Communication methods and devices, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of communications. Provided are communication methods and devices, a communication system, and a storage medium. A method comprises: a first access point (AP) determining a first radio frame, which comprises a protected transmission opportunity (TXOP) duration and a first TXOP shared with a second AP, wherein the first radio frame is used for instructing a receiving end of the first radio frame to set, on the basis of the protected TXOP duration, a basic network allocation vector (basic NAV) to be in a channel busy state, and the protected TXOP duration is greater than or equal to a timeout duration of the basic NAV; and the first AP sending the first radio frame. The embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a sharing mode of a TXOP and a setting mode of the basic NAV.

Description

Communication methods, devices, communication systems, and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, device, communication system, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing frequency bands supported by communication equipment, the trend towards higher frequencies, and the diversification of communication service demands, the deployment of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) devices is becoming increasingly dense. This increasing density of Access Points (APs) brings more transmission interference and increases the risk of channel contention. To further improve user service quality and overall communication performance, further research is needed on the coordinated communication between multiple APs to improve communication speed.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, communication system, and storage medium.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0006] The first access point device (AP) determines a first radio frame, which includes a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with the second AP. The first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic Network Allocation Vector (Basic NAV) to a busy state based on the protected transmission opportunity duration. The protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

[0007] The first AP sends the first wireless frame.

[0008] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0009] The second AP receives a first radio frame, which includes a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with the second AP. The first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, wherein the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

[0010] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0011] The STA receives a first radio frame, which includes a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP; wherein the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, and the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV; the STA is associated with the second AP.

[0012] Based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity, the Basic NAV is set to a busy channel state.

[0013] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AP, including:

[0014] The processing module is used to determine a first radio frame, wherein the first radio frame includes a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with the second AP; wherein the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic Network Allocation Vector (Basic NAV) to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, and the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

[0015] The transceiver module is used to send the aforementioned first wireless frame.

[0016] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AP, including:

[0017] The transceiver module is used to receive a first radio frame, the first radio frame including a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with the second AP; wherein the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiving end of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, the protected transmission opportunity duration being greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

[0018] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a STA, including:

[0019] The transceiver module is used to receive a first radio frame, the first radio frame including a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP; wherein the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, the protected transmission opportunity duration being greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV; the STA is associated with the second AP.

[0020] The processing module is used to set the Basic NAV to a busy channel state based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0021] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including one or more processors;

[0022] When the communication device is used as a first AP, the processor is used to execute the communication method provided in the first aspect of the present disclosure; when the communication device is used as a second AP, the processor is used to execute the communication method provided in the second aspect of the present disclosure; and when the communication device is used as a STA, the processor is used to execute the communication method provided in the third aspect of the present disclosure.

[0023] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method provided in the first, second, or third aspects of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0024] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising a first AP, a second AP, and a STA; wherein the first AP determines and transmits a first radio frame, the first radio frame including a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with the second AP; wherein the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic Network Allocation Vector (Basic NAV) to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, the protected transmission opportunity duration being greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV; the second AP and the STA receive the first radio frame, the STA setting the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration; the STA is associated with the second AP.

[0025] Based on the communication method, device, system, and storage medium provided in this disclosure, a TXOP sharing method and a Basic NAV configuration method can be provided to improve communication efficiency between multiple APs.

[0026] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of one of the communication scenarios shown in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system shown in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2a is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method shown in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2b is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method shown in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2c is a third interactive schematic diagram of the communication method shown in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5 is a third schematic flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6 is a second schematic diagram of a communication scenario shown in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AP proposed in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7b is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the AP proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 7c is a schematic diagram of the structure of the STA proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0042] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, communication system, and storage medium.

[0043] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0044] The first access point device (AP) determines a first radio frame, which includes a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with the second AP. The first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic Network Allocation Vector (Basic NAV) to a busy state based on the protected transmission opportunity duration. The protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

[0045] The first AP sends the first wireless frame.

[0046] In the above embodiment, when the first AP shares the TXOP with the second AP through the first wireless frame, it can also indicate a protected transmission opportunity duration that is longer than the timeout duration of the Basic NAV. This allows the receiver that listens to the first wireless frame to set the Basic NAV to a busy channel state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration. This ensures that the receiver's Basic NAV is in an idle channel state after the protected transmission opportunity duration, thereby ensuring that the receiver performs data transmission within the shared TXOP after the Basic NAV, thus improving communication efficiency.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes at least one of the following:

[0048] The first identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0049] The second identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the first TXOP.

[0050] The third identification field identifies that the first radio frame is used to share the first TXOP with the second AP.

[0051] In the above embodiments, while sharing the first TXOP, the first AP can also indicate the duration of the first TXOP and indicate the sharing of the TXOP to the second AP, which helps to save signaling resources and improve the sharing efficiency of TXOP.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is less than or equal to a first duration, wherein the first duration is the sum of the timeout duration of the Basic NAV and the preset inter-frame interval duration.

[0053] The timeout duration of the aforementioned Basic NAV is determined by at least one of the following:

[0054] Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime;

[0055] The duration required for the physical PHY layer to transmit packets to the media access control (MAC) layer is aRxPHYStartDelay;

[0056] The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime;

[0057] The duration for sending the second wireless frame, which is used in response to the first wireless frame.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of Basic NAV, and less than or equal to the sum of the timeout duration of Basic NAV and the preset inter-frame interval duration. Therefore, it can be ensured that the Basic NAV of the receiver of the first wireless frame is in a channel idle state after the protected transmission opportunity duration, thereby avoiding data transmission failure at the receiver during the protected transmission opportunity duration and ensuring smooth data transmission after the protected transmission opportunity duration, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of twice the aforementioned short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration for transmitting the aforementioned second radio frame, the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer, and twice the aforementioned slot duration aSlotTime; or,

[0060] The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer.

[0061] In the above embodiments, the Basic NAV timeout duration can be flexibly determined based on the short frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer aRxPHYStartDelay, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the duration of sending the second wireless frame, thereby adapting to different communication scenario requirements and improving data transmission efficiency in different communication scenarios.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0063] In response to the fact that the first AP does not receive the second radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity period, the first AP performs data transmission within the first TXOP; wherein the second radio frame is used to respond to the first radio frame.

[0064] In response to the first AP receiving the second radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, the first AP suspends data transmission within the first TXOP; in response to the first AP receiving a third radio frame during the data transmission suspension period, the first AP performs data transmission within the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP; wherein the third radio frame is used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP.

[0065] In the above embodiments, if the first AP does not receive a second radio frame in response to the first radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, the first AP can hold the first TXOP and continue data transmission within the first TXOP, thereby improving data transmission efficiency. If the second radio frame is received within the protected transmission opportunity duration, the first AP can pause data transmission within the first TXOP to avoid interfering with the data transmission of the second AP. Furthermore, if the second AP returns the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP, the first AP can regain holding the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to continue data transmission within the remaining TXOP, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second wireless frame includes a fourth identification field, which is used to indicate the communication duration occupied by the second AP within the duration of the first TXOP, wherein the communication duration is less than or equal to the duration of the first TXOP.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the second wireless frame can indicate the communication duration that the second AP expects to occupy in the first TXOP, so that the first AP can determine whether there is a remaining TXOP after the second AP completes data transmission, thereby improving the utilization rate of TXOP.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the communication duration is the sum of a first duration and a second duration;

[0069] Wherein, the first duration is the sum of the duration of the second AP sending the pending frame within the first TXOP and the duration of sending the second wireless frame;

[0070] The second duration mentioned above is 0 or the sum of at least one of the following:

[0071] The duration for which the second AP transmits a triggered Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (TB PPDU) within the first TXOP;

[0072] The duration for the second AP to receive the acknowledgment frame corresponding to the TB PPDU;

[0073] The duration for which the second AP sends the third wireless frame, the third wireless frame being used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP;

[0074] The inter-frame interval duration between the aforementioned TB PPDU and the aforementioned confirmation frame.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a multi-user request to send trigger MU-RTS Trigger frame, and the second radio frame includes a confirmation to send CTS frame.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the first radio frame and the second radio frame can reuse existing radio frames, thereby saving signaling resources.

[0077] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0078] The second AP receives a first radio frame, which includes a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with the second AP. The first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, wherein the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

[0079] In the above embodiment, when the first AP shares the TXOP with the second AP through the first wireless frame, it can also indicate a protected transmission opportunity duration that is longer than the timeout duration of the Basic NAV. This allows the receiver that listens to the first wireless frame to set the Basic NAV to a busy channel state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration. This ensures that the receiver's Basic NAV is in an idle channel state after the protected transmission opportunity duration, thereby ensuring that the receiver performs data transmission within the shared TXOP after the Basic NAV, thus improving communication efficiency.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame further includes at least one of the following:

[0081] The first identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0082] The second identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the first TXOP.

[0083] The third identification field identifies that the first radio frame is used to share the first TXOP with the second AP.

[0084] In the above embodiments, while sharing the first TXOP, the first AP can also indicate the duration of the first TXOP and indicate the sharing of the TXOP to the second AP, which helps to save signaling resources and improve the sharing efficiency of TXOP.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is less than or equal to the first duration, wherein the first duration is the sum of the timeout duration of the Basic NAV and the preset inter-frame interval duration.

[0086] The timeout duration of the aforementioned Basic NAV is determined by at least one of the following:

[0087] Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime;

[0088] The duration required for the physical PHY layer to transmit packets to the media access control (MAC) layer is aRxPHYStartDelay;

[0089] The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime;

[0090] The duration for sending the second wireless frame, which is used in response to the first wireless frame.

[0091] In the above embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of Basic NAV, and less than or equal to the sum of the timeout duration of Basic NAV and the preset inter-frame interval duration. Therefore, it can be ensured that the Basic NAV of the receiver of the first wireless frame is in a channel idle state after the protected transmission opportunity duration, thereby avoiding data transmission failure at the receiver during the protected transmission opportunity duration and ensuring smooth data transmission after the protected transmission opportunity duration, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0092] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of twice the aforementioned short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration for transmitting the aforementioned second radio frame, the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer, and twice the aforementioned time slot duration aSlotTime; or,

[0093] The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer.

[0094] In the above embodiments, the Basic NAV timeout duration can be flexibly determined based on the short frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer aRxPHYStartDelay, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the duration of sending the second wireless frame, thereby adapting to different communication scenario requirements and improving data transmission efficiency in different communication scenarios.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0096] The second AP does not respond to the first radio frame during the protected transmission opportunity period; or,

[0097] The second AP transmits a second radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, and the second radio frame is used in response to the first radio frame.

[0098] In the above embodiment, after receiving the first wireless frame, the second AP can decide whether to respond to the first wireless frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, thereby deciding whether to accept the first TXOP shared by the first AP, thus avoiding TXOP waste.

[0099] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second wireless frame includes a fourth identification field, which is used to indicate the communication duration occupied by the second AP within the duration of the first TXOP, wherein the communication duration is less than or equal to the duration of the first TXOP.

[0100] In the above embodiments, the second wireless frame can indicate the communication duration that the second AP expects to occupy in the first TXOP, so that the first AP can determine whether there is a remaining TXOP after the second AP completes data transmission, thereby improving the utilization rate of TXOP.

[0101] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above communication duration is the sum of the first duration and the second duration;

[0102] Wherein, the first duration is the sum of the duration of the second AP sending the pending frame within the first TXOP and the duration of sending the second wireless frame;

[0103] The second duration mentioned above is 0 or the sum of at least one of the following:

[0104] The duration for the second AP to send the TB PPDU within the first TXOP;

[0105] The duration for the second AP to receive the acknowledgment frame corresponding to the TB PPDU;

[0106] The duration for which the second AP sends the third wireless frame, the third wireless frame being used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP;

[0107] The inter-frame interval duration between the aforementioned TB PPDU and the aforementioned confirmation frame.

[0108] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, after the second AP sends the second wireless frame, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0109] The second AP sends a pending frame to the associated STA within the first TXOP.

[0110] The second AP shares a second TXOP with the associated STA for the associated STA to perform data transmission within the second TXOP. The second TXOP is all or part of the first TXOP.

[0111] In the above embodiments, after the second AP receives the first TXOP shared by the first AP, it can send a waiting frame within the first TXOP, or share the first TXOP with the associated STA, so that the associated STA can perform uplink data transmission or P2P data transmission within the first TXOP, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0112] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0113] The second AP sends a third radio frame, which is used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the second AP can return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP, so that the first AP can continue to hold the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP for data transmission, thereby improving data transmission efficiency and TXOP utilization.

[0115] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a multi-user request to send trigger MU-RTS Trigger frame, and the second radio frame includes a confirmation to send CTS frame.

[0116] In the above embodiments, the first radio frame and the second radio frame can reuse existing radio frames, thereby saving signaling resources.

[0117] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0118] The STA receives a first radio frame, which includes a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP; wherein the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, and the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV; the STA is associated with the second AP.

[0119] Based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity, the Basic NAV is set to a busy channel state.

[0120] In the above embodiment, after the STA associated with the second AP detects the first wireless frame, it can set the Basic NAV to a busy state according to the duration of the protected transmission opportunity, so that data transmission can be successfully carried out after the duration of the protected transmission opportunity, avoiding communication failure and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0121] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0122] In response to the STA acquiring the first TXOP shared by the second AP after the timeout period of the Basic NAV, data transmission is performed within the first TXOP.

[0123] In the above embodiments, the STA can perform data transmission after the Basic NAV timeout period and after obtaining the TXOP shared by the second AP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0124] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first wireless frame described above further includes at least one of the following:

[0125] The first identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0126] The second identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the first TXOP.

[0127] The third identification field identifies that the first radio frame is used to share the first TXOP with the second AP.

[0128] In the above embodiments, while sharing the first TXOP, the first AP can also indicate the duration of the first TXOP and indicate the sharing of the TXOP to the second AP, which helps to save signaling resources and improve the sharing efficiency of TXOP.

[0129] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is less than or equal to a first duration, wherein the first duration is the sum of the timeout duration of the Basic NAV and the preset inter-frame interval duration.

[0130] The timeout duration of the aforementioned Basic NAV is determined by at least one of the following:

[0131] Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime;

[0132] The duration required for the physical PHY layer to transmit packets to the media access control (MAC) layer is aRxPHYStartDelay;

[0133] The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime;

[0134] The duration for sending the second wireless frame, which is used in response to the first wireless frame.

[0135] In the above embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of Basic NAV, and less than or equal to the sum of the timeout duration of Basic NAV and the preset inter-frame interval duration. Therefore, it can be ensured that the Basic NAV of the receiver of the first wireless frame is in a channel idle state after the protected transmission opportunity duration, thereby avoiding data transmission failure at the receiver during the protected transmission opportunity duration and ensuring smooth data transmission after the protected transmission opportunity duration, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0136] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of twice the aforementioned short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration for transmitting the aforementioned second radio frame, the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer, and twice the aforementioned slot duration aSlotTime; or,

[0137] The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer.

[0138] In the above embodiments, the Basic NAV timeout duration can be flexibly determined based on the short frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer aRxPHYStartDelay, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the duration of sending the second wireless frame, thereby adapting to different communication scenario requirements and improving data transmission efficiency in different communication scenarios.

[0139] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a multi-user request to send trigger MU-RTS Trigger frame, and the second radio frame includes a confirmation to send CTS frame.

[0140] In the above embodiments, the first radio frame and the second radio frame can reuse existing radio frames, thereby saving signaling resources.

[0141] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AP, including:

[0142] The processing module is used to determine a first radio frame, wherein the first radio frame includes a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with the second AP; wherein the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic Network Allocation Vector (Basic NAV) to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, and the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

[0143] The transceiver module is used to send the aforementioned first wireless frame.

[0144] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AP, including:

[0145] The transceiver module is used to receive a first radio frame, the first radio frame including a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with the second AP; wherein the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiving end of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, the protected transmission opportunity duration being greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

[0146] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a STA, including:

[0147] The transceiver module is used to receive a first radio frame, the first radio frame including a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP; wherein the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, the protected transmission opportunity duration being greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV; the STA is associated with the second AP.

[0148] The processing module is used to set the Basic NAV to a busy channel state based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0149] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including one or more processors;

[0150] When the aforementioned communication device functions as a first AP, the aforementioned processor executes the communication method provided by the first aspect and optional embodiments thereof; when it functions as a second AP, the aforementioned processor executes the communication method provided by the second aspect and optional embodiments thereof; or when it functions as a STA, the aforementioned processor executes the communication method provided by the third aspect and optional embodiments thereof.

[0151] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, optional embodiments of the second aspect, and optional embodiments of the third aspect.

[0152] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, optional embodiments of the second aspect, and optional embodiments of the third aspect.

[0153] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, optional embodiments of the second aspect, and optional embodiments of the third aspect.

[0154] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, optional embodiments of the first aspect, optional embodiments of the second aspect, and optional embodiments of the third aspect.

[0155] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system comprising a first AP, a second AP, and a STA; wherein the first AP is configured to perform the methods described in the first aspect and optional embodiments thereof, the second AP is configured to perform the methods described in the second aspect and optional embodiments thereof, and the STA is configured to perform the methods described in the third aspect and optional embodiments thereof.

[0156] It is understood that the aforementioned first AP, second AP, STA, communication system, communication device, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0157] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, communication system, and storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "communication device" and "information processing device," and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0158] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0159] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0160] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0161] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the aforementioned," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular or a plural expression.

[0162] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0163] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0164] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0165] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0166] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0167] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0168] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0169] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0170] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0171] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0172] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0173] With the increasing frequency bands supported by Wi-Fi devices, the trend towards higher frequencies, and the diversification of communication service demands, WLAN device deployments are becoming increasingly dense. This increasing density of access points (APs) leads to more transmission interference and increases the risk of channel contention. To further improve user service quality and overall communication performance, next-generation Wi-Fi technology, while pursuing improvements in communication rate, latency, and reliability within a single Basic Service Set (BSS), places greater emphasis on coordinated transmission between multiple access points.

[0174] Inter-access point (AP) coordinated transmission refers to the coordination strategies among multiple adjacent APs, such as time-frequency and frequency-domain resource sharing and spatial multiplexing, to achieve goals such as BSS interference reduction and improved user service quality. Specifically, the multi-AP coordination strategy based on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) means that an AP holding a TXOP can share a portion of its reserved Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) with neighboring APs. The neighboring AP receiving the shared TXOP can then communicate with its associated STA within its BSS within the allocated TXOP. The AP holding the TXOP and sharing a portion of it with other neighboring APs is called a Sharing AP, and the neighboring AP receiving the shared TXOP is called a Shared AP.

[0175] Currently, the multi-AP coordinated transmission process based on TDMA is not yet clearly defined. For example, based on the traditional TXOP Sharing mechanism, within the TXOP shared by the Sharing AP to the Shared AP, the Sharing AP suspends or postpones all transmissions within its own BSS. However, this coordination method has many problems. For instance, because the Sharing AP lacks knowledge of the TXOP duration required by the Shared AP, if the shared TXOP duration is too short, the Shared AP may be unable to complete the timely transmission of pending frames or low-latency services within the shared TXOP.

[0176] For example, Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of one of the communication scenarios shown in an embodiment of this disclosure. STA2_1 and STA2_2 are associated with AP2. There are two types of Station (STA) devices in the BSS where AP2 is located. The first type of STA (STA2_1) is a hidden node relative to AP1, that is, it cannot listen to the Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) sent or broadcast by AP1. The second type of STA (STA2_2) is able to listen to the PPDU sent or broadcast by AP1. Since High Efficiency (HE) STAs typically maintain two NAVs (Basic NAV and Intra NAV), an HE STA considers the channel idle if and only if both NAVs are 0; otherwise, it considers the channel busy.

[0177] Therefore, based on the traditional Triggered TXOP Sharing (TXS) mechanism, the Sharing AP (AP1) shares its TXOP with the Shared AP (AP2) via the TXS initial control frame. Since the second type of STA (STA2_2) can listen to the Inter-PPDU sent or broadcast by the Sharing AP, it sets its Basic NAV according to the received Inter-PPDU. If the protection time set in the TXS initial control frame is too long, the second type of STA considers the channel busy. At this time, for data transmission within the BSS (BSS2) where AP2 resides, AP2 cannot communicate with the second type of STA (STA2_2) within the TXOP shared by AP1. On the other hand, within the TXOP shared by AP1, the first type of STA (STA2_1) within BSS2 cannot perform P2P communication with the second type of STA (STA2_2). Therefore, how to achieve coordinated transmission among multiple APs and ensure the communication performance and latency requirements of each BSS requires standardized signaling and procedures.

[0178] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be further described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0179] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0180] As shown in Figure 1b, the communication system 100 includes AP101, AP102 and STA103.

[0181] Among them, STA103 can be an independent STA or an auxiliary STA of a Non-AP MLD, and AP101 and AP102 can be independent APs or auxiliary APs of an AP MLD, without any restrictions.

[0182] STA103 and AP102 are associated.

[0183] In some embodiments, AP101, AP102, and STA103 may be terminal devices or network devices equipped with wireless fidelity chips.

[0184] Among them, AP101, as a Sharing AP, can determine and send the first radio frame to share the first TXOP with the second AP (Shared AP).

[0185] The first radio frame includes a first identification field, which is used to indicate the duration of the protected transmission opportunity. The duration of the protected transmission opportunity is used by the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a busy state within the duration of the protected transmission opportunity, and the duration of the protected transmission opportunity is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

[0186] AP102 can receive the first radio frame.

[0187] If STA103 receives the first radio frame, since the duration of the protected transmission opportunity is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of Basic NAV, STA103 sets Basic NAV to a busy state based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0188] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0189] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1b, or to some of the entities, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in FIG1b are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the entities in FIG1b, or may include other entities outside of FIG1b. The number and form of each entity are arbitrary. Each entity may be physical or virtual. The link relationship between the entities is illustrative. The link may be in any form, such as a direct link or an indirect link, or a wired link or a wireless link.

[0190] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), such as to IEEE 802.11 system standards, including 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11bf, 802.11be, or their next generation, such as 802.11bn. Alternatively, the embodiments disclosed herein can also be applied to WLAN systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments disclosed herein can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, and 5th generation (5G) communication systems, etc.

[0191] Figure 2a is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2a, the method includes:

[0192] S211, the first AP sends a first radio frame, the first radio frame including the protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP to be shared with the second AP.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first radio frame may be a Multi-User Request to Send Trigger (MU-RTS Trigger) frame, or a variant of the MU-RTS Trigger frame, or any other radio frame, without limitation.

[0194] Optionally, the first radio frame may be a multi-user request to send trigger transmission opportunity sharing frame, which is a form of MU-RTS Trigger frame.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first TXOP is the TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first TXOP is the remaining TXOP of the TXOP held by the first AP.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a first identification field, which is used to indicate the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first identifier field may be the duration field in the first radio frame, or it may be other information fields or fields in the first radio frame, without limitation.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first radio frame may further include a second identification field.

[0200] The second identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the first TXOP, that is, to indicate the remaining TXOP duration of the TXOP held by the first AP.

[0201] Optionally, the second identifier field can be the Allocation Duration field in the first radio frame, or other information fields or fields in the first radio frame, without limitation.

[0202] Optionally, the first radio frame includes a user information field, which includes a second identification field.

[0203] The user information field can be the UHR variant User Info field.

[0204] As an example, the first radio frame includes a UHR variant User Info field, which includes an Allocation Duration field (a second identifier field) to indicate the duration of the first TXOP.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first radio frame may further include a third identification field.

[0206] When the identifier value of the third identifier field is the first value, the third identifier field indicates that the first radio frame shares the TXOP with the second AP, that is, it is used to indicate that the first TXOP is shared with the second AP, or it is used to indicate that the remaining TXOP held by the first AP is shared with the first AP.

[0207] Specifically, when the first TXOP is a portion of the remaining TXOPs held by the first AP, the third identifier field indicates that the first radio frame shares the TXOP with the second AP. When the first TXOP is all the remaining TXOPs held by the first AP, the third identifier field indicates that the first radio frame transfers the TXOPs to the second AP.

[0208] Optionally, the third identification field can be the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode field in the first radio frame, or other information fields or fields in the first radio frame, without limitation.

[0209] The first value can be any value, such as 3, and there is no restriction on it.

[0210] Optionally, the first radio frame includes a common information field, a common information (Common Info) field, and the common information field includes a third identification field.

[0211] The public information domain can be the UHR variant Common Info domain.

[0212] As an example, the first radio frame includes a UHR variant Common Info field, which includes a Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode field. When the identifier value of the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode field is a first value (e.g., 3), it is used to indicate that the TXOP is shared with the second AP.

[0213] It should be noted that the first radio frame may include one or more of the second or third identification fields, without any limitation.

[0214] In some embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV. The protected transmission opportunity duration is used by the first radio frame receiver to set the Basic NAV to a busy channel state within the protected transmission opportunity duration.

[0215] The protected transmission opportunity duration is less than or equal to the first duration, which is the sum of the Basic NAV timeout duration and the preset inter-frame interval duration (XFIS).

[0216] The preset inter-frame interval duration (XFIS) can be either the Priority Interframe Space (PIFS) duration or other inter-frame interval durations; there are no restrictions on this.

[0217] PIFS is used to describe the time interval or spatial interval between high-priority frames or data packets during data transmission or processing.

[0218] As an example, the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the NAVTimeout duration, and less than or equal to the sum of the NAVTimeout duration and the PIFS duration.

[0219] Optionally, the timeout duration of the Basic NAV is determined by at least one of the following:

[0220] Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime;

[0221] The duration required for the physical PHY layer to transmit packets to the media access control (MAC) layer is aRxPHYStartDelay;

[0222] The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime;

[0223] The duration for sending the second radio frame, which is used in response to the first radio frame.

[0224] As an example, the timeout duration of Basic NAV is the sum of twice the Short Inter-Frame Space (SIFS) duration aSIFSTime, the transmission duration of the second radio frame, the time required for the physical PHY layer and MAC layer to transmit packets aRxPHYStartDelay, and twice the slot duration aSlotTime.

[0225] The second radio frame is used to respond to the first radio frame. The second radio frame can be a Clear to Send (CTS) frame or other radio frames, and there is no restriction here.

[0226] That is, NAVTimeout duration = (2×aSIFSTime) + (CTS_Time) + aRxPHYStartDelay + (2×aSlotTime).

[0227] As an example, the timeout duration of Basic NAV is the sum of the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the time required for the physical PHY layer and MAC layer to transmit packets aRxPHYStartDelay, and the time slot duration aSlotTime.

[0228] That is, NAVTimeout duration = aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0229] In some embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is used by the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state during the protected transmission opportunity duration.

[0230] As an example, for a STA associated with a second AP and capable of listening to PPDUs sent or broadcast by the first AP, the STA can receive the first radio frame and set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state for the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0231] As an example, for a STA associated with the first AP, the STA can receive the first radio frame and set its internal NAV (Intra NAV) to a channel busy state for the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0232] S212, STA sets Basic NAV to a busy channel state based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0233] In some embodiments, for a STA associated with a second AP and capable of listening to Inter-PPDUs sent by the first AP, the STA may set its Basic NAV to a channel busy state after receiving the first radio frame.

[0234] In some embodiments, for a STA associated with a first AP, after receiving the first radio frame, the STA can set the Intra NAV to a channel busy state.

[0235] S213, the second AP does not respond to the first radio frame during the protected transmission opportunity period.

[0236] In some embodiments, after receiving the first wireless frame, if the second AP does not need the first AP to share TXOP with it, or if there is no data transmission requirement, it may not respond to the first wireless frame.

[0237] In some embodiments, when the first AP does not receive the second radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity period, the first AP performs data transmission with the associated STA within the first TXOP.

[0238] In some embodiments, if the first AP does not receive a second wireless frame from the second AP in response to the first wireless frame after sharing the first TXOP with the second AP via the first wireless frame, the first AP confirms that the second AP does not accept or does not need the first TXOP shared by the first AP.

[0239] In this scenario, the first AP can share the first TXOP with the associated STA to continue uplink data transmission with the associated STA within the first TXOP, and / or for the associated STA to conduct peer-to-peer (P2P) data transmission with other STAs within the first TXOP.

[0240] In some embodiments, when the TXOP shared by the first AP is obtained after the timeout period of the Intra NAV, the associated STA of the first AP performs data transmission within the TXOP shared by the first AP, such as performing uplink data transmission with the first AP or performing P2P data transmission with other STAs.

[0241] For example, if the first AP fails to receive the second radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, it may share the first TXOP with its associated STA. The associated STA of the first AP can then acquire the first TXOP after the Intra NAV timeout period and perform data transmission with the first AP within the first TXOP, or perform P2P data transmission with other STAs.

[0242] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one of steps S211-S213 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S211-S213 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0243] It should be noted that steps S212 and S213 can be executed simultaneously after the first radio frame is received, or step S213 can be executed after step S212; there is no restriction on this.

[0244] Figure 2b is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method shown in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2b, the method includes:

[0245] S221, the first AP sends a first radio frame, the first radio frame including the protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP to be shared with the second AP.

[0246] In some embodiments, the relevant description of the first wireless frame can be found in the implementation shown in step S211 of FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0247] S222, STA sets Basic NAV to a busy channel state based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0248] In some embodiments, the STA is associated with a second AP and can listen to Inter-PPDUs sent or broadcast by the first AP.

[0249] In some embodiments, after receiving the first radio frame, the STA associated with the second AP may set the Basic NAV to a busy state based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0250] In some embodiments, for a STA associated with a first AP, after receiving the first radio frame, the STA can set the Intra NAV to a channel busy state.

[0251] S223, the second AP sends a second radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, the second radio frame being used to respond to the first radio frame.

[0252] In some embodiments, after receiving the first wireless frame, the second AP may send a second wireless frame to the first AP to indicate acceptance and receipt of the first TXOP shared by the first AP.

[0253] In some embodiments, the second radio frame includes a fourth identification field, which indicates the communication duration occupied by the second AP within the duration of the first TXOP.

[0254] That is, if the second AP accepts the first TXOP shared by the first AP, it can send a second radio frame to the first AP in response, and indicate the duration that the second AP may occupy within the duration of the first TXOP through the fourth identifier field in the second radio frame.

[0255] In some embodiments, the fourth identification field may be the duration field in the second radio frame, or other information fields or fields in the second radio frame, without limitation.

[0256] In this case, the communication time occupied by the second AP within the duration of the first TXOP is less than or equal to the duration of the first TXOP.

[0257] In some embodiments, the communication duration occupied by the second AP within the duration of the first TXOP is the sum of the first duration and the second duration.

[0258] The first duration is the sum of the duration during which the second AP sends pending frames within the first TXOP and the duration of sending the second radio frame. In other words, the first duration is the sum of the duration during which the second AP waits for frames to be sent or processed before sending the first TXOP and the duration of sending the second radio frame.

[0259] Optionally, the second duration can be 0 or the sum of at least one of the following:

[0260] The duration for the second AP to send a TB PPDU within the first TXOP;

[0261] The duration of receiving the acknowledgment frame corresponding to the TB PPDU;

[0262] The duration of the inter-frame interval (IFSs) between the TB PPDU and the acknowledgment frame;

[0263] The duration for sending the third radio frame to the first AP, the third radio frame being used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP.

[0264] Wherein, when the second AP does not send a triggered physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) within the duration of the first TXOP, and the second AP can fully occupy the duration of the first TXOP, the second duration can be 0.

[0265] At this time, the communication time occupied by the second AP within the duration of the first TXOP is the first duration.

[0266] Specifically, when the communication time occupied by the second AP within the duration of the first TXOP is less than the communication time of the first TXOP, and the second AP needs to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP, the second AP needs to send a third radio frame to the first AP after completing the data transmission within the first TXOP, in order to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP.

[0267] In this case, the second duration includes at least the duration during which the second AP transmits the third radio frame.

[0268] Optionally, the third radio frame can be a TXOP return frame.

[0269] Specifically, when the second AP needs to send a TB PPDU within the duration of the first TXOP, the second duration includes at least the duration of sending the TB PPDU. When the receiver of the TB PPDU needs to acknowledge the TB PPDU, the second duration includes at least the duration of receiving the acknowledgment frame corresponding to the TB PPDU and the inter-frame interval between the TB PPDU and the acknowledgment frame.

[0270] In some embodiments, the second radio frame may be a CTS frame or a variant of a CTS frame, or other radio frames, without limitation.

[0271] S224, in response to receiving a second radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, the first AP suspends data transmission within the first TXOP.

[0272] In some embodiments, after the first AP shares the first TXOP with the second AP via the first radio frame, if the first AP receives a second radio frame from the second AP in response to the first radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, the first AP confirms that the second AP accepts the first TXOP shared by the first AP.

[0273] In this case, the first AP can suspend data transmission within the first TXOP to avoid interfering with the data transmission of the second AP and its associated STA.

[0274] S225, the second AP sends a wait-to-send frame to the associated STA within the first TXOP, and / or shares the second TXOP with the associated STA.

[0275] In some embodiments, the second TXOP is a portion or all of the first TXOP.

[0276] In some embodiments, after the second AP sends the second radio frame, it may perform any one or more of the following operations within the first TXOP:

[0277] Send a pending frame to the associated STA to continue transmitting data frames.

[0278] Share the second TXOP with the associated STA, which is used by the associated STA to perform uplink data transmission with the second AP within the second TXOP, and / or to perform P2P data transmission with other STAs;

[0279] Send TB PPDU and receive the corresponding acknowledgment frame for TB PPDU.

[0280] S226, in response to acquiring the second TXOP after the timeout period of the Basic NAV, the associated STA performs data transmission within the second TXOP.

[0281] In some embodiments, if a STA associated with the second AP obtains the second TXOP shared by the second AP after the timeout period of the Basic NAV, it can perform uplink data transmission with the second AP within the second TXOP, or perform P2P data transmission with other STAs.

[0282] For example, after the second AP obtains the first TXOP shared by the first AP, it shares the second TXOP with the associated STA. The associated STA, upon obtaining the second TXOP, can send uplink data to the second AP within the second TXOP; or, it can perform P2P data transmission with other STAs.

[0283] S227, the second AP sends a third radio frame, which is used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP.

[0284] In some embodiments, after the second AP obtains the first TXOP, when the communication duration occupied is less than the communication duration of the first TXOP, that is, when there is a remaining TXOP in the first TXOP, the second AP may send a third radio frame to the first AP after the second AP and the associated STA have completed data transmission, in order to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP.

[0285] In some embodiments, when the first AP receives a third radio frame during a pause in data transmission, the first AP transmits data with the associated STA within the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP.

[0286] In this case, when the first AP receives the third radio frame during the pause in data transmission within the first TXOP, it can determine the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP indicated by the third radio frame.

[0287] Furthermore, the first AP can share a third TXOP with its associated STA. The third TXOP is part or all of the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP, so that the associated STA can perform uplink data transmission with the first AP within the third TXOP, and / or perform P2P data transmission with other STAs within the third TXOP.

[0288] Meanwhile, the first AP can transmit TB PPDUs and receive corresponding acknowledgment frames within the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP.

[0289] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one of steps S221-S227 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S221-S227 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0290] It should be noted that the execution order of steps S222 and S223 is not limited in this embodiment. For example, steps S222 and S223 can be executed simultaneously, or step S223 can be executed after step S222, or step S223 can be executed before step S222. Similarly, the execution order of steps S224 and S225 is not limited in this embodiment. For example, steps S224 and S225 can be executed simultaneously, before step S225, or after step S225.

[0291] Figure 2c is a third interactive schematic diagram of the communication method shown in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2c, the method includes:

[0292] In step S231, the first AP sends a first wireless frame, which includes the protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP to be shared with the second AP.

[0293] In some embodiments, the relevant description of the first wireless frame can be found in the implementation shown in step S211 of FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0294] In step S232, the STA sets the Basic NAV to a busy channel state based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0295] In some embodiments, for a STA associated with a second AP, if the STA can listen to the Inter-PPDU sent or broadcast by the first AP, the STA can set the Basic NAV to a busy state after receiving the first radio frame, based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0296] In some embodiments, when the second AP receives the first radio frame and responds with the second radio frame, the second AP may send a wait-to-send frame to the associated STA within the first TXOP. Alternatively, the second AP may share the second TXOP (all or part of the first TXOP) with the associated STA. In this case, the associated STA may send uplink data to the second AP within the second TXOP after the Basic NAV timeout period, or may perform P2P data transmission with other STAs within the second TXOP.

[0297] In some embodiments, after receiving the first wireless frame, if the second AP does not need the first AP to share TXOP with it, or if the second AP and / or associated STA do not have data transmission requirements, it may not respond to the first wireless frame.

[0298] In this case, the first AP does not receive the second radio frame during the protected transmission opportunity period and transmits data with the associated STA within the first TXOP.

[0299] Specifically, the first AP can share the first TXOP with the associated STA to continue uplink data transmission with the associated STA within the first TXOP, and / or for the associated STA to conduct peer-to-peer (P2P) data transmission with other STAs within the first TXOP.

[0300] In some embodiments, the relevant description of the second wireless frame can be found in the implementation shown in step S223 of FIG2b, and will not be repeated here.

[0301] In some embodiments, if the first AP receives a second wireless frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, the first AP suspends data transmission within the first TXOP.

[0302] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one of steps S231-S232 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S231-S232 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0303] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the method is executed by a first AP, and the method includes:

[0304] S31, determine the first radio frame, the first radio frame includes the protected transmission opportunity duration and the first TXOP to be shared with the second AP.

[0305] In some embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of Basic NAV, and the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration.

[0306] In some embodiments, the first radio frame further includes at least one of the following:

[0307] The first identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0308] The second identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the first TXOP;

[0309] The third identifier field, when the identifier value of the third identifier field is the first value, indicates that the first radio frame is used to indicate the sharing of TXOP to the second AP.

[0310] In some embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is less than or equal to a first duration, where the first duration is the sum of the Basic NAV timeout duration and a preset inter-frame interval duration.

[0311] The timeout duration of the aforementioned Basic NAV is determined by at least one of the following:

[0312] Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime;

[0313] The duration required for the physical PHY layer to transmit packets to the media access control (MAC) layer is aRxPHYStartDelay;

[0314] The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime;

[0315] The duration for sending the second wireless frame, which is used in response to the first wireless frame.

[0316] In some embodiments, the timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of twice the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration of transmitting the second radio frame, the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer, and twice the time slot duration aSlotTime; or,

[0317] The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer.

[0318] In some embodiments, other relevant descriptions of the first wireless frame can be found in the implementation shown in step S211 of FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0319] S32, sends the first radio frame.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first AP may broadcast a first radio frame so that the receiver of the first radio frame sets the Basic NAV to a busy state during the protected transmission opportunity period.

[0321] In some embodiments, in response to the first AP not receiving a second radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, the first AP performs data transmission within the first TXOP; wherein the second radio frame is used to respond to the first radio frame.

[0322] In response to the first AP receiving a second radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, the first AP suspends data transmission within the first TXOP; in response to the first AP receiving a third radio frame during the data transmission suspension period, the first AP performs data transmission within the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP; wherein the third radio frame is used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP.

[0323] In some embodiments, the second wireless frame includes a fourth identification field, which indicates the communication duration occupied by the second AP within the duration of the first TXOP, wherein the communication duration is less than or equal to the duration of the first TXOP.

[0324] In some embodiments, the communication duration is the sum of a first duration and a second duration;

[0325] The first duration is the sum of the duration of the second AP sending the pending frame within the first TXOP and the duration of sending the second wireless frame.

[0326] The second duration is 0 or the sum of at least one of the following:

[0327] The duration for which the second AP sends a triggered Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (TB PPDU) within the first TXOP;

[0328] The duration for the second AP to receive the acknowledgment frame corresponding to the TB PPDU;

[0329] The duration for the second AP to send the third radio frame, the third radio frame is used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP;

[0330] The inter-frame interval between the TB PPDU and the acknowledgment frame.

[0331] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a multi-user request to send a trigger MU-RTS Trigger frame, and the second radio frame includes a confirmation to send a CTS frame.

[0332] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one of steps S31-S32 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S31-S32 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0333] Figure 4 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the method is executed by a second AP, and the method includes:

[0334] S41, Receive the first radio frame, the first radio frame including the protected transmission opportunity duration and the first TXOP shared with the second AP.

[0335] In some embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of Basic NAV, and the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration.

[0336] In some embodiments, the first radio frame further includes at least one of the following:

[0337] The first identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0338] The second identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the first TXOP;

[0339] The third identifier field, when the identifier value of the third identifier field is the first value, indicates that the first radio frame is used to indicate the sharing of TXOP to the second AP.

[0340] In some embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is less than or equal to a first duration, where the first duration is the sum of the Basic NAV timeout duration and a preset inter-frame interval duration.

[0341] The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is determined by at least one of the following:

[0342] Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime;

[0343] The duration required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer is aRxPHYStartDelay;

[0344] The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime;

[0345] The duration for sending the second radio frame, which is used in response to the first radio frame.

[0346] In some embodiments, the timeout duration of Basic NAV is the sum of twice the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration of transmitting the second radio frame, the duration required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer aRxPHYStartDelay, and twice the slot duration aSlotTime; or,

[0347] The timeout duration of Basic NAV is the sum of the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the time required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0348] In some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0349] The second AP does not respond to the first radio frame during the protected transmission opportunity period; or...

[0350] The second AP sends a second radio frame during the protected transmission opportunity period, and the second radio frame is used in response to the first radio frame.

[0351] In some embodiments, the second wireless frame includes a fourth identification field, which indicates the communication duration occupied by the second AP within the duration of the first TXOP, wherein the communication duration is less than or equal to the duration of the first TXOP.

[0352] In some embodiments, the communication duration is the sum of a first duration and a second duration;

[0353] The first duration is the sum of the duration of the second AP sending the pending frame within the first TXOP and the duration of sending the second wireless frame.

[0354] The second duration is 0 or the sum of at least one of the following:

[0355] The duration for the second AP to send a TB PPDU within the first TXOP;

[0356] The duration for the second AP to receive the acknowledgment frame corresponding to the TB PPDU;

[0357] The duration for the second AP to send the third radio frame, the third radio frame is used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP;

[0358] The inter-frame interval between the TB PPDU and the acknowledgment frame.

[0359] In some embodiments, after the second AP transmits the second radio frame, the above method further includes at least one of the following:

[0360] The second AP sends a pending frame to the associated STA within the first TXOP.

[0361] The second AP shares a second TXOP with the associated STA, which is used by the associated STA to perform data transmission within the second TXOP. The second TXOP is all or part of the first TXOP.

[0362] In some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0363] The second AP sends a third radio frame, which is used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP.

[0364] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a multi-user request to send a trigger MU-RTS Trigger frame, and the second radio frame includes a confirmation to send a CTS frame.

[0365] In some embodiments, other relevant descriptions of the first wireless frame can be found in the implementation shown in step S211 of FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0366] Figure 5 is a third schematic flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the method is executed by the STA and includes:

[0367] S51, receive a first radio frame, the first radio frame including the protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP to be shared with the second AP.

[0368] In some embodiments, the STA is associated with a second AP and is able to listen to Inter-PPDUs sent or broadcast by the first AP.

[0369] In some embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of Basic NAV, and the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration.

[0370] In some embodiments, the first radio frame further includes at least one of the following:

[0371] The first identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0372] The second identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the first TXOP;

[0373] The third identifier field, when the identifier value of the third identifier field is the first value, indicates that the first radio frame is used to indicate the sharing of TXOP to the second AP.

[0374] In some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0375] In response to the STA acquiring the first TXOP shared by the second AP after the timeout period of the Basic NAV, data transmission is performed within the first TXOP.

[0376] In some embodiments, the first radio frame further includes at least one of the following:

[0377] The first identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0378] The second identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the first TXOP;

[0379] The third identification field identifies that the first radio frame is used to share the first TXOP with the second AP.

[0380] In some embodiments, the protected transmission opportunity duration is less than or equal to a first duration, where the first duration is the sum of the Basic NAV timeout duration and a preset inter-frame interval duration.

[0381] The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is determined by at least one of the following:

[0382] Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime;

[0383] The duration required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer is aRxPHYStartDelay;

[0384] The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime;

[0385] The duration for sending the second radio frame, which is used in response to the first radio frame.

[0386] In some embodiments, the timeout duration of Basic NAV is the sum of twice the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration of transmitting the second radio frame, the duration required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer aRxPHYStartDelay, and twice the slot duration aSlotTime; or,

[0387] The timeout duration of Basic NAV is the sum of the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the time required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer aRxPHYStartDelay.

[0388] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a multi-user request to send a trigger MU-RTS Trigger frame, and the second radio frame includes a confirmation to send a CTS frame.

[0389] In some embodiments, other relevant descriptions of the first wireless frame can be found in the implementation shown in step S211 of FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0390] S52 sets the Basic NAV to a busy channel state during the protected transmission opportunity duration.

[0391] In some embodiments, the STA, acting as the receiver of the first radio frame, can set the Basic NAV to a busy state during the protected transmission opportunity period after receiving the first radio frame, so as not to transmit data during the protected transmission opportunity period.

[0392] In some embodiments, when the TXOP shared by the associated AP is obtained after the timeout period of the Basic NAV, data transmission is performed within the TXOP shared by the associated AP, where the associated AP is the second AP.

[0393] As an example, in the case where the STA is associated with the second AP, if the first AP shares the first TXOP to the second AP via the first radio frame, and the second AP confirms acceptance of the first TXOP via the second radio frame, the STA can obtain the second TXOP shared by the second AP.

[0394] The second TXOP is all or part of the first TXOP.

[0395] In this case, the aforementioned STA can receive the waiting-to-send frame sent by the second AP within the first TXOP, and can also perform uplink data transmission with the second AP and / or perform P2P data transmission with other STAs within the second TXOP.

[0396] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, any one of steps S51-S52 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S51-S52 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0397] The communication method provided in this disclosure will be further explained below with examples:

[0398] Step 1: The first AP sends a first radio frame to the second AP, instructing the first AP to share or transfer the remaining TXOP of the first AP to the second AP. The first radio frame includes, but is not limited to, a first identification field, a second identification field, and a third identification field.

[0399] The first identifier field indicates the duration of waiting for the second AP to respond to the first radio frame (the protected transmission opportunity duration). The protected transmission opportunity duration should not be too short or too long. For example, the protected transmission opportunity duration should not be less than the NAVTimeout duration. Specifically, NAVTimeout duration = (2 × aSIFSTime) + (CTS_Time) + aRxPHYStartDelay + (2 × aSlotTime); or, NAVTimeout duration = aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + aRxPHYStartDelay. Furthermore, the protected transmission opportunity duration should not be greater than the NAVTimeout duration + XFIS, for example, XFIS is PFIS.

[0400] The second identifier field is used to identify the remaining TXOP duration held by the first AP, that is, the duration of the TXOP shared with the second AP.

[0401] The third identification field is used to identify whether the remaining TXOP identified by the second identification field in the first radio frame is shared or transferred to the second AP.

[0402] Optionally, the first radio frame may be an MU-RTS Trigger frame or a modified version thereof; for example, the first radio frame may be an MU-RTS TXS trigger frame.

[0403] The first identifier field can be the Duration field of the MU-RTS trigger frame.

[0404] The second identifier field can be the Allocation Duration field in the User Info field (such as the UHR variant User Info field) of the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame.

[0405] The third identifier field can be the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode field in the Common Info field (such as the UHR variant Common Info field) of the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame. The Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode field is set to the first value (such as 3) to identify that the first radio frame is used to share or transfer the remaining TXOP to the second AP.

[0406] Step 2: After receiving the first wireless frame, the second AP performs at least one of the operations in step 2.1 or 2.2:

[0407] Step 2.1: During the protected transmission opportunity period, no second radio frame is sent to the first AP in response to the first radio frame.

[0408] Step 2.2: During the protected transmission opportunity duration, send a second radio frame to the first AP in response to the first radio frame, indicating that the TXOP sharing or handover indicated by the first radio frame has been received.

[0409] The Duration field of the second radio frame is set as follows: the duration of the second radio frame waiting to be sent (pending frames) + the duration of sending the second radio frame + the duration of sending possible TB PPDU and receiving possible acknowledgment frames + the duration of sending possible TXOP return frames + the appropriate (possible) frame intervals (IFSs).

[0410] In the second radio frame, the value of the Duration field cannot be greater than the duration indicated by the third identifier field in the first radio frame.

[0411] Optionally, the second radio frame may be a CTS frame or a variant thereof.

[0412] Step 3: If the first AP does not receive the second radio frame in response to the second AP within the protected transmission opportunity duration, it considers the sharing or handover of the remaining TXOP indicated by the first radio frame to have failed; if the first AP receives the second radio frame in response to the second AP within the protected transmission opportunity duration, it considers the sharing or handover of the remaining TXOP indicated by the first radio frame to have been successful.

[0413] During the time indicated by the third identifier field in the first radio frame, the first AP does not send any data unless it receives a TXOP return frame from the second AP.

[0414] Step 4: After the second AP sends the second radio frame, as the holder of the TXOP indicated by the second identifier field in the first radio frame, it can send a waiting frame to the STA associated with it in its BSS, or share the obtained TXOP with the STA associated with it in its BSS, so that the associated STA can perform uplink UL transmission with it or perform P2P transmission with other STAs.

[0415] For example, referring to Figure 6, which is a second schematic diagram of a communication scenario shown in an embodiment of this disclosure. STA2-1 and STA2-2 are associated with AP2. There are two types of STAs in the BSS where AP2 is located. The first type of STA (STA2-1) is a hidden node relative to AP1 (Sharing AP), meaning it cannot listen to the Inter-PPDU sent or broadcast by AP1. The second type of STA (STA2-2) can listen to the Inter-PPDU sent or broadcast by AP1. Since the second type of STA (STA2-2) can listen to the Inter-PPDU sent or broadcast by AP1, after receiving the first radio frame, STA2-2 sets its Basic NAV according to the duration of the protected transmission opportunity and considers the channel to be in a busy state. After AP2 replies with a CTS frame (second radio frame), once STA2-2's Basic NAV reaches 0, AP2 can send data to STA2-2 via an RTS frame or MU-RTS TF, or share its TXOP with STA2-2, allowing STA2-2 to transmit data within the shared TXOP. Similarly, after replying with a CTS frame (second radio frame), AP2 can also send data to STA2-1 via an RTS frame or MU-RTS TF, or share its TXOP with STA2-1, allowing STA2-1 to transmit data within the shared TXOP.

[0416] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AP proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7a, the AP 710 includes a processing module 711 and a transceiver module 712.

[0417] In some embodiments, the processing module 711 is configured to determine a first radio frame, the first radio frame including a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with a second AP; wherein the first radio frame is configured to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic Network Allocation Vector (Basic NAV) to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, and the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

[0418] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 712 is used to transmit the first wireless frame.

[0419] Optionally, the processing module 711 is used to execute at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step 224, step S31, but not limited thereto) executed by the first AP in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The transceiver module 712 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., step S211, step S221, step S231, step S32, but not limited thereto) executed by the first AP in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0420] Figure 7b is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the AP proposed in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7b, the AP 720 includes a transceiver module 720.

[0421] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 720 is configured to receive a first wireless frame, the first wireless frame including a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with a second AP; wherein the first wireless frame is configured to instruct the receiver of the first wireless frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, and the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

[0422] Optionally, the transceiver module 720 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps S213, S224, S225, S227, but not limited thereto) executed by the second AP in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0423] Figure 7c is a schematic diagram of the structure of the STA proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7c, the STA 730 includes a transceiver module 731 and a processing module 732.

[0424] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 731 is configured to receive a first wireless frame, the first wireless frame including a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP; wherein the first wireless frame is configured to instruct the receiver of the first wireless frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, the protected transmission opportunity duration being greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV; the STA is associated with the second AP.

[0425] In some embodiments, the processing module 732 is configured to set the Basic NAV to a busy channel state based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

[0426] Optionally, the transceiver module 731 is used to execute at least one of the processing steps performed by the STA in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S212, S222, S226, S232, S52, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. The processing module 732 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps performed by the STA in any of the above methods (e.g., step S51, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0427] It should be understood that the above division of units or modules is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, units or modules can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, including a processor connected to memory, with instructions stored in the memory, and the processor calling the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the above units or modules. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0428] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0429] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 800 can be a first AP, a second AP, or a STA, or it can be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first AP, the second AP, or the STA in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and for details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0430] As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 includes one or more processors 801. The processor 801 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 800 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0431] In some embodiments, the communication device 800 further includes one or more memories 802 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 802 may be located outside the communication device 800.

[0432] In some embodiments, the communication device 800 further includes one or more transceivers 803. When the communication device 800 includes one or more transceivers 803, the transceivers 803 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S211, S213, S221, S223, S224, S225, S226, S227, S231, S32, S41, S51, but not limited thereto), and the processor 801 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S212, S222, S232, S31, S52, but not limited thereto).

[0433] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0434] In some embodiments, the communication device 800 may include one or more interface circuits 804. Optionally, the interface circuit 804 is connected to the memory 802, and the interface circuit 804 can be used to receive signals from the memory 802 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 802 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 804 can read instructions stored in the memory 802 and send the instructions to the processor 801.

[0435] The communication device 800 described in the above embodiments may be a first AP, a second AP, or a STA, but the scope of the communication device 800 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 800 may not be limited by FIG8. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the above-mentioned communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above-mentioned IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (8) others, etc.

[0436] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 900 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The chip 900 includes one or more processors 901, and the chip 900 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0437] In some embodiments, chip 900 further includes one or more interface circuits 903. Optionally, interface circuit 903 is connected to memory 902, and interface circuit 903 can be used to receive signals from memory 902 or other devices, and interface circuit 903 can be used to send signals to memory 902 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 903 can read instructions stored in memory 902 and send the instructions to processor 901.

[0438] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 903 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S211, S213, S221, S223, S224, S225, S226, S227, S231, S32, S41, S51, but not limited thereto), and the processor 901 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S212, S222, S232, S31, S52, but not limited thereto).

[0439] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0440] In some embodiments, chip 900 further includes one or more memories 902 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 902 may be located outside of chip 900.

[0441] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 800, cause the communication device 800 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0442] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by a communication device 800, causes the communication device 800 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0443] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features disclosed in this disclosure that have similar functions.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first access point device (AP) determines a first radio frame, which includes a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with the second AP. The first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic Network Allocation Vector (Basic NAV) to a busy state based on the protected transmission opportunity duration, wherein the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV. The first AP sends the first wireless frame.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes at least one of the following: A first identifier field, wherein the first identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the protected transmission opportunity; The second identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the first TXOP; The third identification field identifies that the first radio frame is used to share the first TXOP with the second AP.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protected transmission opportunity duration is less than or equal to a first duration, where the first duration is the sum of the timeout duration of the Basic NAV and the preset inter-frame interval duration. The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is determined by at least one of the following: Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime; The duration required for the physical PHY layer to transmit packets to the media access control (MAC) layer is aRxPHYStartDelay; The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime; The duration for sending the second wireless frame, which is used in response to the first wireless frame.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of twice the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration of transmitting the second radio frame, the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer, and twice the time slot duration aSlotTime; or, The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to the first AP not receiving a second radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, the first AP performs data transmission within the first TXOP; wherein the second radio frame is used to respond to the first radio frame; In response to the first AP receiving the second radio frame within the protected transmission opportunity duration, the first AP suspends data transmission within the first TXOP; in response to the first AP receiving a third radio frame during the data transmission suspension period, the first AP performs data transmission within the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP; wherein the third radio frame is used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second wireless frame includes a fourth identification field, which indicates the communication duration occupied by the second AP within the duration of the first TXOP, wherein the communication duration is less than or equal to the duration of the first TXOP.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The communication duration is the sum of the first duration and the second duration; Wherein, the first duration is the sum of the duration of the second AP sending a pending frame within the first TXOP and the duration of sending the second wireless frame; The second duration is 0 or the sum of at least one of the following: The duration for which the second AP transmits a triggered Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (TB PPDU) within the first TXOP; The duration for the second AP to receive the acknowledgment frame corresponding to the TB PPDU; The duration for which the second AP sends the third wireless frame, the third wireless frame being used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP; The inter-frame interval duration between the TB PPDU and the confirmation frame.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first radio frame includes a multi-user request to send a trigger MU-RTS Trigger frame, and the second radio frame includes a confirmation to send a CTS frame.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method described in section two includes: The second AP receives a first radio frame, the first radio frame including a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with the second AP; wherein, the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, the protected transmission opportunity duration being greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes at least one of the following: A first identifier field, wherein the first identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the protected transmission opportunity; The second identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the first TXOP; The third identification field identifies that the first radio frame is used to share the first TXOP with the second AP.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The protected transmission opportunity duration is less than or equal to a first duration, where the first duration is the sum of the timeout duration of the Basic NAV and the preset inter-frame interval duration. The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is determined by at least one of the following: Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime; The duration required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer is aRxPHYStartDelay; The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime; The duration for sending the second wireless frame, which is used in response to the first wireless frame.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of twice the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration of transmitting the second radio frame, the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer, and twice the time slot duration aSlotTime; or, The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer.

13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second AP does not respond to the first radio frame during the protected transmission opportunity duration; or, The second AP sends a second radio frame during the protected transmission opportunity duration, the second radio frame being used in response to the first radio frame.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second wireless frame includes a fourth identification field, which indicates the communication duration occupied by the second AP within the duration of the first TXOP, wherein the communication duration is less than or equal to the duration of the first TXOP.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The communication duration is the sum of the first duration and the second duration; Wherein, the first duration is the sum of the duration of the second AP sending a pending frame within the first TXOP and the duration of sending the second wireless frame; The second duration is 0 or the sum of at least one of the following: The duration for the second AP to send a TB PPDU within the first TXOP; The duration for the second AP to receive the acknowledgment frame corresponding to the TB PPDU; The duration for which the second AP sends the third wireless frame, the third wireless frame being used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP; The inter-frame interval duration between the TB PPDU and the confirmation frame.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, After the second AP sends the second radio frame, the method further includes at least one of the following: The second AP sends a pending frame to the associated STA within the first TXOP; The second AP shares a second TXOP with the associated STA, which is used for the associated STA to perform data transmission within the second TXOP. The second TXOP is all or part of the first TXOP.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second AP sends a third radio frame, which is used to return the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP to the first AP.

18. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first radio frame includes a multi-user request to send a trigger MU-RTS Trigger frame, and the second radio frame includes a confirmation to send a CTS frame.

19. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The STA receives a first radio frame, which includes a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP; wherein, the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, and the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV; the STA is associated with the second AP. Based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity, the Basic NAV is set to a busy channel state.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to the STA acquiring the first TXOP shared by the second AP after the timeout period of the Basic NAV, data transmission is performed within the first TXOP.

21. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first wireless frame also includes at least one of the following: A first identifier field, wherein the first identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the protected transmission opportunity; The second identifier field is used to indicate the duration of the first TXOP; The third identification field identifies that the first radio frame is used to share the first TXOP with the second AP.

22. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The protected transmission opportunity duration is less than or equal to a first duration, where the first duration is the sum of the timeout duration of the Basic NAV and the preset inter-frame interval duration. The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is determined by at least one of the following: Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime; The duration required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer is aRxPHYStartDelay; The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime; The duration for sending the second wireless frame, which is used in response to the first wireless frame.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of twice the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration of transmitting the second radio frame, the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer, and twice the time slot duration aSlotTime; or, The timeout duration of the Basic NAV is the sum of the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer.

24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first radio frame includes a multi-user request to send a trigger MU-RTS Trigger frame, and the second radio frame includes a confirmation to send a CTS frame.

25. An AP, characterized in that, include: The processing module is configured to determine a first radio frame, the first radio frame including a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with a second AP; wherein, the first radio frame is configured to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic Network Allocation Vector (Basic NAV) to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, and the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV. The transceiver module is used to send the first wireless frame.

26. An AP, characterized in that, include: A transceiver module is used to receive a first radio frame, the first radio frame including a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with a second AP; wherein, the first radio frame is used to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, the protected transmission opportunity duration being greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV.

27. A STA, characterized in that, include: A transceiver module is configured to receive a first radio frame, the first radio frame including a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP; wherein, the first radio frame is configured to instruct the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic NAV to a channel busy state according to the protected transmission opportunity duration, the protected transmission opportunity duration being greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV; the STA is associated with the second AP. The processing module is used to set the Basic NAV to a busy channel state based on the duration of the protected transmission opportunity.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-8, or the communication method according to any one of claims 9-18, or the communication method according to any one of claims 19-24.

29. A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-8, or the communication method according to any one of claims 9-18, or the communication method according to any one of claims 19-24.

30. A communication system comprising a first AP, a second AP, and a STA; wherein, The first AP determines and sends a first radio frame, which includes a protected transmission opportunity duration and a first TXOP shared with the second AP. The first radio frame instructs the receiver of the first radio frame to set the Basic Network Allocation Vector (Basic NAV) to a busy state based on the protected transmission opportunity duration, wherein the protected transmission opportunity duration is greater than or equal to the timeout duration of the Basic NAV. The second AP and the STA receive the first radio frame, and the STA sets the Basic NAV to a busy state based on the protected transmission opportunity duration. The STA is associated with the second AP.

Images