A channel access method and apparatus

Abstract

This application discloses a channel access method and apparatus. The method includes: a first device determining a first frame, the first frame including first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct a first AP among at least one access point (AP) to compete for access to a first service in a first time slot, the first service including a service accessing the channel via a Priority Frame Interval (PIFS); the first device sending the first frame to the first AP. By employing this application embodiment, competition and conflicts with other APs during channel access are avoided, thereby improving the service quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a channel access method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless local area networks (WLANs) are distributed communication technologies that use carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) for wireless transmission. All WLAN devices in the network can actively initiate the channel access process. Currently, many latency-sensitive services exist at different access points (APs) in WLAN networks. For example, the IEEE 802.11 research group has defined various low-latency scenarios such as real-time online gaming, real-time video, industrial wireless, and drone control. The latency requirements for these services range from 1ms to 100ms. For these high-priority latency-sensitive services, competition and collisions occur during channel access, affecting the quality of service (QoS). Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a channel access method and apparatus that can avoid competition and conflict among multiple APs during the channel access process, thereby improving the service quality of services.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a channel access method, comprising: a first device determining a first frame, the first frame including first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct a first AP among at least one access point (AP) to compete for access to a first service in a first time slot, the first service including a service accessing the channel via a Priority Frame Interval (PIFS); and sending the first frame to the first AP. By allocating different time slots to multiple APs, each AP can obtain a priority access opportunity to the channel in its corresponding time slot, thereby avoiding competition and conflict among multiple APs during channel access, and thus improving the service quality of the service.

[0005] In one possible design, the first indication information includes: the time slot period of the first time slot, the duration of the first time slot, and the start time of the first time slot. By indicating the time slot period, the duration, and the start time of the first time slot, the first AP can accurately compete for access within the first time slot.

[0006] In another possible design, the first indication information may also include one or more of the following: the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration of the boundary protection interval, and a second time slot, where the second time slot is a reserved time window. This ensures that the first AP accurately knows the time slot allocation and guarantees that the first AP can accurately compete for access within the first time slot.

[0007] In another possible design, the first device selects one AP from the at least one AP as the primary AP; using the timestamp of the primary AP as the first reference time, the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the first reference time is used as the start time of the first time slot. By using the timestamp of the primary AP as the reference time to allocate the first time slot to the first AP, time synchronization between the first AP and the primary AP is ensured, thereby improving the accuracy of initiating contention for access at the start time of the first time slot.

[0008] In another possible design, the first indication information also includes the first reference time. By indicating the first reference time to the first AP, time synchronization between the first AP and the master AP is ensured.

[0009] In another possible design, the first device uses its local clock as a second reference time and takes the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the second reference time as the start time of the first time slot. By using the local clock of the first device as a reference time to allocate the first time slot to the first AP, time synchronization between the first AP and the first device is ensured, thereby improving the accuracy of initiating contention for access at the start time of the first time slot.

[0010] In another possible design, the first device sends a second frame to the first AP, which instructs the first AP to prohibit contention for access via PIFS. By prohibiting the first AP from contention for access via PIFS at the end of the first time slot, competition and conflicts between the first AP and other APs are avoided, thus improving the quality of service.

[0011] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a channel access method, comprising: a first AP among at least one access point (AP) receiving a first frame from a first device, the first frame including first indication information; and, according to the first indication information, performing contention-based access to a first service within a first time slot, the first service including a service accessing the channel via a Priority Frame Interval (PIFS). By allocating different time slots to multiple APs, each AP can obtain a priority access opportunity to the channel within its corresponding time slot, thereby avoiding contention and conflict among multiple APs during channel access and improving the service quality.

[0012] In one possible design, the first indication information includes: the time slot period of the first time slot, the duration of the first time slot, and the start time of the first time slot. By indicating the time slot period, the duration, and the start time of the first time slot, the first AP can accurately compete for access within the first time slot.

[0013] In another possible design, the first indication information may also include one or more of the following: the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration of the boundary protection interval, and a second time slot, where the second time slot is a reserved time window. This ensures that the first AP accurately knows the time slot allocation and guarantees that the first AP can accurately compete for access within the first time slot.

[0014] In another possible design, the start time of the first time slot is the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to a first reference time, where the first reference time is the timestamp of the primary AP, which is an AP selected from the at least one AP. By using the timestamp of the primary AP as a reference time to allocate the first time slot to the first AP, time synchronization between the first AP and the primary AP is ensured, thereby improving the accuracy of initiating contention for access at the start time of the first time slot.

[0015] In another possible design, the first indication information also includes the first reference time. By indicating the first reference time to the first AP, time synchronization between the first AP and the master AP is ensured.

[0016] In another possible design, the start time of the first time slot is the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to a second reference time, where the second reference time is the local clock of the first device. By using the local clock of the first device as the reference time to allocate the first time slot to the first AP, time synchronization between the first AP and the first device is ensured, thereby improving the accuracy of initiating contention for access at the start time of the first time slot.

[0017] In another possible design, the first AP receives a second frame from the first device, which instructs the first AP to prohibit contention for access via PIFS. By prohibiting the first AP from contention for access via PIFS at the end of the first time slot, competition and conflicts between the first AP and other APs are avoided, thus improving the quality of service.

[0018] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a channel access method, including: an access point (AP) generating a first trigger frame, the first trigger frame including a first field, the first field being used to instruct a terminal device (STA) to report whether a first service exists; the AP sending the first trigger frame to the STA; the first service being latency-sensitive traffic. The trigger frame queries the terminal devices to determine if an uplink first service exists. By querying multiple terminal devices simultaneously to determine if an uplink first service exists, the transmission efficiency of the service can be improved when there are a large number of intermittent first services in the network.

[0019] In one possible design, the first service includes a service that accesses the channel via Priority Frame Interval (PIFS).

[0020] In another possible design, the AP accesses the channel via PIFS in the first time slot.

[0021] In another possible design, the first field is a feedback type field.

[0022] In another possible design, the first trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes the first field.

[0023] In another possible design, the first field is a high-efficiency / ultra-high-throughput main 160HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field.

[0024] In another possible design, the first field is B54 to B63 of the public information field, and one bit of B54 to B63 is used to indicate whether the first service exists.

[0025] In another possible design, the AP sends a second trigger frame to the STA, which indicates the buffer size for reporting the first service. This trigger frame precisely requests the terminal device to report the buffer status of the first service.

[0026] In another possible design, the second trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes a second field indicating the cache size of the first service being reported.

[0027] In another possible design, the second field is a high-efficiency / ultra-high-throughput main 160HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field.

[0028] In another possible design, the second field is B54 to B63 of the public information field, where one bit of B54 to B63 is used to indicate the cache size for reporting the first service.

[0029] In another possible design, the second trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. The trigger-related user information field includes N bits, which correspond to the N service types. The i-th bit of the N bits is used to indicate whether to report the cache size of the first service of the i-th service type among the N service types. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0030] In another possible design, the AP sends a third trigger frame to the STA, which instructs the terminal device to send the first service. By accurately triggering the terminal device to send the first service, the mixing of the first service with other services is avoided, thus improving service transmission efficiency.

[0031] In another possible design, the third trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. The trigger-related user information field includes M bits, which correspond to M service types. The j-th bit of the M bits is used to indicate whether the terminal device is triggered to send the first service of the j-th service type among the M service types. M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and j is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

[0032] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a channel access method, including: a terminal device (STA) receiving a first trigger frame from an access point (AP), the first trigger frame including a first field; and, based on the first field, reporting to the STA whether a first service exists, wherein the first service is latency-sensitive traffic. The AP queries the terminal devices via the trigger frame whether an uplink first service exists. By querying multiple terminal devices simultaneously to determine whether an uplink first service exists, the transmission efficiency of the service can be improved when there are a large number of intermittent first services in the network.

[0033] In another possible design, the first service includes a service that accesses the channel via Priority Frame Interval (PIFS).

[0034] In another possible design, the first field is a feedback type field.

[0035] In another possible design, the first trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes the first field.

[0036] In another possible design, the first field is a high-efficiency / ultra-high-throughput main 160HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field.

[0037] In another possible design, the first field is B54 to B63 of the public information field, and one bit of B54 to B63 is used to indicate whether the first service exists.

[0038] In another possible design, the STA receives a second trigger frame from the AP, which indicates the buffer size for reporting the first service. This trigger frame precisely requests the terminal device to report the buffer status of the first service.

[0039] In another possible design, the second trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes a second field indicating the cache size of the first service being reported.

[0040] In another possible design, the second field is a high-efficiency / ultra-high-throughput main 160HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field.

[0041] In another possible design, the second field is B54 to B63 of the public information field, where one bit of B54 to B63 is used to indicate the cache size for reporting the first service.

[0042] In another possible design, the second trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. The trigger-related user information field includes N bits, which correspond to N service types of the first service. The i-th bit of the N bits is used to indicate whether to report the cache size of the first service of the i-th service type among the N service types. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0043] In another possible design, the STA receives a third trigger frame from the AP, which instructs the terminal device to send the first service. By accurately triggering the terminal device to send the first service, the mixing of the first service with other services is avoided, thus improving service transmission efficiency.

[0044] In another possible design, the third trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. The trigger-related user information field includes M bits, which correspond to the M service types of the first service. The j-th bit of the M bits is used to indicate whether the terminal device is triggered to send the first service of the j-th service type among the M service types. M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and j is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

[0045] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a channel access apparatus, comprising: a processing module, configured to determine a first frame, the first frame including first indication information, the first indication information being configured to instruct a first AP among at least one access point (AP) to compete for access to a first service in a first time slot, the first service including a service that accesses the channel through a priority frame interval (PIFS); and a sending module, configured to send the first frame to the first AP.

[0046] In another possible design, the first indication information includes: the time slot period of the first time slot, the duration of the first time slot, and the start time of the first time slot.

[0047] In another possible design, the first indication information may also include one or more of the following: the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration of the boundary protection interval, and the second time slot, where the second time slot is a reserved time window.

[0048] In another possible design, the processing module is further configured to select one AP from the at least one AP as the master AP; using the timestamp of the master AP as the first reference time, and using the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the first reference time as the start time of the first time slot.

[0049] In another possible design, the first indication information may also include the first reference time.

[0050] In another possible design, the processing module is further configured to use the local clock of the first device as a second reference time and the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the second reference time as the start time of the first time slot.

[0051] In another possible design, the sending module is also used to send a second frame to the first AP, the second frame being used to instruct the first AP to prohibit contention for access via PIFS.

[0052] The operation and beneficial effects performed by the channel access device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0053] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a channel access apparatus, comprising: a receiving module, configured to receive a first frame from a first device, the first frame including first indication information; and a processing module, configured to perform contention access for a first service in a first time slot according to the first indication information, the first service including a service that accesses the channel through a Priority Frame Interval (PIFS).

[0054] In another possible design, the first indication information includes: the time slot period of the first time slot, the duration of the first time slot, and the start time of the first time slot.

[0055] In another possible design, the first indication information may also include one or more of the following: the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration of the boundary protection interval, and the second time slot, where the second time slot is a reserved time window.

[0056] In another possible design, the start time of the first time slot is the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the first reference time, where the first reference time is the timestamp of the master AP, and the master AP is an AP selected from a plurality of APs.

[0057] In another possible design, the first indication information may also include the first reference time.

[0058] In another possible design, the start time of the first time slot is the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the second reference time, where the second reference time is the local clock of the first device.

[0059] In another possible design, the receiving module is also configured to receive a second frame from the first device, the second frame being used to instruct the first AP to prohibit contention for access via PIFS.

[0060] The operation and beneficial effects performed by the channel access device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0061] Seventhly, embodiments of this application provide a channel access device, including:

[0062] The processing module is used to generate a first trigger frame, the first trigger frame including a first field, the first field being used to indicate whether a first service exists on the terminal device STA, the first service being a latency-sensitive service; the sending module is used to send the first trigger frame to the STA.

[0063] In one possible design, the first service includes a service that accesses the channel via Priority Frame Interval (PIFS).

[0064] In another possible design, the first field is a feedback type field.

[0065] In another possible design, the first trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes the first field.

[0066] In another possible design, the first field is a high-efficiency / ultra-high-throughput main 160HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field.

[0067] In another possible design, the first field is B54 to B63 of the public information field, and one bit of B54 to B63 is used to indicate whether the first service exists.

[0068] In another possible design, the sending module is also used to send a second trigger frame to the STA, the second trigger frame being used to indicate the buffer size for reporting the first service.

[0069] In another possible design, the second trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes a second field indicating the cache size of the first service being reported.

[0070] In another possible design, the second field is a high-efficiency / ultra-high-throughput main 160HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field.

[0071] In another possible design, the second field is B54 to B63 of the public information field, where one bit of B54 to B63 is used to indicate the cache size for reporting the first service.

[0072] In another possible design, the second trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. The trigger-related user information field includes N bits, which correspond to N service types of the first service. The i-th bit of the N bits is used to indicate whether to report the cache size of the first service of the i-th service type among the N service types. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0073] In another possible design, the sending module is also used to send a third trigger frame to the STA, the third trigger frame being used to instruct the terminal device to send the first service.

[0074] In another possible design, the third trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. The trigger-related user information field includes M bits, which correspond to the M service types of the first service. The j-th bit of the M bits is used to indicate whether the terminal device is triggered to send the first service of the j-th service type among the M service types. M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and j is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

[0075] The operation and beneficial effects performed by the channel access device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the third aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0076] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a channel access device, comprising: a receiving module, configured to receive a first trigger frame from an access point (AP), the first trigger frame including a first field; and a sending module, configured to report to the STA whether a first service exists based on the first field, the first service being a latency-sensitive service.

[0077] In one possible design, the first service includes a service that accesses the channel via Priority Frame Interval (PIFS).

[0078] In another possible design, the first field is a feedback type field.

[0079] In another possible design, the first trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes the first field.

[0080] In another possible design, the first field is a high-efficiency / ultra-high-throughput main 160HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field.

[0081] In another possible design, the first field is B54 to B63 of the public information field, and one bit of B54 to B63 is used to indicate whether the first service exists.

[0082] In another possible design, the receiving module is also configured to receive a second trigger frame from the AP, the second trigger frame being used to indicate the buffer size for reporting the first service.

[0083] In another possible design, the second trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes a second field indicating the cache size of the first service being reported.

[0084] In another possible design, the second field is a high-efficiency / ultra-high-throughput main 160HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field.

[0085] In another possible design, the second field is B54 to B63 of the public information field, where one bit of B54 to B63 is used to indicate the cache size for reporting the first service.

[0086] In another possible design, the second trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. The trigger-related user information field includes N bits, which correspond to N service types of the first service. The i-th bit of the N bits is used to indicate whether to report the cache size of the first service of the i-th service type among the N service types. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0087] In another possible design, the receiving module is further configured to receive a third trigger frame from the AP, the third trigger frame being used to instruct the terminal device to send the first service.

[0088] In another possible design, the third trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. The trigger-related user information field includes M bits, which correspond to the M service types of the first service. The j-th bit of the M bits is used to indicate whether the terminal device is triggered to send the first service of the j-th service type among the M service types. M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and j is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

[0089] The operation and beneficial effects performed by the channel access device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the fourth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a channel access device configured to implement the methods and functions performed by the first device in the first aspect described above, implemented by hardware / software, the hardware / software including modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0091] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a channel access device configured to implement the methods and functions performed by the first AP in the second aspect described above, implemented by hardware / software, the hardware / software including modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0092] In the eleventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a channel access device configured to implement the methods and functions performed by the AP in the third aspect above, implemented by hardware / software, the hardware / software including modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0093] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a channel access device configured to implement the methods and functions performed by the terminal device in the fourth aspect above, implemented by hardware / software, the hardware / software including modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0094] In a thirteenth aspect, this application provides a channel access device, which may be a first device, a device within the first device, or a device compatible with the first device. The channel access device may also be a chip system. The channel access device can execute the method described in the first aspect above. The functions of the channel access device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. These modules can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the channel access device and its beneficial effects are described in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a channel access device, which may be a first access point (AP), a device within the first AP, or a device compatible with the first AP. The channel access device may also be a chip system. The channel access device can execute the method described in the second aspect above. The functions of the channel access device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions. These modules may be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the channel access device and its beneficial effects are described in the second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0096] In a fifteenth aspect, this application provides a channel access device, which can be an access point (AP), a device within an AP, or a device compatible with an AP. The channel access device can also be a chip system. The channel access device can perform the methods described in the third aspect above. The functions of the channel access device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions. These modules can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the channel access device and its beneficial effects are described in the third aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0097] In a sixteenth aspect, this application provides a channel access device, which may be a terminal device, a device within a terminal device, or a device compatible with a terminal device. The channel access device may also be a chip system. The channel access device can execute the method described in the fourth aspect above. The functions of the channel access device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. These modules can be software and / or hardware. The operations performed by the channel access device and its beneficial effects are described in the fourth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0098] In a seventeenth aspect, this application provides a channel access device, the channel access device including a processor, wherein when the processor calls a computer program in memory, the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects is executed.

[0099] In an eighteenth aspect, this application provides a channel access device, the channel access device including a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program; the processor being used to execute the computer program stored in the memory to cause the channel access device to perform the method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0100] In a nineteenth aspect, this application provides a channel access device, the channel access device comprising a processor, a memory, and a transceiver, the transceiver being used to receive or transmit signals; the memory being used to store a computer program; and the processor being used to invoke the computer program from the memory to execute the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0101] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a channel access device, the channel access device including a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being configured to receive a computer program and transmit it to the processor; the processor running the computer program to perform the method as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0102] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when executed, causes the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects to be implemented.

[0103] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when executed, causes the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects to be implemented.

[0104] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system comprising at least one first device, at least one access point (AP), and at least one terminal device. The first device is configured to perform the steps in the first aspect described above, the AP is configured to perform the steps in the second and third aspects described above, and the terminal device is configured to perform the steps in the fourth aspect described above.

[0105] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip or chip system including a processor for supporting a first device, an AP, or a terminal device to implement the functions involved in any of the embodiments of the first to fourth aspects described above. Attached Figure Description

[0106] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0107] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0108] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the backoff window and the number of retransmissions in a WLAN device.

[0109] Figure 3 It is a probability distribution diagram of channel access delay;

[0110] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a P2P communication method based on channel silence protection;

[0111] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an HCCA channel access method;

[0112] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a channel access method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of time slot allocation;

[0114] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of channel access via CAPWAP control frames;

[0115] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating channel access via PIFS provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0116] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an AP using multiple TXOPs for transmission within a time slot;

[0117] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating channel access and channel contention in a WLAN device.

[0118] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a channel access method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0119] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the allocation of time slots for each AP within a time slot cycle;

[0120] Figure 14 This is another schematic diagram of the allocation of time slots for each AP within a time slot cycle;

[0121] Figures 15(A) and 15(B) are another schematic diagram of the allocation of time slots for each AP within a time slot cycle;

[0122] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the time slot allocation for each AP within a beacon frame period;

[0123] Figure 17 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the allocation of time slots for each AP within a beacon frame period;

[0124] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a channel access method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0125] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the allocation of time slots for each AP within a time slot cycle;

[0126] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the time slot allocation for each AP within a beacon frame period;

[0127] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating a channel access method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0128] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of a user information list field in an NFRP Trigger frame;

[0129] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the frame format of an NDP Feedback frame;

[0130] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of a common information field in an NFRP Trigger frame;

[0131] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating a user information field in a BSRP Trigger;

[0132] Figure 26 This is a diagram illustrating a special user information field in a BSRP Trigger;

[0133] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a channel access device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0134] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of another channel access device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0135] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of another channel access device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0136] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0137] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AP provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0138] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0139] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0140] In this application, the first device can be a device located on the network side of the aforementioned communication system and possessing wireless transceiver functionality, or a chip or chip system that can be installed on the device, providing wireless communication functionality to other devices in the communication system. The first device can be a control device, such as a cooperative control node or an access controller (AC). The first device can also be a primary access point (AP), which is an AP selected from multiple APs. The first device includes, but is not limited to: access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, such as home gateways, routers, servers, switches, bridges, etc.; evolved Node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), Node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved Node Bs, or home Node Bs (HNBs)); baseband units (BBUs); wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, transmission and reception points (TRPs) or transmission points (TPs); and can also be 5G, such as gNBs in new radio (NR) systems, or transmission points (TRPs or TPs); one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system; or can also be network nodes constituting gNBs or transmission points, such as baseband units (BBUs) or distributed units (DMUs). Units such as DU (Dedicated Unit) and roadside units (RSU) with base station functions.

[0141] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes an access controller (AC), one or more access points (APs), and one or more stations (STAs), with one AP corresponding to one or more STAs. Figure 1An example is provided showing communication between an AC and five APs (AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4, and AP5), and communication between one AP and one STA (AP1 and STA1, AP2 and STA2, AP2 and STA2, AP2 and STA2). In a WLAN network, multiple APs operating on the same frequency can exist, and all APs can be connected to the AC via a wired network.

[0142] In this context, the AC (Access Controller) can be a collaborative control node. The AP (Access Point) serves as the access point for mobile users to access a wired network, primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. It can also be deployed outdoors. An AP acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, an AP can be a terminal device with a WiFi chip or a primary AP. APs can be devices supporting standards such as 802.11be or next-generation WiFi standards. APs can also be devices supporting various wireless local area networks (WLAN) standards, including 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0143] A STA can be a terminal device with low-latency uplink or downlink services. A STA can also be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal. Examples include mobile phones, tablets, set-top boxes, smart TVs, smart wearable devices, in-vehicle communication devices, and computers that support WiFi communication. Optionally, a STA can support standards such as 801.11be or next-generation WiFi standards. A STA can also support various WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0144] A STA can also be referred to as terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), user device, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, terminal unit, terminal station, terminal device, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. The STA can communicate with an access point (AP) MLD or other STA MLDs or single-link devices. For example, an STA can be any communication device capable of communicating with an access point (AP) and thus with a WLAN.

[0145] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the STA can be a mobile phone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a netbook, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a machine-type communication (MTC) terminal, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city (e.g., a smart water meter, a smart electricity meter, a smart air monitoring node, etc.), or a smart home. Wireless terminals in the home (such as game consoles, projectors, smart cameras, smart TVs, smart speakers, smart refrigerators, and fitness equipment), in-vehicle terminals, and RSUs with terminal functions. Access terminals can be cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handsets with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, wearable devices, etc.

[0146] For example, the STA in the embodiments of this application can be a delivery terminal in smart logistics (e.g., a device that can monitor the location of goods vehicles, a device that can monitor the temperature and humidity of goods, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart agriculture (e.g., a wearable device that can collect relevant data on poultry and livestock, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart buildings (e.g., smart elevators, fire monitoring equipment, and smart meters, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart healthcare (e.g., a wearable device that can monitor the physiological state of people or animals, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart transportation (e.g., smart buses, smart vehicles, shared bicycles, charging pile monitoring equipment, smart traffic lights, smart monitoring and smart parking equipment, etc.), a wireless terminal in smart retail (e.g., vending machines, self-checkout machines, unmanned convenience stores, self-service ordering machines, self-service navigation kiosks in supermarkets, etc.), and a wireless terminal in smart offices (e.g., printers, projectors, etc.). For example, the STA in this application may be an on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, or on-board unit that is built into a vehicle as one or more components or units. The vehicle can implement the methods provided in this application through the built-in on-board module, on-board component, on-board chip, or on-board unit.

[0147] It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other communication systems, and the corresponding names can be replaced by the names of the corresponding functions in other communication systems. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0148] All WLAN devices in the network can proactively initiate a channel access procedure. Before transmitting, they first listen to the channel status. When the channel is idle for longer than the distributed coordination function (DCF) inter-frame spacing (DIFS) time, they select a random backoff value within the backoff window. Each time the channel idle time (aSlotTime) elapses (typically 9 microseconds), the random backoff value is decremented by 1. When the random backoff value reaches 0, data transmission begins. When there are many users in the WLAN network, multiple users simultaneously initiating CSMA / CA-based channel access procedures may still result in collisions, i.e., two or more WLAN devices choosing to transmit data at the same time (e.g., selecting the same random number). After a collision, the WLAN devices exponentially increase the backoff window to reduce the probability of a collision during the next channel access attempt. Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2This diagram illustrates the relationship between the backoff window and the number of retransmissions for a WLAN device. In the first retransmission after a collision, the backoff window is [0, 567] µs; in the second retransmission after a collision, the backoff window is [0, 1143] µs, showing an exponential increase. It should be noted that the more users in the network, the higher the probability of collisions, the larger the average backoff window, and the longer the channel access time. Typically, in office or home environments, there are multiple WLAN networks operating on the same frequency, and these networks often compete with each other.

[0149] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a probability distribution map of channel access delay. When WLAN devices compete for the channel, channel access delay of data packets is generated. Due to the uncertainty of this delay, the channel access delay of data packets on the WLAN air interface exhibits a long-tail distribution. The access delay of most data packets is at or below the average delay, while the access delay of a small number of data packets is very large. For services with maximum delay constraints, these data packets cannot meet the service requirements, resulting in a degraded service performance.

[0150] IEEE 802.11 introduced contention queues for Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA). By reducing the range of the maximum and minimum contention window (CW), it increases the probability of high-priority services gaining access to the channel, thereby providing QoS guarantees for high-priority services. For example, the CW range for the highest priority voice queue is [7, 15], and the CW range for the second-highest priority video queue is [15, 31]. However, currently, many latency-sensitive services exist in different access points (APs) in WLAN networks. For example, the IEEE 802.11 research group has defined various low-latency scenarios such as real-time online games, real-time video, industrial wireless, and drone control, with latency requirements ranging from 1ms to 100ms. Competition and conflicts between these high-priority services still exist, and due to the reduced contention window, conflicts between high-priority services become more frequent.

[0151] The following are two methods for resolving business conflicts:

[0152] 802.11ax proposes a method to reduce peer-to-peer (P2P) or ad hoc communication conflicts. Since ordinary terminals cannot understand the scheduling information of P2P communication, interference may occur between two different systems. For example... Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of P2P communication based on quiet time period (QTP) protection. Terminals participating in both P2P and AP-STA communication can send a QTP request to the HE AP before initiating P2P communication. Upon receiving the QTP request, the AP sends a QTP setup frame to all other high-efficiency (HE) terminal devices. HE terminal devices receiving the QTP setup frame can then choose to back off for a period of time to avoid conflicts with P2P communication.

[0153] However, this mechanism does not force terminals to remain silent; it merely notifies the HE terminal devices that P2P service is occurring during the channel silence period. During this time, the HE terminal device can choose to back off or continue using the channel. Since active backoff increases its own channel access time, most terminals do not choose to back off. This mechanism requires temporary channel establishment each time P2P communication occurs, and the terminal device can only send a QTP request after winning the channel through CSMA contention. Therefore, when network quality is poor, latency is still not guaranteed.

[0154] The 802.11 standard defines the Hybrid Coordination Function (HCF) channel access function, which includes two channel access mechanisms: Hybrid Controlled Channel Access (HCCA) and Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA). EDCA is a contention-based mechanism for using the channel during a contention period. HCCA is a scheduling-based, contention-free access mechanism. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an HCCA channel access method. It achieves coexistence of two access mechanisms by dividing the target beacon transmission time (TBTT) into a contention-free period and a contention period. Using the beacon frame sent by the AP as the reference time, a period following the beacon is designated as the contention-free period. During this period, all terminal devices do not participate in contention, and the AP polls using a contention-free polling method (CF-Poll).

[0155] Because all terminal devices do not compete for channel usage during the contention-free period, and only the AP schedules the uplink and downlink transmissions of terminal devices through HCCA scheduling, contention-free scheduling within a cell can be achieved. Low-latency services can be transmitted and received through scheduling, avoiding channel access latency jitter. However, the contention-free period of HCCA is relatively long, related to the Beacon period, and is usually on the order of 100ms. Therefore, it is not suitable for services with higher latency requirements.

[0156] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the embodiments of this application provide the following solutions.

[0157] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a channel access method provided in an embodiment of this application. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0158] S601, the first device determines a first frame, the first frame including first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first AP among at least one access point (AP) performs contention access for a first service in a first time slot, the first service including a service that accesses the channel through a priority interframe space (PIFS).

[0159] The first service can be a service with high latency requirements, ranging from 1ms to 100ms. Optionally, the first service can be called a low-latency service or a latency-sensitive service.

[0160] The first device can be a control device, such as a collaborative control node or an access controller (AC). Alternatively, the first device can be a primary access point (AP), which is selected from a pool of APs.

[0161] S602, the first device sends the first frame to the first AP.

[0162] Specifically, the first device can allocate multiple time slots for multiple APs within a single time slot period, with one time slot corresponding to one AP. The first time slot among the multiple time slots is the time slot allocated by the first device to the first AP. The first AP accesses the channel via PIFS within its corresponding time slot. If other APs among the multiple APs do not access the channel via PIFS within their respective time slots, the first AP can also access the channel via Enhanced Distributed Access (EDCA) within the time slots of other APs. The first AP can be any one of the multiple APs. These multiple time slots can be referred to as PIFS contention time slots.

[0163] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating time slot allocation. In a WLAN network, there are five APs operating on the same frequency (AP1, AP2, AP3, AP4, and AP5). The AC assigns different time slots to these five APs. AP1 corresponds to time slot 1, and AP1 has priority in competing for access within time slot 1; AP2 corresponds to time slot 2, and AP2 has priority in competing for access within time slot 2; AP3 corresponds to time slot 3, and AP3 has priority in competing for access within time slot 3; AP4 corresponds to time slot 4, and AP4 has priority in competing for access within time slot 4; AP5 corresponds to time slot 5, and AP5 has priority in competing for access within time slot 5.

[0164] Optionally, the first device can configure the start time of a first time slot for a first AP among a plurality of APs. The start time of the first time slot is the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to a first reference time, where the first reference time is the timestamp of the master AP, which is an AP selected from the at least one AP. Alternatively, the start time of the first time slot is the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to a second reference time, where the second reference time is the local clock of the first device.

[0165] Optionally, the first device can configure the duration and period of the first time slot for the first AP among multiple APs. For example, if the duration of the first time slot is configured to be 1ms, the first AP will obtain a channel access opportunity every 5ms (that is, the period of the first time slot is 5ms). If the duration of the first time slot is configured to be 2ms, the first AP will obtain a channel access opportunity every 10ms (that is, the period of the first time slot is 10ms).

[0166] In this embodiment of the application, the first frame may include the following two forms:

[0167] In one alternative approach, when the timestamp of the primary AP is used as the first reference time, the first indication information in the first frame may include the time slot period of the first time slot, the duration of the first time slot, and the start time of the first time slot. Optionally, the first indication information may also include the first reference time. After receiving the first frame, the first AP determines an absolute start time based on the first reference time and the start time of the first time slot. When the absolute start time is reached, it begins to compete for access within the first time slot allocated by the AC to the first AP. Then, after the duration of the first time slot has elapsed, the first AP is prohibited from competing for access within the first time slot. Finally, after the time slot period of the first time slot has elapsed, the first AP can again begin to compete for access within the first time slot.

[0168] Optionally, the first indication information may further include one or more of the following: the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration of the boundary protection interval, and a second time slot, wherein the second time slot is a reserved time window. The second time slot is used to transmit beacon frames, data frames, control frames, or other management frames.

[0169] Optionally, the first indication information may also include the target beacon transmission time (TBTT) and transmission opportunity (TXOP) for each AP.

[0170] In another alternative approach, when the local time of the first device is used as the second reference time, the first device sends a first frame to the first AP when it determines the start time of the first time slot of the first AP. The first frame is used to instruct the first AP to compete for access to the first service within the first time slot.

[0171] Optionally, when the first device determines the end time of the first time slot of the first AP, the first device sends a second frame to the first AP, the second frame being used to instruct the first AP to prohibit contention for access via PIFS.

[0172] The AP and AC are connected via a wired connection, and communication between them can be achieved through wired frames. The first and second frames can be wired frames. These wired frames can be Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP) control frames. The vendor-specific payload field in the message element of the control frame transmits enable / disable and acknowledge (ACK) messages for PIFS channel access.

[0173] like Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8This is a schematic diagram illustrating channel access via CAPWAP control frames. Within one time slot period, the AC allocates different time slots to AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4: AP1 corresponds to time slot 1, AP2 to time slot 2, AP3 to time slot 3, and AP4 to time slot 4. When the start time of AP1's time slot is reached, the AC sends a first wired frame to AP1, indicating that AP1 can compete for access in time slot 1. After successfully accessing time slot 1, AP1 can reply with an ACK message to the AC. When the end time of AP1's time slot 1 is reached, the AC sends a second wired frame to AP1, indicating that AP1 is prohibited from competing for access in time slot 1. After being prohibited from competing for access in time slot 1, AP1 can reply with an ACK message to the AC. The time slots of other APs are similar and will not be described further here.

[0174] S603, the first AP competes for access to a first service in the first time slot according to the first indication information, the first service including the service of channel access through PIFS.

[0175] like Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating channel access via PIFS according to an embodiment of this application. When the AP is allowed to access the channel using PIFS, the AP's Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) module detects that the channel has changed from busy to idle after a PIFS interval and immediately initiates channel access. Correspondingly, when the channel changes from busy to idle, the terminal device needs to wait at least DIFS or the Arbitration Interframe Space (AIFS) (the Arbitration Interframe Space Number (AIFSN) is at least 2) before it can begin backoff, and can only begin occupying the channel once the backoff counter reaches zero. Since the PIFS duration is shorter than DIFS or AIFS (AIFSN is at least 2), it can be guaranteed that the AP can access the channel and acquire ownership of the channel before all STAs.

[0176] Optionally, after obtaining a channel via PIFS, the AP can send a request to send / clear to send (RTS / CTS) to the terminal device (STA). The RTS / CTS is used to notify that the channel is occupied. Optionally, if multiple terminals are engaged in the same primary service, the AP can send a multi-user request to send / clear to send (MU-RTS / CTS) to multiple terminals. This implements network allocation vector (NAV) protection for the channel, avoiding conflicts with the terminal devices. The AP can also confirm whether it has obtained the channel; if the AP does not receive a CTS from the terminal device, it considers the channel occupancy unsuccessful. It will continue to access the channel until the RTS timer expires and the channel is detected as idle within the PIFS time.

[0177] Optionally, after obtaining a channel through PIFS, the AP can send the first service to the terminal device within a transmission opportunity (TXOP), or schedule the uplink services (such as latency-sensitive services) of the terminal device within the TXOP.

[0178] Optionally, after the AP obtains a channel through PIFS channel access, it can complete uplink and downlink service transmission within the first time slot and within one TXOP, or use multiple TXOPs to complete uplink and downlink service transmission, with PIFS intervals used between multiple TXOPs.

[0179] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how an access point (AP) uses multiple TXOPs for transmission within a time slot. The AP accesses the channel in time slot 2, which includes three TXOPs. The AP can transmit buffer status report poll (BSRP) frames in the first TXOP, downlink services in the second TXOP, and uplink services in the third TXOP. The first, second, and third TXOPs are separated by a PIFS interval.

[0180] Optionally, after the AP obtains a channel through PIFS in the first time slot, it can configure its own transmission opportunity (TXOP) limit and / or AIFSN to modify the contention parameters of the EDCA queue (services accessing the channel via EDCA). It can also send an association request frame or association response frame to the terminal device, which includes the TXOP limit and / or AIFSN, to modify the contention parameters of the terminal device's EDCA queue. The length of the TXOP limit is less than or equal to the time slot length, ensuring that there is an opportunity to access the channel in each time slot. The value of the AIFSN is greater than or equal to 2 to prevent the EDCA queue from conflicting with PIFS in selecting a random backoff window.

[0181] like Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating channel access and channel contention in a WLAN device. For WLAN devices using DCF channel access, AIFS = DIFS = 2 * aSlotTime + SIFS. For WLAN devices using EDCA channel access, AIFS = AIFSN[AC] * aSlotTime + SIFS, meaning AIFS is related to the AIFSN value for each access category (AC). When AIFSN = 0, AIFS = SIFS; when AIFSN = 1, AIFS = PIFS; when AIFSN = 2, AIFS = DIFS; when AIFSN > 2, AIFS > DIFS. The 802.11 standard specifies that the minimum value of AIFSN is 2, meaning the minimum value of AIFS is DIFS. However, in the Wi-Fi Alliance, an AIFSN value of 1 is allowed for the AP. Therefore, for a given AP, if the AIFSN of a certain access type AC is 1 and the random backoff value is 0 (low probability, but still possible), then the AP will actually use the channel directly after passing through PIFS, interfering with APs accessing the channel in their own time slot. Therefore, APs can configure the AIFSN of the EDCA queue to be greater than or equal to 2.

[0182] Optionally, the AP can add the first service (here, a downlink service) to the first queue for transmission, and add other downlink services besides the first service to the second queue for transmission. The access methods for the first queue and the second queue are different. Specifically, services in the first queue can access the channel via EDCA or PIFS, while services in the second queue can access the channel via EDCA. If the AP detects that the channel changes from busy to idle in its own time slot, it immediately preempts the channel via PIFS and prioritizes transmitting services from the first queue. If the AP detects that the channel changes from busy to idle in the time slot of another AP, and services in both the first and second queues have not been completed, then services in both queues can compete for transmission via EDCA access.

[0183] In this embodiment, the first device allocates different time slots to multiple APs, allowing each AP to obtain a priority access channel within its corresponding time slot. This avoids competition and conflict among multiple APs during the access channel process, thereby improving the service quality of the service.

[0184] like Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a channel access method provided in an embodiment of this application. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0185] S1201, AC determines the primary AP among multiple APs.

[0186] Specifically, each AP can send beacon frames received from other APs to the AC. These beacon frames include a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID). Upon receiving the beacon frame, the AC can determine the air interface signal reachability between the multiple APs based on the BSSID, and select the AP that can hear the beacon frames of all other APs, and which all other APs can hear the beacon frames of that AP, as the master AP.

[0187] Optionally, the first AP can determine the signal strength of the beacon frames received from other APs and send a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) to the AC. The RSSI is used to indicate the signal strength of the received beacon frames. If at least two APs among the multiple APs simultaneously meet the air interface signal reachability requirements, the AP with the highest received beacon frame signal strength can be selected as the master AP.

[0188] S1202, AC uses the timestamp of the primary AP as the first reference time to determine the start time of the first time slot of the first AP among multiple APs.

[0189] Specifically, the AC can configure the time slot period and duration of each AP's time slot. The AC can also configure the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration Δt of the boundary protection interval, and the length of the second time slot. The duration Δt of the boundary protection interval is a reserved period during which the corresponding AP does not access the channel via PIFS, avoiding time slot overlap and potential conflicts between APs due to timing deviations. The second time slot is a reserved time window used to send beacon frames, data frames, control frames, or other management frames. The time slot period is determined based on the maximum allowable delay of the first service. The first service can be a low-latency service or a delay-sensitive service.

[0190] It should be noted that the AC can configure the number of time slots within a time slot period based on the number of APs and the air interface signal reachability between them. If the air interface signals between multiple APs are all reachable, then the number of time slots within a time slot period is equal to the number of APs. If the signal between two APs is not reachable, then those two APs can share a time slot, and the number of time slots within a time slot period can be less than the number of APs.

[0191] Determining the start time of the first time slot of the first AP includes at least the following two optional methods:

[0192] In one alternative approach, the first device can determine the time slot length based on the time slot period of the first time slot, the length of the second time slot, and the number of time slots within one time slot period. Wherein, the time slot length = (time slot period - length of the second time slot) / number of time slots. Then, based on the length of the first time slot and the duration of the boundary protection interval, the start time of the first time slot within one time slot period is determined. During this process, the AC uses the timestamp of the master AP as a first reference time and takes the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the first reference time as the start time of the first time slot.

[0193] For example, the AC first selects the following parameters: the beacon interval is 100ms, the time required for the AP to send the beacon frame is 2ms (the length of the second time slot), the slot interval is 10ms, and the duration of the boundary protection interval Δt (e.g., 10us). Furthermore, based on the air interface signal reachability between multiple APs, the AC determines the number of time slots within one time slot interval to be 5.

[0194] The AC calculates the slot length t1 as (slot period - second slot length) / number of slots = (10-2) / 5 = 1.6ms. If each slot is configured with a boundary protection interval duration, the slot length can be equal to the sum of the effective slot length (start time to end time) and the boundary protection interval duration. Then, the AC uses the master AP's timestamp as a reference time, modulo the slot period (slot interval), and takes the remainder to calculate the time offset of each AP's slot, which is used as the start time of each AP's slot.

[0195] As shown in Table 1, the start time of the time slot of AP1 is 0+Δt; the start time of the time slot of AP2 is 1.6+Δt; the start time of the time slot of AP3 is 3.2+Δt; the start time of the time slot of AP4 is 4.8+Δt; the start time of the time slot of AP5 is 6.4+Δt; and the start time of the Beacon frame is 8.

[0196] AP 1 AP 2 AP 3 AP 4 AP 5 Beacon 0+Δt 1.6+Δt 3.2+Δt 4.8+Δt 6.4+Δt 8

[0197] Table 1

[0198] like Figure 13 As shown, Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the allocation of time slots for each AP within a time slot period. The time slot period is 10ms, and the number of time slots is 5. AP1's time slot starts at 0+Δt, ends at 1.6-Δt, and has a length of 1.6ms. AP2's time slot starts at 1.6+Δt, ends at 3.2-Δt, and has a length of 1.6ms. AP3's time slot starts at 3.2+Δt, ends at 4.8-Δt, and has a length of 1.6ms. AP4's time slot starts at 4.8+Δt, ends at 6.4-Δt, and has a length of 1.6ms. AP5's time slot starts at 6.4+Δt, ends at 8-Δt, and has a length of 1.6ms. The last time slot is used to transmit beacon frames, starting at 8+Δt, ending at 10-Δt, and has a length of 2ms.

[0199] For example Figure 14 As shown, Figure 14This is another schematic diagram illustrating the allocation of time slots for each AP within a single time slot period. Keeping the time slot period unchanged at 10ms, the available time slot duration for each AP decreases from 1.6ms to 1.2ms due to the increased time allocated for sending Beacon signals. AP1's time slot starts at 0 + Δt and ends at 1.2 - Δt, with a slot length of 1.2ms. AP2's time slot starts at 1.2 + Δt and ends at 2.4 - Δt, with a slot length of 1.2ms. AP3's time slot starts at 2.4 + Δt and ends at 3.6 - Δt, with a slot length of 1.2ms. AP4's time slot starts at 3.6 + Δt and ends at 4.8 - Δt, with a slot length of 1.2ms. AP5's time slot starts at 4.8 + Δt and ends at 6 - Δt, with a slot length of 1.6ms. The last time slot is used to send beacon frames, with a start time of 6+Δt and an end time of 10-Δt, and a slot length of 4ms.

[0200] As shown in Figures 15(A) and 15(B), these figures are schematic diagrams illustrating another allocation of time slots for each AP within a time slot period provided by an embodiment of this application. The time slot length for each AP remains unchanged at 2ms. Since the duration of sending Beacon frames changes from 2ms to 4ms, an additional 2ms time slot is added to send Beacon frames, changing the time slot period from 12ms in Figure 15(A) to 14ms in Figure 15(B).

[0201] It should be noted that the configuration scheme for time slots is not limited to the schemes mentioned above; other configuration schemes can also be used. For example, the second time slot is not limited to the last time slot within a time slot cycle; it can also be at other positions within a time slot cycle. Other configuration schemes are similar and will not be elaborated here.

[0202] In another alternative approach, the AC can determine the time window of the second time slot within a beacon frame period based on the start time and duration of the second time slot; then, within a beacon frame period, excluding the time window of the second time slot, the AC determines the start time of the first time slot of the first AP based on the time slot period, the number of time slots, the time slot length, and the duration of the boundary protection interval. During this process, the AC uses the timestamp of the primary AP as a first reference time and takes the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the first reference time as the start time of the first time slot.

[0203] For example, the AC selects the following parameters: a beacon interval of 100ms, a first time slot length of 2ms, a time required for the AP to send a beacon frame of 2ms (the length of the second time slot), and a boundary protection interval Δt (e.g., 10us). Each AP calculates its own target beacon transmission time (TBTT) relative to the master AP's TSF (modulo beacon interval) and reports the relative time to the AC. The relative times include: AP1: 7ms; AP2: 23ms; AP3: 43ms; AP4: 67ms; AP5: 89ms. Based on the air interface signal reachability between APs, the AC determines the number of time slots in each time slot period to be 5.

[0204] Then, the AC determines the time slot period based on the time required for the AP to send the Beacon, the length of the first time slot, and the number of time slots within a time slot period. Specifically, the time slot period = length of the first time slot * number of time slots within a time slot period + time required for the AP to send the Beacon * number of TBTTs within a time slot.

[0205] The AC uses the TSF of the primary AP as a reference time, modulo the beacon frame period of 100ms, takes the remainder, and reserves a second time slot (the time window for sending beacon frames from AP1 to AP5). It then determines the time offset for each AP's time slot, which serves as the start time for each AP's time slot. As shown in Table 2, the beacon frame period is 100ms, comprising 9 time slot periods. In the first time slot period, the start time of AP1's time slot is 1+Δt, AP2's is 3+Δt, AP3's is 5+Δt, AP4's is 9+Δt, and AP5's is 11+Δt. The reserved second time slot starts at 7+Δt and is used to send beacon frames for AP1. The situation is similar in other time slot periods.

[0206]

[0207] Table 2

[0208] like Figure 16 As shown, Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the allocation of time slots for each AP within a beacon frame period, provided in an embodiment of this application. The beacon frame period is 100ms. In the case of a maximum of one TBTT within a time slot period, the maximum time slot period is 12ms. Figure 16The first time slot period includes five time slots (AP1-AP5) totaling 10ms and a reserved time window (starting at 7+Δt, with a time slot length of 2ms, used to send beacon frames for AP1). The minimum time slot period is 10ms. Figure 16 The third time slot period includes only five time slots (AP1-AP5) (totaling 10ms). In the other time slot periods, 23+Δt is the start time of the reserved time window for transmitting beacon frames to AP2, 43+Δt is the start time of the reserved time window for transmitting beacon frames to AP3, 67+Δt is the start time of the reserved time window for transmitting beacon frames to AP4, and 89+Δt is the start time of the reserved time window for transmitting beacon frames to AP5. Δt is not specified.

[0209] like Figure 17 As shown, Figure 17 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the allocation of time slots for each AP within a beacon frame period, provided by an embodiment of this application. In the case of multiple TBTTs within a time slot period, the maximum time slot period is 16ms, as shown below. Figure 17 The first time slot period includes five time slots (total 10ms) for AP1-AP5 and three reserved time windows (starting at 7+Δt, time slot length 2ms, used to send beacon frames for AP1; starting at 9+Δt, time slot length 2ms, used to send beacon frames for AP2; starting at 11+Δt, time slot length 2ms, used to send beacon frames for AP3), with a minimum time slot period of 10ms. For example... Figure 17 The second time slot period includes only five time slots (AP1-AP5) (totaling 10ms). In other time slot periods, 67+Δt is the start time of the reserved time window for transmitting the beacon frame of AP4; 89+Δt is the start time of the reserved time window for transmitting the beacon frame of AP5. Δt is not specified.

[0210] It should be noted that the configuration method for time slots is not limited to the methods mentioned above. Other configuration methods can also be used, which are similar to the above methods and will not be elaborated here.

[0211] S1203, AC sends the first frame to the first AP.

[0212] The first frame includes first indication information. This first indication information may include the time slot period, duration, and start time of the first time slot. Optionally, the first indication information may also include a first reference time. After receiving the first frame, the first AP can determine an absolute start time based on the first reference time and the start time of the first time slot. When the absolute start time is reached, it begins competing for access within the first time slot allocated by the AC. Then, after the duration of the first time slot has elapsed, the first AP is prohibited from competing for access within the first time slot. Finally, after the time slot period of the first time slot has elapsed, the first AP can again begin competing for access within the first time slot.

[0213] Optionally, the first indication information may further include one or more of the following: the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration of the boundary protection interval, and a second time slot, wherein the second time slot is a reserved time window. The second time slot is used to transmit beacon frames, data frames, control frames, or other management frames.

[0214] The specific implementation method of this step can be found in the implementation method of using the timestamp of the main AP as the first reference time in S602. This step will not be described in detail here.

[0215] In this embodiment, the AC uses the timestamp of the main AP as a reference time to allocate different time slots to multiple APs. Each AP can obtain the opportunity to access the channel with priority in its corresponding time slot, thereby avoiding competition and conflict with other APs during the access channel process, and thus improving the service quality of the service.

[0216] like Figure 18 As shown, Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a channel access method provided in an embodiment of this application. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0217] S1801, AC uses AC's local clock as a second reference time to determine the start time of the first time slot of the first AP among multiple APs.

[0218] Determining the start time of the first time slot of the first AP includes at least the following two optional methods:

[0219] In one alternative approach, the first device can determine the slot length based on the slot period of the first slot, the length of the second slot, and the number of slots within one slot period. Wherein, the slot length = (slot period - length of the second slot) / number of slots. Then, based on the slot length, the start time of the first slot within one slot period is determined. During this process, the AC can use its local clock as a second reference time and take the time offset of the first slot of the first AP relative to the second reference time as the start time of the first slot.

[0220] It should be noted that since the time slot boundary is controlled by AC, the duration Δt of the boundary protection interval is not required.

[0221] For example, the AC first selects the following parameters: the beacon interval is 100ms, the time required for the AP to send the beacon frame is 2ms (the length of the second time slot), and the slot interval is 10ms. Based on the air interface signal reachability between multiple APs, the AC determines the number of time slots within one time slot interval to be 5.

[0222] The AC calculates the time slot length t1 = (time slot period - length of the second time slot) / number of time slots = (10-2) / 5 = 1.6ms. The AC uses the local clock as the reference time, modulo the time slot period (slot interval) and takes the remainder to calculate the time offset of each AP's time slot, which is used as the start time of each AP's time slot.

[0223] As shown in Table 3, the time slot period is 10ms. The start time of the time slot of AP1 is 0; the start time of the time slot of AP2 is 1.6; the start time of the time slot of AP3 is 3.2; the start time of the time slot of AP4 is 4.8; the start time of the time slot of AP5 is 6.4; and the start time of the Beacon frame is 8.

[0224] AP 1 AP 2 AP 3 AP 4 AP 5 Beacon 0 1.6 3.2 4.8 6.4 8

[0225] Table 3

[0226] like Figure 19 As shown, Figure 19This is a schematic diagram illustrating the allocation of time slots for each AP within a time slot period, provided by an embodiment of this application. The time slot period is 10ms, and the number of time slots is 5. AP1's time slot starts at time 0, ends at time 1.6, and has a length of 1.6ms. AP2's time slot starts at time 1.6, ends at time 3.2, and has a length of 1.6ms. AP3's time slot starts at time 3.2, ends at time 4.8, and has a length of 1.6ms. AP4's time slot starts at time 4.8, ends at time 6.4, and has a length of 1.6ms. AP5's time slot starts at time 6.4, ends at time 8, and has a length of 1.6ms. The last time slot is used to transmit beacon frames, starting at time 8, ending at time 10, and has a length of 2ms.

[0227] In another alternative approach, the AC can determine the time window of the second time slot within one beacon frame period based on the start time and duration of the second time slot; then, outside the time window of the second time slot within one beacon frame period, the AC determines the start time of the first time slot of the first AP based on the time slot period, the number of time slots, and the time slot length. During this process, the AC uses its local clock as a second reference time and takes the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the second reference time as the start time of the first time slot.

[0228] For example, the AC selects the following parameters: beacon interval of 100ms, first time slot length of 2ms, and the time required for the AP to send the beacon frame is 2ms (the length of the second time slot). Each AP calculates its own TBTT relative to the master AP's TSF (modulo beacon interval) and reports the relative time to the AC. The relative times are: AP1: 7ms; AP2: 23ms; AP3: 43ms; AP4: 67ms; AP5: 89ms. Based on the air interface signal reachability between APs, the AC determines the number of time slots in each time slot period to be 5.

[0229] Then, the AC determines the time slot period based on the time required for the AP to send the Beacon, the length of the first time slot, and the number of time slots within a time slot period. Specifically, the time slot period = length of the first time slot * number of time slots within a time slot period + time required for the AP to send the Beacon * number of TBTTs within a time slot.

[0230] The AC uses the local clock as a reference time, takes the remainder after the analog beacon frame period is 100ms, and reserves a second time slot (the time window for sending beacon frames from AP1 to AP5) to determine the time offset of each AP's time slot, which serves as the start time of each AP's time slot. As shown in Table 4, the analog beacon frame period is 100ms, comprising 9 time slot periods. In the first time slot period, the start time of AP1's time slot is 1, the start time of AP2's time slot is 3, the start time of AP3's time slot is 5, the start time of AP4's time slot is 9, and the start time of AP5's time slot is 11; the reserved second time slot starts at 7, used for sending AP1's beacon frame. The situation is similar in other time slot periods.

[0231]

[0232]

[0233] Table 4

[0234] like Figure 20 As shown, Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the allocation of time slots for each AP within a beacon frame period, provided in an embodiment of this application. The beacon frame period is 100ms. In the case of a maximum of one TBTT within a time slot period, the maximum time slot period is 12ms. Figure 20 The first time slot period includes five time slots (AP1-AP5) totaling 10ms and a reserved time window (starting at time 7, with a time slot length of 2ms, used to send beacon frames for AP1, marked with B in the diagram). The minimum time slot period is 10ms. Figure 20 The third time slot period includes only five time slots (10ms in total) for AP1-AP5. In other time slot periods, 23 is the start time of the reserved time window for sending beacon frames for AP2, 43 is the start time of the reserved time window for sending beacon frames for AP3, 67 is the start time of the reserved time window for sending beacon frames for AP4, and 89 is the start time of the reserved time window for sending beacon frames for AP5.

[0235] Of course, in this embodiment of the application, the duration Δt of the boundary protection interval can also be used to allocate time slots for each AP based on the duration Δt of the boundary protection interval.

[0236] It should be noted that the configuration schemes for time slots are not limited to the above-mentioned schemes; you can refer to [the following]. Figure 12 The illustrated embodiment shows the configuration scheme for the time slots. The configuration method is similar and will not be described again here.

[0237] S1802, AC sends the first frame to the first AP.

[0238] Specifically, when the AC determines the start time of the first time slot of the first AP, the AC sends a first frame to the first AP. The first frame is used to instruct the first AP to compete for access to the first service within the first time slot.

[0239] Optionally, when the AC determines the end time of the first time slot of the first AP, the AC sends a second frame to the first AP. The second frame is used to instruct the first AP to prohibit contention for access via PIFS.

[0240] Optionally, the AC may send to the first AP at least one of the following: beacon frame period, length of the first time slot, time slot period of the first time slot, number of time slots within a time slot period, TBTT, and length of the second time slot.

[0241] The specific implementation method of this step can be referred to in S602 when the local clock of AC is used as the second reference time. This step will not be repeated here.

[0242] In this embodiment, the AC uses the local clock as a reference time to allocate different time slots to multiple APs. Each AP can obtain the opportunity to access the channel with priority in its corresponding time slot, thereby avoiding competition and conflict with other APs during the channel access process, thus improving the service quality of the service.

[0243] In another embodiment of this application, the AC can designate or configure one of the multiple APs in the WLAN network as the master AP. The other APs report information to the master AP, such as Beacon frames, signal strength of received Beacon frames, TBTT, etc. Based on this received information, the master AP allocates time slots to each AP, using its own timestamp as a reference time. The master AP then sends a first frame to the other APs, instructing them to compete for access to the first service within their respective time slots. The time slot allocation method of the master AP is the same as the method described above for the AC to allocate time slots to each AP; for specific implementation details, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 12 and Figure 18 The steps in the illustrated embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0244] After the AP accesses the channel, if the AP has no downlink first service or the downlink first service has been sent, the AP can perform the following operations through the following embodiments.

[0245] like Figure 21 As shown, Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating a channel access method provided in an embodiment of this application. The steps in this embodiment include at least:

[0246] S2101, the access point (AP) generates a first trigger frame. The first trigger frame includes a first field, which is used to indicate whether the terminal device (STA) reports whether a first service exists. The first service is a latency-sensitive service.

[0247] Optionally, the first service can be a service with high latency requirements, also known as a low-latency service. For example, the average latency, worst-case latency, and jitter can be as low as a few milliseconds to tens of milliseconds, while also having certain reliability constraints. Such traffic is referred to as latency-sensitive traffic in this subclause.

[0248] Optionally, the first service includes services that access the channel via Priority Frame Interval (PIFS).

[0249] S2102, the AP sends the first trigger frame to the terminal device.

[0250] Optionally, the AP accesses the channel via PIFS in the first time slot. After accessing the channel, the first trigger frame can be sent to multiple terminal devices.

[0251] The first trigger frame can be an NFRP trigger frame, which is a non-data PPDU feedback report poll.

[0252] The indication method for the first trigger frame can include the following two optional methods:

[0253] In one alternative approach, the first field is a feedback type field, which is used to indicate whether the first service exists.

[0254] like Figure 22 As shown, Figure 22This is a schematic diagram of the user information list fields in an NFRP Trigger frame. The NFRP Trigger frame includes a frame control field, a duration field, a receive address (RA) field, a transfer address (TA) field, a common info field, a user info list field, a padding field, and a frame check sequence (FCS) field. The user info list fields include a starting AID field, a first reserved field, a feedback type field, a second reserved field, an uplink target receive power field, and a number of spatially multiplexed users field. The byte count of each field is as follows: Figure 22 As shown.

[0255] The definition of the feedback type field is shown in Table 5. The feedback type field consists of 4 bytes (16 bits), with the first bit used to identify the resource request and bits 2 to 16 reserved.

[0256] Value Description 0 Resource request 1-15 Reserved

[0257] Table 5

[0258] As shown in Table 6, the Feedback Type field has been redefined. Any reserved value in the Feedback Type field (for example, the second bit; other reserved bits can also be used, without limitation) represents the latency-sensitive resource request for the first service. This latency-sensitive resource request can also have other names, such as low-latency scheduling request or dedicated scheduling request; the name is not restricted here. The remaining fields remain unchanged.

[0259] Value Description 0 Resource request 1 latency-sensitive resource request 2-15 Reserved

[0260] Table 6

[0261] For a terminal device that receives an NFRP Trigger with a delay-sensitive scheduling request of 1 in the feedback type field, if there is a primary service that needs to be scheduled, it replies with a null data packets feedback (NDP Feedback) frame on a specific subcarrier group. If there is no primary service that needs to be scheduled, but other services besides the primary service need to be scheduled, it replies with an NDP Feedback frame on another subcarrier group. Figure 23 As shown, Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the frame format of an NDP Feedback frame. An NDP Feedback frame includes the Traditional Short Training (L-STF) field, Traditional Long Training (L-LTF) field, Traditional Signaling (L-SIG) field, Repeated Traditional Signaling (RL-SIG) field, High-Efficiency Signaling Field A (HE-SIG-A) field, High-Efficiency Short Training (HE-STF) field, High-Efficiency Long Training (HE-LTF) field, and Packet Extension (PE) field. NDP Feedback frames do not contain any Media Access Control (MAC) layer information; they represent 1 bit of information by transmitting energy on a specific subcarrier through the HE-LTF field. If there is no traffic to be scheduled, no content is replied. It should be noted that "no traffic to be scheduled" can mean there is no traffic or that the traffic volume has not exceeded a preset threshold.

[0262] In another alternative approach, the first trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes the first field, used to indicate whether the first service exists. The first field can be a high efficiency / extremely high throughput P160 (HE / EHT P160) field or a reserved field. Further, the first field is one or more bits from B54 to B63 in the public information field, used to indicate whether the first service exists. The first field can also be one or more bits from any reserved field in the first trigger frame; this is not limited.

[0263] like Figure 24 As shown, Figure 24This is a schematic diagram of common information fields in an NFRP Trigger frame. Common information fields in an NFRP Trigger frame include the Trigger type field, HE / EHT P160 field, reservation field, uplink bandwidth (UL BW) field, and other fields (omitted). The HE / EHT P160 field is located at B54.

[0264] The AP can redefine the first field. When the value of the first field is 1, it instructs the terminal device to reply with a HE-formatted trigger-based (TB) presentation protocol data unit (PPDU); when the value of the first field is 0, it instructs the terminal device to reply with an EHT-formatted TB PPDU. Based on this, the following rule can be added: When the Trigger type field is 7, indicating an NFRP Trigger, if the value of the first field is 1, it indicates a traditional NFRP Trigger. If the value of the first field is 0, it indicates a dedicated scheduling request for the first service. For a terminal device receiving an NFRP Trigger with a first field value of 0, if there is a first service that needs to be scheduled, it replies with an NDP Feedback on a specific subcarrier group. If there is no first service that needs to be scheduled, but other services besides the first service need to be scheduled, it replies with an NDP Feedback on another subcarrier group. If there are no services that need to be scheduled, it does not reply with any content. It should be noted that "no services need to be scheduled" can mean there is no service or that the service volume has not exceeded a preset threshold.

[0265] Optionally, if the AP determines that there is no primary service on any terminal device, it can send a contention-free-end (CF-End) frame to other devices (other APs or terminal devices) to notify them that it has stopped using the TXOP obtained through PIFS preemption, and give the channel to other devices or other services of the AP to access the channel through EDCA or DCF.

[0266] Optionally, the AP sends a second trigger frame to the terminal device. This second trigger frame indicates the buffer size for reporting the first service. Optionally, the second trigger frame includes a common information field, which includes a second field indicating the buffer size for reporting the first service. This second field can be an HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field. Further, the second field is one or more bits from B54 to B63 in the common information field, indicating the buffer size for reporting the first service. The second field can also be one or more bits from any reserved field in the first trigger frame; this is not limited.

[0267] Optionally, the second trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger dependent user info field. The trigger dependent user info field includes N bits, which correspond to N service types of the first service. The i-th bit of the N bits is used to indicate whether to report the cache size of the first service of the i-th service type among the N service types. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0268] It should be noted that the services of the i-th service type can all be the first service, and the terminal device reports the cache size of all services of the i-th service type. Alternatively, the services of the i-th service type can include both the first service and non-first services, and the terminal device can report the cache size of the first service within the i-th service type or report the cache size of all services of the i-th service type. Different service types correspond to different trafficidentifiers (TIDs).

[0269] For example, the second trigger frame can be a buffer status report poll (BSRP) trigger frame. The BSRP trigger includes common info, user info, and special user info fields.

[0270] When the value of the second field (such as the HE / EHT P160 field or reserved field) in the common information field of the BSRP Trigger is 0, it indicates that the current BSRP Trigger is a dedicated buffer status report (BSR) for the first service. Furthermore, when the value of the second field in the common information field of the BSRP Trigger frame is 0, the AP can redefine a trigger-related user information field in the user information field or special user information field of the BSRP Trigger frame. This trigger-related user information field is used to carry the TID bitmap corresponding to the service type of the first service.

[0271] like Figure 25 As shown, Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the user information fields in a BSRP trigger. The user information fields include an association identifier (AID) field, a resource unit allocation (RU Allocation) field, an uplink FEC coding type (UL FEC coding type) field, an uplink extremely high throughput modulation and coding scheme (UL EHT MCS) field, a spatial stream allocation / RA-RU information field, an uplink target receive power (UL target receive power) field, a primary / secondary (PS160) field, and a trigger dependent user info field. The trigger dependent user info field is related to the type of trigger frame. The number of bytes in each field is... Figure 25 As shown.

[0272] For example Figure 26 As shown, Figure 26This is a schematic diagram of a special user information field in a BSRP trigger. This special user information field includes an association identifier (AID) field, a physical version ID field, an uplink bandwidth extension field, a spatial reuse 1 field, a spatial reuse 2 field, a universal signal (U-SIG) field, a reserved field, and a trigger dependent user info field. The trigger dependent user info field is related to the type of trigger frame. The number of bytes for each field is as follows: Figure 26 As shown.

[0273] The trigger-related user information field within the user information field or special user information field contains a TID bitmap. The TID bitmap can consist of 8 bits, with one bit corresponding to one TID. For example, the first bit corresponds to TID1, the second bit to TID2, the third bit to TID3, and so on. When the AP queries the buffer size of the first service corresponding to a certain TID, the corresponding bit in the TID bitmap is set to 1, and the remaining bits are 0. For example, when the TID bitmap is 10000000, it instructs the terminal device to report the buffer size of the first service corresponding to TID1. Optionally, 0 and 1 can also be reversed. When the AP queries the buffer size of the first service corresponding to a certain TID, the corresponding bit in the TID bitmap is set to 0, and the remaining bits are 1. For example, when the TID bitmap is 10111111, it instructs the terminal device to report the buffer size of the first service corresponding to TID2.

[0274] Finally, the terminal device receiving the BSRP Trigger prioritizes reporting the buffer size of the first service corresponding to the TID indicated by the TID bitmap. Optionally, the terminal device can report the buffer size of the first service corresponding to the TID to the AP through the QoS control field and / or Buffer Status Report control field in the QoS Null frame.

[0275] Optionally, the STA receives a third trigger frame from the AP, the third trigger frame being used to instruct the terminal device to send the first service.

[0276] Optionally, the third trigger frame includes a common information field, which includes a third field. This third field indicates that the third trigger frame is a trigger frame for sending the first service. The third field can be an HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field. Further, the third field is one or more bits from B54 to B63 in the common information field, and this third field indicates that the third trigger frame is a trigger frame for sending the first service.

[0277] Optionally, the third trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. This trigger-related user information field comprises M bits, each corresponding to one of the M service types of the first service. The j-th bit of the M bits is used to indicate whether the terminal device is triggered to send the first service of the j-th service type among the M service types. M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and j is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M. Different service types correspond to different TIDs.

[0278] It should be noted that the services of the j-th service type can all be the first service, and the terminal device reports all services of the j-th service type. Alternatively, the services of the j-th service type can include both the first service and non-first services, and the terminal device can report either the first service from the services of the j-th service type or report all services of the j-th service type.

[0279] It should be noted that the number of bits N in the trigger-related user information field in the second trigger frame can be equal to the number of bits M in the trigger-related user information field in the third trigger frame, and the j-th bit of the M bits corresponds to the i-th bit of the N bits.

[0280] For example, the third trigger frame can be a basic trigger frame. The basic trigger frame can include common info fields, user info fields, and special user info fields, etc.

[0281] When the value of the third field (such as the HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field) in the common information field of the Basic Trigger frame is 0, it indicates that the current Basic Trigger is a dedicated trigger frame for the first service. Furthermore, when the value of the third field in the common information field of the Basic Trigger frame is 0, the AP can redefine a trigger dependent user Info field in the user information field or special user information field of the Basic Trigger frame. This trigger dependent user Info field is used to carry the TID bitmap corresponding to the service type of the first service.

[0282] The trigger-related user information field includes a TID bitmap, which can consist of 8 bits, with one bit corresponding to one TID. For example, the first bit corresponds to TID1, the second bit to TID2, the third bit to TID3, and so on. When the AP triggers a terminal device to send the first service corresponding to a certain TID, the corresponding bit in the TID bitmap is set to 1, and the remaining bits are 0. For example, when the TID bitmap is 10000000, the terminal device is triggered to report the first service corresponding to TID1. Optionally, 0 and 1 can also indicate the opposite. When the AP triggers a terminal device to send the first service corresponding to a certain TID, the corresponding bit in the TID bitmap is set to 0, and the remaining bits are 1. For example, when the TID bitmap is 10111111, the terminal device is triggered to report the first service corresponding to TID2. The terminal device receiving this Basic Trigger frame prioritizes reporting the first service corresponding to the TID indicated by the TID bitmap.

[0283] In this embodiment, if the AP has no downlink first service or the downlink first service has been completed, a trigger frame is used to query the terminal device to see if there is an uplink first service, and the terminal device is then triggered to report the first service. This accurately triggers the terminal device to send the first service, avoiding the first service from being mixed with other services and improving service transmission efficiency.

[0284] It should be noted that the above embodiments can be used individually or in combination, and embodiments obtained by combining them are also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0285] It is understood that, in the above-described method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the first device can also be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used in the first device, and the methods and operations implemented by the AP can also be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used in the AP. Similarly, the methods and operations implemented by the terminal device can also be implemented by components (e.g., chips or circuits) that can be used in the terminal device.

[0286] The foregoing mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of various interactions. It is understood that each network element, such as a transmitting or receiving device, includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules to perform the aforementioned functions. Those skilled in the art should recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0287] This application embodiment can divide the transmitting or receiving device into functional modules according to the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or software. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0288] The above, combined with Figure 6 , Figure 12 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 The methods provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Figures 27 to 30 This application provides a detailed description of the channel access apparatus provided in its embodiments. It should be understood that the descriptions of the apparatus embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, any details not described in detail can be found in the above method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, will not be repeated here.

[0289] Please see Figure 27 , Figure 27This is a schematic diagram of a channel access device provided in an embodiment of this application. The channel access device may include a processing module 2701 and a transmitting module 2702. The transmitting module 2702 can communicate with external systems and may also be referred to as a communication interface, transceiver unit, or transceiver module. The transmitting module 2702 can be used to perform the actions performed by the first device in the above method embodiment. The processing module 2701 is used for processing, such as determining the first frame.

[0290] For example, the sending module 2702 can also be called a transceiver module or transceiver unit (including a receiving unit and a sending unit), which are used to perform the sending and receiving steps of the first device in the above method embodiment.

[0291] In one possible design, the channel access device can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first device in the above method embodiments. For example, it can be the first device itself, or a chip or circuit configured in the first device. The transmitting module 2702 is used to perform the transmit / receive related operations on the first device side in the above method embodiments. The processing module 2701 is used to perform the processing related operations of the first device in the above method embodiments.

[0292] Processing module 2701 is used to determine a first frame, the first frame including first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct a first AP among at least one access point AP to compete for access to a first service in a first time slot, the first service including a service that accesses the channel through a priority frame interval (PIFS).

[0293] The sending module 2702 is used to send the first frame to the first AP.

[0294] Optionally, the first indication information includes: the time slot period of the first time slot, the duration of the first time slot, and the start time of the first time slot.

[0295] Optionally, the first indication information may further include one or more of the following: the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration of the boundary protection interval, and the second time slot, wherein the second time slot is a reserved time window.

[0296] Optionally, the processing module 2701 is further configured to select one AP from the at least one AP as the main AP; using the timestamp of the main AP as the first reference time, and using the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the first reference time as the start time of the first time slot.

[0297] Optionally, the first indication information may also include the first reference time.

[0298] Optionally, the processing module 2701 is further configured to use the local clock of the first device as the second reference time and the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the second reference time as the start time of the first time slot.

[0299] Optionally, the sending module 2702 is further configured to send a second frame to the first AP, the second frame being used to instruct the first AP to prohibit contention for access via PIFS.

[0300] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also be referenced accordingly. Figure 6 , Figure 12 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 The corresponding description of the method embodiment shown above describes the execution of the methods and functions performed by the first device in the above embodiments.

[0301] Please see Figure 28 , Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of a channel access device provided in an embodiment of this application. The channel access device may include a receiving module 2801, a processing module 2802, and a transmitting module 2803. The receiving module 2801 and the transmitting module 2803 can communicate with external systems; they can also be referred to as communication interfaces, transceiver units, or transceiver modules. The receiving module 2801 and the transmitting module 2803 can be used to perform the actions performed by the AP in the above method embodiment. The processing module 2802 is used for processing, such as performing contention for access to a first service within a first time slot.

[0302] For example, the receiving module 2801 and the transmitting module 2803 can also be called transceiver modules or transceiver units (including receiving units and transmitting units), and are used to perform the AP transmitting and receiving steps in the above method embodiment, respectively.

[0303] In one possible design, the channel access device can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the AP in the above method embodiments. For example, it can be an AP, or a chip or circuit configured in the AP. The receiving module 2801 and the transmitting module 2803 are used to perform the transmit / receive related operations of the AP in the above method embodiments. The processing module 2802 is used to perform the processing related operations of the AP in the above method embodiments.

[0304] In one embodiment:

[0305] The receiving module 2801 is configured to receive a first frame from the first device, the first frame including first indication information;

[0306] The processing module 2802 is configured to perform contention access for a first service in a first time slot according to the first indication information, wherein the first service includes a service that accesses the channel through a priority frame interval (PIFS).

[0307] Optionally, the first indication information includes: the time slot period of the first time slot, the duration of the first time slot, and the start time of the first time slot.

[0308] Optionally, the first indication information may further include one or more of the following: the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration of the boundary protection interval, and the second time slot, wherein the second time slot is a reserved time window.

[0309] Optionally, the start time of the first time slot is the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the first reference time, the first reference time is the timestamp of the master AP, and the master AP is an AP selected from at least one AP.

[0310] Optionally, the first indication information may also include the first reference time.

[0311] Optionally, the start time of the first time slot is the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the second reference time, and the second reference time is the local clock of the first device.

[0312] Optionally, the receiving module 2801 is further configured to receive a second frame from the first device, the second frame being used to indicate that the first AP prohibits contention for access via PIFS.

[0313] In another embodiment:

[0314] Processing module 2802 is used to generate a first trigger frame, the first trigger frame includes a first field, the first field is used to indicate whether the terminal device STA reports whether a first service exists, and sending module 2803 is used to send the first trigger frame to the STA.

[0315] Optionally, the first service includes services that access the channel via Priority Frame Interval (PIFS).

[0316] Optionally, the first field is a feedback type field.

[0317] Optionally, the first trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes the first field, and the first field is used to indicate whether the first service exists.

[0318] Optionally, the first field is a high-efficiency / extremely high-throughput main 160HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field.

[0319] Optionally, the first field is B54 to B63 in the public information field, and one bit in B54 to B63 is used to indicate whether the first service exists.

[0320] Optionally, the sending module 2803 is further configured to send a second trigger frame to the STA, the second trigger frame being used to indicate the buffer size of the first service to be reported.

[0321] Optionally, the second trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes a second field used to indicate the cache size of the first service being reported.

[0322] Optionally, the second trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. The trigger-related user information field includes N bits, which correspond to N service types of the first service. The i-th bit of the N bits is used to indicate whether to report the cache size of the first service of the i-th service type among the N service types. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0323] Optionally, the sending module 2803 is further configured to send a third trigger frame to the STA, the third trigger frame being used to instruct the terminal device to send the first service.

[0324] In another possible design, the third trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. The trigger-related user information field includes M bits, which correspond to the M service types of the first service. The j-th bit of the M bits is used to indicate whether the terminal device is triggered to send the first service of the j-th service type among the M service types. M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and j is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

[0325] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also be referenced accordingly. Figure 6 , Figure 12 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 The corresponding description of the method embodiment shown above describes the methods and functions performed by AP in the above embodiments.

[0326] Please see Figure 29 , Figure 29This is a schematic diagram of a channel access device provided in an embodiment of this application. The channel access device may include a receiving module 2901 and a transmitting module 2902. The receiving module 2901 and the transmitting module 2902 can communicate with external systems; they may also be referred to as a communication interface, a transceiver unit, or a transceiver module. The receiving module 2901 and the transmitting module 2902 can be used to perform the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0327] For example, the receiving module 2901 and the sending module 2902 can also be called transceiver modules or transceiver units (including receiving units and sending units), and are used to perform the sending and receiving steps of the terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0328] In one possible design, the channel access device can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. For example, it can be a terminal device, or a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device. The receiving module 2901 and the transmitting module 2902 are used to perform the transmit and receive related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0329] The receiving module 2901 is used to receive a first trigger frame from the access point (AP), the first trigger frame including a first field; the sending module 2902 is used to report to the STA whether a first service exists based on the first field, the first service including a service that accesses the channel through a priority frame interval (PIFS).

[0330] Optionally, the first service includes services that access the channel via Priority Frame Interval (PIFS).

[0331] Optionally, the first field is a feedback type field.

[0332] Optionally, the first trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes the first field, and the first field is used to indicate whether the first service exists.

[0333] Optionally, the first field is a high-efficiency / extremely high-throughput main 160HE / EHT P160 field or a reserved field.

[0334] Optionally, the first field is B54 to B63 in the public information field, and one bit in B54 to B63 is used to indicate whether the first service exists.

[0335] Optionally, the receiving module 2901 is further configured to receive a second trigger frame from the AP, the second trigger frame being used to indicate the buffer size of the first service to be reported.

[0336] Optionally, the second trigger frame includes a public information field, which includes a second field used to indicate the cache size of the first service being reported.

[0337] Optionally, the second trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. The trigger-related user information field includes N bits, which correspond to N service types of the first service. The i-th bit of the N bits is used to indicate whether to report the cache size of the first service of the i-th service type among the N service types. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0338] Optionally, the receiving module 2901 is further configured to receive a third trigger frame from the AP, the third trigger frame being used to instruct the terminal device to send the first service.

[0339] Optionally, the third trigger frame includes a user information field, which includes a trigger-related user information field. The trigger-related user information field includes M bits, which correspond to the M service types of the first service. The j-th bit of the M bits is used to indicate whether the terminal device is triggered to send the first service of the j-th service type among the M service types. M is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and j is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

[0340] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also be referenced accordingly. Figure 6 , Figure 12 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 The corresponding description of the method embodiments shown above describes the methods and functions performed by the terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0341] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first device provided in an embodiment of this application. This first device can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the system shown, the functions of the first device in the above method embodiments are executed, or the steps or processes executed by the first device in the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0342] like Figure 30As shown, the first device includes a processor 3001 and a transceiver 3002. Optionally, the first device also includes a memory 3003. The processor 3001, transceiver 3002, and memory 3003 can communicate with each other via internal connections to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 3003 stores computer programs, and the processor 3001 retrieves and runs the computer programs from the memory 3003 to control the transceiver 3002 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the first device may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 3002 via wireless signals.

[0343] The aforementioned processor 3001 can be with Figure 28 Corresponding to the processing module in the memory 3003, the processor 3001 can be combined with the memory 3003 to form a processing device. The processor 3001 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 3003 to achieve the above functions. In specific implementation, the memory 3003 can be integrated into the processor 3001 or independent of the processor 3001.

[0344] The transceiver 3002 described above can be used with Figure 28 The corresponding transmitting module can also be called a transceiver unit or transceiver module. Transceiver 3002 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0345] It should be understood that Figure 30 The first device shown can achieve Figure 6 , Figure 12 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 The methods illustrated in the embodiments involve various processes related to the first device. The operations and / or functions of each module in the first device are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0346] The processor 3001 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the first device as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 3002 can be used to execute the actions described in the preceding method embodiments whereby the first device sends data to or receives data from the first AP. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments; they will not be repeated here.

[0347] The processor 3001 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor 3001 can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. The communication bus 3004 can be a peripheral component interconnect standard PCI bus or an extended industry standard structure EISA bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 30 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 3004 is used to implement communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 3002 is used for signaling or data communication with other node devices. The memory 3003 may include volatile memory, such as nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), phase change RAM (PRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), etc., and may also include nonvolatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory devices, such as NOR flash memory or NAND flash memory, semiconductor devices, such as solid-state disk (SSD), etc. Optionally, the memory 3003 may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 3001. Optionally, the memory 3003 may also store a set of computer program code or configuration information. Optionally, the processor 3001 may also execute the program stored in the memory 3003. The processor may cooperate with the memory and the transceiver to execute any of the methods and functions of the first device in the above-described embodiments.

[0348] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an AP provided in an embodiment of this application. This AP can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the system shown, the functions of AP in the above method embodiments are executed, or the steps or processes executed by AP in the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0349] like Figure 31As shown, the AP includes a processor 3101 and a transceiver 3102. Optionally, the AP also includes a memory 3103. The processor 3101, transceiver 3102, and memory 3103 can communicate with each other via internal connections to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 3103 stores computer programs, and the processor 3101 retrieves and runs the computer programs from the memory 3103 to control the transceiver 3102 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the AP may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 3102 via wireless signals.

[0350] The aforementioned processor 3101 can be with Figure 29 Corresponding to the processing module in the memory 3103, the processor 3101 can be combined with the memory 3103 to form a processing device. The processor 3101 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 3103 to achieve the above functions. In specific implementation, the memory 3103 can be integrated into the processor 3101 or independent of the processor 3101.

[0351] The transceiver 3102 described above can be used with Figure 29 The receiving module and transmitting module in the transceiver unit correspond to each other and can also be called a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 3102 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0352] It should be understood that Figure 31 The AP shown can achieve Figure 6 , Figure 12 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 The methods illustrated in the embodiments involve various processes of the AP. The operations and / or functions of each module in the AP are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0353] The processor 3101 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the AP as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 3102 can be used to execute the actions described in the preceding method embodiments of sending data to or receiving data from the first device by the AP. Please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0354] The processor 3101 can be any of the processors mentioned above. The communication bus 3104 can be a PCI bus (interconnection standard for peripheral components) or an EISA bus (extended industry standard structure). The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 31The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 3104 is used to implement communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 3102 is used for signaling or data communication with other devices. The memory 3103 can be any of the types of memory mentioned above. Optionally, the memory 3103 can also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 3101. The memory 3103 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 3101 executes the program in the memory 3103. The processor can cooperate with the memory and transceiver to execute any of the methods and functions of the AP in the above embodiments.

[0355] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. This terminal device can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 In the system shown, the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments are executed, or the steps or processes executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0356] like Figure 32 As shown, the terminal device includes a processor 3201 and a transceiver 3202. Optionally, the terminal device also includes a memory 3203. The processor 3201, transceiver 3202, and memory 3203 can communicate with each other via an internal connection path to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 3203 stores computer programs, and the processor 3201 retrieves and runs the computer program from the memory 3203 to control the transceiver 3202 to transmit and receive signals. Optionally, the terminal device may also include an antenna for transmitting uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 3202 via wireless signals.

[0357] The processor 3201 and the memory 3203 can be combined into a single processing device. The processor 3201 executes the program code stored in the memory 3203 to achieve the above functions. In specific implementations, the memory 3203 can be integrated into the processor 3201 or be independent of the processor 3201.

[0358] The transceiver 3202 described above can be used with Figure 30 The receiving module and transmitting module in the transceiver unit correspond to each other and can also be called a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 3202 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0359] It should be understood that Figure 32 The terminal device shown can achieve Figure 6 , Figure 12 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 The methods illustrated in the embodiments involve various processes of the terminal device. The operations and / or functions of each module in the terminal device are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0360] The processor 3201 described above can be used to execute the actions implemented internally by the terminal device as described in the preceding method embodiments, while the transceiver 3202 can be used to execute the actions described in the preceding method embodiments of sending data from the terminal device to the first device or receiving data from the first device. Please refer to the descriptions in the preceding method embodiments for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0361] The processor 3201 can be any of the processors mentioned above. The communication bus 3204 can be a PCI bus (interconnection standard for peripheral components) or an EISA bus (extended industry standard structure). The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. For ease of representation, Figure 32 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 3204 is used to implement communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 3202 is used for signaling or data communication with other devices. The memory 3203 can be any of the types of memory mentioned above. Optionally, the memory 3203 can also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 3201. The memory 3203 stores a set of computer program code or configuration information, and the processor 3201 executes the program in the memory 3203. The processor can cooperate with the memory and transceiver to execute any of the methods and functions of the terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0362] This application also provides a chip system including a processor for supporting a first device, an access point (AP), or a terminal device to implement the functions involved in any of the above embodiments, such as generating or processing the first frame or trigger frame involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system may further include a memory for necessary program instructions and data for the first device, AP, or terminal device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. The inputs and outputs of the chip system correspond to the receiving and transmitting operations of the first device, AP, or terminal device in the method embodiments, respectively.

[0363] This application also provides a processing apparatus, including a processor and an interface. The processor can be used to execute the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0364] It should be understood that the aforementioned processing device can be a chip. For example, the processing device can be a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD), or other integrated chips.

[0365] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0366] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above methods.

[0367] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform... Figure 6 , Figure 12 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 The method of any one of the embodiments shown.

[0368] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer-readable medium storing a computer program, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform... Figure 6 , Figure 12 , Figure 18 and Figure 21 The method of any one of the embodiments shown.

[0369] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a system, which includes one or more first devices, one or more first APs, and a plurality of terminal devices.

[0370] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium (such as a temporary storage medium or a non-transient storage medium), or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0371] In the above-described device embodiments, the first AP corresponds to the first AP or first device in the first device and method embodiments. Corresponding modules or units execute corresponding steps. For example, the receiving module and the transmitting module (transceiver) execute the receiving or transmitting steps in the method embodiments. Steps other than transmitting and receiving can be executed by the processing module (processor). The specific functions of the modules can be found in the corresponding method embodiments. There can be one or more processors.

[0372] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0373] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0374] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0375] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0376] In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module.

[0377] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0378] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A channel access method, comprising: include: The first device determines a first frame, the first frame including first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct the first AP among at least one access point (AP) to compete for access to a first service in a first time slot, the first service including a service that accesses the channel through a priority frame interval (PIFS), the first indication information including the time slot period of the first time slot, the duration of the first time slot, and the start time of the first time slot. The first device sends the first frame to the first AP.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first indication information also includes one or more of the following: the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration of the boundary protection interval, and the second time slot, wherein the second time slot is a reserved time window.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method further includes: The first device selects one of the at least one APs as the primary AP; The first device uses the timestamp of the main AP as the first reference time and takes the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the first reference time as the start time of the first time slot.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first indication information also includes the first reference time.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The first device uses its local clock as the second reference time and takes the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the second reference time as the start time of the first time slot.

6. The method of claim 1 or 5, wherein, The method further includes: The first device sends a second frame to the first AP, the second frame being used to instruct the first AP to prohibit contention for access via PIFS.

7. A channel access method, comprising: include: At least one access point (AP) receives a first frame from a first device. The first frame includes first indication information, which includes the time slot period of a first time slot, the duration of the first time slot, and the start time of the first time slot. The first AP performs contention for access to a first service within the first time slot according to the first indication information. The first service includes services that access the channel through Priority Frame Interval (PIFS).

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The first indication information also includes one or more of the following: the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration of the boundary protection interval, and the second time slot, wherein the second time slot is a reserved time window.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein, The start time of the first time slot is the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the first reference time, the first reference time is the timestamp of the master AP, and the master AP is an AP selected from the at least one AP.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The first indication information also includes the first reference time.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein, The start time of the first time slot is the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the second reference time, and the second reference time is the local clock of the first device.

12. The method of claim 7 or 11, wherein, The method further includes: The first AP receives a second frame from the first device, the second frame being used to instruct the first AP to prohibit contention for access via PIFS.

13. A channel access apparatus, comprising: include: The processing module is used to determine a first frame, the first frame including first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct a first AP among at least one access point (AP) to compete for access to a first service in a first time slot, the first service including a service that accesses the channel through a priority frame interval (PIFS), the first indication information including the time slot period of the first time slot, the duration of the first time slot, and the start time of the first time slot. The sending module is used to send the first frame to the first AP.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The first indication information also includes one or more of the following: the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration of the boundary protection interval, and the second time slot, where the second time slot is a reserved time window.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The processing module is further configured to select one AP from the at least one AP as the primary AP; using the timestamp of the primary AP as the first reference time, and using the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the first reference time as the start time of the first time slot.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The first indication information also includes the first reference time.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The processing module is further configured to use the local clock of the first device as the second reference time and the time offset of the first time slot of the first AP relative to the second reference time as the start time of the first time slot.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or 17, characterized in that, The sending module is further configured to send a second frame to the first AP, the second frame being used to instruct the first AP to prohibit contention for access via PIFS.

19. A channel access apparatus, comprising: include: A receiving module is configured to receive a first frame from a first device. The first frame includes first indication information, which includes the time slot period of a first time slot, the duration of the first time slot, and the start time of the first time slot. The processing module is configured to perform contention access for a first service in the first time slot according to the first indication information, wherein the first service includes a service that accesses the channel through a Priority Frame Interval (PIFS).

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein, The first indication information also includes one or more of the following: the start time of the beacon frame, the beacon frame period, the duration of the boundary protection interval, and the second time slot, wherein the second time slot is a reserved time window.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 or 20, wherein, The start time of the first time slot is the time offset of the first time slot of the channel access device relative to the first reference time, the first reference time is the timestamp of the master AP, and the master AP is an AP selected from at least one AP.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein, The first indication information also includes the first reference time.

23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein, The start time of the first time slot is the time offset of the first time slot of the channel access device relative to the second reference time, and the second reference time is the local clock of the first device.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or 23, characterized in that, The receiving module is further configured to receive a second frame from the first device, the second frame being used to instruct the channel access device to prohibit contention access via PIFS.

25. A channel access apparatus, comprising: The device includes a processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor running the computer program to cause the device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-6 or any one of claims 7-12.

26. A chip, characterized by The chip is a chip within a first device or a first AP. The chip includes a processor and an input interface and an output interface connected to the processor. The chip also includes a memory. When a computer program in the memory is executed, the method of any one of claims 1-6 or any one of claims 7-12 is executed.

27. A computer readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store computer programs that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-6 or any one of claims 7-12.

28. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1-6 or any one of claims 7-12.

29. A communication system, characterized by The system includes a first device and a first AP, wherein the first device performs the method of any one of claims 1-6, and the first device performs the method of any one of claims 7-12.

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