Communication method and device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of communications, and provide a communication method and device, a communication system, and a storage medium. The method comprises: a first AP determines a first PPDU, wherein the first PPDU comprises a first TXOP shared with a second AP, the first PPDU is used for instructing an STA associated with the first AP and supporting a first function to enter a power saving mode during a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or for instructing an STA associated with the second AP not to update a basic network allocation vector (NAV), and the first function is entering the power saving mode upon receiving a basic service set (BSS) intra-PPDU; and the first AP sends the first PPDU. The embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a TXOP sharing method.

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, including:

[0006] The first access point device (AP) determines a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). The first PPDU includes a first TXOP shared with the second AP. The first PPDU is used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter a power-saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic Network Allocation Vector (Basic NAV). The first function is to enter a power-saving mode after receiving the PPDU inside the Basic Service Set (BSS).

[0007] The first AP sends the first PPDU.

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

[0009] The second AP receives a first PPDU, which includes a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP. The first PPDU is used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter power saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV. The first function is to enter power saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

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

[0011] The STA receives a first PPDU, which includes a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP. The first PPDU is used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter power saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV. The first function is to enter power saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

[0012] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AP, including:

[0013] The processing module is used to determine a first PPDU, wherein the first PPDU includes a first TXOP shared with the second AP, wherein the first PPDU is used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter a power saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, wherein the first function is to enter a power saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

[0014] The transceiver module is used to send the first PPDU mentioned above.

[0015] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AP, including:

[0016] The transceiver module is used to receive a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP, the first PPDU being used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter power saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, the first function being to enter power saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

[0017] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a STA, including:

[0018] The transceiver module is used to receive a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP, the first PPDU being used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter power saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, the first function being to enter power saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

[0019] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including one or more processors;

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared with the second AP, the first PPDU being used to instruct a STA associated with the first AP and supporting a first function to enter a power-saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct a STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, the first function being to enter a power-saving mode after receiving an internal PPDU of the Basic Service Set (BSS); the second AP and the STA receive the first PPDU.

[0023] Based on the communication method, device, system, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, a TXOP sharing method and a way to instruct the STA to perform related operations after receiving the first PPDU can be provided to improve the communication efficiency between multiple APs.

[0024] 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

[0025] 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.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2a is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method shown in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2b is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method shown in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating one of the communication methods according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4 is a second schematic flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 is a third schematic flowchart illustrating the communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6a is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the AP proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6b is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the AP proposed in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the STA proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0037] This disclosure provides a communication method, device, communication system, and storage medium.

[0038] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, which is executed by a first AP, comprising:

[0039] The first access point device (AP) determines a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). The first PPDU includes a first TXOP shared with the second AP. The first PPDU is used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter a power-saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic Network Allocation Vector (Basic NAV). The first function is to enter a power-saving mode after receiving the PPDU inside the Basic Service Set (BSS).

[0040] The first AP sends the first PPDU.

[0041] In the above embodiments, while the first AP shares the first TXOP with the second AP through the first PPDU, it can also instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter the power saving mode during the first duration of the first TXOP through the first PPDU, and / or instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, thereby enabling the second AP and its associated STA to perform data transmission within the first TXOP, thereby improving data transmission efficiency and reducing the device power consumption of the STA supporting the first function.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes at least one of the following:

[0043] The basic service set color (BBS Color) of the first PPDU is the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located.

[0044] The aforementioned first TXOP refers to part or all of the TXOPs held by the aforementioned first AP.

[0045] In some embodiments, by setting the BSS Color of the first PPDU to the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located, the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function can determine that the first PPDU comes from inside the BSS, thereby smoothly entering the power-saving mode and reducing device power consumption. Simultaneously, the first AP can share all or part of its TXOPs with the second AP, improving the flexibility of TXOP sharing and enhancing data transmission efficiency.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first PPDU includes a first radio frame, the first radio frame including at least one of the following:

[0047] A first identifier field is used to indicate the first duration of the first TXOP.

[0048] The second identification field is used to indicate the second duration, which is the transmission duration from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second radio frame. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU.

[0049] Wherein, the second duration is greater than or equal to the response timeout duration of the first wireless frame, and less than or equal to the first duration.

[0050] In the above embodiments, while sharing the first TXOP through the first PPDU, the duration of the first TXOP and the transmission time occupied from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second wireless frame can also be indicated. This allows the second AP to quickly determine the first duration of the first TXOP and the remaining duration of the first TXOP after receiving the first PPDU and sending the second wireless frame, which is beneficial for the second AP to reasonably plan the data transmission time and improve data transmission efficiency.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0052] In response to the failure to receive a second radio frame within the response timeout period of the first radio frame, the first AP performs data transmission within the second TXOP and no longer shares the TXOP with the second AP within the second TXOP. The second TXOP is the remaining TXOP after the response timeout period of the first radio frame. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU.

[0053] In response to receiving the second wireless frame within the response timeout period of the first wireless frame, the first AP enters a power-saving mode and / or a low-power listening mode within a third duration indicated by the second wireless frame, wherein the third duration is the communication duration occupied by the second AP within the first TXOP.

[0054] In the above embodiments, when the first AP does not receive the second wireless frame, it can continue to hold the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP. When the first AP receives the second wireless frame, it can enter the power saving mode and / or low power listening mode, which is beneficial to complete the operation process after the first AP shares the TXOP, improve data transmission efficiency and / or reduce device power consumption.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second wireless frame includes a third identification field, which is used to indicate the third duration;

[0056] Wherein, the third duration is less than or equal to the fourth duration, and the fourth duration is determined by at least one of the following:

[0057] The aforementioned first duration;

[0058] Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime;

[0059] The duration required for the physical PHY layer to transmit packets to the media access control (MAC) layer is aRxPHYStartDelay;

[0060] The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime;

[0061] The transmission duration of the aforementioned second wireless frame.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth duration is the difference between the first duration and the fifth duration, and the fifth duration is the sum of at least one of the short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer, the time slot duration aSlotTime, and the transmission duration of the second radio frame.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0064] In response to receiving the second wireless frame and the third duration being less than the first duration, a third TXOP is acquired and data is transmitted within the third TXOP, wherein the third TXOP is the remaining TXOP returned by the second AP after completing the data transmission.

[0065] In the above embodiments, the fourth 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 first duration, and the transmission duration of the second wireless frame, thereby adapting to different communication scenario requirements and improving data transmission efficiency in different communication scenarios.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the first radio frame and the second radio frame can reuse existing radio frames, thereby saving signaling resources.

[0068] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method, including:

[0069] The second AP receives a first PPDU, which includes a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP. The first PPDU is used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter power saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV. The first function is to enter power saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

[0070] In the above embodiments, while the first AP shares the first TXOP with the second AP through the first PPDU, it can also instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter the power saving mode during the first duration of the first TXOP through the first PPDU, and / or instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, thereby enabling the second AP and its associated STA to perform data transmission within the first TXOP, thereby improving data transmission efficiency and reducing the device power consumption of the STA supporting the first function.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes at least one of the following:

[0072] The BBS Color of the first PPDU is the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located;

[0073] The aforementioned first TXOP refers to part or all of the TXOPs held by the aforementioned first AP.

[0074] In the above embodiments, by setting the BSS Color of the first PPDU to the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located, the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function can determine that the first PPDU comes from inside the BSS, thus smoothly entering the power-saving mode and helping to reduce device power consumption. Simultaneously, the first AP can share all or part of its TXOPs with the second AP, improving the flexibility of TXOP sharing and thus improving data transmission efficiency.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0076] After receiving the first PPDU, the Basic NAV is not updated.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first PPDU includes a first radio frame, the first radio frame including at least one of the following:

[0078] A first identifier field is used to indicate the first duration of the first TXOP.

[0079] The second identification field is used to indicate the second duration, which is the transmission duration from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second radio frame. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU.

[0080] Wherein, the second duration is greater than or equal to the response timeout duration of the first wireless frame, and less than or equal to the first duration.

[0081] In the above embodiments, while sharing the first TXOP through the first PPDU, the duration of the first TXOP and the transmission time occupied from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second wireless frame can also be indicated. This allows the second AP to quickly determine the first duration of the first TXOP and the remaining duration of the first TXOP after receiving the first PPDU and sending the second wireless frame, which is beneficial for the second AP to reasonably plan the data transmission time and improve data transmission efficiency.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method is characterized in that it includes:

[0083] In response to the aforementioned second AP acknowledging that the channel is busy, the aforementioned second AP does not respond to the aforementioned first radio frame;

[0084] In response to the second AP acknowledging that the channel is idle, the second AP sends a second radio frame after a short inter-frame interval of aSIFSTime. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU and is also used to indicate a third duration, which is the communication duration occupied by the second AP in the first TXOP.

[0085] In the above embodiments, the second AP can decide whether to respond to the first radio frame when the channel is busy or idle, thereby improving the operation process after the second AP receives the first PPDU. Furthermore, when the second AP responds by sending a second radio frame, it can indicate the communication duration occupied within the first TXOP, which helps the first AP determine the data transmission time of the second AP, thereby facilitating real-time adjustments to its own data transmission and improving data transmission efficiency.

[0086] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes at least one of the following:

[0087] Data transmission takes place within the aforementioned third time period after the second wireless frame is sent.

[0088] After sending the second radio frame, a TXOP is shared with the associated STA for the associated STA to perform data transmission within the shared TXOP.

[0089] In the above embodiments, after the second AP obtains the first AP, it can transmit data within the occupied communication time, or it can share TXOP with the associated STA to enable the associated STA to transmit data, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second wireless frame includes a third identification field, which is used to indicate the third duration;

[0091] Wherein, the third duration is less than or equal to the fourth duration, and the fourth duration is determined by at least one of the following:

[0092] The aforementioned first duration;

[0093] Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime;

[0094] The duration required for the physical PHY layer to transmit packets to the media access control (MAC) layer is aRxPHYStartDelay;

[0095] The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime;

[0096] The transmission duration of the aforementioned second wireless frame.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth duration is the difference between the first duration and the fifth duration, and the fifth duration is the sum of at least one of the following: aSIFSTime, aRxPHYStartDelay, aSlotTime, and the transmission duration of the second radio frame.

[0098] In the above embodiments, the fourth 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 first duration, and the transmission duration of the second wireless frame, thereby adapting to different communication scenario requirements and improving data transmission efficiency in different communication scenarios.

[0099] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments the above method further includes:

[0100] In response to the remaining third TXOP after the data transmission is completed, the third TXOP is returned to the first AP.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the second AP returns the remaining third TXOP to the first AP when there is still a third TXOP remaining, which helps to improve the utilization rate of TXOP and improve data transmission efficiency.

[0102] 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.

[0103] In the above embodiments, the first radio frame and the second radio frame can reuse existing radio frames, thereby saving signaling resources.

[0104] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, including:

[0105] The STA receives a first PPDU, which includes a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP. The first PPDU is used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter power saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV. The first function is to enter power saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

[0106] In the above embodiments, while the first AP shares the first TXOP with the second AP through the first PPDU, it can also instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter the power saving mode during the first duration of the first TXOP through the first PPDU, and / or instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, thereby enabling the second AP and its associated STA to perform data transmission within the first TXOP, thereby improving data transmission efficiency and reducing the device power consumption of the STA supporting the first function.

[0107] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method includes:

[0108] In response to the fact that the STA is associated with the first AP and supports the first function, the STA enters power saving mode during the first duration.

[0109] In response to the fact that the STA is associated with the first AP and does not support the first function, the STA does not enter power saving mode during the first duration.

[0110] In response to the fact that the aforementioned STA is associated with the aforementioned second AP, the aforementioned STA does not update the Basic NAV.

[0111] In the above embodiments, the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function enters a power-saving mode during the first duration of the first TXOP, thereby reducing the device power consumption of the STA supporting the first function. The STA associated with the second AP does not update the Basic NAV, allowing the STA associated with the second AP to perform data transmission within the TXOP obtained by the second AP, thus improving data transmission efficiency.

[0112] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method further includes at least one of the following:

[0113] The basic service set color (BBS Color) of the first PPDU is the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located.

[0114] The aforementioned first TXOP refers to part or all of the TXOPs held by the aforementioned first AP.

[0115] In some embodiments, by setting the BSS Color of the first PPDU to the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located, the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function can determine that the first PPDU comes from inside the BSS, thereby smoothly entering the power-saving mode and reducing device power consumption. Simultaneously, the first AP can share all or part of its TXOPs with the second AP, improving the flexibility of TXOP sharing and enhancing data transmission efficiency.

[0116] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first PPDU includes a first radio frame, the first radio frame including at least one of the following:

[0117] A first identifier field is used to indicate the first duration of the first TXOP.

[0118] The second identification field is used to indicate the second duration, which is the transmission duration from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second radio frame. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU.

[0119] Wherein, the second duration is greater than or equal to the response timeout duration of the first wireless frame, and less than or equal to the first duration.

[0120] In the above embodiments, while sharing the first TXOP through the first PPDU, the duration of the first TXOP and the transmission time occupied from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second wireless frame can also be indicated. This allows the second AP to quickly determine the first duration of the first TXOP and the remaining duration of the first TXOP after receiving the first PPDU and sending the second wireless frame, which is beneficial for the second AP to reasonably plan the data transmission time and improve 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 obtaining the TXOP shared by the second AP, data transmission is performed within the TXOP shared by the second AP.

[0123] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first radio frame described above includes a multi-user request transmission trigger MU-RTS Trigger frame.

[0124] In the above embodiments, the first radio frame can reuse an existing radio frame, thereby saving signaling resources.

[0125] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AP, including:

[0126] The processing module is used to determine a first PPDU, wherein the first PPDU includes a first TXOP shared with the second AP, wherein the first PPDU is used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter a power saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, wherein the first function is to enter a power saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

[0127] The transceiver module is used to send the first PPDU mentioned above.

[0128] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an AP, including:

[0129] The transceiver module is used to receive a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP, the first PPDU being used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter power saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, the first function being to enter power saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

[0130] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a STA, including:

[0131] The transceiver module is used to receive a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP, the first PPDU being used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter power saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, the first function being to enter power saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

[0132] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including one or more processors;

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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."

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0146] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0151] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0152] 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”.

[0153] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0154] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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, within the Basic Service Set (BSS) where the Shared AP resides, there are two types of Stations (STAs). The first type of STA is a hidden node relative to the Sharing AP, meaning it cannot listen to the Inter-PPDUs sent / broadcast by the Sharing AP; the second type of STA can listen to the Inter-PPDUs sent / broadcast by the Sharing AP. Since HE STAs typically maintain two NAVs (Basic NAV and Inter NAV), an HE STA considers the channel idle if and only if both NAVs are 0; otherwise, it considers the channel busy. Therefore, based on the traditional TXOP Sharing mechanism, since the second type of STA can listen to the Inter-PPDU sent / broadcast by the Sharing AP, it will set its Basic NAV according to the received Inter-PPDU; the Shared AP cannot communicate with the second type of STA within the TXOP shared by the Sharing AP. On the other hand, within the TXOP shared by the Sharing AP, within the BBS where the Shared AP is located, the first type of STA cannot conduct P2P communication with the second type of STA. Furthermore, after the Sharing AP shares the TXOP with neighboring APs, if the Sharing AP and its associated non-AP STAs continue to remain in the Active state, communication efficiency will decrease, and the power-saving mode needs further enhancement.

[0159] Therefore, signaling and procedures need to be standardized to reduce transmission interference between multiple BSSs, ensure communication service quality, and improve energy efficiency.

[0160] 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.

[0161] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0162] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes AP101, AP102, STA103 and STA104.

[0163] Among them, STA103 and STA104 can be independent STAs or STAs attached to a Non-AP MLD, and AP101 and AP102 can be independent APs or APs attached to an AP MLD, without any restrictions.

[0164] Among them, STA103 is associated with AP101, and STA104 is associated with AP102.

[0165] STA104 may receive Physical Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) sent by AP101. If STA104 is close to AP101, it may receive PPDUs sent by AP101. Alternatively, STA104 may not receive PPDUs sent by AP101. If STA104 is far from AP101, it may not receive PPDUs sent by AP101.

[0166] In some embodiments, AP101, AP102, STA103, and STA104 may be terminal devices or network devices equipped with wireless fidelity chips.

[0167] Among them, AP101, as a Sharing AP, can identify and send the first PPDU to share the first TXOP with the second AP (Shared AP).

[0168] The first PPDU is used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter power-saving mode during the first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic Network Allocation Vector (NAV).

[0169] The first function is to enter power-saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

[0170] As an example, when STA103 is associated with AP101 and supports the first function, STA103 can receive the first PPDU and enter power-saving mode within the first duration of the first TXOP. When STA104 is associated with AP102, if STA104 receives the first PPDU, it will not update the Basic NAV after receiving the first PPDU.

[0171] 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.

[0172] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The link relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The link may be in any form, such as a direct link or an indirect link, a wired link or a wireless link.

[0173] 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, 802.11f, 802.11e, or their next generation, such as 802.11n. 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.

[0174] 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:

[0175] S211, the first AP sends a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP to be shared with the second AP.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first PPDU is used to instruct a STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter a power-saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct a STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV.

[0177] The first AP can send the first PPDU via broadcast.

[0178] In other words, after the first AP sends the first PPDU, for the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function, after receiving the first PPDU, the STA enters the power save (PS) mode within the first duration of the first TXOP. For the STA associated with the second AP, if the STA receives the first PPDU, the STA will not update the Basic NAV.

[0179] The first function mentioned above is to enter power-saving mode after receiving the BSS internal (intra) PPDU. STAs that support the first function are also STAs that support Intra-PPDU PS mode (dot11IntraPPDUPowerSaveOptionActivated equal to true).

[0180] In some embodiments, the BSS Color of the first PPDU is the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located.

[0181] Based on this, for any STA, after receiving the first PPDU, the STA can determine whether the first PPDU comes from within its own BSS or from another BSS based on the BSS Color of the first PPDU.

[0182] As an example, for a STA associated with the first AP, if the STA supports Intra-PPDU PS mode, after the STA receives the first PPDU, it can determine that the BSS Color of the first PPDU is consistent with the BSS Color of the BSS where the STA is located. The STA can then enter power saving mode within the first duration of the first TXOP.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first PPDU includes a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP, and the first TXOP is part or all of the TXOPs held by the first AP.

[0184] That is, the first AP can share all of its TXOPs with the second AP, or it can share a portion of the TXOPs held by the first AP with the second AP, without any restrictions.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first PPDU includes a first radio frame, and the first radio frame includes a first identification field.

[0186] The first identifier field is used to indicate the first duration of the first TXOP.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first PPDU includes a first radio frame, and the first radio frame includes a second identification field.

[0188] The second identifier field is used to indicate the second duration, which is the transmission duration from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second radio frame, and the second radio frame is the response frame of the first radio frame.

[0189] The second duration is greater than or equal to the response timeout duration of the first radio frame, and less than or equal to the first duration.

[0190] The second radio frame can be a Clear to Send (CTS) frame, a modified CTS frame, or any other radio frame; there are no restrictions on this.

[0191] As an example, the second radio frame can be a CTS frame, and the response timeout of the first radio frame is the same as the timeout for sending the second radio frame (CTSTimeout).

[0192] 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.

[0193] As an example, the first radio frame can be a multi-user request to send a trigger transmission opportunity sharing trigger MU-RTS Trigger TXS Trigger frame, which is a form of MU-RTS Trigger frame.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first PPDU includes a first radio frame, which may include at least one of a first identification field or a second identification field. For example, the first radio frame may include both the first identification field and the second identification field, or it may include only one of the first identification field and the second identification field; there is no limitation herein.

[0195] Optionally, the second identifier field can be the duration field in the first radio frame, or other information fields or fields in the first radio frame, without limitation.

[0196] Optionally, the first identifier field can be the Allocation Duration field in the first radio frame, or it can be other information fields or fields in the first radio frame, without any limitation.

[0197] Optionally, the first radio frame includes a User Info field, which includes a first identifier field.

[0198] The user information field can be the UHR variant User Info field.

[0199] As an example, the first radio frame includes a UHR variant User Info field, which includes an Allocation Duration field (first identifier field) to indicate the first duration of the first TXOP.

[0200] S212, the second AP and the associated STA of the second AP do not update the Basic NAV.

[0201] In some embodiments, after receiving the first PPDU, the second AP does not update the Basic NAV. Similarly, the associated STA of the second AP also does not update the Basic NAV after receiving the first PPDU.

[0202] Based on this, if the second AP accepts the first TXOP shared by the first AP, the second AP can perform data transmission within the first TXOP. Furthermore, after the associated STA of the second AP obtains the TXOP shared by the second AP, it can also perform data transmission within the TXOP shared by the second AP, thus avoiding the situation where the second AP and its associated STA cannot perform data transmission, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0203] S213, when the associated STA of the first AP supports the first function, it enters power saving mode within the first duration of the first TXOP; when it does not support the first function, it does not enter power saving mode.

[0204] In some embodiments, for a first AP's associated STA, after receiving the first PPDU, the STA can determine whether the first PPDU comes from within the BSS where the STA is located.

[0205] If it is determined that the first PPDU originates from within the BSS where the STA is located, and the STA supports the first function, the STA can enter power-saving mode within the first duration of the first TXOP, so as to reduce device power consumption while avoiding interference with the data transmission of the second AP.

[0206] If it is determined that the first PPDU comes from the BSS where the STA is located, and the STA does not support the first function, the STA may not enter power saving mode.

[0207] When the associated STA of the first AP receives the first PPDU, it can determine the BSS Color of the first PPDU. When the BSS Color of the first PPDU is consistent with the BSS Color of the BSS it belongs to, it is determined that the first PPDU comes from the BSS it belongs to.

[0208] The first function mentioned above is to enter power-saving mode after receiving the BSS internal (intra) PPDU. STAs that support the first function are also STAs that support Intra-PPDU PS mode (dot11IntraPPDUPowerSaveOptionActivated equal to true).

[0209] Before receiving the first PPDU, the associated STA of the first AP receives the first value of the fourth identifier field in the latest HE Operation element from the first AP. This value is used to instruct the first AP to enable BSS Color. Thus, after receiving the first PPDU, the associated STA of the first AP can determine whether the first PPDU comes from the BSS of the associated STA based on the BSS Color of the first PPDU.

[0210] The fourth identifier field can be the BSS Color Disabled field, or other information fields or fields; no restrictions are placed here.

[0211] The first value can be 1 or other preset values, and there are no restrictions here.

[0212] The first AP can carry HE Operation elements through radio frames such as beacon frames, which is not restricted here.

[0213] S214, the second AP does not respond to the first radio frame.

[0214] In some embodiments, when the second AP determines that the channel is busy, that is, when it determines that data transmission cannot be performed within the first TXOP, the second AP may not respond to the first radio frame.

[0215] S215, the first AP performs data transmission within the second TXOP, and no longer shares the TXOP with the second AP within the second TXOP.

[0216] In some embodiments, after sending the first PPDU, the first AP may wait to receive the second radio frame sent by the second AP within the response timeout period of the first radio frame. The second radio frame is a response frame to the first PPDU and is also used to respond to the first radio frame in the first PPDU.

[0217] If the first AP does not receive the second wireless frame sent by the second AP within the response timeout period of the first wireless frame, it determines that sharing the first TXOP with the second AP has failed.

[0218] In this case, the first AP can continue to hold the second TXOP and perform data transmission within the second TXOP, and will no longer share the TXOP with the second AP within the second TXOP.

[0219] The second TXOP is the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP after the response timeout period of the first radio frame ends, that is, the second TXOP is the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP after the response timeout period of the first radio frame.

[0220] In some embodiments, the second radio frame may be a CTS frame, a variant of a CTS frame, or other frames, without limitation.

[0221] 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-S215 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S211-S215 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0222] It should be specifically noted that, in this embodiment, step S212 can be executed at any time after step S211, and step S213 can be executed at any time after step S211. As an example, steps S212 and S214 can be executed simultaneously, and can be executed in any order, without restriction. As an example, steps S212 and S213 can be executed simultaneously, and can be executed in any order, without restriction. As an example, steps S213 and S214 can be executed simultaneously, and can be executed in any order, without restriction.

[0223] 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:

[0224] S221, the first AP sends a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP to be shared with the second AP.

[0225] In some embodiments, the relevant description of the first PPDU can be found in the implementation shown in step S211 of FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0226] S222, the second AP and the associated STA of the second AP do not update the Basic NAV.

[0227] In some embodiments, after receiving the first PPDU, the second AP does not update the Basic NAV. Similarly, the associated STA of the second AP also does not update the Basic NAV after receiving the first PPDU.

[0228] Based on this, if the second AP accepts the first TXOP shared by the first AP, the second AP can perform data transmission within the first TXOP. Furthermore, after the associated STA of the second AP obtains the TXOP shared by the second AP, it can also perform data transmission within the TXOP shared by the second AP, thus avoiding the situation where the second AP and its associated STA cannot perform data transmission, thereby improving data transmission efficiency.

[0229] S223, when the associated STA of the first AP supports the first function, it enters power saving mode within the first duration of the first TXOP; when it does not support the first function, it does not enter power saving mode.

[0230] In some embodiments, for a first AP's associated STA, after receiving the first PPDU, the STA can determine whether the first PPDU comes from within the BSS where the STA is located.

[0231] If it is determined that the first PPDU originates from within the BSS where the STA is located, and the STA supports the first function, the STA can enter power-saving mode within the first duration of the first TXOP, so as to reduce device power consumption while avoiding interference with the data transmission of the second AP.

[0232] If it is determined that the first PPDU comes from the BSS where the STA is located, and the STA does not support the first function, the STA may not enter power saving mode.

[0233] When the associated STA of the first AP receives the first PPDU, it can determine the BSS Color of the first PPDU. When the BSS Color of the first PPDU is consistent with the BSS Color of the BSS it belongs to, it is determined that the first PPDU comes from the BSS it belongs to.

[0234] The first function mentioned above is to enter power-saving mode after receiving the BSS internal (intra) PPDU. STAs that support the first function are also STAs that support Intra-PPDU PS mode (dot11IntraPPDUPowerSaveOptionActivated equal to true).

[0235] S224, the second AP sends a second radio frame after a short inter-frame interval.

[0236] In some embodiments, when the second AP determines that the channel is idle, that is, when it determines that data transmission can be performed within the first TXOP, the second AP can send a second radio frame to the first AP after a short inter-frame interval of aSIFSTime.

[0237] The second radio frame is used as a response frame for the first PPDU, and the second radio frame is also used to respond to the first radio frame in the first PPDU.

[0238] In some embodiments, the second radio frame may be a CTS frame, a variant of a CTS frame, or other frames, without limitation.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second radio frame is used to indicate a third duration, which is the communication duration occupied by the second AP in the first TXOP.

[0240] Optionally, the second radio frame includes a third identification field, which is used to indicate a third duration.

[0241] The third duration can be the Duration field in the second radio frame, or other information fields or fields; there are no restrictions here.

[0242] In some embodiments, the third duration is less than or equal to the fourth duration, and the fourth duration is determined by at least one of the following:

[0243] The first duration of the first TXOP;

[0244] Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime;

[0245] The duration required for the physical PHY layer to transmit packets to the media access control (MAC) layer is aRxPHYStartDelay;

[0246] The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime;

[0247] The transmission duration of the second wireless frame.

[0248] Optionally, the fourth duration can be the difference between the first duration and the fifth duration, and the fifth duration is the sum of at least one of the following: a short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, aRxPHYStartDelay, the time required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer, a slot duration aSlotTime, and the transmission duration of the second radio frame.

[0249] As an example, the fifth duration is the sum of a short inter-frame interval aSIFSTime, the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer, a slot duration aSlotTime, and the transmission duration of the second radio frame.

[0250] In this case, the fourth duration = the first duration - aSIFSTime - aRxPHYStartDelay - aSlotTime - the transmission duration of the second radio frame.

[0251] As an example, the fifth duration is the sum of a short inter-frame interval aSIFSTime, the duration aRxPHYStartDelay required for the PHY layer to transmit packets to the MAC layer, and a slot duration aSlotTime.

[0252] In this case, the fourth duration = the first duration - aSIFSTime - aRxPHYStartDelay - aSlotTime, and the third duration is less than or equal to the first duration - aSIFSTime - aRxPHYStartDelay - aSlotTime.

[0253] S225, the first AP enters power-saving mode and / or low-function listening mode within a third duration indicated by the second radio frame.

[0254] In some embodiments, if the first AP receives a second wireless frame sent by the second AP within the response timeout period of the first wireless frame, it determines that the second AP has accepted the first TXOP. At this time, the first AP no longer holds the first TXOP and therefore cannot transmit data within the first TXOP.

[0255] In this case, to reduce device power consumption, the first AP can enter power-saving mode and / or low-function monitoring mode during the third time period occupied by the second AP.

[0256] S226, the second AP performs data transmission within the third duration, and / or shares TXOP with the associated STA.

[0257] In some embodiments, after sending a second radio frame to the first AP, the second AP may send a pending frame to the associated STA during a third time period.

[0258] In some embodiments, after sending a second radio frame to the first AP, the second AP may share a TXOP with the associated STA, which is used for the associated STA to perform uplink data transmission with the second AP within the shared TXOP, and / or to perform peer-to-peer (P2P) data transmission with other STAs.

[0259] The TXOP duration shared by the second AP is all or part of the duration of the third duration occupied by the second AP, and there is no restriction here.

[0260] It should be noted that after the second AP sends the second radio frame to the first AP, it can simultaneously send a waiting frame to the associated STA and share the TXOP with the associated STA within the third time period.

[0261] S227, the associated STA of the second AP performs data transmission within the TXOP shared by the second TXOP.

[0262] In some embodiments, when the associated STA of the second AP determines that the channel is idle, after receiving the TXOP shared by the second AP, it can perform uplink data transmission with the second AP and / or perform P2P data transmission with other STAs within the TXOP shared by the second AP, without any limitation.

[0263] S228, the second AP returns the third TXOP to the first AP.

[0264] In some embodiments, if the second AP and its associated STA complete data transmission within a third time period, and there is a remaining third TXOP in the first TXOP, the second AP can return the remaining third TXOP to the first AP through a TXOP return frame.

[0265] In this case, the first AP can perform data transmission within the third TXOP, and / or share all or part of the third TXOP with the associated STA so that the associated STA can perform data transmission within the acquired TXOP.

[0266] 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-S228 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of steps S221-S228 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0267] It should be specifically noted that in this embodiment, step S222 can be executed at any time after step S221, and step S223 can be executed at any time after step S221. For example, steps S222 and S224 can be executed simultaneously, or in any order, without restriction. As an example, steps S222 and S223 can be executed simultaneously, or in any order, without restriction. Again, steps S223 and S224 can be executed simultaneously, or in any order, without restriction. As an example, steps S222 and S225 can be executed simultaneously, or in any order, without restriction. As an example, steps S222 and S223 can be executed simultaneously, and steps S222 and S223 can be executed in any order, without any restriction. As an example, steps S223 and S225 can be executed simultaneously, and steps S223 and S225 can be executed in any order, without any restriction.

[0268] It should be noted that the execution order of steps S225 and S226 in this embodiment is not limited. As an example, steps S225 and S226 can be executed simultaneously, and steps S225 and S226 can be executed in any order, without any restriction.

[0269] 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:

[0270] S31, determine the first PPDU, the first PPDU includes the first TXOP shared with the second AP.

[0271] In some embodiments, the above method further includes at least one of the following:

[0272] The basic service set color (BBS Color) of the first PPDU is the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located.

[0273] The first TXOP is part or all of the TXOPs held by the first AP.

[0274] In some embodiments, the first PPDU includes a first radio frame, the first radio frame including at least one of the following:

[0275] The first identifier field is used to indicate the first duration of the first TXOP;

[0276] The second identification field is used to indicate the second duration, which is the transmission duration from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second radio frame. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first radio frame.

[0277] The second duration is greater than or equal to the response timeout duration of the first radio frame, and less than or equal to the first duration.

[0278] In some embodiments, other relevant descriptions of the first PPDU and the first radio frame can be found in the implementation shown in step S211 of FIG2a, and will not be repeated here.

[0279] S32, send the first PPDU.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first AP may broadcast the first PPDU so that the second AP, the associated STA of the second AP, and the associated STA of the first AP can receive the first PPDU.

[0281] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0282] If the second radio frame is not received within the response timeout period of the first radio frame, the first AP performs data transmission within the second TXOP and no longer shares the TXOP with the second AP within the second TXOP. The second TXOP is the remaining TXOP after the response timeout period of the first radio frame. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU.

[0283] In response to receiving a second radio frame within the response timeout period of the first radio frame, the first AP enters a power-saving mode and / or a low-power listening mode within a third duration indicated by the second radio frame, where the third duration is the communication duration occupied by the second AP within the first TXOP.

[0284] In some embodiments, the second radio frame includes a third identification field, which is used to indicate a third duration;

[0285] Wherein, the third duration is less than or equal to the fourth duration, and the fourth duration is determined by at least one of the following:

[0286] First duration;

[0287] Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime;

[0288] The duration required for the physical PHY layer to transmit packets to the media access control (MAC) layer is aRxPHYStartDelay;

[0289] The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime;

[0290] The transmission duration of the second wireless frame.

[0291] In some embodiments, the fourth duration is the difference between the first duration and the fifth duration, and the fifth duration is the sum of at least one of the following: a short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, aRxPHYStartDelay, a time slot duration aSlotTime, and the transmission duration of the second radio frame.

[0292] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0293] In response to receiving a second wireless frame and the third duration being less than the first duration, a third TXOP is acquired and data is transmitted within the third TXOP. The third TXOP is the remaining TXOP returned by the second AP after completing the data transmission.

[0294] 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.

[0295] 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.

[0296] 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:

[0297] S41, Receive the first PPDU, the first PPDU includes the first TXOP to be shared with the second AP.

[0298] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0299] The BBS Color of the first PPDU is the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located;

[0300] The first TXOP is part or all of the TXOPs held by the first AP.

[0301] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0302] After receiving the first PPDU, the Basic NAV is not updated.

[0303] In some embodiments, the first PPDU includes a first radio frame, the first radio frame including at least one of the following:

[0304] The first identifier field is used to indicate the first duration of the first TXOP;

[0305] The second identification field is used to indicate the second duration, which is the transmission duration from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second radio frame. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first radio frame.

[0306] The second duration is greater than or equal to the response timeout duration of the first radio frame, and less than or equal to the first duration.

[0307] In some embodiments, the method includes:

[0308] In response to the second AP acknowledging that the channel is busy, the second AP does not respond to the first radio frame;

[0309] In response to the second AP acknowledging that the channel is idle, the second AP sends a second radio frame after a short inter-frame interval of aSIFSTime. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU and is also used to indicate a third duration, which is the communication duration occupied by the second AP in the first TXOP.

[0310] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0311] Data transmission takes place during the third time period after the second radio frame is sent.

[0312] After sending the second radio frame, a TXOP is shared with the associated STA, which then uses the shared TXOP to transmit data.

[0313] In some embodiments, the second radio frame includes a third identification field, which is used to indicate a third duration;

[0314] Wherein, the third duration is less than or equal to the fourth duration, and the fourth duration is determined by at least one of the following:

[0315] First duration;

[0316] Short frame interval duration aSIFSTime;

[0317] The duration required for the physical PHY layer to transmit packets to the media access control (MAC) layer is aRxPHYStartDelay;

[0318] The duration of a time slot is aSlotTime;

[0319] The transmission duration of the second wireless frame.

[0320] In some embodiments, the fourth duration is the difference between the first duration and the fifth duration, and the fifth duration is the sum of at least one of the following: a short inter-frame interval duration aSIFSTime, aRxPHYStartDelay, a time slot duration aSlotTime, and the transmission duration of the second radio frame.

[0321] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0322] In response to the remaining third TXOP after the data transmission is completed, the third TXOP is returned to the first AP.

[0323] 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.

[0324] 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:

[0325] S51, Receive the first PPDU, the first PPDU includes the first TXOP to be shared with the second AP.

[0326] In some embodiments, the method includes:

[0327] In response to the STA being associated with the first AP and supporting the first function, the STA enters power-saving mode for a first period of time;

[0328] In response to the STA being associated with the first AP and not supporting the first function, the STA will not enter power saving mode for the first duration;

[0329] In response to the STA being associated with the second AP, the STA does not update the Basic NAV.

[0330] In some embodiments, for a first AP's associated STA, after receiving the first PPDU, the STA can determine whether the first PPDU comes from within the BSS where the STA is located.

[0331] If it is determined that the first PPDU originates from within the BSS where the STA is located, and the STA supports the first function, the STA can enter power-saving mode within the first duration of the first TXOP, so as to reduce device power consumption while avoiding interference with the data transmission of the second AP.

[0332] If it is determined that the first PPDU comes from the BSS where the STA is located, and the STA does not support the first function, the STA may not enter power saving mode.

[0333] When the associated STA of the first AP receives the first PPDU, it can determine the BSS Color of the first PPDU. When the BSS Color of the first PPDU is consistent with the BSS Color of the BSS it belongs to, it is determined that the first PPDU comes from the BSS it belongs to.

[0334] The first function mentioned above is to enter power-saving mode after receiving the BSS internal (intra) PPDU. STAs that support the first function are also STAs that support Intra-PPDU PS mode (dot11IntraPPDUPowerSaveOptionActivated equal to true).

[0335] In some embodiments, the first PPDU includes a first radio frame, the first radio frame including at least one of the following:

[0336] The first identifier field is used to indicate the first duration of the first TXOP;

[0337] The second identification field is used to indicate the second duration, which is the transmission duration from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second radio frame. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU.

[0338] The second duration is greater than or equal to the response timeout duration of the first radio frame, and less than or equal to the first duration.

[0339] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0340] In response to acquiring the TXOP shared by the second AP, data transmission is performed within the TXOP shared by the second AP.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first radio frame includes a multi-user request to send a trigger MU-RTS Trigger frame.

[0342] The communication method provided in this disclosure will be further explained below with examples:

[0343] Step 1: The first AP sends a first PPDU to the second AP. The first PPDU contains a first radio frame. The first radio frame indicates the portion of the remaining first TXOP that the first AP is sharing with the second AP.

[0344] Among them, the BSS_COLOR of the first PPDU is set to the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located.

[0345] The first wireless frame includes a second duration and a first duration.

[0346] The CTS frame is used to respond to the first radio frame (or the first PPDU).

[0347] The first duration is the duration of the portion of TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP.

[0348] Optionally, the first radio frame may be a MU-RTS TXS trigger frame.

[0349] Optionally, the second duration can be the duration set in the Duration field of the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame; the first duration can be the duration set in the Allocation Duration field of the UHR variant User Info field in the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame.

[0350] The second duration is not less than the duration of the second AP's response to the first wireless frame, i.e., the CTSTimeout duration; and the second duration is not greater than the first duration.

[0351] Step 2: After receiving the first PPDU, the second AP and its associated non-AP STA perform the following operations:

[0352] Step 2.1: The second AP determines that the channel is busy and does not respond to the first radio frame.

[0353] Step 2.2: The second AP determines that the channel is idle, and sends a CTS frame to the first AP after an interval of one aSIFStime. The Duration field of the CTS frame is set to a third duration, which is no greater than the first duration - aSIFS - aSlot - RxPHYStarDely - CTS frame transmission duration.

[0354] Step 2.3: After the second AP and its associated non-AP STA receive the first radio frame, they do not set / update their Basic NAV.

[0355] Step 3: After the first AP sends the first PPDU, the first AP and its associated non-AP STA perform the corresponding operations:

[0356] Step 3.1, in the case of step 2.1, after the CTSTimeout period expires, the first AP continues to hold the remaining TXOP and no longer shares the TXOP with the second AP within the TXOP.

[0357] Step 3.2: In the case of step 2.2, after the first AP receives the CTS frame, the first AP enters power saving mode and low power listen mode within the third time period.

[0358] Step 3.3: After receiving the first PPDU, the first type of non-AP STA associated with the first AP enters the Intra-PPDU PS mode until the end of the first duration. The first type of non-AP STA is a STA that supports the Intra-PPDU PS mode (dot11IntraPPDUPowerSaveOptionActivated equal to true), and the BSS Color Disabled field in the latest HE Operation element received from the first AP is set to 0, indicating that the first AP enables BSS Color.

[0359] Step 3.4: The second type of non-AP STA associated with the first AP does not enter the Intra-PPDU PS mode after receiving the first PPDU; the second type of non-AP STA is the non-AP STA associated with the first AP and does not include the first type of non-AP STA.

[0360] Step 4: After the second AP sends the CTS frame, it performs data transmission within its BSS within the time specified in the third duration.

[0361] Step 5: After the third duration indication time is reached, the first AP resumes holding the remaining TXOP.

[0362] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AP proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, the AP 610 includes a processing module 611 and a transceiver module 612.

[0363] In some embodiments, the processing module 611 is configured to determine a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared with a second AP, the first PPDU being configured to instruct a STA associated with the first AP and supporting a first function to enter a power-saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct a STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, the first function being to enter a power-saving mode after receiving an internal PPDU from the BSS.

[0364] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 612 is used to transmit the first PPDU.

[0365] Optionally, the processing module 611 is used to execute at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step 225, 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 612 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., step S211, step S215, step S221, step S225, 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.

[0366] Figure 6b is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the AP proposed in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6b, the AP 620 includes a transceiver module 621.

[0367] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 621 is configured to receive a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP, the first PPDU being configured to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting a first function to enter a power-saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, the first function being to enter a power-saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

[0368] Optionally, the transceiver module 621 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., steps S214, S224, S226, S228, S41, but not limited thereto) executed by the second AP in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. AP 620 also includes a processing module 622, used to execute at least one of the processing steps (e.g., steps S212, S222, but not limited thereto) executed by the second AP in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0369] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the STA proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the STA 730 includes a transceiver module 731.

[0370] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 731 is configured to receive a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP, the first PPDU being configured to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter a power-saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, the first function being to enter a power-saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

[0371] Optionally, the transceiver module 731 is used to execute at least one of the transceiver steps (e.g., step S227, step S51, but not limited thereto) performed by the STA in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. The STA 730 also includes a processing module 732, used to execute at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S212, step S213, step S222, step S223, but not limited thereto) performed by the STA in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0372] 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.

[0373] 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).

[0374] 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.

[0375] 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.

[0376] 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.

[0377] 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, S214, S215, S221, S224, S226, S227, S228, S32, S41, S51, but not limited thereto), and the processor 801 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S212, S213, S222, S223, S31, but not limited thereto).

[0378] 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.

[0379] 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.

[0380] 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.

[0381] 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.

[0382] 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.

[0383] 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, S214, S215, S221, S224, S226, S227, S228, S32, S41, S51, but not limited thereto), and the processor 901 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S212, S213, S222, S223, S31, but not limited thereto).

[0384] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0385] 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.

[0386] 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.

[0387] 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.

[0388] 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 physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). The first PPDU includes a first TXOP shared with the second AP. The first PPDU is used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter a power-saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic Network Allocation Vector (Basic NAV). The first function is to enter a power-saving mode after receiving the PPDU inside the Basic Service Set (BSS). The first AP sends the first PPDU.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: The basic service set color (BBS Color) of the first PPDU is the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located; The first TXOP is part or all of the TXOPs held by the first AP.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first PPDU includes a first radio frame, the first radio frame including at least one of the following: A first identifier field, wherein the first identifier field is used to indicate the first duration of the first TXOP; The second identification field is used to indicate the second duration, which is the transmission duration from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second radio frame. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU. Wherein, the second duration is greater than or equal to the response timeout duration of the first wireless frame, and less than or equal to the first duration.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to not receiving a second radio frame within the response timeout period of the first radio frame, the first AP performs data transmission within the second TXOP and no longer shares the TXOP with the second AP within the second TXOP; wherein, the second TXOP is the remaining TXOP of the first TXOP after the response timeout period of the first radio frame, and the second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU. In response to receiving the second wireless frame within the response timeout period of the first wireless frame, the first AP enters a power-saving mode and / or a low-power listening mode within a third duration indicated by the second wireless frame; wherein the third duration is the communication duration occupied by the second AP within the first TXOP.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second wireless frame includes a third identification field, which is used to indicate the third duration; Wherein, the third duration is less than or equal to the fourth duration, and the fourth duration is determined by at least one of the following: The first duration; 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 transmission duration of the second wireless frame.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fourth duration is the difference between the first duration and the fifth duration, wherein the fifth duration is the sum of at least one of the following: aSIFSTime, aRxPHYStartDelay, aSlotTime, and the transmission duration of the second radio frame.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to receiving the second wireless frame and the third duration being less than the first duration, a third TXOP is acquired and data transmission is performed within the third TXOP, wherein the third TXOP is the remaining TXOP returned by the second AP after completing data transmission.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second AP receives a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP, the first PPDU being used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting a first function to enter a power-saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, the first function being to enter a power-saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: The BBS Color of the first PPDU is the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located; The first TXOP is part or all of the TXOPs held by the first AP.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: After receiving the first PPDU, the Basic NAV is not updated.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first PPDU includes a first radio frame, the first radio frame including at least one of the following: A first identifier field, wherein the first identifier field is used to indicate the first duration of the first TXOP; The second identification field is used to indicate the second duration, which is the transmission duration from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second radio frame. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU. Wherein, the second duration is greater than or equal to the response timeout duration of the first wireless frame, and less than or equal to the first duration.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The method includes: In response to the second AP acknowledging that the channel is busy, the second AP does not respond to the first radio frame; In response to the second AP acknowledging that the channel is idle, the second AP sends a second radio frame after a short inter-frame interval of aSIFSTime. The second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU and is also used to indicate a third duration, which is the communication duration occupied by the second AP in the first TXOP.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: Data transmission occurs during the third time period after the second wireless frame is sent. After sending the second radio frame, a TXOP is shared with the associated STA for the associated STA to perform data transmission within the shared TXOP.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second wireless frame includes a third identification field, which is used to indicate the third duration; Wherein, the third duration is less than or equal to the fourth duration, and the fourth duration is determined by at least one of the following: The first duration; 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 transmission duration of the second wireless frame.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The fourth duration is the difference between the first duration and the fifth duration, wherein the fifth duration is the sum of at least one of the following: aSIFSTime, aRxPHYStartDelay, aSlotTime, and the transmission duration of the second radio frame.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to the remaining third TXOP after the data transmission is completed, the third TXOP is returned to the first AP.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The STA receives a first PPDU, which includes a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP. The first PPDU is used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter power saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV. The first function is to enter power saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method includes: In response to the STA being associated with the first AP and supporting the first function, the STA enters a power-saving mode within the first duration; In response to the fact that the STA is associated with the first AP and does not support the first function, the STA does not enter power saving mode during the first duration; In response to the STA being associated with the second AP, the STA does not update the Basic NAV.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: The BBS Color of the first PPDU is the BSS Color of the BSS where the first AP is located; The first TXOP is part or all of the TXOPs held by the first AP.

20. The method according to claim 17 or 19, characterized in that, The first PPDU includes a first radio frame, the first radio frame including at least one of the following: A first identifier field, wherein the first identifier field is used to indicate the first duration of the first TXOP; The second identification field is used to indicate the second duration, which is the transmission duration from sending the first PPDU to receiving the expected second radio frame, wherein the second radio frame is used to respond to the first PPDU. Wherein, the second duration is greater than or equal to the response timeout duration of the first wireless frame, and less than or equal to the first duration.

21. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to obtaining the TXOP shared by the second AP, data transmission is performed within the TXOP shared by the second AP.

22. An AP, characterized in that, include: The processing module is used to determine a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared with the second AP, the first PPDU being used to instruct a STA associated with the first AP and supporting a first function to enter a power-saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct a STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, the first function being to enter a power-saving mode after receiving an internal PPDU from the BSS. The transceiver module is used to send the first PPDU.

23. An AP, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to receive a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP, the first PPDU being used to indicate the first time a STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function is in the first TXOP. The first function is to enter power-saving mode after receiving an internal PPDU from the BSS, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV.

24. A STA, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared by the first AP to the second AP, the first PPDU being used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting the first function to enter power saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, the first function being to enter power saving mode after receiving the internal PPDU of the BSS.

25. 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 1-7, or the communication method according to any one of claims 8-16, or the communication method according to any one of claims 17-21.

26. 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 1-7, or the communication method according to any one of claims 8-16, or the communication method according to any one of claims 17-21.

27. A communication system comprising a first AP, a second AP, and a STA; wherein, The first AP determines and sends a first PPDU, the first PPDU including a first TXOP shared with the second AP, the first PPDU being used to instruct the STA associated with the first AP and supporting a first function to enter a power-saving mode within a first duration of the first TXOP, and / or to instruct the STA associated with the second AP not to update the Basic NAV, the first function being to enter a power-saving mode after receiving a PPDU within the Basic Service Set (BSS); the second AP and the STA receive the first PPDU.

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