment of the present application, regarding the equation between the NSS of n and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y and the NSS of n and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index m1, it may be specified that Condition 2 must be satisfied. Condition 2: In the RU index bitmask, the bit corresponding to the RU with index y is set to 0, m1 is the smallest index among the indices exceeding y and corresponding to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield, and at least one of the bits in the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with an index less than y is set to 1.

[0242] Refer to Table 8. RU3, i.e., y=3, is used as an example. When y=3 and m1=5, and the RUs with indices less than 3 include RU0, RU1, and RU2, the bit corresponding to RU2 in the RU index bitmask includes a bit set to 1, i.e., Condition 2 is satisfied. In this case, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU3 is equal to the modulation threshold corresponding to RU5. RU2, i.e., y=1, is used as an example. When y=1 and m1=2, and the RUs with indices less than 2 include RU0 and RU1, the bits corresponding to RU0 and RU1 in the RU index bitmask do not include a bit set to 1, i.e., Condition 2 is not satisfied. In this case, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU1 cannot be determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2. For example, in Table 8, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the modulation threshold corresponding to RU1 is 0 microseconds.

[0243] That is, as shown in Table 8, if there is no index exceeding y that corresponds to a bit of 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield, the nominal packet padding value that can be used by the second device is 0 microseconds. If y corresponds to a bit of 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and is the smallest index among the indices exceeding y, and the RU index bitmask includes a bit set to 1 for the bit corresponding to the RU with an index less than y, and the RU index bitmask includes a bit set to 1 for the bit corresponding to the RU with an index exceeding y, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device is determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the nearest RU with an index exceeding y, where the index of the nearest RU refers to the index with the smallest difference from y. If y corresponds to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and is the smallest index among the indices exceeding y, but all bits corresponding to RUs with indices less than y in the RU index bitmask subfield are set to 0, the nominal packet padding value that can be used by the second device is 20 microseconds.

[0244] In an alternative solution, m1 may be the smallest index among those less than y that corresponds to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield. In other words, for the equation between the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and index y and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and index m1, condition 3 must be satisfied. Condition 3: The bit corresponding to the RU with index y in the RU index bitmask is set to 0, and m1 may be the smallest index among those less than y that corresponds to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield.

[0245] For ease of understanding, refer to Table 9, which is a table of correspondence between the RU index bitmask, RU allocation index, RU size, and nominal packet padding value.

[0246] RU / MRU 242(RU0) 484(RU1) 242+484 / 996 (RU2) 996+484 / 2x996 / 242+484+996 (RU3) 2x996+484 / 3x996 (RU4) 3x996+484 / 4x996 (RU5) RU Allocation Index 0 1 2 3 4 5 RU Bitmask Index 0 0 1 0 1 0 Nominal packet padding value 0 ㎲ 0 ㎲ Self-defined Same as the value corresponding to RU2 Self-defined Same as the value corresponding to RU4

[0247] It should be noted that in Table 9, "self-defined" means that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU is determined by the RU. Table 9 uses an example containing six types of RU / MRU. For convenience of explanation, the six types of RU / MRU are denoted as RU0, RU1, RU2, RU3, RU4, and RU5 in Table 9. Similar to Table 8, since the value corresponding to RU3 and RU5 in the RU index bitmask subfield is 0, the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to RU3 or RU5 can be omitted from the PPE threshold field. It should be understood that b=3 or 5. To provide modulation thresholds corresponding to RU3 and RU5, in this embodiment of the application, it may be specified that the modulation thresholds corresponding to RU3 and RU5 are the same as the modulation thresholds corresponding to other RUs. For example, when condition 3 is satisfied, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with n NSS and index y may be specified as the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with n NSS and index m1.

[0248] RU3, i.e., y=3, is used as an example. The index m1 of RU2 is 2, which is less than 3, and m1 is the largest index among the indices corresponding to RU that correspond to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask. Therefore, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU(RU3) with NSS of n and index 3 is the same as the modulation threshold corresponding to RU(RU2) with NSS of n and index 2. Similarly, RU5 of Table 9, i.e., y=5, is used as an example. The largest index among the indices corresponding to RU that correspond to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask is the index corresponding to RU4, and the index 4 corresponding to RU is smaller than the index corresponding to RU5. Therefore, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU(RU5) with NSS of n and index 5 is the same as the modulation threshold corresponding to RU(RU4) with NSS of n and index 4. Although the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to RU3 and RU5 is omitted from the PPE threshold field, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU3 and RU5 can still be determined using the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to RU2 and RU4.

[0249] Of course, if there is no m1 satisfying condition 3, that is, if the index corresponding to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield is not less than y, then the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, which indicates that the NSS of n and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y are other fixed values, for example, the nominal packet padding value may be 0 microseconds or other possible values. That is, in the case of RU3, the column for RU2 is not included in Table 9. In this case, the protocol may specify a value as the nominal packet padding value. For example, the nominal packet padding value may be 0 microseconds. Alternatively, in the case of RU5, the column for RU4 is not included in Table 9. In this case, the protocol may specify a value as the nominal packet padding value. For example, the nominal packet padding value may be 0 microseconds.

[0250] In an alternative solution, in this embodiment of the present application, regarding the equation between the NSS of n and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y and the NSS of n and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index m1, it may be specified that condition 4 must be satisfied. Condition 4 may be as follows: the bit corresponding to the RU with index y in the RU index bitmask is set to 0, m1 is the largest index among indices less than y that corresponds to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield, and at least one bit of the RU index bitmask corresponding to the RU with an index less than y is set to 1.

[0251] The example in Table 9 is used again. RU3, i.e., y=3, is used as an example. When y=3 and m1=2, and the RUs with indices less than 3 include RU0, RU1, and RU2, the bit corresponding to RU2 in the RU index bitmask includes a bit set to 1; that is, Condition 4 is satisfied. In this case, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU3 is equal to the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2. RU5, i.e., y=5, is used as an example. When y=5 and m1=4, and the RUs with indices less than 5 include RU0, RU1, RU2, RU3, and RU4, the bits corresponding to RU2 and RU4 in the RU index bitmask include a bit set to 1; that is, Condition 4 is satisfied. In this case, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU5 is equal to the modulation threshold corresponding to RU4. RU2, i.e., y=2, is used as an example. When y=2 and m1=1, and RUs with an index less than 1 include RU0, the bit corresponding to RU0 in the RU index bitmask does not include a bit set to 1, i.e., Condition 4 is not satisfied. In this case, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2 cannot be determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to RU1. For example, in Table 9, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2 can be fixed to 0 microseconds.

[0252] If there is no index less than y that corresponds to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield, the nominal packet padding value that can be used by the second device is 0 microseconds. If y is the largest index among the indices less than y that correspond to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield, and the RU index bitmask includes a bit set to 1 for the bit corresponding to the RU with an index greater than y, and the RU index bitmask includes a bit set to 1 for the bit corresponding to the RU with an index less than y, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device is determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the nearest RU with an index less than y, where the index of the nearest RU has the smallest difference from y. If y corresponds to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and is the largest index among the indices less than y, but all bits corresponding to RUs with indices greater than y in the RU index bitmask subfield are set to 0, the nominal packet padding value that can be used by the second device is 20 microseconds.

[0253] It should be noted that if the RU index bitmask value corresponding to index y is 0, but the RU used by the second device is 2x996 or less, the number of streams is 8 or less, and the modulation scheme is lower than or equal to 1KQAM, then according to the method shown in Table 8 or Table 9, if the nominal packet padding value used by the second device exceeds 16 microseconds, for example, 20 microseconds, then in order to improve compatibility with the existing specifications of 802.11ax, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device may be 16 microseconds by default.

[0254] In the aforementioned case 1, the solution can be considered as follows: If all values ​​prior to the value set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield are 0, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield may be 0 microseconds. If the bit set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield is located between two bits set to 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield is determined based on the modulation threshold of the RU closest to the bit with a value of 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield. The difference between the index of the nearest RU and the index of the RU corresponding to the bit in the RU index bitmask subfield with a value of 0 is the smallest. If all values ​​are 0 after the bit in the RU index bitmask subfield is set to 0, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield may be 20 microseconds.

[0255] For ease of understanding, refer to Table 10, which is a table of correspondence between the RU index bitmask, RU allocation index, RU size, and nominal packet padding value.

[0256] RU / MRU 242(RU0) 484(RU1) 242+484 / 996 (RU2) 996+484 / 2x996 / 242+484+996 (RU3) 2x996+484 / 3x996 (RU4) 3x996+484 / 4x996 (RU5) RU Allocation Index 0 1 2 3 4 5 RU Bitmask Index 0 1 0 0 1 0 Nominal packet padding value 0 ㎲ Self-defined Same as the value corresponding to RU4 Same as the value corresponding to RU4 Self-defined 20 ㎲

[0257] RU2 in Table 10 is used as an example. RU2 has a RU index bitmask of 0 and is located between RU1, where the RU index bitmask is set to 1, and RU4, where the RU index bitmask is set to 1. In this case, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2 can be determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to RU4. RU0 is used as an example. The RU index bitmask value corresponding to RU0 is 0, RU0 is located before RU1 to RU5, and the RU index bitmask value of RU1 is 1. In this case, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to RU0 is 0 microseconds. RU5 is used as an example. The RU index bitmask value corresponding to RU5 is 0, and RU5 is located after RU0 to RU4. In this case, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to RU5 may be 20 microseconds. Case 2: In the RU index bitmask, the bit corresponding to the RU with index y is set to 0, and the NSS of n and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y may be specified as fixed values. For example, in the RU index bitmask, the bit corresponding to the RU with index y is set to 0, and the NSS of n and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 0 microseconds. Unlike Case 1, in this case, the second device can directly determine the nominal packet padding value for transmitting the data packet to the first device. This is simple.

[0258] In the alternative solution of Case 2, if the bit corresponding to the RU with index y in the RU index bitmask is set to 0 and the RU index bitmask value corresponding to indices less than y does not contain 1, the NSS of n and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y can be specified as a fixed value, e.g., 0 microseconds. RU3 in Table 9, i.e., y=3, is used as an example. RUs corresponding to indices less than 3 include RU0, RU1, and RU2. Since the RU index bitmask value corresponding to RU2 contains 1, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to RU3 can be determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the other RUs. RU2 in Table 9, i.e., y=2, is used as an example. RUs corresponding to indices less than 2 include RU1 and RU2. Since the RU index bitmask values ​​corresponding to RU0 and RU1 do not contain 1, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to RU2 is a fixed value.

[0259] It should be noted that in Tables 8 and 9, a single index (RU allocation index) corresponding to multiple types of RUs of different sizes is merely an example. For example, in Table 9, the RU allocation index corresponding to 242+484 RUs and 996 RUs is 2 for both. In this embodiment of the present application, the quantity of RU types corresponding to a single RU allocation index is not limited. For example, one RU may correspond to one RU allocation index. In other words, the correspondence relationship shown in Table 11 is also applicable to this embodiment of the present application. In the aforementioned RUs of different sizes, the RU may be a single RU, for example, a RU with 996 subcarriers (shown as 996 in the table), or an MRU, for example, an MRU containing a RU with 996 subcarriers (shown as 996+484 in the table) and a RU with 484 subcarriers, or an MRU containing two separate RUs with 996 subcarriers (shown as 2x996 in the table).

[0260] RU / MRU 242 484 242+484 996 996+484 / 2x996 2x996+484 / 3x996 3x996+484 / 4x996 RU Allocation Index 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

[0261] Unlike Implementation 1, in possible Implementation 2, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield in this embodiment of the present application may be defined as a fixed value. This is more direct. For example, if the bit corresponding to the RU with index y in the RU index bitmask is set to 0, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y and the NSS of n is a fixed value. For example, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y and the NSS of n may be 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0262] In another example, if the bit corresponding to the RU with index y in the RU index bitmask is set to 0 and at least one bit with a value of 1 exists before the bit set to 0, the NSS of n and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y are fixed values. For example, the NSS of n and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y can be 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0263] In implementation 2, in addition to the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to the RU with index y, the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to the RU with other indices can also be omitted from the PPE threshold field. This further reduces overhead.

[0264] In possible implementation 3, in this embodiment of the present application, the NSS range indicated by the NSS subfield of the PPE threshold field can be used to support a second device when determining a nominal packet padding value for transmitting data.

[0265] For example, the NSS used by the second device exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield of the PPE threshold field, and the nominal packet padding value that can be used by the second device can be defined as a fixed value, e.g., 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, 20 microseconds. In this way, in the PPE threshold field, the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to the RU with index y can be omitted, and the second device only needs to pay attention to the value indicated by the NSS subfield. This is simpler.

[0266] For example, the value indicated by the NSS subfield of the PPE threshold field is 9, and the NSS used by the second device is 12 streams. The second device can directly determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is a fixed value, for example, 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds, without considering the indication for RU in the PPE threshold field.

[0267] As another example, it can be defined that the NSS used by the second device exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield of the PPE threshold field, and the nominal packet padding value that can be used by the second device is determined based on the value indicated by the NSS subfield and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y. For example, the value indicated by the NSS subfield of the PPE threshold field is 9, and the NSS used by the second device is 12 streams. When the second device determines that the RU used is y, the nominal packet padding value used is determined based on the NSS of 9 and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y.

[0268] Embodiments of the present application may be applied to a scenario in which a single index corresponds to a type of RU, or to a scenario in which a single index corresponds to a plurality of RUs of different sizes. In a scenario in which a single index corresponds to a plurality of RUs of different sizes, if a second device uses a DCM, the index y may correspond to a plurality of RUs of different sizes. In this case, this embodiment of the present application also provides a corresponding nominal packet padding value display method, and may include the following two display methods:

[0269] Indication Method 1: It may be specified that when the bit of the RU index bitmask corresponding to the RU with index y is set to 0 and the second device uses DCM, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y+1. That is, when the second device uses DCM, the second device can determine the nominal packet padding value based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RU(y+1) subfield. Similarly, RU2 of Table 9, i.e., y=2, is used as an example. When the second device uses DCM, the second device can determine the nominal packet padding value corresponding to RU2 based on the modulation threshold corresponding to RU3.

[0270] Indication Method 2: When the RU selected by the second device is not the largest RU among multiple RUs of different sizes corresponding to index y, this may be specified as follows: when the bit of the RU index bitmask corresponding to index y is set to 0 and the second device uses DCM, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is determined based on the NSS of n and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y. Similarly, RU2 of Table 9, i.e., y=2, is used as an example. When the second device uses DCM, the second device may determine that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to RU2 is determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2, instead of the modulation threshold of RU3. It should be understood that the RU selected by the second device is not the largest RU among multiple RUs of different sizes corresponding to index y. For example, the RU assigned to the second device is RU2 (242+484), and the second device uses DCM. In this case, the second device determines the nominal packet padding value based on the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2. If the RU assigned to the second device is RU2 (996), the second device can determine the nominal packet padding value based on the modulation threshold corresponding to RU3.

[0271] It should be understood that when the second device transmits data to the first device, nominal packet padding is performed to reserve sufficient processing time for the first device. Generally, the time consumed in processing data received by the first device is primarily consumed by the multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) demodulation module and FEC decoding module of the first device. The complexity of MIMO demodulation is positively correlated with NSS, and the complexity of FEC decoding is positively correlated with the number of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the RU assigned to the second device. Based on this, the number of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the RU can be used to help determine the nominal packet padding value. Alternatively, the NSS and the number of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the RU can be used to help determine the nominal packet padding value. That is, the packet expansion threshold corresponding to the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the RU is set to display the nominal packet padding value, or the packet expansion threshold corresponding to the quantity of RU blocks obtained after NSS and equivalent coding is set to display the nominal packet padding value. Compared to the nominal packet padding value being displayed using modulation thresholds corresponding to the NSS and RU sizes, the PPE threshold field in the embodiment of the present application can be simplified, and the overhead of the PPE threshold field can be reduced.

[0272] Below, we separately describe a solution used to help determine the nominal packet padding value by the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for RU, and a solution used to help determine the nominal packet padding value by the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for NSS and RU.

[0273] Refer to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 illustrates a method for displaying a nominal packet padding value according to an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the nominal packet padding value is displayed using the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the RU. The procedure of the method is described as follows.

[0274] (S1001): The first device generates a PPDU. The PPDU includes an NSS index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, and each set of packet expansion threshold subfields includes a packet expansion threshold subfield indicating an NSS of n, and the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device a corresponding packet expansion threshold used when the NSS used by the second device is n and the quantity of RU blocks after equivalent coding for the allocated RU is a first value. The packet expansion threshold indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than 8.

[0275] (S1002): The first device transmits the PPDU to the second device, and the second device receives the PPDU.

[0276] (S1003): The second device determines the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is i, based on the physical layer packet extension threshold information field and the first value.

[0277] For example, the first value relates to the maximum quantity of RU242 that may be included in the RU assigned to the second device and the quantity of coded bits returned from each subcarrier of a single spatiotemporal stream. For example, the first value may satisfy the following relationship:

[0278] .

[0279] is the first value, and is the maximum quantity of RU242 that can be included in the RU assigned to the second device. For example, the RU assigned to the second device is RU996, and RU996 can contain 4 RU242s. Therefore, = 4. When the bandwidth does not exceed 320 MHz, The value range of is 0 to 16. is the quantity of coded bits returned from each subcarrier of a single spatiotemporal stream. For example, when the modulation scheme is Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), = 1. When the modulation method is 64QAM, = 6. When the modulation method is 4096QAM, = 12. If the second device uses the DCM modulation scheme, It must be understood that this is twice the amount when the second device does not use the DCM modulation method.

[0280] Each NSS can correspond to multiple packet expansion thresholds. For example, refer to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a novel structure of a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field according to an embodiment of the present application. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes multiple packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, and each packet expansion threshold subfield set includes multiple packet expansion threshold subfields indicating n NSSs. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes multiple packet expansion threshold subfield sets indicating a nominal packet padding value of 20 μs. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field further includes multiple packet expansion threshold subfield sets indicating a nominal packet padding value of 16 μs. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field further includes multiple packet expansion threshold subfield sets indicating a nominal packet padding value of 8 μs. For convenience of explanation, in this specification, a plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets indicating a nominal packet padding value of 20 μs are referred to as the first subfield set, a plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets indicating a nominal packet padding value of 16 μs are referred to as the second subfield set, and a plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets indicating a nominal packet padding value of 8 μs are referred to as the third subfield set.

[0281] In the first set of subfields, the first subfield indicates a first packet expansion threshold corresponding to the NSS of n. The first packet expansion threshold indicates a first nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the first packet expansion threshold. For example, the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds. As shown in FIG. 11, the first subfield is PPET20 NSS=nIt can be represented as such, where the range of values ​​for n is [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 8.

[0282] Similarly, in the second set of subfields, the second subfield indicates a second packet expansion threshold corresponding to the NSS of n. The second packet expansion threshold indicates a second nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the second packet expansion threshold. For example, the second nominal packet padding value may be 16 microseconds. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the second subfield is PPET16 NSS=n It can be represented as, where the value range of n is [1, ..., N] and N is an integer greater than or equal to 8. In the third set of subfields, the third subfield indicates a third packet expansion threshold corresponding to the NSS of n. The third packet expansion threshold indicates a third nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the third packet expansion threshold. For example, the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds. As shown in FIG. 11, the third subfield is PPET8 NSS=n It can be represented as such, where the range of values ​​for n is [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 8.

[0283] When transmitting data to the first device, the second device is PPET20 NSS=n , PPET16 NSS=n and PPET8 NSS=n The nominal packet padding value to be used can be determined based on the combination of. In other words, in the case of NSS, the second device is A nominal packet padding value is determined based on the respective comparison results between the first packet expansion threshold, the second packet expansion threshold, and the third packet expansion threshold. Specifically, the second device can determine the nominal packet padding value according to Table 12. If Condition 1, Condition 2, and Condition 3 of a row in Table 12 are satisfied, the second device can determine the value corresponding to the row as the nominal packet padding value to be used. Specifically, if the second device determines that the condition of a row in Table 12 is satisfied, the second device decides to use the value shown in the row as the nominal packet padding value. In Table 12, PPET20 NSS=n represents the first packet extension threshold corresponding to the NSS of n, and PPET16 NSS=n represents the second packet extension threshold corresponding to the NSS of n, and PPET8 NSS=n represents the third packet extension threshold corresponding to the NSS of n.

[0284] No. Condition 1 Condition 2 Condition 3 Nominal packet padding value 1 8 ㎲ 2 16 ㎲ 3 20 ㎲ Other combinations not listed 0

[0285] For example, the second device uses the NSS of i. When the first packet extension threshold corresponding to the first subfield corresponding to the NSS of i is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold, the second device can determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is 20 microseconds. When is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold corresponding to the second subfield corresponding to the NSS of i and less than the first packet extension threshold corresponding to the first subfield corresponding to the NSS of i, the second device can determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is 16 microseconds. NSS is i, and When the third packet expansion threshold corresponding to the third subfield corresponding to the NSS of i is greater than or equal to the second packet expansion threshold corresponding to the second subfield corresponding to the NSS of i, the second device may determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is 8 microseconds. Additionally, to reduce the overhead of the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field, the first subfield, the second subfield, and the third subfield corresponding to some NSS may be omitted in this embodiment of the present application.

[0286] For example, the NSS index bitmask subfield may occupy at least 8 bits, which can be indicated in a bit mapping scheme that there is no packet extension threshold corresponding to the NSS, that is, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not include the first, second, and third subfields corresponding to the NSS. For example, if the j-th bit of the NSS index bitmask subfield is 0, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not include the first, second, and third subfields corresponding to the NSS of j. It should be understood that j is located at [1, ..., N]. Correspondingly, if the j-th bit of the NSS index bitmask subfield is 1, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes the first, second, and third subfields corresponding to the NSS of j. Alternatively, if the j-th bit of the NSS index bitmask subfield is 1, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not include the first subfield, the second subfield, and the third subfield corresponding to the NSS of n. Correspondingly, if the j-th bit of the NSS index bitmask subfield is 0, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes the first subfield, the second subfield, and the third subfield corresponding to the NSS of j.

[0287] As another example, if the NSS used by the second device exceeds the NSS corresponding to the most significant bit among the bits not set to zero in the NSS index bitmask subfield, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device can be defined as a fixed value, for example, 20 microseconds. This is simpler.

[0288] Refer to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 illustrates a method for displaying a nominal packet padding value according to an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the nominal packet padding value is displayed using a packet expansion threshold corresponding to the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for NSS and RU. The procedure of the method is described as follows.

[0289] (S1201): The first device generates a PPDU. The PPDU includes an NSS subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a packet expansion threshold subfield corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. The packet expansion threshold field indicates a packet expansion threshold to the second device, and the packet expansion threshold indicates a nominal packet padding value used when the second value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold, wherein the second value is related to the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the resource unit (RU) allocated to the second device and the NSS used by the second device, and the value range of the NSS is [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8. It should be noted that the packet expansion threshold indicated by the packet expansion threshold field can be considered as the packet expansion threshold corresponding to the second value obtained when the packet expansion threshold field indicates to the second device that the NSS used by the second device is n and the RU block obtained after equivalent coding for the allocated resource unit is quantized (equivalent).

[0290] (S1202): The first device transmits the PPDU to the second device, and the second device receives the PPDU.

[0291] (S1203): The second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the physical layer packet extension threshold information field and the second value.

[0292] In this embodiment of the present application, the second value relates to the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the RU assigned to the second device and the NSS used by the second device. For example, the second value satisfies the following relationship:

[0293]

[0294] is the second value, and NSS is the quantity of spatiotemporal streams corresponding to the RU assigned to the second device, and is the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the RU assigned to the second device.

[0295] Is The value of NSTS and It should be noted that this shows examples that can be determined using or other possible parameters. in a way that exceeds one and It is determined using . For example, am.

[0296] The difference between this embodiment of the present application and the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 is that the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field does not separately display the packet expansion threshold associated with NSS, so the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field is further simplified, and the overhead of the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field can be reduced.

[0297] For example, refer to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a novel structure of a physical layer packet extension threshold information field according to an embodiment of the present application. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. For example, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 20 μs (referred to as the fourth subfield in this embodiment of the present application). The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 16 μs (referred to as the fifth subfield in this embodiment of the present application). The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 8 μs (referred to as the sixth subfield in this embodiment of the present application). As illustrated in FIG. 13, the fourth subfield may be represented as PPET20 and indicates the fourth packet extension threshold; The 5th subfield can be represented as PPET16 and indicates the 5th packet extension threshold; the 6th subfield can be represented as PPET8 and indicates the 6th packet extension threshold.

[0298] When transmitting data to the first device, the second device can determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on a combination of PPET20, PPET16, and PPET8. In other words, the second device first determines a second value based on the used NSS and the RU assigned to the second device, then compares the second value with the fourth packet extension threshold, the fifth packet extension threshold, and the sixth packet extension threshold, respectively, and determines the nominal packet padding value based on the final comparison result. Specifically, the second device can determine the nominal packet padding value according to Table 13. If conditions 1, 2, and 3 of a row in Table 13 are satisfied, the second device can determine the value corresponding to the row as the nominal packet padding value to be used. Specifically, if the second device determines that the conditions of a row in Table 13 are satisfied, the second device decides to use the value shown in the row as the nominal packet padding value. In Table 13, PPET20 corresponds to the 4th packet extension threshold, PPET16 corresponds to the 5th packet extension threshold, and PPET8 corresponds to the 6th packet extension threshold.

[0299] No. Condition 1 Condition 2 Condition 3 Nominal packet padding value 1 8 ㎲ 2 16 ㎲ 3 20 ㎲ Other combinations not listed 0

[0300] That is, when the second value exceeds the fourth packet expansion threshold, the second device may determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is 20 microseconds. When the second value is greater than or equal to the fifth packet expansion threshold and less than the fourth packet expansion threshold, the second device may determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is 16 microseconds. When the second value is greater than or equal to the sixth packet expansion threshold and less than the fifth packet expansion threshold, the second device may determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is 8 microseconds. It should be understood that when one or more of the NSS, RU size, and modulation scheme used by the second device are different, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device may be different. In the above-described embodiment, the NSS, RU size, and modulation scheme are combined to indicate the nominal packet padding value. To further reduce overhead, the embodiment of the present application also provides a method for indicating the nominal packet padding value. In the method, the first device notifies the second device of a packet extension threshold range, and the second device determines a third value that affects the nominal packet padding value based on one or more parameters of the order of the NSS, RU, and modulation scheme used, and can determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the third value and the packet extension threshold range transmitted by the first device. In this method, since the first device transmits the packet extension threshold range, the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field can be reduced.

[0301] Refer to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 illustrates a method for displaying a nominal packet padding value according to an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the nominal packet padding value is displayed using the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the RU and a packet expansion threshold corresponding to the NSS. The procedure of the method is described as follows.

[0302] (S1401): The first device generates a PPDU.

[0303] (S1402): The first device transmits a PPDU and a first packet extension threshold range to the second device, and the second device receives the PPDU and the first packet extension threshold range. The first packet extension threshold range indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the second device to transmit data to the first device when a third value is within the first packet extension threshold range, and different packet extension threshold ranges correspond to different nominal packet padding values.

[0304] (S1403): The second device determines a nominal packet padding value used by the second device based on the received first packet extension threshold range and the third value.

[0305] In this embodiment of the present application, the third value relates to one or more factors affecting the nominal packet padding value used by the second device. For example, the third value relates to one or more parameters of the NSS, RU size, and modulation scheme used by the second device. For example, the third value satisfies the following relationship:

[0306]

[0307] x is the third value, NSS is the NSS used by the second device, RU is the RU size used by the second device, and Modulation is the sequence of the modulation scheme used by the second device.

[0308] It should be noted that x shows only examples related to NSS, RU size, and modulation scheme. In this embodiment of the application, the specific correspondence relationship between x and NSS, RU size, and modulation scheme is not limited.

[0309] For example, when NSS=a, the corresponding packet extension threshold is b; when NSS=c, the corresponding packet extension threshold is d; or when NSS=e, the corresponding packet extension threshold is f, and x can be considered as a function related to b, d and f, for example, x=b+d+f; for another example, x=bx(d+f).

[0310] Multiple packet extension threshold ranges may be predefined, and different packet extension threshold ranges correspond to different nominal packet padding values. For example, the first packet extension threshold range is [0, p1] and corresponds to a nominal packet padding value of 0 microseconds. The second packet extension threshold range is [p1, p2] and corresponds to a nominal packet padding value of 8 microseconds. The third packet extension threshold range is [p2, p3] and corresponds to a nominal packet padding value of 20 microseconds.

[0311] When transmitting data to the first device, the second device calculates a third value based on the used NSS, RU size, and Modulation, and then compares the third value with the packet expansion threshold range transmitted by the first device, and determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the comparison result. If the third value is within the packet expansion threshold range, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value to be used is the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the packet expansion threshold range.

[0312] Unlike the aforementioned solution in which the first device notifies the second device of a packet extension threshold range, the second device determines a third value, and determines a nominal packet padding value, in an alternative solution, the first device may notify the second device of the range of influence of each parameter on the nominal packet padding value, and the second device may determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on each parameter used to transmit data and the range of influence corresponding to each parameter separately. In this way, the influence of the NSS, RU size, and modulation mode on the nominal packet padding value is indicated separately, and the NSS, RU size, and modulation mode do not need to be combined to indicate the nominal packet padding value. For example, the NSS has 16 influence results, the RU has 6 influence results, and the modulation mode has 8 influence results. In this case, the first device may feed back 16+6+8 influence results to the second device. Therefore, compared to providing nominal packet padding values ​​corresponding to all NSS, RU, and modulation thresholds in an exhaustion or circulating manner, the method for indicating nominal packet padding values ​​provided in this embodiment of the present application further reduces overhead.

[0313] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described separately in terms of the interaction between the first device and the second device. To implement the function of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the first device and the second device include a hardware structure and / or a software module, and the function described above may be implemented in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module. Whether a specific function among the function described above is performed by a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0314] Below, a communication device for implementing the aforementioned method of an embodiment of the present application is described with reference to the attached drawings. Therefore, all the foregoing details may be used in the embodiments below. Repetitive parts are not described again.

[0315] FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device (1500) according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device (1500) may correspondingly implement a function or step implemented by a first device or a second device in the above-described method embodiment. The communication device includes a processing module (1510) and a transceiver module (1520). Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage unit. The storage unit may be configured to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing module (1510) and the transceiver module (1520) may be coupled to the storage unit. For example, the processing module (1510) may read instructions (code or program) and / or data from the storage unit to implement a corresponding method. The above-described units may be arranged independently or may be partially or fully integrated.

[0316] In some possible implementations, the communication device (1500) can correspondingly implement the behavior and function of the first device in the method embodiment.

[0317] In Example 1, the processing module (1510) is configured to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module (1520) is configured to transmit the PPDU to a second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold field, the value of the physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield is 1, and the physical layer packet expansion threshold field includes an RU index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet expansion threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0318] The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], and m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. When the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0319] In the set of packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to the same nominal packet padding value, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, which indicates that the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y and the NSS of n is the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index m1 and the NSTS of n, where m1 is the smallest index among the indices that correspond to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and exceed y; otherwise, m1 is the largest index among the indices that correspond to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and are less than y.

[0320] In a possible implementation, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an index less than y contains 1.

[0321] In a possible implementation, if the index corresponding to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield does not exceed y, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, which indicates that the NSS of n and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 20 microseconds.

[0322] In Example 2, the processing module (1510) is configured to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module (1520) is configured to transmit the PPDU to a second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold field, the value of the physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield is 1, and the physical layer packet expansion threshold field includes a resource unit (RU) index bitmask subfield, a spatial stream count (NSS) subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet expansion threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0323] The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], and m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. When the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, in the physical layer packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to the same nominal packet padding value, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, which indicates that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 0 microseconds, and the value range of b does not include y.

[0324] In a possible implementation of Example 2, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an index less than x does not contain 1.

[0325] In Example 3, the processing module (1510) is configured to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module (1520) is configured to transmit the PPDU to a second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field, the value of the physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield is 1, and the physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet extension threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0326] The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If the RU with index y corresponds to a bit set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield, the value range of b does not include y, and the physical layer packet extension threshold field indicates that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0327] In a possible implementation, at least one bit with a value of 1 exists before a bit set to 0.

[0328] In a possible implementation, if the NSS used exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the physical layer packet extension threshold field indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds. Alternatively, if the NSS used exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the physical layer packet extension threshold field indicates that the communication device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the NSS used and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y.

[0329] In Example 4, the processing module (1510) is configured to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module (1520) is configured to transmit the PPDU to a second device. The PPDU includes an NSS index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, and each set of packet expansion threshold subfields includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfields indicating an NSS of n. The packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device a corresponding packet expansion threshold used when the NSS used by the second device is n and the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the allocated RU is a first value, and the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than 8.

[0330] In a possible implementation, the first value satisfies the following mathematical expression:

[0331] .

[0332] is the first value, and is the maximum quantity of RU242 that can be included in RU, and is the quantity of coded bits returned from each subcarrier of a single spacetime stream.

[0333] In a possible implementation, a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets include a first packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value, and in the first packet expansion threshold subfield set, the first packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device a corresponding first packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The first packet expansion threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the first packet expansion threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and that the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0334] In a possible implementation, a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets further include a second packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value, and in the second packet expansion threshold subfield set, the second packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device a corresponding second packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The second packet expansion threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the second packet expansion threshold is the second nominal packet padding value, and that the second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0335] In a possible implementation, a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets further include a third packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value, and in the third packet expansion threshold subfield set, the third packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the second device a corresponding third packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The third packet expansion threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the third packet expansion threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and indicates that the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0336] In a possible implementation, the NSS index bitmask subfield occupies at least 8 bits, the i-th bit of the NSS index bitmask subfield is 0, and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not contain a set of packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to the NSS of i.

[0337] In a possible implementation, when the physical layer packet extension threshold information field indicates that the NSS used by the second device exceeds the NSS corresponding to the most significant bit among the bits not set to 0 in the NSS index bitmask subfield, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the assigned RU is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold is 20 microseconds.

[0338] In Example 5, the processing module (1510) is configured to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module (1520) is configured to transmit the PPDU to a second device. The PPDU includes an NSS subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a packet expansion threshold subfield corresponding to a different nominal packet padding value, the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates a packet expansion threshold, and the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8, and the second value relates to the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the NSS used by the second device and the allocated RU.

[0339] In a possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a first packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. The first packet extension threshold subfield indicates a first packet extension threshold, and the first packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and that the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0340] In a possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a second packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value. The second packet extension threshold subfield indicates a second packet extension threshold, and the second packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold is the second nominal packet padding value, and that the second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0341] In a possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a third packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. The third packet extension threshold subfield indicates a third packet extension threshold, and the third packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and that the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0342] In Example 6, the processing module (1510) is configured to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module (1520) is configured to transmit the PPDU and a first packet extension threshold range. When a third value is within the first packet extension threshold range, the first packet extension threshold range indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) to transmit data to the first device. Different packet extension threshold ranges correspond to different nominal packet padding values.

[0343] In a possible implementation, the third value satisfies the following relationship:

[0344]

[0345] x is a third value, NSS is an NSS used by the communication device (1500), RU is an RU size used by the communication device (1500), and Modulation is a sequence of modulation methods used by the communication device (15-00).

[0346] It should be understood that in this embodiment of the present application, the processing module (1510) may be implemented as a processor or a processor-related circuit component, and the transceiver module (1520) may be implemented as a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit component or a communication interface.

[0347] In some possible implementations, the communication device (1500) can correspondingly implement the behavior and function of the second device in the method embodiment.

[0348] In Example 1, the transceiver module (1520) is configured to receive a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) from a first device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold field, the value of which is 1, and the physical layer packet expansion threshold field includes a resource unit (RU) index bitmask subfield, a spatial stream count (NSS) subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet expansion threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold. The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, the value range of b does not contain y.

[0349] The processing module (1510) is configured to determine a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an index y of an RU corresponding to an NSS of n and an index m1, based on a modulation threshold indicated by a physical layer packet extension threshold field, wherein m1 is the smallest index among indices that correspond to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and exceed y; or m1 is the largest index among indices that correspond to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield and is less than y.

[0350] In a possible implementation, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an index less than y contains 1.

[0351] In a possible implementation, if the index corresponding to the bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield does not exceed y, the processing module (1510) is configured to determine that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index x is 20 microseconds.

[0352] In a possible implementation, the communication device (1500) uses a DCM, and the processing module (1510) is configured to determine a nominal packet padding value to be used based on a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index y+1, wherein index y corresponds to multiple RUs of different sizes. Alternatively, the processing module (1510) is configured to determine a nominal packet padding value based on a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index y, wherein index y corresponds to multiple RUs of different sizes, and the RU used by the communication device (1500) is not the largest RU among multiple RUs of different sizes.

[0353] In Example 2, the transceiver module (1520) is configured to receive a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold field, the value of the physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield is 1, and the physical layer packet expansion threshold field includes a resource unit (RU) index bitmask subfield, a spatial stream count (NSS) subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet expansion threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold. The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU with index y is 0, the value range of b does not contain y.

[0354] The processing module (1510) is configured to determine, based on the physical layer packet extension threshold field, that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 0 microseconds.

[0355] In possible implementations, the value of the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to an index less than y does not contain 1.

[0356] In Example 3, the transceiver module (1520) is configured to receive a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold field, the value of the physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield is 1, and the physical layer packet expansion threshold field includes a resource unit (RU) index bitmask subfield, a spatial stream count (NSS) subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet expansion threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU with index b, and the modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) when the modulation scheme is higher than or equal to the modulation threshold. The value range of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value range of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. If RU with index y corresponds to a bit set to 0 in the RU index bitmask subfield, the value range of b does not include y.

[0357] The processing module (1510) is configured to determine, based on the physical layer packet extension threshold field, that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0358] In a possible implementation, at least one bit with a value of 1 exists before a bit set to 0.

[0359] In a possible implementation, if the NSS used by the communication device (1500) exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the processing module (1510) is also configured to determine that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds. Alternatively, if the NSS used by the communication device (1500) exceeds the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the processing module (1510) is also configured to determine the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with index y based on the NSS used and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with index y.

[0360] In Example 4, the transceiver module (1520) is configured to receive a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes an NSS index bitmask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, and each set of packet expansion threshold subfields includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfields indicating an NSS of n, and the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the communication device (1500) a corresponding packet expansion threshold used when the NSS used is n and the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value, wherein the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold, and the value range of n is [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than 8.

[0361] The processing module (1510) is configured to determine the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is j, based on the physical layer packet extension threshold information field and the first value, where j is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0362] In a possible implementation, the first value satisfies the following mathematical expression:

[0363] .

[0364] is the first value, and is the maximum quantity of RU242 that can be included in RU, and is the quantity of coded bits returned from each subcarrier of a single spacetime stream.

[0365] In a possible implementation, a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets include a first packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value, and in the first packet expansion threshold subfield set, the first packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the communication device (1500) a corresponding first packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the communication device (1500) is n. The first packet expansion threshold indicates a first nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the first packet expansion threshold, and the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0366] When NSS is j and When NSS is j, the communication device (1500) determines that the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is j is greater than or equal to the first nominal packet padding value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield.

[0367] In a possible implementation, a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets further include a second packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value, and in the second packet expansion threshold subfield set, the second packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the communication device (1500) a corresponding second packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the communication device (1500) is n. The second packet expansion threshold indicates a second nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the second packet expansion threshold, and the second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0368] When NSS is j and When NSS is j, the second nominal packet padding value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield is greater than or equal to the second nominal packet padding value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield is less than the first nominal packet padding value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield is less than the first nominal packet padding value when NSS is j, the communication device (1500) determines that the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is j is the second nominal packet padding value.

[0369] In a possible implementation, a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets further include a third packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value, and in the third packet expansion threshold subfield set, the third packet expansion threshold subfield indicates to the communication device (1500) a corresponding third packet expansion threshold used when the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for an allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the communication device (1500) is n. The third packet expansion threshold indicates a third nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the third packet expansion threshold, and the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0370] When NSS is j and When NSTS is j, the third nominal packet padding value corresponding to the third packet extension threshold subfield is greater than or equal to the third nominal packet padding value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield is less than the second nominal packet padding value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield is less than the second nominal packet padding value when NSTS is j, the communication device (1500) determines that the nominal packet padding value used when NSS is j is the third nominal packet padding value.

[0371] In a possible implementation, the NSS index bitmask subfield occupies at least 8 bits, the i-th bit of the NSS index bitmask subfield is 0, and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not contain a set of subfields corresponding to the NSS of i.

[0372] In a possible implementation, if the NSS used by the communication device (1500) exceeds the NSS corresponding to the most significant bit among the bits not set to 0 in the NSS index bitmask subfield, the processing module (1510) is also configured to use a nominal packet padding value of 20 microseconds when the first value corresponding to the assigned RU is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold.

[0373] In Example 5, the transceiver module (1520) is configured to receive a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes an NSS subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a packet expansion threshold subfield corresponding to a different nominal packet padding value, the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates a packet expansion threshold, and the packet expansion threshold subfield indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) when a second value is greater than or equal to the packet expansion threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8, and the second value relates to the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the NSS used by the second device and the allocated RU.

[0374] The processing module (1510) is configured to: determine a second value based on the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the used NSS and allocated resource units (RU); and determine a nominal packet padding value to be used based on the second value and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field.

[0375] In a possible implementation, the processing module (1510) is configured to determine a second value specifically according to the following relationship:

[0376] . NSS is an NSS corresponding to the RU assigned to the communication device (1500). is the quantity of RU blocks obtained after equivalent coding for the RU assigned to the communication device (1500) and satisfies the following relationship:

[0377] .

[0378] is the maximum quantity of RU242 that can be included in RU, and is the quantity of coded bits returned from each subcarrier of a single spacetime stream.

[0379] In a possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a first packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. The first packet extension threshold subfield indicates a first packet extension threshold, and the first packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) when the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value and that the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0380] When the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold, the processing module (1510) determines that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) is the first nominal packet padding value.

[0381] In a possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a second packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value. The second packet extension threshold subfield indicates a second packet extension threshold, and the second packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold is the second nominal packet padding value and that the second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0382] When the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet expansion threshold and the second value is less than the first packet expansion threshold, the processing module (1510) determines that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) is the second nominal packet padding value.

[0383] In a possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a third packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. The third packet extension threshold subfield indicates a third packet extension threshold, and the third packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and that the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0384] When the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold and the second value is less than the second packet extension threshold, the processing module (1510) determines that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) is the third nominal packet padding value.

[0385] In Example 6, the transceiver module (1520) is configured to receive a PPDU and a first packet extension threshold range from the first device. When the third value is within the first packet extension threshold range, the first packet extension threshold range indicates a nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) to transmit data to the first device. Different packet extension threshold ranges correspond to different nominal packet padding values. The third value relates to one or more parameters of the NSS, RU size, and modulation scheme used by the communication device (1500).

[0386] If the third value is within the range of the first packet extension threshold, the processing module (1510) determines that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device (1500) is the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the range of the first packet extension threshold.

[0387] In a possible implementation, the third value satisfies the following relationship:

[0388]

[0389] x is a third value, NSS is an NSS used by the communication device (1500), RU is an RU size used by the communication device (1500), and Modulation is a sequence of modulation methods used by the communication device (15-00).

[0390] It should be understood that in this embodiment of the present application, the processing module (1510) may be implemented as a processor or a processor-related circuit component, and the transceiver module (1520) may be implemented as a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit component or a communication interface.

[0391] FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a communication device (1600) according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device (1600) may be an AP or a STA and may implement the function of a first device or a second device in the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. Alternatively, the communication device (1600) may be a device that supports the first device to implement a corresponding function in the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, or a device that supports the second device to implement a corresponding function in the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The communication device (1600) may be a chip or a chip system. In this embodiment of the present application, the chip system may include a chip or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0392] The communication device (1600) includes at least one processor (1620) configured to implement or support the communication device (1600) to implement the function of the first device or the second device in the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, e.g., generating the aforementioned PPDU. The communication device (1600) may further include at least one memory (1630) configured to store program instructions and / or data. The memory (1630) is coupled to the processor (1620). In this embodiment of the present application, the coupling may be an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules in an electrical form, a mechanical form, or other form, and is used for the exchange of information between devices, units, or modules. The processor (1620) may cooperate with the memory (1630). The processor (1620) may execute program instructions and / or data stored in the memory (1630) to enable the communication device (1600) to implement the corresponding method. At least one of the at least one memory may be located in the processor.

[0393] The communication device (1600) may further include a transceiver (1610) configured to communicate with another device using a transmission medium, thereby enabling the device of the communication device (1600) to communicate with the other device. For example, when the communication device is a terminal, the other device is a network device. Alternatively, when the communication device is a network device, the other device is a terminal. A processor (1620) may transmit and receive data using the transceiver (1610). Specifically, the transceiver (1610) may be a transceiver. The communication device (1600) may further include a radio frequency unit (206). The radio frequency unit may be independent of the communication device (1600) or may be integrated into the communication device (1600). Of course, the transceiver (1610) may further include an antenna, for example, a remote antenna independent of the communication device (1600) or an antenna integrated into the communication device (1600). In a hardware implementation, the transceiver module (1520) may be a transceiver (1610).

[0394] The specific connection medium between the transceiver (1610), processor (1620), and memory (1630) is not limited in this embodiment of the application. In this embodiment of the application, the memory (1630), processor (1620), and transceiver (1610) are connected via the bus (1640) of FIG. 16. The bus is represented using a thick line in FIG. 16. The method of connection between different components is merely an example for illustrative purposes and does not impose limitations. The bus may be classified into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For convenience of representation, only one thick line is used to represent the bus in FIG. 16, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0395] In this embodiment of the present application, the processor (1620) may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or perform the method, steps, and logic block diagram disclosed in the embodiment of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed with reference to the embodiment of the present application may be performed and achieved directly through a hardware processor, or may be executed and achieved directly using a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0396] In this embodiment of the present application, the memory (1630) may be a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or a volatile memory such as random-access memory (RAM). The memory may be any other medium that can carry or store program code expected in the form of an instruction structure or a data structure and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. In the embodiment of the present application, the memory may alternatively be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing a storage function and configured to store program instructions and / or data.

[0397] It should be noted that in the aforementioned embodiments, the communication device may be a terminal, a circuit, a chip used in a terminal, or other combined components or components having the functions of a terminal. When the communication device is a terminal, the transceiver module may be a transceiver and may include an antenna and a radio frequency circuit, etc. The processing module may be a processor, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). When the communication device is a component having the functions of a terminal, the transceiver module may be a radio frequency unit and the processing module may be a processor. When the communication device is a chip or a chip system, the transceiver module may be an input / output interface of the chip or chip system and the processing module may be a processor of the chip or chip system.

[0398] In possible product forms, the AP and STA in the embodiments of the present application may alternatively be implemented by one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, logic gates, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described in the present application.

[0399] In the embodiments of the present application, the first device may be an AP or a STA. The second device may be an AP or a STA. It should be understood that APs of various product forms have any function of an AP in the method embodiments described above. Details are not further described herein. STAs of various forms have any function of an STA in the method embodiments described above. Details are not further described herein.

[0400] Embodiments of the present application also provide a communication system. Specifically, the communication system may include a second device and a first device, or may include more first devices and second devices. For example, the communication system includes a second device and a first device configured to implement the relevant functions in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 12, or FIG. 14.

[0401] The first device is separately configured to implement functions related to the first device in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 12, or FIG. 14. The second device is separately configured to implement functions related to the second device in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 12, or FIG. 14. For example, the first device may perform S901 and S902 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, and the second device may perform S902 and S903 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9. For example, the first device may perform S1001 and S1002 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, and the second device may perform S1002 and S1003 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10. The first device can perform S1201 and S1202 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, and the second device can perform, for example, S1202 and S1203 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12. The first device can perform S1401 and S1402 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, and the second device can perform, for example, S1402 and S1403 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14.

[0402] Embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions. When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform a method performed by a first device or a second device in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 12, or FIG. 14.

[0403] Embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product comprising computer program code. When the computer program code is executed on a computer, the computer is enabled to perform a method performed by a first device or a second device in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 12, or FIG. 14.

[0404] Embodiments of the present application provide a chip system. The chip system includes a processor and may further include memory and is configured to implement the function of a first device or a second device in the method described above. The chip system may include a chip or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0405] Embodiments of the present application also provide a communication device comprising a processor and an interface. The processor is configured to perform a nominal packet padding value indication method of any one of the aforementioned method embodiments, or otherwise the processor is configured to perform a nominal packet padding value determination method of any one of the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0406] It must be understood that communication devices can be chips. A processor can be implemented by hardware or by software. When a processor is implemented by hardware, it can be a logic circuit or an integrated circuit, etc. When a processor is implemented by software, it can be a general-purpose processor. A general-purpose processor is implemented by reading software code stored in memory. Memory can be integrated into the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0407] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" may be used interchangeably in the embodiments of this application. "At least one" means one or more, and "plural" means two or more. "And / or" describes an association between associated objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent the following cases: A alone exists, both A and B exist, or B alone exists, where A and B may be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between associated objects. "At least one of the following items (pieces)" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of singular items (pieces) or plural items (pieces). For example, at least one of a, b, or c may represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0408] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” in embodiments of the present application are intended to distinguish between multiple objects and are not intended to limit the order, time sequence, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For example, the first packet expansion threshold and the second packet expansion threshold are used merely to distinguish between different packet expansion thresholds and do not indicate that the two packet expansion thresholds have different priorities or importance, etc.

[0409] It should be understood that the index of the aforementioned process does not imply an execution sequence in the various embodiments of this application. The execution sequence of the process should be determined according to the function and internal logic of the process and should not be interpreted as any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0410] Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, the term "e.g." is used to indicate an example or description. Any example or implementation solution described as an "e.g." in the embodiments of this application should not be described as being preferred over other examples or implementation solutions. In other words, the use of the word "e.g." is intended to describe a concept in a specific way.

[0411] In the embodiments of this application, all or part of the method may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used to implement the embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product comprises one or more computer instructions. When computer program instructions are loaded into and executed on a computer, the procedure or function according to the embodiments of this application is created in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. Computer instructions may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from a computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, or digital subscriber line, abbreviated as DSL) or wireless (e.g., infrared, radio, or microwave). A computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device, such as a server or data center, that incorporates one or more available media. Available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape), optical media (e.g., digital video disc (DVD)), or semiconductor media (e.g., SSD).

[0412] The foregoing description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any modification or substitution readily understood by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application will fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be in accordance with the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for indicating a nominal packet padding value comprises the steps of generating a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) by a first device and transmitting the PPDU by the first device, wherein the PPDU includes a physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet expansion threshold field, the value of the physical layer packet expansion threshold presence subfield is 1, the physical layer packet expansion threshold field includes a resource unit (RU) index bitmask subfield, a number of spatial streams (NSS) subfield, and a physical layer packet expansion threshold information field, the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a plurality of packet expansion threshold subfield sets, each packet expansion threshold subfield set indicates a modulation threshold corresponding to an NSS of n and an RU or multiple resource unit (MRU) having index b, the modulation threshold is used to determine a nominal packet padding value to be used, and the value range of n is [1, ..., N]. It is a subset, N is an integer greater than 1, and the value range of b is [0, ...[, M] is a subset, where M is an integer greater than 0, and the value of the bit in the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with index y is 0, and the value range of b does not include y, and in the packet extension threshold subfield set, the value of the bit in the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with index y is 0 indicates that the modulation threshold corresponding to the NSS of n and the RU or MRU with index y is equal to the modulation threshold corresponding to the NSS of n and the RU or MRU with index m1 - m1 is the largest index among indices less than y that corresponds to a bit that is 1 in the RU index bitmask subfield - or indicates that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the NSS of n and the RU or MRU with index y is 0 microseconds - of any bit in the RU index bitmask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with index less than y Method for displaying nominal packet padding values, where the value is not 1. Claim 2 In claim 1, a method for indicating nominal packet padding values ​​corresponding to the same RU allocation index for various types of RUs or MRUs of different sizes. Claim 3 In claim 1, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets correspond to different nominal packet padding values. A method for indicating nominal packet padding values. Claim 4 In claim 1, the NSS subfield is a nominal packet padding value display method that displays the value of N. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 An apparatus configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, the computer program includes program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed by a computer, the computer is enabled to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete Claim 21 delete Claim 22 delete Claim 23 delete Claim 24 delete Claim 25 delete Claim 26 delete Claim 27 delete Claim 28 delete Claim 29 delete Claim 30 delete Claim 31 delete Claim 32 delete Claim 33 delete Claim 34 delete Claim 35 delete Claim 36 delete Claim 37 delete Claim 38 delete Claim 39 delete Claim 40 delete Claim 41 delete Claim 42 delete Claim 43 delete Claim 44 delete Claim 45 delete Claim 46 delete Claim 47 delete Claim 48 delete Claim 49 delete Claim 50 delete Claim 51 delete Claim 52 delete Claim 53 delete Claim 54 delete Claim 55 delete Claim 56 delete

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