METHOD OF INFORMATION INDICATION AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS

Abstract

This application describes an information indication method and a communication apparatus. An MLD without an AP or a first STA in the MLD without an AP generates a first frame. The first frame includes indication information to indicate the fill duration for a channel switching delay in an initial control frame. The fill duration is determined based on the duration of a control response frame. The MLD without an AP or the first STA or another STA in the MLD without an AP transmits the first frame. An MLD AP or a first AP or another AP in the MLD AP receives the first frame. The MLD AP or the first AP determines the fill duration of the initial control frame based on the indication information.Based on the above solution, the duration of the initial control frame filling can be accurately determined so that the first STA can complete switching a corresponding number of transmission channels before a subsequent data frame arrives.

Description

METHOD OF INFORMATION INDICATION AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims priority with respect to Chinese patent application No. 202110485965.4, filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China on April 30, 2021, entitled INFORMATION INDICATION METHOD AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, and Chinese patent application No. 202110375411.9, filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China on April 7, 2021, entitled INFORMATION INDICATION METHOD AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application relates to the field of wireless communication technologies and, in particular, to a method of indicating information and to a communication apparatus. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With the development of wireless technologies, more and more wireless devices support multi-link communication. A non-access point multi-link device (non-AP MLD) can monitor multiple links. After an initial control frame sent to the non-AP MLD or a non-access point station (non-AP STA) on the non-AP MLD is received by another non-AP MLD or STA on one link, a receive chain on another link can be switched to the first link. This allows a data frame to be received at a higher rate after the initial control frame is received. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a transmit channel switching process. When a number of receive channels of a non-AP MLD on a link are switched from A to B (B > A, and in Figure 1, the number of receive channels is switched from 1 to 2), some time is required. Therefore, an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) or an access point (AP) in an AP MLD needs to add padding bits to an initial control frame sent, so that there is enough time to switch the receive channel after the non-AP MLD receives the initial control frame. After receiving a portion of the initial control frame, the non-AP MLD can begin switching, provided the switching is completed before a subsequent data frame arrives.When a switching delay required by the MLD without AP is longer, more padding bits must be added to the initial control frame. When the AP MLD or the AP on the AP MLD sends the initial control frame, the padding duration must be determined so that the MLD without an AP can complete switching a number of transmit channels before the subsequent data frame arrives. However, there is currently no corresponding solution for determining the padding duration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This application provides a method of indicating information and a communication apparatus to accurately determine the fill time of an initial control frame, so that an AP-less MLD can complete switching a number of transmission channels before a subsequent data frame arrives. According to the first aspect, a method for indicating information is provided. The method includes: an MLD without an AP or a first STA in the MLD without an AP generates a first frame, where the first frame includes indication information. The indication information indicates the padding duration for a channel switching delay in an initial control frame, and the padding duration is determined based on the duration of a control response frame. The MLD without an AP or the first ST, or another STA in the MLD without an AP, then transmits the first frame. In this aspect, the padding duration of the initial control frame can be precisely determined so that the first STA can complete the switching of a corresponding number of transmission channels before a subsequent data frame arrives. In a possible implementation, the indication information is carried in an enhanced multilink single radio delay field of the first frame or in an enhanced multilink multiple radio delay field of the first frame. In another possible implementation, the first frame includes a plurality of indication information pieces. Each of these pieces indicates the padding duration of the initial control frame corresponding to a given initial control frame transmission rate. In this implementation, the MLD without an AP or the STA without an AP can send these pieces of indication information to an MLD or an AP. Each piece of indication information indicates the padding duration of the initial control frame corresponding to the initial control frame transmission rate. The MLD or AP can determine the corresponding padding duration of the initial control frame based on the actual initial control frame transmission rate. In another possible implementation, the method also includes: the MLD without AP or the first STA in the MLD without AP determines the duration of the control response frame. In another possible implementation, the method further includes: the MLD without an AP or the first STA in the MLD without an AP determines a minimum value for the duration of the control response frame. In this implementation, the minimum value for the duration of the control response frame is the minimum duration of the control response frame. The MLD without an AP or the first STA determines the minimum value for the duration of the control response frame. Therefore, a maximum value for the duration of the initial control frame padding can be determined, and the delay required to switch the corresponding number of transmission channels of the first STA can be satisfied. In another possible implementation, determining the control response frame duration involves the following: the MLD without an AP or the first STA in the MLD without an AP determines a control response frame rate; and the MLD without an AP or the first STA in the MLD without an AP determines the control response frame duration based on the control response frame rate and the control response frame length. In this implementation, the control response frame length is associated with a control response frame format, where the control response frame duration = control response frame length / control response frame rate. In another possible implementation, determining the duration of the control response frame involves the following: the MLD without an AP or the first STA in the MLD without an AP determines the maximum control response frame rate; and the MLD without an AP or the first STA in the MLD without an AP determines the minimum control response frame duration based on the maximum control response frame rate and the control response frame length. In this implementation, the control response frame length is associated with the control response frame format, where the minimum control response frame duration = control response frame length / maximum control response frame rate. In another possible implementation, the maximum control response frame speed is the highest speed within the basic service set's basic speed range that is less than or equal to the maximum speed of the initial control frame. In this implementation, the basic service set's basic speed range includes one or more basic speeds that the first STA can support. The maximum control response frame speed is the highest speed within the basic service set's basic speed range that is less than or equal to the maximum speed of the initial control frame. Therefore, the minimum control response frame duration can be derived from the maximum control response frame speed, and a minimum initial control frame padding duration can be determined.The maximum speed of the initial control frame is variable. efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi In another possible implementation, if the maximum speed of the initial control frame is 24 Mbps, the maximum speed of the control response frame is the lower of 24 Mbps and the highest speed within a basic speed set of the basic services set. In this implementation, the maximum speed of the initial control frame can be set to 24 Mbps. The basic speed set of the basic services set includes one or more basic speeds that can be supported by the first STA. The maximum speed of the control response frame is the highest speed within the established basic speed set of the basic services set that is less than or equal to 24 Mbps.Therefore, the minimum value of the control response frame duration can be obtained based on the maximum value of the control response frame rate, and a minimum value of the initial control frame fill duration can be determined. In another possible implementation, the padding duration is associated with the switching delay, a first gap between the initial control frame and the control response frame, a second gap between the control response frame and the data frame, and the duration of the control response frame. In another possible implementation, the maximum value of the padding duration is associated with the switching delay, a first gap between frames between the initial control frame and the control response frame, a second gap between frames between the control response frame and the data frame, and the minimum value of the control response frame duration. In another possible implementation, the padding duration is the padding duration required when the initial control frame is transmitted at the maximum rate, or the padding duration is determined based on the maximum rate of the initial control frame, or the padding duration is the padding duration required when the initial control frame is transmitted at 24 Mbps, or the padding duration is the padding duration required when the initial control frame is transmitted at any rate, or the padding duration is a maximum value of the padding duration required when the initial control frame is transmitted at all rates. According to a second aspect, a method of indicating information is provided. The method includes: an MLD AP or a first AP or another AP in the MLD AP receives a first frame, where the first frame includes indication information, the indication information indicates the padding duration required for a channel switching delay in an initial control frame, and the padding duration is determined based on the duration of a control response frame; and the MLD AP or the first AP determines the padding duration of the initial control frame based on the indication information. efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi In a possible implementation, the indication information is carried in an enhanced multilink single radio delay field of the first frame and / or in an enhanced multilink multiple radio delay field of the first frame. In another possible implementation, the first frame includes a plurality of indication information pieces. Each of the plurality of indication information pieces indicates the padding duration of the initial control frame corresponding to a given initial control frame transmission rate. The fact that the first AP determines the padding duration of the initial control frame based on the first frame includes: determining, based on the first frame, the padding duration of the initial control frame corresponding to the initial control frame transmission rate. In another possible implementation, the duration of the control response frame is determined based on a control response frame rate and a control response frame length. In another possible implementation, a minimum value for the duration of the control response frame is determined based on a maximum value for a control response frame rate and a control response frame length. In another possible implementation, the maximum value of the control response frame rate is a higher rate that is in a basic rate set of the basic services set and that is less than or equal to a maximum rate of the initial control frame. In another possible implementation, if the maximum speed of the initial control frame is 24 Mbps, the maximum value of the control response frame speed is a lower value between 24 Mbps and a higher speed in a basic speed set of the basic services set. In another possible implementation, the padding duration is associated with the switching delay, a first gap between the initial control frame and the control response frame, a second gap between the control response frame and a data frame, and the duration of the control response frame. In another possible implementation, a maximum value for the padding duration is associated with the switching delay, a first gap between frames between the initial control frame and the control response frame, a second gap between frames between the control response frame and a data frame, and a minimum value for the duration of the control response frame. In another possible implementation, the padding duration is the padding duration required when the initial control frame is transmitted at the maximum rate, or the padding duration is determined based on the maximum rate of the initial control frame, or the padding duration is the padding duration required when the initial control frame is transmitted at 24 Mbps, or the padding duration is the padding duration required when the initial control frame is transmitted at any rate, or the padding duration is a maximum value of the padding duration required when the initial control frame is transmitted at all rates. According to a third aspect, a method of indicating information is provided. The method includes: an MLD without an AP or a first STA in the MLD without an AP generates a first frame, where the first frame includes indication information, and the indication information indicates a delay required to switch a number of transmission channels of the first STA from a first value to a second value; and the MLD without an AP or the first STA or another STA in the MLD without an AP transmits the first frame. In this aspect, the MLD without an AP or the first STA in the MLD without an AP indicates a delay required by an AP to switch a corresponding number of transmission channels, so that the AP satisfies the delay by setting the padding duration of an initial control frame, and the first STA can complete switching the corresponding number of transmission channels before a subsequent data frame arrives. In a possible implementation, the indication information is carried in an enhanced multilink single radio delay field of the first frame and / or in an enhanced multilink multiple radio delay field of the first frame. According to a fourth aspect, a method of indicating information is provided. The method includes: an MLD AP or a first AP or another AP in the MLD AP receives a first frame, where the first frame includes indication information, and the indication information indicates a delay required to switch a number of transmit channels from a first STA from a first value to a second value; and the first AP determines the length of the fill of an initial control frame, where the length of the fill of the initial control frame is determined based on the delay. In a possible implementation, the padding duration is associated with the delay, a first gap between frames between the initial control frame and a control response frame, a second gap between frames between the control response frame and a data frame, and the duration of the control response frame. In another possible implementation, the duration of the control response frame is associated with a control response frame speed. In another possible implementation, a maximum value for the control response frame rate is a higher rate that is in a basic rate set of the basic services set and that is less than or equal to an initial control frame rate. In another possible implementation, the sum of the padding duration and the first gap between frames is greater than the processing delay of the initial control frame. efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi According to the fifth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device can implement the information indication method described in the first aspect. For example, the communication device can be a chip, an MDL without an AP, or an STA without an AP in an MDL without an AP. The above method can be implemented using software, hardware, or hardware running the corresponding software. In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to generate the first frame. The first frame includes indication information. The indication information specifies the padding time required for a channel switching delay in an initial control frame. The padding time is determined based on the duration of a control response frame. The transceiver unit is configured to receive the first frame. Optionally, the processing unit is configured to determine the duration of the control response frame. Optionally, the processing unit is also configured to determine a minimum value for the duration of the control response frame. Optionally, the processing unit is configured to determine a control response frame rate and determine the control response frame duration based on the control response frame rate and a control response frame length. Optionally, the processing unit is configured to determine a maximum value for the control response frame rate, and to determine the minimum value for the control response frame duration based on the maximum value of the control response frame rate and the control response frame length. When the communication apparatus is the MLD without an AP, the communication apparatus includes the transceiver unit and the processing unit. When the communication apparatus is the MLD without an AP, the communication apparatus includes the STA without an AP and the processing unit. The transceiver unit is located in the STA without an AP, and a plurality of STAs without APs may share a processing unit. When the communication apparatus is the STA without an AP in the MLD without an AP, the communication apparatus includes the transceiver unit and the processing unit. According to the sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device can implement the information indication method described in the second aspect. For example, the communication device can be a chip, an MLD AP, or an AP within an MLD AP. The above method can be implemented using software, hardware, or hardware running the corresponding software. efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive an initial frame. The initial frame includes indication information. The indication information specifies the padding time required for a channel switching delay in an initial control frame. The padding time is determined based on the duration of a control response frame. The processing unit is configured to determine the padding time of the initial control frame based on the indication information. Optionally, the first frame includes a plurality of indication information pieces. Each of the plurality of indication information pieces indicates the padding duration of the initial control frame corresponding to a given initial control frame transmission rate. The processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the first frame, the padding duration of the initial control frame corresponding to the initial control frame transmission rate. When the communication apparatus is the AP MLD, the communication apparatus includes the transceiver unit and the processing unit. When the communication apparatus is the AP MLD, the communication apparatus includes the AP and the processing unit. The transceiver unit is located in the AP, and a plurality of APs may share a processing unit. When the communication apparatus is the AP in the AP MLD, the communication apparatus includes the transceiver unit and the processing unit. According to a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device can implement the information indication method described in the third aspect. For example, the communication device can be a chip, an MDL without an AP, or an STA without an AP in an MDL without an AP. The above method can be implemented using software, hardware, or hardware running the corresponding software. In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to generate a first frame. The first frame includes indication information. The indication information indicates the delay required to switch a number of transmission channels from a station's first value to a second value. The transceiver unit is configured to transmit the first frame. When the communication apparatus is the MLD without an AP, the communication apparatus includes the transceiver unit and the processing unit. When the communication apparatus is the MLD without an AP, the communication apparatus includes the STA without an AP and the processing unit. The transceiver unit is located in the STA without an AP, and a plurality of STAs without APs can share a processing unit. When the communication apparatus is the STA without an AP in the MLD without an AP, the communication apparatus includes the transceiver unit and the processing unit. According to the eighth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device can implement the information indication method described in the fourth aspect. For example, the communication device can be a chip, an MLD AP, or an AP within an MLD AP. The above method can be implemented using software, hardware, or hardware running the corresponding software. In another possible implementation, the communication apparatus may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive a first frame. The first frame includes indication information. The indication information indicates the delay required to switch a number of transmission channels from a station's first value to a second value. The processing unit is configured to determine the length of the initial control frame's padding. The length of the initial control frame's padding is determined based on the delay. When the communication apparatus is the AP MLD, the communication apparatus includes the transceiver unit and the processing unit. When the communication apparatus is the AP MLD, the communication apparatus includes the AP and the processing unit. The transceiver unit is located in the AP, and a plurality of APs may share a processing unit. When the communication apparatus is the AP in the AP MLD, the communication apparatus includes the transceiver unit and the processing unit. In one possible implementation, the communication device, from aspect five to aspect eight, includes a processor coupled to a memory. The processor is configured to support the device in performing a corresponding function in the information indication method described above. The memory is configured to couple to the processor and stores a program (instructions) required by the device and / or the data required by the device. Optionally, the communication device may also include a communication interface, configured to support communication between the device and another network element. The memory may be located either inside or outside the communication device. In another possible implementation, the communication apparatus in aspects five through eight includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions to control the transceiver to receive and send information. When the processor executes the computer program or instructions, it is configured to implement the above method by means of a logic circuit or by executing code instructions. The transceiver can be a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or an input / output interface, and is configured to receive a signal from a communication apparatus other than the communication apparatus and transmit the signal to the processor, or to send a signal from the processor to a communication apparatus other than the communication apparatus.When the communication device is the chip, the transceiver device is a transceiver circuit or an input / output interface. When the communication device in aspects five through eight is a chip, a sending unit can be an output unit, for example, an output circuit or a communication interface, and a receiving unit can be an input unit, for example, an input circuit or a communication interface. When the communication device is a terminal, a sending unit can be a transmitter or a transmitting machine, and a receiving unit can be a receiver or a receiving machine. According to the ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the methods described in the previous aspects are implemented. According to a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided that includes instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device is enabled to perform the methods described in the preceding aspects. In accordance with an eleventh aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes the communication apparatus according to the fifth aspect and the communication apparatus according to the sixth aspect. According to a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes the communication apparatus according to the seventh aspect and the communication apparatus according to the eighth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of a transmission channel switching process according to one modality of this request. FIGURE 2 is a schematic diagram of a multiple link device according to a modality of the present application. FIGURE 3 is a schematic flowchart of a method of indicating information according to a modality of this request. FIGURE 4 is a schematic diagram of a MU-RTS frame format. FIGURE 5 is a schematic diagram of a non-HT PPDU frame format. FIGURE 6 is a schematic diagram of a CTS frame format. FIGURE 7 is a schematic diagram of a QoS-Null frame format. pfrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi FIGURE 8 is a schematic diagram of an example format of a first frame according to a modality of the present application. FIGURE 9 is a schematic flowchart of another method of indicating information according to one modality of this request. FIGURE 10 is a schematic diagram of a relationship between the fill duration efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi and a processing delay of an activation frame. FIGURE 11 is a schematic diagram of communication according to one modality of the present application. FIGURE 12 is a schematic diagram of a communication according to one modality of the present application. FIGURE 13 is a schematic diagram of a communication according to one modality of the present application. FIGURE 14 is a schematic diagram of a communication according to one modality of the present application; and FIGURE 15 is a schematic diagram of a communication according to one modality of the present application. structure of of of of of of of one other other other other apparatus apparatus apparatus apparatus apparatus apparatus of of of of of of of DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following describes the forms of this application with reference to the drawings attached to the forms of this application. The following describes several basic concepts of this application. Multi-link device (MLD) A multi-link device can simultaneously communicate on bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, or simultaneously communicate on different channels within the same band. This increases the communication speed between devices. A multilink device typically includes a plurality of stations (STAs). Each STA operates on a specific frequency band or channel. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a multilink device. The multilink device can be an MLD 100 AP or an MLD without an AP 200. If the device is an MLD AP, it includes one or more APs (e.g., AP 1 to AP n in the figure), and each STA of the MLD AP is an AP. If the device is an MLD without an AP, it includes one or more STAs without APs (e.g., STA 1 to STA n in the figure), and each STA of the MLD without an AP is an STA without an AP. The one or more STAs without APs in the MLD without an AP and the one or more APs in the MLD AP can communicate after establishing a partnership. In one implementation, each STA without an AP in the MLD without an AP can include a processing unit / processor and a transceiver unit / transceiver. The processing unit / processor can perform processing operations on this request, such as generation and determination. The transceiver unit / transceiver is configured to communicate with the MLD AP or an AP within the MLD AP that is associated with the STA without an AP. Therefore, the STA without an AP in the MLD without an AP can perform processing, receiving, and sending operations on this request. In another implementation, each STA without an AP in the MLD without an AP includes only one transceiver unit, the MLD without an AP includes one processing unit, and all STAs without APs in the MLD without an AP can share this processing unit. Therefore, the STAs without APs in the MLD without an AP can perform receive and send operations for this request, and the MLD without an AP can perform processing operations for this request. In another implementation, the MLD without an AP can include a processing unit / processor and a transceiver unit / transceiver. The processing unit / processor can perform processing operations on this request, such as generation and determination. The transceiver unit / transceiver is configured to communicate with the MLD AP. Therefore, the MLD without an AP can perform processing, receiving, and sending operations on this request. For a clear and brief description, this request is described by an example in which the STA without AP in the MLD without AP performs the processing, receiving, and sending operations in this request. In one implementation, each AP in the AP MLD can include a processing unit / processor and a transceiver unit / transceiver. The processing unit / processor can perform processing operations on this request, such as determination. The transceiver unit / transceiver is configured to communicate with the MLD without an AP or the STA without an AP that is in the MLD without an AP and is associated with the AP. Therefore, the AP in the AP MLD can perform processing, receiving, and sending operations on this request. In another implementation, each AP in the AP MLD includes only one transceiver unit, the AP MLD includes one processing unit, and all APs in the AP MLD can share this processing unit. Therefore, the AP in the AP MLD can perform both receive and send operations on this request, and the AP MLD can perform the processing operations on this request. In another implementation, the MLD AP can include a processing unit / processor and a transceiver unit / transceiver. The processing unit / processor can perform processing operations on this request, for example, operations such as determination. The transceiver unit / transceiver is configured to communicate with the MLD without an AP. Therefore, the MLD AP can perform processing, receiving, and sending operations on this request. For a clear and brief description, this request is described using an example in which the AP in the AP MLD performs the processing, receiving, and sending operations in this request. Enhanced Multi-Link Operation In enhanced multilink operation, the MLD without an AP can monitor multiple links. After receiving an initial control frame sent to the MLD without an AP on one link, it can switch to a receive channel on another link, so that after receiving the initial control frame, it can receive a data frame at a higher rate. Enhanced multi-link operation includes enhanced multi-link single-radio (EMLSR) and enhanced multi-link multi-radio (EMLMR). In EMLSR operation, the MLD without an access point (AP) can monitor multiple links but can only transmit data on one link. In EMLMR operation, the MLD without an AP can monitor multiple links and also transmit data on multiple links. The common feature is that the number of receive channels is A during monitoring, and the number of receive channels is B during data transmission, where B is greater than A. The solutions in this application primarily apply to a wireless local area network. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system in this application includes the MLD 100 AP and the MLD without AP 200. One or more STAs without APs on the MLD without AP 200 and one or more APs on the MLD AP can communicate after establishing a partnership relationship. It should be noted that the terms “system” and “network” can be used interchangeably in the forms of this application. A plurality of means two or more. In view of this, “a plurality of” can also be understood as “at least two” in the forms of this application. The term and / or describes an association relationship to describe associated objects and represents that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the following three cases: Only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. Furthermore, the character / generally indicates an either / or relationship between associated objects. As shown in FIGURE 1, the time it takes for the MLD without an AP to switch transmission channels includes: the padding time of an initial control frame, the first gap between the initial control frame and a control response frame, the time occupied by the control response frame, and the second gap between the control response frame and a data frame. However, the time occupied by the control response frame depends on the transmission rate of the initial control frame. Therefore, before receiving the initial control frame, the STA cannot determine the time occupied by the control response frame and, consequently, cannot determine the padding time of the initial control frame. One modality of this application provides an information indication solution. A first STA in an MLD without an AP generates a first frame. The first frame includes the indication information. The indication information indicates the padding time required for a channel switching delay in an initial control frame. The padding time is determined based on the duration of a control response frame. Alternatively, the indication information indicates a delay required to switch a number of transmit channels from a first number of channels to a second number of channels. The indication information also indicates a delay required to switch a number of transmit channels from the first STA from a first value to a second value. The MLD without an AP, or the first STA, or another STA in the MLD without an AP, transmits the first frame.An MLD AP, or a first AP, or another AP within the MLD AP, receives the first frame and determines the initial control frame padding length based on indication information. Based on the above solution, the initial control frame padding length can be accurately determined so that the first STA can complete switching a corresponding number of transmission channels before a subsequent data frame arrives. Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a method for indicating information according to a modality of this application. The method includes the following steps. S101: a first STA generates a first plot. As shown in Figure 1, for example, a number of transmission channels are switched from one to two. Before the switch, both a STA 1 without an AP on Link 1 and a STA 2 without an AP on Link 2 have the capability to receive a spatial stream, or both STA 1 without an AP and STA 2 without an AP have a transmission channel. In this application, the transmission channel may also be referred to as a transmission channel, transmission module, spatial stream, or similar. An AP 1 on Link 1 transmits an initial control frame to the STA 1 without an AP. The initial control frame includes a content portion and a padding portion (i.e., padding bits). After receiving the content portion of the initial control frame sent by AP 1, the STA 1 without an AP can begin the switching process, provided that the switching is completed before a subsequent data frame arrives. The STA 1 without an AP then begins the switching process.In this case, STA 2 without AP switches the transmission module to link 1, and link 2 loses transmission capability. This applies to EMLSR. For EMLMR, STA 2 without AP can have multiple transmission modules. After switching one efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi transmission module to STA 1 without AP, STA 2 without AP can perform data communication using another transmission module. After receiving the content portion of the initial control frame sent by AP 1, STA 1 without an AP can begin switching. Therefore, the time it takes for STA 1 without an AP to switch transmission channels includes: the padding time of the initial control frame sent by AP 1, the first gap between the initial control frame and a control response frame, the second gap between the control response frame and the data frame, and the time it takes for STA 1 without an AP to transmit the control response frame. The first and second gaps are a short gap between frames (SIFS). The short gap between frames is typically 16 ps. Therefore, the key to determining the padding time of the initial control frame is to determine the length of the control response frame. Determining the duration of the control response frame involves: determining a control response frame rate and determining the duration of the control response frame based on the control response frame rate and the control response frame length. Therefore, the initial control frame padding duration = switching delay - first gap between frames - control response frame duration - second gap between frames. The switching delay can be adjusted in the first STA before factory delivery. Optionally, the time available for switching transmission channels can be further increased by a specific margin Δ. Therefore, the initial control frame padding duration = switching delay - first gap between frames - control response frame duration - second gap between frames - Δ.The margin Δ can be, for example, a part of the data frame preamble. Furthermore, to maximize switching delay, a maximum padding duration can be determined. This maximum padding duration is determined based on a minimum control response frame duration. The minimum control response frame duration can also be referred to as the minimum control response frame duration. Specifically, the first STA determining the minimum value of the control response frame duration includes: determining a maximum value of the control response frame rate and determining the minimum value of the control response frame duration based on the maximum value of the control response frame rate and the length of the control response frame. Therefore, the maximum value of the initial control frame padding duration = switching delay - first interframe gap (efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi) and the minimum value of the control response frame duration - second interframe gap. The maximum value of the initial control frame padding duration is the duration of the initial control frame padding when a first AP transmits the initial control frame at maximum rate.Optionally, the time that can be used to switch transmission channels further includes a specific margin Δ. Therefore, the maximum value of the initial control frame padding duration = switching delay - first gap between frames - minimum value of the control response frame duration - second gap between frames - Δ. Regarding the maximum control response frame rate, in an implementation, the maximum control response frame rate is a higher rate found within a Basic Service Set Basic Rate Set (BSSBasicRateSet) that is less than or equal to the maximum initial control frame rate. BSSBasicRateSet is a parameter broadcast by an AP MLD before a link is established. The AP MLD notifies an MLD without an AP, by broadcasting this rate, that it wishes to establish a link with the AP MLD. If the MLD without an AP has the capability to receive data when the AP MLD sends data at any rate within the BSSBasicRateSet, the MLD without an AP can establish a link with the AP MLD. The rate included in BSSBasicRateSet can be, for example, {6, 12, 24, 48}. The maximum initial control frame rate can vary.The maximum rate of the initial control frame does not exceed the highest rate in the BSSBasicRateSet. For example, if the maximum rate of the initial control frame is 24, the maximum rate of the control response frame is also 24. Similarly, if the maximum rate of the initial control frame is 12, the maximum rate of the control response frame is also 12. In another implementation, the maximum rate of the initial control frame is a fixed value, for example, 24 Mbps. Therefore, the maximum rate of the control response frame = min {24 Mbps, the highest rate in the BSSBasicRateSet parameters}. For example, if the highest rate in the BSSBasicRateSet parameters is 48 Mbps, the maximum rate of the control response frame = min {24 Mbps, 48 ​​Mbps}. In other words, the maximum rate of the control response frame is 24 Mbps. Furthermore, the duration of the control response frame is also associated with the control response frame format. Therefore, the minimum value of the control response frame duration can be determined based on the maximum value of the control response frame rate, the control response frame format, and the control response frame length. In one implementation, if the initial control frame is a MU-RTS frame, the control response frame efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi is a CTS frame. The MU-RTS frame is a trigger frame type. When the trigger type value in the trigger frame is 3, it indicates that the trigger frame is a MU-RTS frame. A MU-RTS frame format is shown in Figure 4. The MU-RTS frame includes the following fields: frame control, duration, receiver address (RA), transmitter address (TA), common information, user info list, padding, and frame check sequence (FCS). The common information field may contain multiple fields. The user info list field may contain one or more pieces of user information. In the common information field, the following fields are reserved fields (not used for the MU-RTS frame): uplink length (UL length), guard interval and long training field type (Gl and LTF type), multi-user multi-input multi-output long training field mode (MU-MIMO LTF mode), number of high-efficiency long training field symbols and training sequence periodicity (HE-LTF symbols and midamble periodicity), uplink space-time blocking code (UL STBC), low-density parity check code extra symbol segment (LDPC extra symbol segment), access point TX power (AP TX power), pre-FEC padding factor, packet extension disambiguation padding factor, uplink spatial reuse (UL spatial reuse).Doppler (Doppler) and uplink high-efficiency signal field A2 reserved (UL HE-SIG-A2 reserved)., In the user information field, the following fields are reserved fields: uplink high efficiency modulation and coding scheme (UL HE-MCS), uplink FEC coding type, uplink dual carrier modulation (UL DCM), SS allocation / RA-RU information, and uplink target RSSI. The initial control frame includes a content portion and padding bits. After a non-AP STA receives user information in an initial control frame sent by an AP, along with the content of previous fields (including fields such as frame control, duration, receiver address, transmitter address, and common information), the non-AP STA is considered to have received a content portion of the initial control frame. The padding bits of the initial control frame include another portion of user information and a padding field within the initial control frame. In particular, the FCS field can be considered either a content portion of the initial control frame or a padding bit of the initial control frame. If the initial control frame is a MU-RTS frame, the control response frame is a CTS frame. The format of the transmitted CTS frame can be either a non-HT or duplicate non-HT format. Figure 5 shows a frame format for a non-HT PPDU. The CTS frame includes the following fields: physical layer preamble (PHY preamble), signal, and data. The physical layer preamble occupies 12 orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, the signal occupies one OFDM symbol, and the OFDM symbol occupied by the data is variable. It takes 20 ps to transmit the physical layer preamble and signal fields. The data field includes a 16-bit Service field, a 112-bit PSDU field (i.e., 14 bits), and a 6-bit tail field, totaling 16 + 112 + 6 = 134 bits. A frame structure of the CTS frame is shown in FIGURE 6.A physical layer service data unit (PSDU) includes a frame control field, a duration field, a receiver address (RA) field, and an FCS field. The four fields occupy 2 bits, 2 bits, 6 bits, and 4 bits respectively, for a total of 14 bits. For example, when the control response frame rate is 24 Mbps, the duration required to transmit 134 bits is 134 / 24 = 5.583 ps. Because the length of the data portion (i.e., the data field) must be an integer multiple of 4 ps, the actual length of the data field is 8 ps. During the specific implementation, bits are added to a bit pad to reach 8 ps. Therefore, the duration of the control response frame is 20 + 8 = 28 ps.For another example, when the control response frame rate is 6 Mbps, the time required to transmit 134 bits is 134 / 6 = 22.33 ps, and it must be aligned to 24 ps. Therefore, the total duration is 20 + 24 = 44 ps. In another implementation, if the initial control frame is a BSRP frame, the control response frame is a QoS-Null frame. The frame structure of the BSRP frame is the same as that of the MU-RTS frame. Refer to Figure 4. When the value of an activation type in the activation frame is 4, it indicates that the activation frame is a BSRP frame. Furthermore, a reserved field in the MU-RTS frame is used in the BSRP frame and is no longer a reserved field. A format of the QoS-Null frame is shown in Figure 7. The QoS-Null frame includes the following fields: frame control, duration, address 1, address 2, address 3, sequence control, address 4, quality of service control (QoS control), high-throughput control (HT control), and frame checking sequence (FCS). The QoS-Null frame must be transmitted in HE TB PPDU or EHT TB PPDU format.The preambles in both formats are long, with one preamble portion exceeding 50 ps. Therefore, when the control response frame is a QoS-Null frame, its duration is longer than that of the control response frame efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi, which is a CTS frame, and the required padding duration for the initial control frame is shorter. Thus, in this mode, the padding duration for the initial control frame can be reported using an example where the control response frame is a CTS frame. After determining the duration of the initial control frame padding, the first STA can generate the first frame. In one implementation, the first frame includes indication information. The indication information indicates the padding duration for the channel switching delay in the initial control frame. Optionally, the padding duration is the required padding duration when the initial control frame is transmitted at the maximum rate, or the padding duration is determined based on the maximum rate of the initial control frame, or the padding duration is the required padding duration when the initial control frame is transmitted at 24 Mbps, or the padding duration is the required padding duration when the initial control frame is transmitted at any rate, or the padding duration is a maximum value of the padding duration required when the initial control frame is transmitted at all rates. Specifically, in one example, a relationship between one or more fill durations and indication information can be predefined or pre-negotiated by the first STA and the first AP. The relationship is described in Table 1 below: efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi Table 1 Indication Information Fill duration required for a switching delay First value (e.g., 0) 0 ps Second value (e.g., 1) 32 ps Third value (e.g., 2) 64 ps Fourth value (e.g., 3) 96 ps Fifth value (e.g., 4) 128 ps Sixth value (e.g., 5) 160 ps Seventh value (e.g., 6) 192 ps Eighth value (e.g., 7) 224 ps According to Table 1, when the indication information is the first value, it indicates that the fill duration is 0 ps; when the indication information is the second value, it indicates that the fill duration is less than or equal to 32 ps; when the indication information is the third value, it indicates that the fill duration is less than or equal to 64 ps. Another case can be deduced by analogy. In another example, a relationship between one or more fill durations and indication information can be predefined or pre-negotiated by the first STA and the first AP. The relationship is described in Table 2 below: pnrn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi Table 2 Indication information Fill duration required for a switching delay First value (e.g., 0) 0 ps Second value (e.g., 1) 32 ps Third value (e.g., 2) 64 ps Fourth value (e.g., 3) 128 ps Fifth value (e.g., 4) 256 ps In another implementation, the first frame includes a plurality of indication information pieces. Each of the plurality of indication information pieces indicates the duration of the initial control frame padding corresponding to a given initial control frame transmission rate. For example, the first STA transmits the first frame to the first AP. The first frame includes a plurality of indication information pieces. An indication information piece indicates the initial control frame padding duration corresponding to an initial control frame transmission rate of 6 Mbps. A second piece of indication information indicates the duration of the initial control frame padding corresponding to an initial control frame transmission rate of 12 Mbps. A third piece of indication information indicates the duration of the initial control frame padding corresponding to an initial control frame transmission rate of 24 Mbps. The first STA can determine, based on Table 1, which indication information the padding time of different initial control frames represents. For example, if the padding time of the initial control frame corresponding to a 6 Mbps initial control frame transmission rate is greater than 0 ps and less than or equal to 32 ps, it represents the first indication information. If the padding time of the initial control frame corresponding to a 12 Mbps initial control frame transmission rate is greater than 32 ps and less than or equal to 64 ps, it represents the second indication information. If the padding time of the initial control frame corresponding to a 24 Mbps initial control frame transmission rate is greater than 64 ps and less than or equal to 96 ps, it represents the third indication information. S102: The first STA transmits the first frame. Consequently, the first AP associated with the first STA receives the first frame. The first frame includes indication information. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a sample first frame format. The first frame includes the following fields: frame control, duration, receiver address, transmitter address, frame body, and frame check sequence. The frame body also includes fields such as the multi-link element. The multi-link element field also includes the following fields: element ID, length, element ID extension, multi-link control, common information, and user information. The common information field also includes fields such as enhanced multi-link single radio delay (EMLSR delay) and / or enhanced multi-link multiple radio delay (EMLMR delay).The indication information can be carried in the EMLSR delay field and / or in the EMLMR delay field. If the first frame includes a plurality of indication information elements, the plurality of indication information elements may alternatively be carried in a field other than the EMLSR delay field and / or the EMLMR delay field. S103: The first AP determines the duration of the initial control frame fill based on the indication information. The first AP receives the first frame and analyzes the indication information within it. The duration of the initial control frame padding can be determined based on this indication information. In the previous implementation, the first frame includes the indication information. The indication information indicates the fill duration for the channel switching delay in the initial control frame. In this case, the first AP can determine, based on a pre-stored relationship between one or more fill durations and the efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi indication information shown in Table 1, the fill duration indicated by the indication information. For example, if the indication information is the second value, the first AP can determine, according to Table 1, that the maximum value of the fill duration indicated by the indication information is 32 ps. In the previous implementation, the first frame includes a plurality of indication information pieces. Each of these pieces indicates the padding duration of the initial control frame corresponding to a given initial control frame transmission rate. In this case, after receiving the plurality of indication information pieces, the first AP can determine the padding duration based on the initial control frame transmission rate. For example, assuming the initial control frame rate actually used by the first AP is 12 Mbps, a maximum padding duration of 64 ps can be determined for that rate. Furthermore, after determining the duration of the initial control frame padding, the first AP can fill the initial control frame with a corresponding bit and transmit the initial control frame. Furthermore, after the second gap between frames after the first STA receives the initial control frame sent at maximum speed, and responds to the control response frame, the first STA has the ability to receive a data frame through a second number of transmission channels; or after the SIFS after the first STA receives the initial control frame sent at any speed, and responds to the control response frame, the first STA needs to have the ability to perform communication through a second number of transmission channels. Because the fill duration is determined based on the duration of the control response frame, when the first AP transmits the initial control frame, regardless of the speed used, the first STA can complete switching a number of transmit channels before a subsequent data frame arrives. Furthermore, after receiving the data frame, the first STA transmits an acknowledgment (ACK) / block-ACK frame to the first AP. After the first STA determines that the transmission opportunity (TXOP) on link 1 has ended, a second STA can reswitch the transmit module to restore transmission capability. According to the information indication method provided in this application, the STA without an AP generates the first frame. The first frame includes indication information to specify the fill duration required for the efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi channel switching delay in the initial control frame. The fill duration is determined based on the length of the control response frame and / or the maximum rate of the initial control frame. The STA without an AP transmits the first frame. The AP receives the first frame. The first access point determines the fill duration of the initial control frame based on the indication information. Therefore, the fill duration of the initial control frame can be accurately determined so that the first STA can complete the switching of a corresponding number of transmission channels before a subsequent data frame arrives. Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of another method for indicating information according to a modality of this application. The method may include the following steps. S201: a first STA generates a first plot. The first frame includes the first indication information. In one implementation, the first indication information shows a first delay required to switch a number of transmission channels from the first STA to a second value. For example, in Figure 1, the number of first channels is 1, the number of second channels is 2, and the first indication information shows a delay required to switch a number of transmission channels from 1 to 2. The first delay can be a predefined value in the first STA before factory delivery. A correspondence can be predefined between one or more switching delays and the information in the first indication. This correspondence can be described in Table 1 or Table 2. For example, if the delay required to switch the number of transmission channels of the first STA from the first value to the second value is 32 ps, the corresponding information in the first indication is the second value. If the delay required to switch the number of transmission channels of the first STA from the first value to the second value is 64 ps, the corresponding information in the first indication is the third value. The first STA generates the first frame. The first frame includes the first indication information. Specifically, a format for the first frame can be shown in FIGURE 8. The first indication information can be carried in an EMLSR delay field and / or an EMLMR delay field. In another implementation, the first frame includes the first indication information and the second indication information. The first indication information indicates a first delay required to switch a number of transmit channels from the first STA from a first value to a second value. The second indication information indicates a second delay required to switch a number of transmit channels from a second number of channels to a first number of channels; namely, a delay required to switch the number of transmit channels to the first number of channels after the first STA finishes receiving the data frame. In another implementation, the first frame includes third indication information. The third indication information indicates a higher value between the first delay and the second delay, namely, max. {first delay, second delay}. S202: The first STA transmits the first frame. Consequently, the first AP receives the first frame. The first AP receives the first frame and analyzes the previous fields in the first frame to obtain the first delay. S203: The first AP determines the length of padding an initial control frame, where the length of padding the initial control frame is determined based on the first delay. After obtaining the first indication information, the first AP can determine the fill duration based on the first delay. Specifically, if the initial control frame is a MU-RTS frame, the determined padding duration includes: padding duration - first delay - 2 x SIFS - control response frame duration. The duration of the control response frame is determined based on a control response frame rate. The control response frame rate is determined based on the initial control frame rate and the BSSBasicRateSet parameters. Specifically, the control response frame rate is the highest rate in the BSSBasicRateSet that is less than or equal to the initial control frame rate; that is, MIN {the initial control frame rate, the highest rate in the BSSBasicRateSet parameters}. After determining the control response frame rate, the control response frame duration is the time required to transmit the control response frame at the control response frame rate. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the relationship between padding duration and the processing delay of an activation frame. If the initial control frame is a BSRP frame, the padding duration is determined, and the sum of the padding duration and the first gap between frames must be greater than the processing delay of the activation frame (the initial control frame here). Padding duration = max. {Activation frame processing delay, switching delay - 2 x SIFS - control response frame duration}. Furthermore, after receiving the data frame, the first STA transmits an acknowledgment (ACK) / block-ACK frame to the first AP. After the first STA determines that a transmission opportunity on link 1 has ended, a second STA can reswitch a transmit module to restore transmission capability. Once the second delay ends, a second AP transmits a frame, for example, the initial control frame, to the second STA on link 2 to initiate the next transmission. In other words, before the second delay ends, the second AP cannot transmit the frame to the second STA on link 2. According to the information indication method provided in this application, the first STA generates the first frame. The first frame includes the indication information. The indication information indicates the delay required to switch the number of transmission channels of the first STA from the first value to the second value. The first STA transmits the first frame. The first AP receives the first frame and can accurately determine the duration of the initial control frame padding so that the first STA can complete the switching of the corresponding number of transmission channels before the subsequent data frame arrives. For the problem raised at the heart of this application, the modalities of this application also provide another method and apparatus for determining the duration of the fill. First, two types of initial control frames are described. When an initial control frame sent by an MLD AP or an AP on an MLD AP is a second initial control frame, for example, a MU-RTS, an MLD without an AP, or an STA on an MLD AP without an AP responds to a CTS frame and transmits the CTS frame in a non-HT or duplicate non-HT format. The CTS frame is used in both formats. The MLD without an AP or the STA on the MLD without an AP is not required to complete the channel quantity switching. In other words, the MLD without an AP or the STA on the MLD without an AP can change the channel quantity during the transmission time of a control response frame (the CTS frame in this case). When an initial control frame is a first initial control frame, for example, an activation frame, an MLD without an AP or a STA on an MLD without an AP responds with either an HE TB PPDU or an EHT TB PPDU. There is a high requirement for the ability to transmit the PPDU in both formats. The MLD without an AP or the STA on the MLD without an AP must complete channel quantity switching before transmitting a control response frame (either the HE TB PPDU or the EHT TB PPDU in this document). It can be learned that when the initial control frames are different (or when the frame formats of the control response frames are different), the required padding length of the initial control frame is also different. In one implementation, the first initial control frame is a BSRP activation frame. efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi Therefore, one form of this application provides a method for determining the duration of the fill. Method 1: S1001: An MLD without an AP or an STA in an MLD without an AP reports the first duration, where the first duration is the padding duration to be included in a first initial control frame (or the first duration is a value greater or less than the padding duration to be included in the first initial control frame and the padding duration to be included in a second initial control frame). S1002: If an AP MLD or an AP on an AP MLD transmits the first initial control frame to the MLD without an AP or to the STA on the MLD without an AP, include a padding bit in the first initial control frame, where the padding duration is the first duration reported in S1001. S1003: If the MLD AP or the AP on the MLD AP transmits the second initial control frame to the MLD without an AP or to the STA on the MLD without an AP, include a padding bit in the second initial control frame, where the padding length is the second length, and the second length is determined based on the first length. For example, the second length is the first length minus (or plus) a fixed time. For example, the fixed time may be 60 ps, ​​or the fixed time may be another value specified in a standard, or the fixed time may be sent by the MLD without an AP or the STA on the MLD without an AP to the MLD AP or to the AP on the MLD AP. In this method, alternatively, the first duration is the padding duration that must be added to the initial control frame when the MLD without AP or the STA in the MLD without AP responds to a first frame format, and the second duration is the padding duration that must be added to the initial control frame when the MLD without AP or the STA in the MLD without AP responds to a second frame format. The second frame format can be a non-HT format or a duplicate non-HT format. The first frame format can be an HE TB or EHT TB format. Method 2: S2001: An MLD without an AP or an STA in an MLD without an AP reports the first duration and the second duration, where the first duration is the padding duration to be included in a first initial control frame, and the second duration is the padding duration to be included in a second initial control frame. S2002: If an AP MLD or an AP on an AP MLD transmits the first initial control frame to the MLD without an AP or to the STA on the MLD without an AP, include a padding bit in the first initial control frame, where the padding duration is the first duration reported in S2001. S2003: If the AP MLD or the AP on the AP MLD transmits the second initial control frame to the MLD without AP or to the STA on the MLD without AP, include a padding bit in the second initial control frame, where the padding duration is the second duration reported in S2001. Method 3: efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi S3001: An MLD without an AP or an STA in an MLD without an AP reports a switching delay, where the switching delay is a switching delay required to switch the STA from a first number of channels to a second number of channels. S3002: An MLD AP or an AP in an MLD AP determines, based on an initial control frame type, the length of a padding bit to be added to the initial control frame. S3003: The AP MLD or the AP on the AP MLD transmits the initial control frame to the MLD without AP or to the STA on the MLD without AP, where the length of the padding bit added to the initial control frame is determined in S3002. A possible implementation of S3002 includes: In the case of the first initial control frame, the duration of the fill bit = switching delay - 16 ps. In the case of the second initial control frame, the duration of the fill bit = switching delay - 76 ps. The first initial control frame can be a BSRP activation frame, and the second initial control frame can be a MU-RTS frame. Alternatively, S3002 can be replaced by the following: The AP MLD, or the AP within the AP MLD, determines, based on a frame format that is from a control response frame and with which the STA expects to respond, the length of the padding bit to be added to the initial control frame. If the AP transmits the first frame format to the STA, the padding length = switching delay - 76 ps. If the AP transmits the second frame format to the STA, the padding length = switching delay - 16 ps. The first frame format can be a non-HT format or a duplicated non-HT format. The second frame format can be an HE TB or EHT TB format. Accordingly, one embodiment of this application further provides an apparatus capable of implementing the above method. The apparatus is configured to implement any of the above methods. The apparatus may have a plurality of product forms. For a specific product form, refer to a type described later in this application. Details are not described again herein. The method provided in the modalities of this application was described above. It may be understood that, to implement the method, a communication device (e.g., an AP, a STA without an AP, an AP MLD, or an MLD without an AP) includes a corresponding hardware structure and / or a software module to perform the method. A person skilled in the art may be aware that this application can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The communication apparatus provided in this modality of this application can be divided into functional modules based on the method described above. For example, the efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi communication apparatus can correspond to one functional module for each step of the method, or two or more steps can be integrated into one functional module. The functional modules described above can be implemented using hardware, software, or software in combination with hardware. It should be noted that, in this modality of the present application, the division into functional modules is an example and is merely a logical division of functions. During actual implementation, a different form of division may be used. An example in which each step corresponds to a functional module is used below for the purpose of description. Figure 11 is a possible schematic diagram of a communication apparatus structure. The communication apparatus 1000 includes a processing unit 11 and a transceiver unit 12. In one mode, the communication apparatus can be an MLD without an AP or a STA without an AP in an MLD without an AP. Processing unit 11 is configured to generate the first frame. The first frame includes indication information. The indication information indicates the fill duration required for a channel switching delay in an initial control frame. The fill duration is determined based on the duration of a control response frame. Transceiver unit 12 is configured to receive the first frame. Optionally, processing unit 11 is configured to determine the duration of the control response frame. Optionally, processing unit 11 is configured to determine a minimum value for the duration of the control response frame. Optionally, processing unit 11 is configured to determine a control response frame rate and determine the control response frame length based on the control response frame rate and control response frame length. Optionally, processing unit 11 is configured to determine a maximum value for the control response frame rate, and to determine the minimum value for the control response frame duration based on the maximum value of the control response frame rate and the control response frame length. In another configuration, the communication device can be an MLD AP or an AP within an MLD AP. Transceiver unit 12 is configured to receive the first frame. The first frame includes indication information. This indication information specifies the padding time required for a channel switching delay in the initial control frame. The padding time is determined based on the duration of a control response frame. Processing unit 11 is configured to determine the padding time of the initial control frame (efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi) based on the indication information. Optionally, the first frame includes a plurality of indication information pieces. Each of the plurality of indication information pieces indicates the padding duration of the initial control frame corresponding to a given initial control frame transmission rate. Processing unit 11 is further configured to determine, based on the first frame, the padding duration of the initial control frame corresponding to the initial control frame transmission rate. In another configuration, the communication device can be an MLD without an AP or a STA without an AP in an MLD without an AP. Processing unit 11 is configured to generate the first frame. The first frame includes indication information. The indication information indicates the delay required to switch a number of transmit channels from a station's first value to a second value. Transceiver unit 12 is configured to receive the first frame. In another configuration, the communication device can be an MLD AP or an AP within an MLD AP. Transceiver unit 12 is configured to receive the first frame. The first frame includes indication information. This indication information indicates the delay required to switch a number of transmission channels from a station's first value to a second value. Processing unit 11 is configured to determine the length of the initial control frame's fill. The length of the initial control frame's fill is determined based on this delay. Figure 12 is a possible schematic diagram of a communication device structure. Communication device 2000 can be an MLD without an AP. Communication device 2000 includes a first STA and a processing unit 22. Communication device 2000 can also include more STAs without APs. The first STA includes a transceiver unit 21. In one mode, processing unit 22 in the MLD without an AP is configured to: generate a first frame, where the first frame includes indication information, the indication information indicates the fill duration required for a channel change delay in an initial control frame, and the fill duration is determined based on the duration of a control response frame; and transmit the first frame to transceiver unit 21 of the first STA. Transceiver unit 21 is configured to receive a first frame. In another mode, processing unit 22 in the MLD without an AP is configured to: generate a first frame, where the first frame includes indication information, and the indication information indicates a delay required to switch a number of transmit channels of a station from a first value to a second value; and transmit the first efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi frame to transceiver unit 21 of the first STA. Transceiver unit 21 is configured to receive a first frame. Figure 13 is a possible schematic diagram of a communication apparatus structure. Communication apparatus 3000 may be AP MLD. Communication apparatus 3000 includes a first AP and a processing unit 32. The first AP includes a transceiver unit 31. Communication apparatus 3000 may also include more APs. In one mode, transceiver unit 31 is configured to receive the first frame. The first frame includes indication information. This indication information specifies the padding time required for a channel switching delay in the initial control frame. The padding time is determined based on the duration of a control response frame. Transceiver unit 31 is configured to transmit the first frame to the MLD AP. Therefore, processing unit 32 in the MLD AP is configured to determine the padding time for the initial control frame based on the indication information. In another mode, transceiver unit 31 is configured to receive an initial frame. This initial frame contains indication information. The indication information indicates the delay required to switch a number of transmit channels from a station's first value to a second value. Transceiver unit 31 is configured to transmit this initial frame to the MLD AP. Therefore, processing unit 32 in the MLD AP determines the length of the initial control frame padding. The length of the initial control frame padding is determined based on the delay. For example, when a transmitting end is in the structure shown in FIGURE 12, correspondingly a receiving end may be in the structure shown in FIGURE 11 or FIGURE 13. When a receiving end is in the structure shown in FIGURE 13, correspondingly a transmitting end may be in the structure shown in FIGURE 11 or FIGURE 12. Figure 14 is a structural diagram of a possible product form of a communication device according to a modality of this application. Figure 14 is a specific form of the communication device shown in Figure 11. In one possible product form, the communication apparatus can be an information transmission device / information transmission board. The communication apparatus includes a processor and a transceiver. Optionally, the communication apparatus can also include memory. The processor is configured to perform the steps of the method carried out by the processing unit 11 in FIGURE 11. The transceiver is configured to perform the steps of the method carried out by the transceiver unit 12 in FIGURE 11. In another possible product form, the communication device can be a chip. The communication device includes a processing circuit and a communication interface. Optionally, the communication device can also include a storage medium. The processing circuit is configured to perform the steps of the method carried out by the processing unit 11 in FIGURE 11. The communication interface is configured to perform the steps of the method carried out by the transceiver unit 12 in FIGURE 11. Figure 15 is a structural diagram of a possible product form of a communication device according to a modality of this application. Figure 15 is a specific form of the communication device shown in Figure 12 or Figure 13. In one possible product form, the communication apparatus can be an information transmission device / information transmission board. The communication apparatus includes a processor and a transceiver. Optionally, the communication apparatus can also include memory. The processor is configured to perform the steps of the method carried out by processing unit 22 in FIGURE 12, and the transceiver is configured to perform the steps of the method carried out by transceiver unit 21 in FIGURE 12. Alternatively, the processor is configured to perform the steps of the method carried out by processing unit 32 in FIGURE 13, and the transceiver is configured to perform the steps of the method carried out by transceiver unit 31 in FIGURE 13. In another possible product form, the communication device can be a chip. The communication device includes a processing circuit and a communication interface. Optionally, the communication device can also include a storage medium. The processing circuit is configured to perform the steps of the method carried out by processing unit 22 in FIGURE 12, and the communication interface is configured to perform the steps of the method carried out by transceiver unit 21 in FIGURE 12. Alternatively, the processing circuit is configured to perform the steps of the method carried out by processing unit 32 in FIGURE 13, and the communication interface is configured to perform the steps of the method carried out by transceiver unit 31 in FIGURE 13. In another possible embodiment of the above, the communication apparatus may be implemented alternatively using the following: one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), a controller, a state machine, a logic gate, a discrete hardware component, any other suitable circuit, or any combination of circuits that can perform various functions described in this application. The processor may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a set of field-programmable gates or other programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. The processor may implement or execute various example logic blocks, modules, and circuits described with reference to the content disclosed in this application. Alternatively, the processor may be a combination of processors implementing a computing function, for example, a combination of one or more microprocessors, or a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor.The bus can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, or similar. The bus can be classified as an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and so on. For ease of representation, only one bold line is used to represent the bus in Figure 14 or Figure 15, but this does not mean there is only one bus or only one type of bus. A person generally versed in the technique can understand that all or some of the steps of the method's modalities can be implemented using hardware relevant to the program's instructions. The program instructions can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. When the program instructions are executed, the steps of the method's modalities are performed. The aforementioned storage medium includes any medium capable of storing programming code, such as a USB flash drive, a removable hard drive, ROM, RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. In one respect, one form of this application further provides a computer program product. The readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed, a device (which may be a single-chip microcomputer, a chip, a controller, or the like) or a processor is enabled to perform the steps of the service indication method provided in this application. In one respect, one form of this application further provides a software product. The software product includes computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions are stored on a computer-readable storage medium. At least one processor of a device can read the computer-executable instructions from the computer-readable storage medium. At least one processor executes the computer-executable instructions, such that the device performs the steps of the service indication method provided in this application. It will be clear to anyone experienced in the technique that, for the purpose of a convenient and brief description, for a detailed work process of the systems, apparatus, and units mentioned above, see the corresponding process in the modalities of the methods described above. The details will not be described again in this document. In the various modalities provided in this application, it should be understood that the described system, apparatus, and method may be implemented in other ways. For example, the division into units is merely a division of logical function and may be a different division during actual implementation. For example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted or not realized. The mutual couplings shown or discussed, or the direct couplings or communication connections, may be implemented through various interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between apparatuses or units may be implemented electronically, mechanically, or otherwise. The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts shown as units may or may not be physical units; in other words, they may be located in one position, or they may be distributed across a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objective of the modal solutions. All or some of the above modalities can be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used to implement the modalities, all or part of the modalities can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the procedures or functions according to the modalities of this application are generated, in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored on or transmitted via a computer-readable storage medium.Computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired means (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless means (e.g., infrared, radio, or microwave). A computer-readable storage medium can be any medium usable and accessible by a computer or data storage device, such as a server or data center, that integrates one or more usable media.The usable medium can be a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or a magnetic medium, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, or an optical medium, for example, a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a semiconductor medium, for example, a solid state disk (SSD).

Claims

1. An information indication method, characterized in that the method comprises: generating a first frame, wherein the first frame comprises indication information, the indication information indicates the padding duration required for a channel switching delay in an initial control frame, and the padding duration is determined based on the duration of a control response frame; and transmitting the first frame.

2. An information indication method, characterized in that the method comprises: receiving a first frame, wherein the first frame comprises indication information, the indication information indicates the padding duration required for a channel switching delay in an initial control frame, and the padding duration is determined based on the duration of a control response frame; and determining the padding duration of the initial control frame based on the indication information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the indication information is carried in an enhanced multi-link multiple radio delay field of the first frame.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method further comprises: determining the duration of the control response frame.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the control response frame determination duration comprises: determining a control response frame speed; and determining the control response frame duration based on the control response frame speed and a control response frame length.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the duration of the control response frame is determined based on a control response frame rate and a control response frame length.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a maximum value of the control response frame rate is a higher rate found in a basic rate set of the basic services set and is less than or equal to a maximum initial control frame rate.

8. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that if the maximum rate of the initial control frame is 24 Mbps, the maximum rate of the control response frame is a lower value between 24 Mbps and a higher rate within a basic rate set of the basic services set. efrcn Ln / eznz / B / YiAi 9. The method according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the padding duration is associated with the switching delay, a first interframe gap between the initial control frame and the control response frame, a second interframe gap between the control response frame and a data frame, and the duration of the control response frame.

10. The method according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fill duration is the fill duration required when the initial control frame is transmitted at maximum speed.

11. The method according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the fill duration is determined on the basis of a minimum value of the control response frame duration.

12. The method according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the control response frame is a CTS frame, and the format of the CTS frame is a non-HT format.

13. A communication apparatus, characterized in that the apparatus comprises: a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to generate a first frame, the first frame comprises indication information, the indication information indicates the fill duration required for a channel switching delay in an initial control frame, and the fill duration is determined based on the duration of a control response frame; and a transceiver unit, wherein the transceiver unit is configured to transmit the first frame.

14. A communication apparatus, characterized in that the apparatus comprises: a transceiver unit, wherein the transceiver unit is configured to receive a first frame, the first frame comprises indication information, the indication information indicates the padding duration required for a channel switching delay in an initial control frame, and the padding duration is determined based on the duration of a control response frame; and a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine the padding duration of the initial control frame based on the indication information.

15. A communication apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a processor coupled to a memory, wherein the processor is configured to perform the method according to any of claims 1 to 12.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that the storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed by a communication apparatus, the method is implemented in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 12.

17. A chip system, comprising: a processor; and a memory, which stores computer instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause an apparatus comprising the chip system to perform the method in any one of claims 1 to 12.

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