Channel contention method and apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to a channel competition method and device, which can limit the station from frequently initiating competition, thereby reducing interference on other devices. In the method, a station acquires a channel competition rule and performs channel competition according to the channel competition rule, and the channel competition rule is a first rule, a second rule, a third rule or a fourth rule. The first rule comprises that the number of RTS frames sent during the running of each competition timer in a plurality of competition timers is less than or equal to a first threshold value; the second rule comprises that channel competition is performed after a target time length; the third rule comprises that the station is prohibited from sending a clear to send (CTS) frame with a destination address of the station; and the fourth rule comprises that the station transmits an RTS frame as an initial frame to start a TXOP before the MSD timer expires, and the number of started TXOPs is less than or equal to a second threshold value. The fourth rule further comprises at least one of the following: a CCA-ED threshold before the MSD timer expires is dot11OFDMEDThreshold, or a condition for resetting the MSD timer to 0 is not set.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication, and in particular to a channel contention method and device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to reduce the conflict between each wireless local area network (WLAN) device, the WLAN defines a virtual carrier sensing mechanism, that is, a network allocation vector (NAV).

[0003] In the NAV mechanism, the WLAN device obtaining the channel can notify other WLAN devices of the duration of the channel used by the WLAN device currently obtaining the channel in the frame sent by the WLAN device. The WLAN device detecting the frame can set the NAV timer with the duration, and stop channel contention during the running of the timer.

[0004] However, in actual application, there can be a case that the WLAN device cannot set the NAV timer. At this time, if the WLAN device performs channel contention to access the channel, it can affect the communication of other WLAN devices. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a channel contention method and device, which can limit the station from frequently initiating channel contention, thereby reducing the interference caused to the communication of other devices.

[0006] In a first aspect, a channel contention method is provided. The method can be performed by a station, or by a component of the station, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system of the station, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the station. The method comprises: obtaining, by the station, a channel contention rule, and performing, by the station, channel contention according to the channel contention rule, wherein the channel contention rule is a first rule, a second rule, or a third rule. The first rule comprises that the number of request to send (RTS) frames sent during the running of each of a plurality of contention timers is less than or equal to a threshold value. The second rule comprises that channel contention is performed after a target time duration. The third rule comprises that the station is prohibited from sending a clear to send (CTS) frame with a destination address of the station. The fourth rule comprises that, before the expiration of a medium synchronization delay (MSD) timer, the station transmits an RTS frame as an initial frame to open a transmission opportunity (TXOP), and the number of opened TXOPs is less than or equal to a second threshold value. The fourth rule further comprises at least one of the following: before the expiration of the MSD timer, the threshold value of the clear channel assessment-energy detection is a dot 11 orthogonal frequency division multiplexing-energy detection threshold (dot 11 OFDM ED Threshold), or there is no condition for resetting the MSD timer to 0.

[0007] Based on the scheme, when the channel contention rule is the first rule or the fourth rule, the number of RTS frames sent by the station during the running of the timer can be limited, i.e., the station is limited from frequently initiating channel contention, thereby reducing interference to communications of other devices. When the contention rule is the second rule, the station can delay the time of channel contention, thereby limiting the station from frequently initiating channel contention and avoiding interference to other devices within a target time length. When the contention rule is the third rule, by prohibiting the station from sending a CTS-to-self frame, the station can be limited from reserving channel resources by using the CTS-to-self frame, thereby avoiding the station from reserving resources needed by other devices and reducing the impact on other devices. In addition, the prohibition of sending the CTS-to-self frame can avoid collision between the CTS-to-self frame and frames sent by other devices, thereby reducing interference.

[0008] In a possible design, the first rule further includes at least one of the following: the number of RTS frames sent during the running of each of the plurality of contention timers is greater than or equal to 1, the threshold of CCA-ED before expiration of the contention timer is dot11 OFDM ED Threshold, or no condition is set for resetting the contention timer to 0.

[0009] Based on this possible design, the use of dot11 OFDM ED Threshold as the CCA-ED threshold before expiration of the timer enables the station to use the same threshold during the running of the timer and in normal cases, thereby avoiding use of different thresholds in different cases and reducing implementation complexity. In addition, the absence of a condition for resetting the timer to 0 can prolong the time of limiting the station, as compared with resetting the timer to 0 in some cases, thereby reducing interference to communications of other devices in a relatively long time. Moreover, the station can be relieved of judging the condition for resetting to 0, thereby reducing implementation complexity.

[0010] In a possible design, the running times of the plurality of contention timers do not overlap; or the plurality of contention timers include a first contention timer and a second contention timer, and the start time of the second contention timer is within the running time of the first contention timer. Based on this possible design, the running times of the plurality of timers can be flexibly set, thereby improving flexibility.

[0011] In a possible design, the method further includes detecting a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). If no PPDU is detected, or a first PPDU is detected but a target field of the first PPDU is not correctly received, the channel contention rule is the first rule or the fourth rule; if the first PPDU is detected and the target field of the first PPDU is correctly received, the channel contention rule is the second rule. The target field is used to indicate the length of the first PPDU.

[0012] Based on the possible design, the matching of the channel contention rule with the actual situation can be improved by selecting the channel contention rule according to whether the PPDU is detected and whether the target field of the PPDU is received, so that the station selects a more suitable channel contention rule according to the actual situation, and the rationality of the limitation on the channel contention is improved.

[0013] In a possible design, the target duration is the length of the first PPDU; or, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU and an interframe space IFS; or, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU, the IFS, and the length of a block acknowledgement BA frame of the first PPDU estimated; or, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU, the IFS, and the length of an acknowledgement Ack frame of the first PPDU estimated.

[0014] In a possible design, the IFS is any of the following: a short interframe space SIFS, an extended interframe space EIFS, a distributed coordination function interframe space DIFS, a point coordination function interframe space PIFS, a reduced interframe space RIFS, and an arbitrary interframe space AIFS.

[0015] In a second aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the methods described above. The communication apparatus can be a station in the first aspect, or an apparatus included in the station, such as a chip. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the methods described above, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by a combination of hardware and software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0016] In some possible designs, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module can be used to implement the receiving and transmitting functions in any of the aspects and any of the possible designs described above. The processing module can be used to implement the processing functions in any of the aspects and any of the possible designs described above.

[0017] In a third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which includes a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer instructions, and when the processor executes the instructions, the communication apparatus performs the methods described in any of the aspects. The communication apparatus can be a station in the first aspect, or an apparatus included in the station, such as a chip.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is configured to communicate with modules outside the communication apparatus; the processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions to enable the communication apparatus to perform the method in any of the preceding aspects. The communication apparatus can be the station in the first aspect, or an apparatus included in the station, such as a chip.

[0019] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises: an interface circuit and a processor, the interface circuit is a code / data read / write interface circuit, the interface circuit is configured to receive computer execution instructions (the computer execution instructions are stored in a memory, which can be directly read from the memory, or can be read through other devices) and transmit the computer execution instructions to the processor; the processor is configured to execute the computer execution instructions to enable the communication apparatus to perform the method in any of the preceding aspects. The communication apparatus can be the station in the first aspect, or an apparatus included in the station, such as a chip.

[0020] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises: at least one processor; the processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions to enable the communication apparatus to perform the method in any of the preceding aspects. The communication apparatus can be the station in the first aspect, or an apparatus included in the station, such as a chip.

[0021] In some possible designs, the communication apparatus comprises a memory, which is configured to store necessary computer programs or instructions. The memory can be coupled with the processor, or can be independent of the processor.

[0022] In some possible designs, the communication apparatus can be a chip or a chip system. When the apparatus is a chip system, the chip system can comprise a chip, or can comprise a chip and other discrete devices.

[0023] In a seventh aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, which stores computer programs or instructions, when the computer programs or instructions are executed by a processor, the method in any of the preceding aspects is performed.

[0024] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided, when the computer program product is executed by a processor, the method in any of the preceding aspects is performed.

[0025] It can be understood that, when the communication apparatus in any of the second aspect to the eighth aspect is a chip, the sending action / functionality described above can be understood as outputting information, and the receiving action / functionality described above can be understood as inputting information.

[0026] The technical effects brought by any of the designs in the second aspect to the eighth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought by the different designs in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating multiple links between multiple link devices provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating how multiple links cannot transmit and receive simultaneously, as provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an enhanced single-radio multi-link technology provided in this application;

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a hidden node provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a blindness problem provided in this application;

[0032] Figure 6 An architecture diagram of a WLAN system provided in this application;

[0033] Figure 7 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a WLAN device;

[0034] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a channel access method provided in this application;

[0035] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the distribution of multiple timers provided in this application;

[0036] Figure 10 Another schematic diagram showing the distribution of multiple timers provided in this application;

[0037] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating another channel access method provided in this application;

[0038] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a site provided in this application;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0041] In the description of the present application, "a plurality of" means two or more than two, unless otherwise specified. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of the items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0042] In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second" and the like are used to distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same function and role. The skilled in the art can understand that "first", "second" and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second" and the like do not necessarily mean different.

[0043] In the embodiments of the present application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design presented as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner, which facilitates understanding.

[0044] It can be understood that the "embodiments" mentioned throughout the specification mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It can be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the execution order, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0045] It can be understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented independently in some scenarios, without relying on other features, such as the scheme currently based on, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. In some scenarios, it can also be combined with other features according to demand. Correspondingly, the devices given in the embodiments of the present application can also realize these features or functions, which will not be described here.

[0046] In the present application, the same or similar parts among various embodiments can be mutually referred to, unless otherwise specified. In various embodiments of the present application, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent, and can be mutually referred to, unless otherwise specified and logically conflicted. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship. The implementation manners of the present application described below do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present application.

[0047] In order to facilitate the understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, first, a brief introduction of the related technologies of the present application is given as follows.

[0048] 1. Multi-link operation (MLO):

[0049] Continuously improving the throughput is a sustained technical goal of the development and evolution of cellular networks and wireless local area networks (WLANs). The protocols of WLAN systems are mainly discussed in the institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard group, and the throughput of WLAN systems has been continuously improved in the 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax standards. The next generation standard IEEE 802.11be, also known as the extremely high throughput (EHT) standard, will significantly improve the peak throughput as its most important technical goal.

[0050] In order to achieve the technical goal of extremely high throughput, the next generation standard IEEE 802.11be takes MLO as one of the key technologies. The core idea is to support WLAN devices of the next generation IEEE 802.11 standard to have the capability of transmitting and receiving in multiple frequency bands (Multi-band), so as to use a larger bandwidth for data transmission, and thus significantly improve the throughput. For example, the above-mentioned multi-band includes but is not limited to: 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) frequency band, 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band and 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band.

[0051] Among them, access and transmission in one frequency band can be called a link, or access and transmission in a frequency interval on the same frequency band can be called a link, so that access and transmission composed of multiple links are called MLO.

[0052] Exemplarily, the access and transmission on a frequency interval on the same frequency band are called a link. The access frequency bands of different links can be the same, that is, different links can be located on the same frequency band. In this case, different links can access different channels (or different frequency intervals) of the same frequency band, and thus perform data transmission on different channels.

[0053] 2. Multi-link device (MLD):

[0054] The next-generation IEEE 802.11 standard station device that supports multiple links at the same time is called a multi-link device (MLD). That is, the multi-link device has the ability to send and receive on multiple frequency bands, and has higher transmission efficiency and higher throughput compared with a device that only supports single-link transmission.

[0055] The multi-link device includes at least two affiliated stations (affiliated STAs). One station can be understood as an internal entity responsible for a link. The affiliated station can be an access point station (AP STA) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). The multi-link device whose affiliated station is an AP STA can be called an AP multi-link device (AP MLD), and the multi-link device whose affiliated station is a non-AP STA can be called a non-AP multi-link device (non-AP MLD).

[0056] Exemplarily, one STA in the multi-link device can establish a link with one STA in another multi-link device to communicate, which can be seen from the schematic diagram shown in Figure 1

[0057] It should be noted that the station in the present application can refer to an AP STA, or can refer to a non-AP STA. For the convenience of description, the AP STA is referred to as an AP in the following embodiments of the present application.

[0058] The multi-link device can be divided into a simultaneous transmitting and receiving (STR) multi-link device (STR MLD) and a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving (NSTR) multi-link device (non-STR MLD).

[0059] ​For non-STR MLD, when the frequency interval between the multiple bands it supports is close, transmitting a signal on one band will affect receiving a signal on another band, i.e., among the multiple links of the non-STR MLD, at least two links cannot perform simultaneous transmission and reception. For example, as shown in Figure 2 FIG. 1, among the multiple links established by the non-STR MLD and another multi-link device, if the frequency interval between link 1 and link 2 is small, when the time for transmitting block acknowledgement (BA) 2 for physical protocol data unit (PPDU) 2 on link 2 overlaps with the time for receiving PPDU 1 on link 1, the energy leaked from the transmission of BA 2 on link 2 to link 1 will block the reception of PPDU 1 on link 1, thereby affecting the reception of PPDU 1.

[0060] 3. Enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR):

[0061] In order for a non-AP MLD to enjoy the advantages of multi-link when it only has single radio transceiver capability, IEEE 802.11be introduces the EMLSR capability. A non-AP MLD that supports EMLSR can perform listening operation on multiple links simultaneously. In the listening operation, the non-AP MLD uses one radio (e.g., one antenna) on each link to receive.

[0062] After the AP MLD successfully transmits an initial control frame to the non-AP MLD on any link i, the non-AP MLD can switch the radios on each link to link i to perform frame exchange with the AP MLD. After the frame exchange ends, the non-AP MLD switches the radios to each link and performs listening operation.

[0063] For example, Figure 3As shown, taking the establishment of Link 1 between AP 1 of AP MLD and non-AP STA 1 of non-AP MLD, and the establishment of Link 2 between AP 2 of AP MLD and non-AP STA 2 of non-AP MLD as an example, before AP MLD successfully sends the initial control frame, non-AP MLD uses one antenna each on Link 1 and Link 2 for listening operations. After AP MLD successfully sends the initial control frame on Link 1, non-AP MLD uses two antennas on Link 1 to perform frame interaction with AP MLD. After the frame interaction ends, non-AP MLD continues to perform listening operations using one antenna each on Link 1 and Link 2.

[0064] Regarding the PPDU reception capability of EMLSR STAs during listening operations, one possible specification is that during listening operations, it can receive legacy preambles and limited types of PPDU / frames, and set the network allocation vector (NAV) timer according to the PPDU / frames that EMLSR STAs can resolve.

[0065] However, for PPDU / frames that EMLSR STAs cannot parse during listening operations, they cannot set the NAV timer according to the instructions in the PPDU / frame. In this case, if the EMLSR STAs compete for channel access, it may affect the communication of other stations.

[0066] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, non-AP STA1 and EMLSR STA2 are associated with the same AP, but they cannot hear each other's signals. For example, non-AP STA1's listening range is range 1, and EMLSR STA2's listening range is range 2. Assume that EMLSR STA2 cannot parse the data packet sent by the AP to non-AP STA1, and therefore cannot set the NAV timer according to the packet's indication. Furthermore, since the BA frames sent by non-AP STA1 are outside EMLSR STA2's listening range, EMLSR STA2 cannot hear the BA frames sent by non-AP STA1, and may therefore assume that the channel is idle during BA frame transmission, leading to channel contention, such as sending a request-to-send (RTS) frame. This operation may interfere with the communication of non-AP STA1.

[0067] 4. The blindness problem:

[0068] For non-STR MLDs, transmissions on one link can interfere with other links. This interference may affect clear channel access (CCA) on other links, causing them to enter a blind period or deaf period. Consequently, no signal can be detected on these other links, and the NAV timer may be missed during its setting or refresh. Because the NAV timer is not set or refreshed, when a non-AP MLD resumes channel contention after transmission on the transmitting link, it may collide with overlapping basic service set (OBSS) frames. This problem is known as the blind problem.

[0069] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, AP 1 of AP MLD communicates with non-AP STA1 of non-AP MLD 1 via link 1; from the perspective of non-AP STA2 of non-AP MLD 1, it communicates with AP 2 of AP MLD via link 2 (denoted as link 2#1); from the perspective of non-AP STA3 of non-AP MLD 2, it communicates with AP 2 of AP MLD via link 2 (denoted as link 2#2). Link 2#1 and link 2#2 overlap in both spatial and frequency domains, belonging to two different basic service sets (BSS), which are called OBSS.

[0070] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, when non-AP STA 1 sends an RTS frame and data on link 1, link 2#1 is in a blind state. When AP 1 sends a clear-to-send (CTS) frame and a BA frame on link 1, link 2#1 is in a normal state. If non-AP STA 3 and AP 2 exchange RTS frames, CTS frames, and some data on link 2#2 while link 2#1 is in a blind state, non-AP STA 2 cannot set its NAV timer based on the RTS frames, CTS frames, and some data on link 2#2 because link 2#1 is blind. Therefore, after the exchange on link 1 is completed, non-AP STA 2 may consider link 2#1 idle and send an RTS frame on link 2#1 to compete for the channel. However, this RTS frame will collide with the data on link 2#2, thus affecting the communication of non-AP STA 3.

[0071] In summary, in the EMLSR and blind problem scenarios, there are cases where a station cannot set or refresh the NAV timer. At this time, if the station performs channel contention to access the channel, it can affect the communication of other devices. Based on this, the present application provides a channel contention method, which can limit the station from frequently initiating channel contention, thereby reducing the interference caused to the communication of other devices.

[0072] The scheme of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings. The embodiments of the present application can be applied to the scenario of WLAN, and can be applied to the IEEE 802.11 system standard, such as the 802.11a / b / g standard, the 802.11n standard, the 802.11ac standard, the 802.11ax standard, or the next generation thereof, such as the 802.11be standard, also known as Wi-Fi7 or EHT standard, or a more next generation standard. Alternatively, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to a wireless local area network system such as an Internet of Things (IoT) network or a vehicle-to-X (V2X) network. Of course, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD), a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, and a 5th generation (5G) communication system or a more next generation communication system.

[0073] Firstly, the present application provides a WLAN communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable, which can include one or more stations. Among them, the station can include an AP and a non-AP STA. It should be noted that the non-AP STA involved in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as a terminal, and the two can be replaced with each other, and the method provided by the present application does not make specific limitation thereto.

[0074] As an example, please refer to Figure 6 , which shows the architecture diagram of the WLAN communication system provided by the present application. Figure 6For example, the WLAN includes an AP, a non-AP STA1, a non-AP STA2, a non-AP STA3, a non-AP STA4, and a non-AP STA5. The AP can schedule wireless resources for the non-AP STAs associated with the AP and / or non-AP STAs not associated with the AP, and transmit data for the non-AP STAs on the scheduled wireless resources. For example, the AP can schedule wireless resources for the non-AP STA1, the non-AP STA2, the non-AP STA3, the non-AP STA4, and the non-AP STA5, and transmit data for the non-AP STA1, the non-AP STA2, the non-AP STA3, the non-AP STA4, and the non-AP STA5 on the scheduled wireless resources, including uplink data information and / or downlink data information.

[0075] In addition, the AP and the non-AP STAs in the embodiments of the present application can be stations in an MLD. Figure 6 The number of APs and non-AP STAs in the WLAN is only an example, and there can be more or less.

[0076] The non-AP STAs involved in the embodiments of the present application can be wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals. For example, user terminals, user devices, access devices, subscriber stations, subscriber units, mobile stations, user agents, user equipment, which can include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, and various forms of user equipment (UE), mobile stations (MS), terminals, terminal equipment, portable communication devices, handsets, portable computing devices, entertainment devices, gaming devices or systems, global positioning system devices, or any other suitable devices configured to communicate over a wireless medium. In addition, the STA can support 802.11be or the next generation of 802.11be. The non-AP STA can also support multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0077] The AP related to the embodiments of the present application can be a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated non-AP STA. It is mainly deployed in homes, buildings and campuses, and the typical coverage radius is tens of meters to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also be deployed outdoors. The AP is equivalent to a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, and its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then access the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, the AP can be a base station, router, gateway, repeater, communication server, switch or bridge with a WiFi chip, wherein the base station can include various forms of macro base station, micro base station, relay station, etc. In addition, the AP can support 802.11be or the next generation of 802.11be. The AP can also support WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b and 802.11a.

[0078] In some embodiments, the AP and non-AP STA related to the present application can be collectively referred to as a WLAN device. In specific implementation, the WLAN device can adopt the component structure shown in Figure 7 or include the components shown in Figure 7 .

[0079] Referring to Figure 7 , a component diagram of a WLAN device 700 provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. The WLAN device 700 can be a non-AP STA or a chip or chip system (or system on chip) in the non-AP STA; or it can be an AP or a chip or chip system (or system on chip) in the AP. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip or include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7 , the WLAN device 700 includes a processor 701 and a transceiver 702. Further, the WLAN device 700 can also include a memory 704. The processor 701, the memory 704 and the transceiver 702 can be connected through a communication line 703.

[0081] Optionally, the processor 701 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 701 can also be a different type of processor or processing device such as a circuit, a device, or a software module, without limitation.

[0082] In an example, the processor 701 can include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in Figure 7 The WLAN device 700 can include multiple processors, such as other processors (not shown in Figure 7 in addition to the processor 701 in Figure 7 .

[0083] The transceiver 702 is configured to communicate with other devices or other communication networks. The other communication networks can be an Ethernet, a radio access network (RAN), etc. The transceiver 702 can be a module, a circuit, a transceiver, or any device capable of performing communication.

[0084] The communication line 703 is configured to transmit information between components included in the WLAN device 700.

[0085] The memory 704 is configured to store instructions. The instructions can be a computer program. The memory 704 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and / or instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and / or instructions, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, a magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0086] It should be noted that the memory 704 can exist independently of the processor 701 or can be integrated with the processor 701. The memory 704 can be used to store instructions, program code, or some data, etc. The memory 704 can be located inside or outside the WLAN device 700, without limitation. The processor 701 can execute the instructions stored in the memory 704 to implement the methods provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0087] As an optional implementation, the WLAN device 700 also includes an output device 705 and an input device 706. For example, the input device 706 is a device such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or joystick, and the output device 705 is a device such as a display screen or speaker.

[0088] Understandable, Figure 7 The structural composition shown does not constitute a limitation on this WLAN device, except... Figure 7 In addition to the components shown, the WLAN device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0089] The methods provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below. It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the executing entity may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be performed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessarily necessary to perform all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0090] like Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a channel contention method provided in this application. Exemplarily, a station can execute this channel contention method when it is unable to set or refresh the NAV timer. For example, when a station, acting as an EMLSR STA, is unable to parse detected PPDUs or frames, it executes this method. Alternatively, it executes this method when its corresponding link is in a blind state. Of course, this channel contention method can also be executed in other scenarios where channel contention by a station needs to be limited; this application does not specifically limit this. See also... Figure 8 The communication method includes the following steps:

[0091] S801, Site Acquisition Channel Contention Rules.

[0092] Optionally, the site can be a non-AP STA. Alternatively, the site can be an AP. The site can be a legacy site, or it can be a site in a multi-link device; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0093] S802, the station performs channel contention according to a channel contention rule.

[0094] Optionally, the channel contention can include: performing a clear channel access (CCA), sending an RTS frame when determining that the channel is idle, pre-empting the channel, or starting a transmission opportunity (TXOP). Exemplarily, the CCA can be a carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) and / or energy detection (ED).

[0095] The channel contention rule can be a first rule, a second rule, a third rule, or a fourth rule.

[0096] The first rule includes that the number of RTS frames sent during the running of each of the plurality of contention timers is less than or equal to a first threshold. It can be understood that if the station does not send an RTS frame during the running of the contention timer, i.e., the number of RTS frames sent is 0, it can be because the station does not detect that the channel is idle during the running of the contention timer.

[0097] It should be noted that the contention timer in the present application is only an exemplary name of the timer, and other names can also be used in actual applications, which are not limited in the present application.

[0098] Optionally, the first rule can further include at least one of the following: 1) the number of RTS frames sent during the running of each of the plurality of contention timers is greater than or equal to 1. That is, the first rule limits the station to send an RTS frame to pre-empt the channel during the running of the contention timer, but the number of RTS frames sent is less than or equal to the first threshold.

[0099] 2) The threshold of clear channel access-energy detection (CCA-ED) before the expiration of the timer is dot11OFDMEDThreshold. OFDM refers to orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), and ED refers to energy detection. dot11OFDMEDThreshold can refer to the definition in the IEEE 802.11ax standard, which is not described herein.

[0100] 3) No condition is set for the contention timer to reset to zero.

[0101] Optionally, when the channel contention rule is the first rule, the station can start multiple contention timers, and perform channel contention according to the first rule during the running of the multiple contention timers. For example, when the first rule includes the above rule 1), multiple contention timers are started, an RTS frame is sent during the running of each of the multiple contention timers, and the number of sent RTS frames is less than or equal to the first threshold. When the first rule includes the above rule 2), CCA-ED is performed during the running of the contention timer, and dot11OFDMEDThreshold is used. When the first rule includes the above rule 3), no condition is set for the contention timer to reset to zero, that is, the operation of resetting the contention timer to zero is not performed, and the contention timer is naturally run until expiration. The expiration of the timer can also be referred to as the timeout of the timer, and the two can be replaced with each other.

[0102] Optionally, the above rule 2) can be replaced with 2') that the threshold of CCA-ED before the expiration of the contention timer is dot11MSDOFDMEDThreshold. The above rule 3) can be replaced with 3') that the condition for the timer to reset to zero is that the station receives a PPDU including a valid MAC protocol data unit (MPDU), or the station receives a PPDU, and the RXVECTOR parameter TXOP_DURATION of the PPDU is not UNSPECIFIED. Wherein, MAC refers to medium access control (medium access control, MAC).

[0103] That is, the detection threshold of CCA-ED during the running of the contention timer can be dot11OFDMEDThreshold or dot11MSDOFDMEDThreshold. In addition, a condition for the contention timer to reset to zero can be set or not set.

[0104] Optionally, when the station starts multiple contention timers, the first contention timer in the multiple contention timers can be started when the station determines that the NAV timer cannot be set or refreshed, or can be started after step S801 is completed, and the present application does not make specific limitation thereon.

[0105] Optionally, the first threshold in the first rule can be defined by a protocol. Alternatively, when the station is a non-AP STA, the first threshold can be configured by an AP. Alternatively, the first threshold can be defined by the station, and the present application does not make specific limitation thereon.

[0106] Optionally, the durations of the multiple contention timers can be defined by a protocol, or can be configured by an AP, or can be defined by a station, without limitation. The durations of different contention timers in the multiple contention timers can be the same or different. The present application does not make a specific limitation in this regard.

[0107] Optionally, the running times of the multiple contention timers can not overlap. For example, as shown in Figure 9 , taking a duration of 10 milliseconds (ms) of the contention timer as an example, the running time of the first contention timer can be 1-10 ms, the running time of the second contention timer can be 11-20 ms, the running time of the third contention timer can be 21-30 ms, and so on.

[0108] Alternatively, the running times of the multiple contention timers can overlap, for example, can be in a sliding window manner. Specifically, assuming that the multiple contention timers include a first contention timer and a second contention timer, the start time of the second contention timer can be located within the running time of the first contention timer. For example, as shown in Figure 10 , taking a duration of 10 ms of the contention timer as an example, the running time of the first contention timer can be 1-10 ms, the running time of the second contention timer can be 2-11 ms, the running time of the third contention timer can be 3-12 ms, and so on.

[0109] Optionally, the 1 ms in the examples shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 may be a relative time. For example, the time when the station determines that the NAV timer cannot be set or refreshed can be recorded as the position of 1 ms, or the time when step S801 is completed can be recorded as the position of 1 ms.

[0110] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the contention timer can be a medium sync delay (MSD) timer in a medium access recovery procedure. Correspondingly, the first threshold in the first rule can be the value of a parameter MSD_TXOP_MAX. The medium access recovery procedure, the MSD timer, and the value of the parameter MSD_TXOP_MAX can refer to the definitions in the existing IEEE 802.11be standard, which will not be described herein.

[0111] Optionally, the station can suspend the execution of the first rule when the communication is successfully started (for example, the station successfully initiates the communication or the station receives the scheduling of the AP), and continue to execute the first rule after the communication ends, and perform channel contention according to the first rule.

[0112] Optionally, in actual application, the functions of the multiple contention timers can be implemented by one timer in hardware or software. For example, the timer can mark multiple time intervals, and each time interval corresponds to the running time of one contention timer.

[0113] Based on the scheme, when the channel contention rule is the first rule, the number of RTS frames sent by the station during the running of the timer can be limited, i.e., the station is limited to frequently initiate channel contention, and the interference caused to the communication of other devices is reduced. In addition, the multiple timers are used in the present application, and for the station, such as an EMLS RS TA, which cannot correctly set the NAV due to its own capability problem, the interference to other devices can be effectively reduced. On the other hand, the dot11OFDMEDThreshold is used as the CCA-ED threshold before the expiration of the timer, so that the station can use the same threshold during the running of the timer and in normal cases, and the use of different thresholds in different cases is avoided, and the implementation complexity is reduced. On the other hand, the condition for resetting the timer to 0 is not set, compared to resetting the timer to 0 in some cases, the limiting time of the station can be prolonged, so that the interference caused to the communication of other devices is reduced in a relatively long period of time. Moreover, the judgment of the station on the condition for resetting to 0 can be reduced, and the implementation complexity is reduced.

[0114] The second rule includes that the channel contention is performed after the target time length. That is, the station can postpone the time of channel contention, so that the station is limited to frequently initiate channel contention, and the interference to other devices in the target time length is avoided.

[0115] Optionally, in the target time length, the station can perform CCA according to the baseline of the existing protocol, for example, channel listening can be performed, and further, the NAV timer can be set according to the frames listened to.

[0116] The third rule includes that the station is prohibited from sending a CTS frame with the destination address being the station, i.e., the station is prohibited from sending a CTS-to-self frame. The CTS-to-self frame is a kind of CTS frame, the destination address of which is the device sending the CTS-to-self frame, and can be used to reserve channel resources, and other devices receiving the CTS-to-self frame can set the NAV timer according to the CTS-to-self frame. By prohibiting the station from sending the CTS-to-self frame, the station is limited to reserve channel resources through the CTS-to-self frame, the station is avoided to reserve the resources needed to be used by other devices, and the influence on other devices is reduced. In addition, the prohibition of sending the CTS-to-self frame can avoid the collision between the CTS-to-self frame and the frames sent by other devices, so that the interference is reduced.

[0117] The fourth rule comprises: before the MSD timer expires, the station transmits an RTS frame as an initial frame to start a TXOP, and the number of started TXOPs is less than or equal to a second threshold (for example, MSD_TXOP_MAX). Further, the fourth rule can further comprise at least one of the following: the MSD timer expires to a CCA-ED threshold of dot11OFDMEDThreshold, or no condition is set for the MSD to reset to 0.

[0118] Optionally, when the channel contention rule is the fourth rule, the station can start the MSD timer, and during the running of the MSD timer, the channel contention is performed according to the fourth rule. For details, refer to the related description of the first rule, which will not be repeated here.

[0119] Based on the fourth rule, the station can be limited to frequently initiate channel contention, and the interference caused to the communication of other devices can be reduced. In addition, by limiting the CCA-ED threshold and not setting the condition for the MSD timer to reset to 0, the implementation complexity can be reduced. For details, refer to the related description of the first rule, which will not be repeated here.

[0120] The above describes the channel contention method provided by the present application. The application process of the channel contention method is described below. Referring to Figure 11 , the process comprises the following steps:

[0121] S1101, detecting a PPDU.

[0122] As a possible implementation, if no PPDU is detected, the following step S1102a is performed. If a first PPDU is detected, the following step S1102b is performed. The first PPDU is any PPDU detected, that is, once a PPDU is detected, the PPDU can be called a first PPDU. In addition, the present application takes the destination address of the first PPDU as an example, which is not the address of the station performing Figure 11 The station performing the process shown in the flowchart is taken as an example, and if the destination address of the first PPDU is the station, the normal process is performed.

[0123] S1102a, performing operation 1. The operation 1 can be any one of the following three operations:

[0124] (1) Channel contention is performed according to the first rule or the fourth rule. That is, when no PPDU is detected, the channel contention rule in the present application is the first rule or the fourth rule.

[0125] (2) Channel contention is performed according to the existing normal process.

[0126] (3) The medium access recovery process defined in the current IEEE 802.11be standard is performed.

[0127] S1102b, determine whether the target field of the first PPDU is correctly received.

[0128] The target field is used to indicate a length of the first PPDU. For example, the target field can be a legacy-signal field (L-SIG).

[0129] As a possible implementation, if the target field of the first PPDU is not correctly received, the following step S1103a can be performed. If the target field of the first PPDU is correctly received, the following step S1103b is performed.

[0130] Optionally, correctly receiving the target field of the first PPDU can be understood as correctly parsing the target field.

[0131] S1103a, perform operation 2. The operation 2 can be any one of the following two operations:

[0132] (1) Channel contention according to the first rule or the fourth rule. That is, when the PPDU is detected but the target field of the PPDU is not correctly received, the channel contention rule in the present application is the first rule or the fourth rule.

[0133] (2) Perform the medium access recovery process defined in the current IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0134] S1103b, postpone the channel access target duration. Optionally, CCA can be performed according to the baseline within the target duration, for example, setting the NAV.

[0135] That is, when the PPDU is detected and the target field of the PPDU is correctly received, the channel contention rule in the present application is the second rule.

[0136] Optionally, even if the station correctly receives the target field of the first PPDU, it can still be unable to receive other fields in the first PPDU except the target field, and thus it is unable to set or refresh the NAV timer according to the first PPDU, so the method of the present application can be performed to reduce interference to other devices.

[0137] Optionally, in this scenario, the target duration in the second rule can be the length of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU and an interframe space (IFS). Alternatively, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU, the IFS, and the estimated length of the BA frame of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU, the IFS, and the estimated length of the acknowledge (Ack) frame of the first PPDU.

[0138] Optionally, the IFS can be any of the following: a short IFS (SIFS), an extended IFS (EIFS), a distributed coordination function (DCF) IFS (DIFS), a point coordination function (PCF) IFS (PIFS), a reduced IFS (RIFS), and an arbitrary IFS (AIFS).

[0139] Optionally, if the channel contention rule is the second rule, the station can perform channel contention after the target duration from the start time of the first PPDU. For example, after the target duration, if the station does not set the NAV timer, the station can continue to detect the PPDU. For example, assuming that the start time of the first PPDU is 8 ms and the target duration is 10 ms, the station performs channel contention after 18 ms.

[0140] Based on the above process, the first rule, the second rule, or the fourth rule can be selected for channel contention based on the detection of the PPDU, thereby reducing the interference caused to the communication of other devices.

[0141] In addition, some schemes are provided in the present application to limit the channel contention of the station that cannot correctly set or update the NAV timer, or to help the station update the NAV. For example:

[0142] The non-AP STA can be prohibited from performing channel contention, for example, the enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) uplink channel contention function of the station is prohibited. At this time, the communication of the non-AP STA can be scheduled by the AP.

[0143] Or, the AP helps the non-AP STA to set or update the NAV timer. For example, since the AP can know that the non-AP STA has limited ability to set or refresh the NAV timer, the AP can send a CTS-to-Self frame. Since the CTS-to-Self frame is resolvable to the non-AP STA, the AP can indicate the non-AP STA to set or update the NAV timer through the CTS-to-Self frame, so as to reduce the interference of the channel contention initiated by the non-AP STA to other devices.

[0144] It can be understood that the method and / or steps implemented by the station in each of the above embodiments can also be implemented by a component (such as a chip or circuit) available to the station.

[0145] The above mainly introduces the scheme provided by the application from the perspective of interaction between devices. Correspondingly, the application also provides a communication apparatus, which is used to implement the above various methods. The communication apparatus can be the station in the above method embodiment, or a device containing the above station, or a component available to the station.

[0146] It can be understood that the communication apparatus contains the hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to each function in order to implement the above functions. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in the present application, the application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is implemented in hardware or computer software driven hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the application.

[0147] The embodiments of the application can divide the function modules of the communication apparatus according to the above method embodiments, for example, each function module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated in one processing module. The integrated module can be realized in the form of hardware or software function module. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division. There can be another division manner when actually implemented.

[0148] In an implementation scenario, taking the communication apparatus as the station in the above method embodiment, Figure 12 A structural schematic diagram of a station 120 is shown. The station 120 includes a processing module 1201 and a transceiver module 1202.

[0149] Optionally, the transceiver module 1202, which can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, can include a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0150] Optionally, the station 120 can further include a storage module (not shown in the figure) for storing computer programs or instructions. Figure 12

[0151] Optionally, the transceiver module 1202 can be used to perform the sending and receiving steps in the above method embodiments performed by the station, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein; the processing module 1201 can be used to perform the processing steps in the above method embodiments performed by the station, and / or other processes for supporting the technologies described herein. For example:

[0152] The processing module 1201 is configured to obtain a channel contention rule; the processing module 1201 is further configured to perform channel contention by the transceiver module 1202 according to the channel contention rule. The channel contention rule is a first rule or a second rule or a third rule or a fourth rule.

[0153] The first rule includes that the number of request to send (RTS) frames sent during the running time of each of the plurality of contention timers is less than or equal to a first threshold value.

[0154] The second rule includes that channel contention is performed after a target time period.

[0155] The third rule includes that the station is prohibited from sending a clear to send (CTS) frame with a destination address being the station.

[0156] The fourth rule includes that the station transmits an RTS frame as an initial frame to start a transmission opportunity (TXOP) before the MSD timer expires, and the number of started TXOPs is less than or equal to a second threshold value, and the fourth rule further includes at least one of the following: a clear channel assessment-energy detection threshold before the MSD timer expires is a dot11 OFDM ED threshold, or there is no condition for resetting the MSD timer to 0.

[0157] Optionally, the first rule further includes at least one of the following: the number of RTS frames sent during the running time of each of the plurality of contention timers is greater than or equal to 1, the clear channel assessment-energy detection threshold before the expiration of the contention timer is the dot11 OFDM ED threshold, or there is no condition for resetting the contention timer to 0.

[0158] Optionally, the running times of the plurality of contention timers do not overlap; or the plurality of contention timers include a first contention timer and a second contention timer, and the start time of the second contention timer is located within the running time of the first contention timer. ​

[0159] Optionally, the transceiver module 1202 is also used to detect physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs); if no PPDU is detected, or if the first PPDU is detected but the target field of the first PPDU is not correctly received, the channel contention rule is the first rule or the fourth rule; if the first PPDU is detected and the target field of the first PPDU is correctly received, the channel contention rule is the second rule; wherein, the target field is used to indicate the length of the first PPDU.

[0160] Optionally, the target duration is the length of the first PPDU; or, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU and the inter-frame interval (IFS); or, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU, the IFS, and the estimated duration of the block acknowledgment (BA) frame of the first PPDU; or, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU, the IFS, and the estimated duration of the acknowledgment (Ack) frame of the first PPDU.

[0161] Optionally, the IFS can be any of the following: Short Inter-Frame Spacing (SIFS), Extended Inter-Frame Spacing (EIFS), Distributed Coordination Function Inter-Frame Spacing (DIFS), Point Coordination Function Inter-Frame Spacing (PIFS), Shortened Inter-Frame Spacing (RIFS), or Arbitrary Inter-Frame Spacing (AIFS).

[0162] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0163] In this application, the site 120 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" may refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a circuit, a processor and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0164] In some embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the site 120 can be implemented in terms of hardware. Figure 7 The WLAN device shown is in the form of 700.

[0165] As an example, Figure 12 The function / implementation process of the processing module 1201 can be achieved through... Figure 7 The processor 701 in the WLAN device 700 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in the memory 704 to implement this. Figure 12 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 1202 can be obtained through Figure 7 This is achieved through the transceiver 702 in the WLAN device 700 shown.

[0166] In some embodiments, when Figure 12 When station 120 is a chip or chip system, the function / implementation process of transceiver module 1202 can be implemented through the input / output interface (or communication interface) of the chip or chip system, and the function / implementation process of processing module 1201 can be implemented through the processor (or processing circuit) of the chip or chip system.

[0167] Since the site 120 provided in this embodiment can execute the above method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0168] In some embodiments, this application also provides a communication device, which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments.

[0169] As one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory. This memory stores necessary computer programs or instructions, which the processor can invoke to instruct the communication device to execute the methods described in any of the above-described method embodiments. Of course, the memory may also be absent from the communication device.

[0170] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes an interface circuit, which is a code / data read / write interface circuit, used to receive computer execution instructions (which are stored in memory and may be read directly from memory or may be transmitted through other devices) and transmit them to the processor.

[0171] As another possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for communicating with modules outside the communication device.

[0172] It is understood that the communication device may be a chip or a chip system. When the communication device is a chip system, the chip system may include chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0173] As one possible product form, the site described in the embodiments of this application can also be implemented using the following: one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described throughout this application.

[0174] As another possible product form, the station described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by a general bus architecture. For ease of illustration, refer to Figure 13 A structural schematic diagram of a communication device 1300 provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0175] Refer to Figure 13 The communication device 1300 includes a processor 1301 and a transceiver 1302. The communication device 1300 can be an access point or a station, or a chip therein. Figure 13 Only main components of the communication device 1300 are shown. In addition to the processor 1301 and the transceiver 1302, the communication device can further include a memory 1303, and an input / output device (not shown in the figure).

[0176] The processor 1301 is mainly used for processing communication protocols and communication data, and controlling the whole communication device, executing software programs, and processing data of the software programs. The memory 1303 is mainly used for storing software programs and data. The transceiver 1302 can include a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The radio frequency circuit is mainly used for conversion between a baseband signal and a radio frequency signal, and processing of the radio frequency signal. The antenna is mainly used for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input / output device, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., is mainly used for receiving data input by a user and outputting data to the user.

[0177] The processor 1301, the transceiver 1302, and the memory 1303 can be connected through a communication bus.

[0178] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1301 can read software programs in the memory 1303, interpret and execute instructions of the software programs, and process data of the software programs. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1301 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted, and outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal, and transmits the radio frequency signal in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is transmitted to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1301. The processor 1301 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0179] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuit and the antenna can be arranged independently of the processor performing baseband processing, such as in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuit and the antenna can be arranged remotely from the communication device.

[0180] The present application also provides a computer readable storage medium having a computer program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0181] The application further provides a computer program product, which, when executed by a processor, realizes the functions of any of the method embodiments described above.

[0182] Those skilled in the art can understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0183] It can be understood that the systems, devices and methods described in the present application can also be implemented in other manners. For example, the described device embodiments are merely schematic, and the division of the units is merely a logical function division, and there can be another division manner in actual implementation. For example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the displayed or discussed coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, and can be electrical, mechanical or in other forms.

[0184] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, that is, can be located in one place, or can be distributed on a plurality of network units. The components shown as units can or can not be physical units. Part or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0185] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0186] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transferred from one computer readable storage medium to another computer readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or data storage device including one or more servers, data centers, etc. integrated with the medium. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state disk (SSD)), etc. In the embodiments of the present application, the computer can include the device described above.

[0187] Although the present application is described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed application, from the appended claims, the disclosure and the accompanying drawings. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. Measures described in mutually different dependent claims can be combined and can produce good results.

[0188] Although the present application has been described in connection with certain specific features and embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that it is provided as an exemplification of the application and is not intended to limit the scope of the application, which is defined in the claims. Various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Accordingly, it is intended that all such modifications and changes be included within the scope of the application as claimed. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present application are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the application can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A channel contention method, characterized in that, The method includes: Site channel contention rules; The station engages in channel contention according to the channel contention rules, which are either a first rule, a second rule, a third rule, or a fourth rule; wherein: The first rule includes: the number of request-to-send RTS frames sent during the operation of each of the plurality of contention timers is less than or equal to a first threshold; The second rule includes: conducting channel contention after the target duration; The third rule includes: prohibiting a site from sending clearing CTS frames with the destination address being the site; The fourth rule includes: before the Media Synchronization Delay (MSD) timer expires, the station transmits an RTS frame as the initial frame to enable Transmission Opportunity (TXOP), and the number of enabled TXOPs is less than or equal to the second threshold. The fourth rule also includes at least one of the following: before the MSD timer expires, the threshold for Idle Channel Assessment-Energy Detection is the dot11 OFDMEDThreshold, or the condition of resetting the MSD timer to 0 is not set. The method further includes: Detect Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU); If no PPDU is detected, or if the first PPDU is detected but the target field of the first PPDU is not received correctly, the channel contention rule is the first rule or the fourth rule; If the first PPDU is detected and the target field of the first PPDU is correctly received, the channel contention rule is the second rule; The target field is used to indicate the length of the first PPDU, and the length of the first PPDU is used to determine the target duration.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rule also includes at least one of the following: the number of RTS frames sent during the operation of each of the plurality of contention timers is greater than or equal to 1; the threshold for idle channel assessment-energy detection before the contention timer expires is dot11OFDMEDThreshold; or the condition for resetting the contention timer to 0 is not set.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The running times of the multiple competing timers do not overlap; Alternatively, the plurality of contention timers may include a first contention timer and a second contention timer, wherein the start time of the second contention timer is within the running time of the first contention timer.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target duration is the length of the first PPDU; Alternatively, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU and the inter-frame interval (IFS); Alternatively, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU, the IFS, and the estimated duration of the block acknowledgment (BA) frame of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU, the IFS, and the estimated duration of the acknowledgment (Ack) frame of the first PPDU.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The IFS is any one of the following: Short Inter-Frame Spacing (SIFS), Extended Inter-Frame Spacing (EIFS), Distributed Coordination Function Inter-Frame Spacing (DIFS), Point Coordination Function Inter-Frame Spacing (PIFS), Shortened Inter-Frame Spacing (RIFS), and Arbitrary Inter-Frame Spacing (AIFS).

6. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a processing module and a transceiver module; The processing module is used to obtain the channel contention rules; The processing module is used to perform channel contention through the transceiver module according to the channel contention rules, wherein the channel contention rules are a first rule, a second rule, a third rule, or a fourth rule; wherein: The first rule includes: the number of request-to-send RTS frames sent during the operation of each of the plurality of contention timers is less than or equal to a first threshold; The second rule includes: conducting channel contention after the target duration; The third rule includes: prohibiting a site from sending clearing CTS frames with the destination address being the site; The fourth rule includes: before the MSD timer expires, the station transmits an RTS frame as the initial frame to enable transmission opportunities (TXOPs), and the number of enabled TXOPs is less than or equal to the second threshold. The fourth rule also includes at least one of the following: before the MSD timer expires, the threshold for idle channel assessment-energy detection is dot11 OFDMEDThreshold, or the condition of resetting the MSD timer to 0 is not set. The transceiver module is also used to detect Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs). If no PPDU is detected, or if the first PPDU is detected but the target field of the first PPDU is not received correctly, the channel contention rule is the first rule or the fourth rule; If the first PPDU is detected and the target field of the first PPDU is correctly received, the channel contention rule is the second rule; The target field is used to indicate the length of the first PPDU, and the length of the first PPDU is used to determine the target duration.

7. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first rule also includes at least one of the following: the number of RTS frames sent during the operation of each of the plurality of contention timers is greater than or equal to 1; the threshold for idle channel assessment-energy detection before the contention timer expires is dot11OFDMEDThreshold; or the condition for resetting the contention timer to 0 is not set.

8. The communication device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The running times of the multiple competing timers do not overlap; Alternatively, the plurality of contention timers may include a first contention timer and a second contention timer, wherein the start time of the second contention timer is within the running time of the first contention timer.

9. The communication device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The target duration is the length of the first PPDU; Alternatively, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU and the inter-frame interval (IFS); Alternatively, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU, the IFS, and the estimated duration of the block acknowledgment (BA) frame of the first PPDU. Alternatively, the target duration is the sum of the length of the first PPDU, the IFS, and the estimated duration of the acknowledgment (Ack) frame of the first PPDU.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The IFS is any one of the following: Short Inter-Frame Spacing (SIFS), Extended Inter-Frame Spacing (EIFS), Distributed Coordination Function Inter-Frame Spacing (DIFS), Point Coordination Function Inter-Frame Spacing (PIFS), Shortened Inter-Frame Spacing (RIFS), and Arbitrary Inter-Frame Spacing (AIFS).

11. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor configured to execute computer execution instructions to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-5.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-5 to be implemented.

13. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a communication device, the method as described in any one of claims 1-5 is implemented.

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