Channel access method and related apparatuses

Abstract

The application discloses a channel access method and related device. The application is applied to a wireless local area network system supporting IEEE 802.11ax next generation Wi-Fi protocol, such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi7 or EHT, again such as 802.11be next generation, Wi-Fi8 or 802.11 series protocol. The method comprises: a station receiving a first frame, a first field in the first frame being used for indicating one or more limited target wake time service phases of the station; if the first frame further comprises a second field, the second field being used for indicating a quiet interval of the station, the station performing a first operation in the quiet interval, the first operation comprising any one of: not sending data of a first service identifier; in the case of competing to the channel in an access type corresponding to the first service identifier, sending data of a second service identifier before sending the data of the first service identifier; and ensuring that the data of the second service identifier is preferentially transmitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to channel access methods and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless local area networks (WLANs) have evolved through standards such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax. The currently discussed 802.11be standard continues to evolve and develop. The 802.11n standard is also known as high throughput (HT). The 802.11ac standard is also known as very high throughput (VHT). 802.11ax is also known as high efficient (HE). 802.11be is also known as extremely high throughput (EHT). Standards prior to HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, are collectively referred to as high throughput (non-Non-HT).

[0003] Currently, an increasing number of wireless network applications and services are placing stringent requirements on latency characteristics. Examples include online gaming, virtual reality, and industrial applications. Therefore, the next-generation WLAN standard, IEEE 802.11be, prioritizes latency assurance and jitter characteristics as a key technical objective, which has garnered widespread attention from the industry. IEEE 802.11be plans to introduce restricted target wakeup time (r-TWT) technology to improve latency assurance performance. Therefore, it is necessary to research solutions that utilize r-TWT technology to enhance latency assurance performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application discloses a channel access method and related apparatus that can ensure that r-TWT traffic identifier (TID) data is transmitted with priority.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a channel access method, the method comprising: a station receiving a first frame, wherein a first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the station; if the first frame further includes a second field, wherein the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the station performing a first operation in the any silent interval, the first operation including any of the following: not sending data with a first service identifier; if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has contested the channel, sending data with a second service identifier before sending data with the first service identifier; or, if the first frame does not include a second field, the station sending data after contesting the channel, wherein the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of a priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of a priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point.

[0006] In this embodiment, by specifying or pre-determining whether the first frame includes a second field, the station can clearly define the operations to be performed. In other words, the station executes the specified or pre-determined operations based on whether the first frame includes the second field. Specifically, if the first frame includes the second field, the station performs the first operation during any of the aforementioned silent intervals; this avoids adverse effects on the transmission of the second service identifier data, thus ensuring the latency performance of the station's transmission of the second service identifier data. If the first frame does not include the second field, the station sends data after successfully competing for the channel; this allows the station to transmit data promptly.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

[0008] In this implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier, which can avoid the inability to transmit data for the second service identifier.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the second field includes an element identifier field, a length field, a silence count field, a silence period field, a silence length field, and a silence offset field.

[0010] In this implementation, one or more silent intervals can be determined by the information included in the second field.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the second frame further includes a third field indicating the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier of the station, wherein the first operation performed by the station during any silent interval conforms to the channel access rules. Alternatively, the first operation performed by the station during any silent interval is determined by the station based on the third field. In other words, the third field indicates the operation performed by the station during any silent interval.

[0012] In this implementation, the third field indicates the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier of the site, which can flexibly configure the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier of the site and reduce the adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the second service identifier.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide another channel access method, the method comprising: a station receiving a first frame, wherein a first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more limited target wake-up time service phases of the station; if the station does not have data with a second service identifier to transmit at the start time of any limited target wake-up time service phase, and if the first frame further comprises a second field, wherein the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any limited target wake-up time service phase, the station performs a second operation at any silent interval, the second operation comprising any of the following: not transmitting data with the first service identifier; changing the channel contention parameters of the access type corresponding to the first service identifier of the station to a set with a lower channel access chance; or, if the first frame does not include the second field, the station transmits data after acquiring a channel, wherein the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any limited target wake-up time service phase; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point.

[0014] In this embodiment, by specifying or pre-agreeing whether the first frame includes a second field, the station can clearly define the operation to be performed. In other words, the station executes the specified or pre-agreeing operation based on whether the first frame includes the second field. Specifically, if the first frame includes the second field, the station performs the second operation during any of the aforementioned silent intervals. When the second operation is to not send data for the first service identifier, it avoids adversely affecting the transmission of data for the second service identifier. When the second operation is to change the channel contention parameters of the access type corresponding to the station's first service identifier to a set with a lower channel access probability, it can reduce the probability of channel access for the access type corresponding to the first service identifier, thereby reducing the chance of adversely affecting the transmission of data for the second service identifier, while still preserving the opportunity to transmit data for the first service identifier to some extent. If the first frame does not include the second field, the station sends data after successfully competing for the channel, ensuring timely data transmission.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

[0016] In this implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier, which can avoid the inability to transmit data for the second service identifier.

[0017] In one possible implementation, when the second operation is not transmitting data of the first service identifier, the method further includes: the station obtaining data of the second service identifier to be transmitted within the time indicated by any silent interval, and the station immediately competing for the channel; or, the station obtaining data of the second service identifier to be transmitted within the time indicated by any silent interval, and the station competing for the channel after the end of the any silent interval.

[0018] Optionally, after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be transmitted within the time specified by any of the above-mentioned silent intervals, the station immediately competes for the channel to transmit the data of the second service identifier more quickly. Optionally, after the end of any of the above-mentioned silent intervals, the station competes for the channel to avoid the service of the first service identifier crowding out the transmission opportunity of the service of the second service identifier within the limited target wake-up time service phase, thus ensuring the priority service right of the service of the second service identifier.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the second field includes an element identifier field, a length field, a silence count field, a silence period field, a silence length field, and a silence offset field.

[0020] In this implementation, one or more silent intervals can be determined by the information included in the second field.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the second frame further includes a third field, which indicates the channel access rules when the station has no data with the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of the defined target wake-up time service phase, and the second operation performed by the station during any silent interval conforms to the channel access rules. Alternatively, the second operation performed by the station during any silent interval is determined by the station based on the third field. In other words, when the station has no data with the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the third field indicates the operation performed by the station during any silent interval.

[0022] In this implementation, the third field indicates the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier of the site. The channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier of the site can be flexibly configured in order to reduce the adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the second service identifier.

[0023] Thirdly, this application provides another channel access method, the method comprising: transmitting a first frame, wherein a first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a site; if the first frame further comprises a second field, wherein the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, wherein the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame is used to instruct the site to perform a first operation in the any silent interval, the first operation comprising any of the following: not transmitting data with a first service identifier; if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has contested the channel, transmitting data with a second service identifier before transmitting data with the first service identifier; or, if the first frame does not include a second field, wherein the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, wherein the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame is used to instruct the site to transmit data after contesting the channel, wherein the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

[0024] In this embodiment, by specifying or pre-determining whether the first frame includes a second field, the station can clearly define the operation to be performed. In other words, whether the first frame includes a second field instructs the station to perform different operations. Specifically, if the first frame includes a second field, it instructs the station to perform a first operation during any of the aforementioned silent intervals, thus avoiding adverse effects on the transmission of r-TWT TID data. If the first frame does not include a second field, it instructs the station to send data after successfully competing for the channel, ensuring timely data transmission.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

[0026] In this implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier, which can avoid the inability to transmit data for the second service identifier.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the second frame further includes a third field indicating the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier of the site, wherein the first operation conforms to the channel access rules. Alternatively, the first frame instructs the site to perform the first operation conforming to the channel access rules indicated by the third field during any quiet interval.

[0028] In this implementation, the third field indicates the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier of the site, which can flexibly configure the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier of the site and reduce the adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the second service identifier.

[0029] In one possible implementation of the first and third aspects, if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is prohibited from competing for the channel during a silent interval, and competition can only continue after the silent interval ends, the first operation is: not to send the data of the first service identifier during any silent interval; or, if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is prohibited from competing for the channel during a silent interval, but the data of the second service identifier is allowed to compete for the channel after all the data of the second service identifier has been transmitted, the first operation is: if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has won the channel competition, the data of the second service identifier is sent before the data of the first service identifier is sent.

[0030] In this implementation, the third field indicates the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier within the silent interval, and the first operation performed by the station during any of the aforementioned silent intervals conforms to these channel access rules. By flexibly indicating the channel access rules for the data of the station's first service identifier within the silent interval, the adverse effects on the transmission of r-TWT TID data can be reduced.

[0031] Fourthly, this application provides another channel access method, the method comprising: transmitting a first frame, wherein a first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a station; if the first frame further comprises a second field, wherein the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, wherein the first frame is used to instruct the station to perform a second operation in any silent interval when there is no data with a second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the second operation including any one of the following: not transmitting the first service identifier The data is identified; the channel contention parameters of the access type corresponding to the first service identifier of the site are changed to a set with a lower channel access chance; or, if the first frame does not include a second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame is used to indicate that the site sends data after competing for the channel, and the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed between the site and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed between the site and the access point.

[0032] In this embodiment, by specifying or pre-determining whether the first frame includes a second field, the station can clearly define the operation to be performed. In other words, whether the first frame includes a second field instructs the station to perform different operations. Specifically, if the first frame includes a second field, it instructs the station to perform a second operation during a silent interval if there is no data requiring transmission of the second service identifier at the start time of any of the defined target wake-up time service phases. When the second operation is to not send data of the first service identifier, it avoids adversely affecting the transmission of r-TWT TID data. When the second operation is to change the channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the station's first service identifier to a set with a lower channel access chance, it provides an opportunity to transmit data of the first service identifier while reducing adverse effects on the transmission of data of the second service identifier. If the first frame does not include a second field, it instructs the station to send data after successfully competing for the channel, enabling the station to transmit data promptly.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

[0034] In this implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier, which can avoid the inability to transmit data for the second service identifier.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the second frame further includes a third field, which indicates the channel access rules when the station has no data with the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the second operation conforms to the channel access rules. Alternatively, the first frame is used to instruct the station to perform the second operation conforming to the channel access rules at any quiet interval when no data with the second service identifier needs to be transmitted at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase.

[0036] In this implementation, the third field indicates the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier of the site, which can flexibly configure the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier of the site and reduce the adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the second service identifier.

[0037] In one possible implementation of the second and fourth aspects, the non-transmission of data for the first service identifier includes: not competing for the channel during any silent interval, and continuing to compete for the channel after the end of any silent interval; not competing for the channel during any silent interval, and starting to compete for the channel after the arrival of data for the second service identifier; if the third field indicates that the station has no data for the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of the defined target wake-up time service phase, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, and can only continue to compete after the end of the silent interval, the second operation being: not competing for the channel during any silent interval, and continuing to compete for the channel after the end of any silent interval; or, if the third field indicates that the station has no data for the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of the defined target wake-up time service phase, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, but starts to compete for the channel after the arrival of data for the second service identifier, the second operation being: starting to compete for the channel after obtaining the data for the second service identifier to be transmitted. The station is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval before obtaining the data for the second service identifier to be transmitted.

[0038] In this implementation, the third field indicates the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier within the silent interval. The second operation performed by the station in any of the aforementioned silent intervals conforms to the channel access rules. This can flexibly indicate the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier within the silent interval, so as to reduce the adverse effects on the transmission of r-TWT TID data.

[0039] Fifthly, this application provides another channel access method, the method comprising: a station receiving a second frame, wherein a first field in the second frame is used to indicate one or more limited target wake-up time service phases of the station, and a third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules for data of a first service identifier of the station; if the second frame further comprises a second field, wherein the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval being the same as the start time of any limited target wake-up time service phase of the station, and the station performing a third operation in the any silence interval, the third operation conforming to the channel access rules; the third operation comprising any one of the following: after contending for a channel, transmitting data, wherein the service identifier of the data belongs to a second service identifier. Alternatively, the first service identifier may be used; data with the first service identifier may not be sent; if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has secured the channel, data with the second service identifier may be sent before sending data with the first service identifier; or, if the second frame does not include the second field, the station sends data after securing the channel, wherein the service identifier of the data is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point.

[0040] In this embodiment, the third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier (i.e., non-rTWTTID) of the site, which can flexibly configure the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier of the site and reduce the adverse effects on the transmission of the data of the second service identifier.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

[0042] In this implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier, which can avoid the inability to transmit data for the second service identifier.

[0043] Sixthly, this application provides another channel access method, the method comprising: a station receiving a second frame, wherein a first field in the second frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the station, and a third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules when the station has no data with a second service identifier to transmit at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase; if the station has no data with a second service identifier to transmit at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and if the second frame further includes a second field, wherein the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the station performs a fourth operation in the any silent interval, the fourth operation conforming to the channel access rules. Access rules; the fourth operation includes any one of the following: after winning the channel, sending data, the service identifier of the data belonging to the first service identifier; not sending data (or not competing for the channel); after obtaining data with the second service identifier to be sent, starting to compete for the channel; or, if the second frame does not include the second field, after winning the channel, the station sends data, the service identifier of the data being either the first service identifier or the second service identifier, the second field being used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase; the second service identifier belonging to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier not belonging to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point.

[0044] In this embodiment, the third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules when the station has no data with a second service identifier to transmit at the start of the limited target wake-up time service phase. This allows for flexible configuration of the channel access rules when the station has no data with a second service identifier to transmit at the start of the limited target wake-up time service phase, and reduces the adverse effects on the transmission of data with the second service identifier. If the second frame does not include the second field, the second frame is used to instruct the station to send data after it has won the channel contention; this allows the station to transmit data in a timely manner.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, this application provides another channel access method, the method comprising: an access point transmitting a second frame, wherein a first field in the second frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a site, and a third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules for data of a first service identifier of the site; if the second frame further comprises a second field, wherein the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the site, the start time of any silence interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase of the site, and the second frame is used to instruct the site to perform a third operation in the silence interval, the third operation conforming to the channel access rules; the third operation comprising any one of the following: after contending for a channel, transmitting data, wherein the service identifier of the data belongs to a second service identifier or The first service identifier; data with the first service identifier is not sent; if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has won the channel, data with the second service identifier is sent before sending data with the first service identifier; or, if the second frame does not include the second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the second frame is used to indicate that the site sends data after winning the channel, the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed between the site and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed between the site and the access point.

[0046] In this embodiment, if the second frame also includes a second field, the second frame is used to instruct the station to perform a third operation during the silent interval; this can avoid adversely affecting the transmission of data for the second service identifier. If the second frame does not include a second field, the second frame is used to instruct the station to send data after contending for the channel; this allows the station to transmit data in a timely manner.

[0047] Eighthly, this application provides another channel access method, the method comprising: an access point sending a second frame, wherein a first field in the second frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a site, and a third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules when no data with a second service identifier needs to be transmitted at the start time of the defined target wake-up time service phase; if the second frame includes a second field, wherein the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the second frame is used to instruct the site to perform a fourth operation in the silent interval, the fourth operation conforming to the channel access rules; the fourth operation includes any one of the following: in contention for a channel... Then, data is sent, and the service identifier of the data belongs to the first service identifier; no data is sent (or no channel contention is performed); after obtaining data with the second service identifier to be sent, channel contention begins; or, if the second frame does not include the second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the second frame is used to indicate that after the station has won the channel, it sends data, and the service identifier of the data is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point.

[0048] In this embodiment, the third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules when the station has no data with a second service identifier that needs to be transmitted at the start time of the limited target wake-up time service phase. This allows for flexible configuration of the channel access rules when the station has no data with a second service identifier that needs to be transmitted at the start time of the limited target wake-up time service phase, and reduces the adverse effects on the transmission of data with the second service identifier.

[0049] In one possible implementation of the fifth and seventh aspects, if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is allowed to compete for the channel during the silent interval, the third operation is: after winning the channel, data is sent, wherein the service identifier of the data belongs to the second service identifier or the first service identifier; or, if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, and competition can only continue after the silent interval ends, the third operation is: not sending the data of the first service identifier; or, if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, but after all the data of the second service identifier has been transmitted, the data of the first service identifier is allowed to compete for the channel, the third operation is: if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier wins the channel competition, the data of the second service identifier is sent before the data of the first service identifier is sent.

[0050] In this implementation, the third field indicates the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier within the silent interval, and the third operation performed by the station during any of the aforementioned silent intervals conforms to these channel access rules. By flexibly indicating the channel access rules for the data of the station's first service identifier within the silent interval, the adverse effects on the transmission of r-TWT TID data can be reduced.

[0051] In one possible implementation of the sixth and eighth aspects, if the third field indicates that the station has no data with the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of the limited target wake-up time service phase, the station is allowed to compete for the channel during a silent interval. The fourth operation is: after winning the channel, data is transmitted, and the service identifier of the data belongs to the first service identifier. If the third field indicates that the station has no data with the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of the limited target wake-up time service phase, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, and competition can only continue after the silent interval ends. The fourth operation is: no data is transmitted. Alternatively, if the third field indicates that the station has no data with the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of the limited target wake-up time service phase, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, but after the data with the second service identifier arrives, channel competition begins. The fourth operation is: after obtaining the data with the second service identifier to be transmitted, channel competition begins. Before obtaining the data with the second service identifier to be transmitted, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval.

[0052] In this implementation, the third field indicates the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier within the silent interval. The fourth operation performed by the station in any of the aforementioned silent intervals conforms to the channel access rules. This can flexibly indicate the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier within the silent interval, so as to reduce the adverse effects on the transmission of r-TWT TID data.

[0053] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the first aspect of the method embodiment. The communication device may be a communication equipment, a component of a communication equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. The functions of the communication device can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, the hardware or software including one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the transceiver module is configured to receive a first frame, wherein a first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a site; if the first frame further includes a second field, wherein the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the processing module is configured to perform a first operation in the any silent interval, the first operation including any of the following: not sending data with a first service identifier; if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has contested the channel, sending data with a second service identifier before sending data with the first service identifier; or, if the first frame does not include a second field, the processing module is further configured to send data, wherein the service identifier of the data is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier, the second field being used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

[0055] For the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the ninth aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the first aspect or the various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0056] Tenthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the second aspect of the method embodiment. The communication device may be a communication equipment, a component of a communication equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. The function of the communication device can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, the hardware or software including one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the transceiver module is configured to receive a first frame, wherein a first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a site; if the first frame further includes a second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and if no data with a second service identifier needs to be transmitted at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the processing module is configured to perform a second operation in the any silent interval, the second operation including any of the following : Do not send data with the first service identifier; change the channel contention parameters of the access type corresponding to the first service identifier of the site to a group with a lower channel access chance; or, if the first frame does not include the second field, the processing module is further configured to send data, wherein the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any limited target wake-up time service phase; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the second operation is to not send the data of the first service identifier; the processing module is further configured to compete for the channel after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be sent within the time indicated by any silent interval; or, the processing module is further configured to compete for the channel after the end of any silent interval.

[0059] For the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the tenth aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the second aspect or the various possible implementations of the second aspect.

[0060] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the third aspect of the method embodiment. The communication device may be a communication equipment, a component of a communication equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. The function of the communication device can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, the hardware or software including one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the processing module is used to generate a first frame, a first field in the first frame indicating one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the station; the transceiver module is used to send the first frame; if the first frame further includes a second field, the second field indicating one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame being used to instruct the station to perform a first operation in the any silent interval, the first operation including any of the following: not sending data corresponding to a first service identifier; If the access type successfully competes for the channel, data with the second service identifier is sent before data with the first service identifier is sent; or, if the first frame does not include the second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the site, the start time of any silence interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame being used to indicate that the site sends data after successfully competing for the channel, the service identifier of the data being either the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

[0062] For the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the eleventh aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the third aspect.

[0063] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the fourth aspect method embodiment. The communication device may be a communication equipment, a component of a communication equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. The function of the communication device can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, the hardware or software including one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the processing module is used to generate a first frame, a first field in the first frame indicating one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a station; the transceiver module is used to send the first frame; if the first frame further includes a second field, the second field indicates one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame being used by the station to instruct the station to perform a second operation in any silent interval when no data with a second service identifier needs to be transmitted at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the second operation... Includes any of the following: not sending data with the first service identifier; changing the channel contention parameters of the access type corresponding to the first service identifier of the site to a set with a lower channel access chance; or, if the first frame does not include a second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the site, the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame is used to indicate that the site sends data after contending for the channel, the service identifier of the data being either the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

[0065] For the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the twelfth aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the fourth aspect or the various possible implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0066] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the fifth aspect method embodiment. The communication device may be a communication equipment, a component of a communication equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. The function of the communication device can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, the hardware or software including one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the transceiver module is used to receive a second frame, a first field in the second frame indicating one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a site, and a third field in the second frame indicating the channel access rules for data of a first service identifier of the site; if the second frame further includes a second field, the second field indicating one or more silent intervals of the site, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase of the site, the processing module is used to perform a third operation in the any silent interval, the third operation conforming to the channel access rules; the third operation includes any one of the following: sending data, the service identifier of the data belonging to a second service identifier. The processing module may choose either the first service identifier or the second service identifier; or, if the second frame does not include the second field, send data after the channel is acquired, wherein the service identifier of the data is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field indicates one or more silent intervals of the site, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase; the second service identifier is a service identifier of a priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, and the first service identifier is not a service identifier of a priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

[0068] For the technical effects of the various possible implementations of the thirteenth aspect, please refer to the introduction of the technical effects of the fifth aspect or the various possible implementations of the fifth aspect.

[0069] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the sixth aspect method embodiment. The communication device may be a communication equipment, a component of a communication equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. The function of the communication device can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, the hardware or software including one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the transceiver module is used to receive a second frame, a first field in the second frame indicating one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of a station, and a third field in the second frame indicating the channel access rules when no data with a second service identifier needs to be transmitted at the start time of the defined target wake-up time service phase; if the second frame further includes a second field indicating one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the processing module is used to perform a fourth operation during the silent interval when no data with a second service identifier needs to be transmitted at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the fourth operation... The operation conforms to the channel access rules; the fourth operation includes any one of the following: sending data, the service identifier of which belongs to the first service identifier; not sending data (or not engaging in channel contention); after obtaining data with the second service identifier to be sent, starting to compete for the channel; or, if the second frame does not include the second field, the processing module is used to send data after winning the channel, the service identifier of which is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier, the second field being used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

[0070] Regarding the technical effects of the communication device in the fourteenth aspect, refer to the description of the technical effects of the implementation method in the sixth aspect.

[0071] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the seventh aspect method embodiment. The communication device may be a communication equipment, a component of a communication equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. The functions of the communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, the hardware or software including one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the processing module is configured to generate a second frame, wherein a first field in the second frame indicates one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the site, and a third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules for data of the site's first service identifier; the transceiver module is configured to transmit the second frame; if the second frame further includes a second field, the second field indicates one or more silence intervals of the site, the start time of any silence interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase of the site, and the second frame instructs the site to perform a third operation during the silence interval, the third operation conforming to the channel access rules; the third operation includes any one of the following: after contending for a channel, transmitting data, the data... The service identifier belongs to either the second service identifier or the first service identifier; data with the first service identifier is not sent; if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has won the channel, data with the second service identifier is sent before sending data with the first service identifier; or, if the second frame does not include a second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the second frame is used to indicate that the site sends data after winning the channel, the service identifier of the data being either the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

[0072] Regarding the technical effects of the communication device in aspect fifteen, refer to the description of the technical effects of the implementation method in aspect seven.

[0073] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the function of implementing the behavior described in the method embodiments of the eighth aspect above. The communication device may be a communication equipment, a component of a communication equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication equipment. The functions of the communication device can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software, the hardware or software including one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions. In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module, wherein: the transceiver module is configured to send a second frame, wherein a first field in the second frame indicates one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the station, and a third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules when the station has no data with a second service identifier to transmit at the start time of the defined target wake-up time service phase; if the second frame includes a second field, the second field indicates one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the second frame is used by the station to instruct the station to perform a fourth operation during the silent interval when no data with a second service identifier needs to be transmitted at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the fourth operation conforming to the... Channel access rules; the fourth operation includes any one of the following: after winning the channel, transmitting data, the service identifier of the data belonging to the first service identifier; not transmitting data (or not competing for the channel); after obtaining data with the second service identifier to be transmitted, starting to compete for the channel; or, if the second frame does not include the second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the second frame is used to instruct the station to transmit data after winning the channel, the service identifier of the data being either the first service identifier or the second service identifier; the second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point, and the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point. Alternatively, the second frame is used to instruct the station to perform the fourth operation during the silent interval if there is no data with the second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase.

[0074] Regarding the technical effects of the communication device in the sixteenth aspect, refer to the description of the technical effects of the implementation method in the eighth aspect.

[0075] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide another communication device, the communication device including a processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the communication device to perform the methods shown in any possible implementation of the first to eighth aspects described above.

[0076] In this embodiment of the application, during the execution of the above method, the process of sending information (or signals) can be understood as a process of outputting information based on processor instructions. When outputting information, the processor sends the information to the transceiver for transmission. After being output by the processor, the information may require further processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives input information, the transceiver receives the information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the information, it may require further processing before being input into the processor.

[0077] Unless otherwise specified, or unless their actual function or internal logic in the relevant description is contradicted, the sending and / or receiving operations involved by the processor can generally be understood as processor instruction output.

[0078] In implementation, the processor described above can be a processor specifically designed to execute these methods, or it can be a processor that executes computer instructions stored in memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. For example, the processor can also be used to execute a program stored in memory, which, when executed, causes the communication device to perform the methods as shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0079] In one possible implementation, the memory is located outside the aforementioned communication device. In another possible implementation, the memory is located inside the aforementioned communication device.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the processor and memory may be integrated into a single device; that is, the processor and memory may be integrated together.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver for receiving or transmitting signals, etc.

[0082] In an eighteenth aspect, this application provides another communication device, which includes a processing circuit and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to acquire or output data; the processing circuit being used to execute the corresponding methods as shown in any possible implementation of the first to eighth aspects above.

[0083] In a nineteenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program including program instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as shown in any possible implementation of the first to eighth aspects above.

[0084] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a computer program product comprising a computer program, the computer program including program instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method as shown in any possible implementation of the first to eighth aspects described above.

[0085] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a communication system comprising the communication device described in the ninth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the communication device described in the eleventh aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Alternatively, the communication system comprises the communication device described in the tenth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the communication device described in the twelfth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Alternatively, the communication system comprises the communication device described in the thirteenth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the communication device described in the fifteenth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Alternatively, the communication system comprises the communication device described in the fourteenth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the communication device described in the sixteenth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0086] 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.

[0087] Figure 1 This application provides a WLAN communication system;

[0088] Figure 2A An example of a TWT element field provided in this application;

[0089] Figure 2B An example of a silent interval element field provided in this application;

[0090] Figure 3 The interactive process provided in this application for establishing an agreement between a non-AP EHT STA and an AP that wishes to use r-TWT SP;

[0091] Figure 4 A flowchart of a channel access process based on the r-TWT mechanism is provided for this application;

[0092] Figure 5 Another channel access flowchart based on the r-TWT mechanism provided in this application;

[0093] Figure 6 This application provides an interactive flowchart of a channel access method.

[0094] Figure 7 An interactive flowchart of another channel access method provided in this application;

[0095] Figure 8 An interactive flowchart of another channel access method provided in this application;

[0096] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another TWT element field structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another TWT element field structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 11 An interactive flowchart of another channel access method provided in this application;

[0099] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of another communication device 130 provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0101] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 140 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0102] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0103] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0104] The terminology used in the following embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to include the plural expressions as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. For example, “A and / or B” can mean: the presence of only A, the presence of only B, and the presence of both A and B, where A and B can be singular or plural. The term “multiple” as used in this application means two or more.

[0105] The following section first introduces the terminology and technical solutions involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0106] I. Access Points and Sites

[0107] This application primarily uses the deployment of WLAN networks, especially those employing the IEEE 802.11 system standard, as an example for illustration. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as BLUETOOTH, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, primarily used in Europe), and wide area networks (WANs), personal area networks (PANs), or other networks now known or to be developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0108] The embodiments of this application can also be applied to wireless local area network systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) systems, 5th Generation (5G) systems, and future 6th Generation (6G) systems, etc.

[0109] The communication systems described above that are applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples, and the communication systems applicable to this application are not limited to these. They will be uniformly described here and will not be repeated below.

[0110] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 The illustrated WLAN communication system is an example of a wireless communication system that can be used with the technical solution provided in this application. The communication system includes an access point (AP) and one or more STAs (only STA1 and STA2 are shown). Both the access point and the STA support WLAN protocols, which may include IEEE 802.11be (or Wi-Fi 7, EHT protocol), and may also include IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ac, etc. Of course, with the continuous evolution and development of communication technology, the WLAN protocol may also include next-generation protocols such as IEEE 802.11be. Taking WLAN as an example, the device implementing the method of this application can be an access point or STA in the WLAN, or a chip or processing system installed in the access point or STA. Figure 1 As shown, STA1 and STA2 in the basic service set can compete for channel resources.

[0111] An access point is a device with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication using the WLAN protocol and enabling communication with other devices (such as stations or other access points) within the WLAN network. It can also communicate with other devices. A WLAN system includes one or more access point (AP) type stations and one or more non-access point stations (non-AP STAs). For ease of description, this article refers to access point type stations as access points (APs) and non-access point type stations as stations (STAs).

[0112] An access point can be a complete device, or it can be a chip or processing system installed within a complete device. Devices with these chips or processing systems installed can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of the chip or processing system (i.e., the AP). The AP in the embodiments of this application is a device that provides services to a station (STA) and can support the 802.11 series of protocols, such as 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11be, Wi-Fi 8, or their next generation. For example, the AP can be a communication server, router, switch, bridge, or other communication entity. An access point (AP) can include macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), pico base stations, femtocells, relay stations, access points, gNBs, transmission reception points (TRPs), evolved Node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved Node Bs, or home Node Bs, HNBs), base band units (BBUs), WiFi access points (APs), integrated access and backhaul (IABs), etc. Of course, the AP can also be the chip and processing system within these various types of devices to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application.

[0113] A station is a device with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication using the WLAN protocol and having the ability to communicate with other stations or access points in a WLAN network. For example, a STA is any communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and thus with the WLAN. This communication device can be a complete device or a chip or processing system installed in a complete device. Devices with these chips or processing systems installed can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of the chip or processing system (i.e., the station). STAs can include mobile phones, mobile stations (MS), tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities (such as laptops), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, self-driving, remote medical, smart grid, transportation safety, smart city, and smart home applications, subscriber units, cellular phones, wireless data cards, personal digital assistant (PDA) computers, tablets, laptop computers, and machine-type communication (MTC) terminals. Stations can include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication capabilities. Optionally, the station can be a handset with wireless communication capabilities, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, or a terminal in the Internet of Things (IoT), the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), or any form of terminal in 5G and subsequent communication systems; this application is not limited to these. The station can support 802.11 series protocols, such as 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11be, Wi-Fi 8, or other next-generation WLAN standards.

[0114] II. Target wakeup time (TWT) element field

[0115] r-TWT is a new mechanism for ensuring low-latency services, derived from the existing broadcast TWT in IEEE 802.11ax.

[0116] Under the 802.11be standard, many real-time applications (RTAs) exist on non-AP EHT STAs (hereinafter referred to as EHT STAs). A non-AP EHT STA refers to a non-AP STA that supports the 802.11be standard. These real-time applications have very stringent latency requirements, leading to the development of the r-TWT mechanism. Under the r-TWT mechanism, the AP publishes r-TWT information via beacon frames or probe response frames. This r-TWT information can indicate one or more r-TWT service periods (SPs) and one or more quiet intervals. The r-TWT service period is referred to as r-TWTSP below. The r-TWT information is indicated in the TWT element field.

[0117] Figure 2A An example of a TWT element field provided in this application. For example... Figure 2A As shown, the TWT element fields include: Element ID, Length, Control, and TWT Parameter Information. The Element ID occupies one byte, the Length occupies one byte, the Control field occupies one byte, and the TWT Parameter Information occupies a variable number of bytes. Figure 2A As shown, the control fields may include: No Data Paging Indicator, Response PM Mode, Negotiation Type, TWT InformationFrame Disabled, WakeDuration Unit, Link ID Bitmap Present, and Reserved; among them, the negotiation type occupies 2 bits, and the other subfields occupy 1 bit. Figure 2AAs shown, the TWT parameter information includes: Broadcast TWT Parameter Set 1, Broadcast TWT Parameter Set 2, and other broadcast TWT parameter sets (not shown).

[0118] See Figure 2A The Broadcast TWT parameter set 1 includes: RequestType, TargetWakeTime, NominalMinimumTWTWakeDuration, TWTWakeIntervalMantissa, Broadcast TWT Info, and Restricted TWT Traffic Info. The r-TWT Traffic Info is optional. The number below each subfield in Broadcast TWT parameter set 1 indicates the number of bytes occupied by that subfield. See also... Figure 2A Broadcast TWT information includes: Restricted TWT Traffic Info Present, Reserved, Broadcast TWT ID, and Broadcast TWT Persistence. The number below each subfield in this broadcast TWT information indicates the number of bits occupied by that subfield. See also Figure 2A If the broadcast TWT parameter set 1 includes r-TWT service information, this r-TWT service information includes: TrafficInfo Control, r-TWT downlink TID bitmap (Restricted TWT DL TID Bitmap), and r-TWT uplink TID bitmap (Restricted TWT UL TID Bitmap). See also... Figure 2A The business information control subfield includes: Downlink TID Bitmap Valid (DL TID Bitmap Valid), Uplink TID Bitmap Valid (UL TID Bitmap Valid), and Reserved. The number below each subfield in this business information control subfield indicates the number of bits occupied by that subfield.

[0119] The STA and AP can negotiate and define the target wake-up time service period (r-TWT service period, r-TWT TID) through the r-TWT downlink TID bitmap and r-TWT uplink TID bitmap. Alternatively, the r-TWT service information subfield is used by the STA and AP to negotiate uplink / downlink r-TWT TIDs and non-rTWT TIDs. One r-TWT service information subfield corresponds to one r-TWT SP. In this application, r-TWT TID refers to one or more uplink (UL) TIDs and downlink (DL) TIDs that the STA prioritizes to serve in the r-TWT SP. All TIDs of the STA other than the r-TWT TID are called non-rTWT TIDs. The r-TWT TID can be understood as one or more TIDs (including downlink and uplink TIDs) that the STA prioritizes to serve in the r-TWT SP, as negotiated between the STA and AP. For example, in the r-TWT downlink TID bitmap (one byte), each bit corresponds to a downlink TID. A bit with a value of 1 corresponds to the r-TWT TID (downlink TID), and a bit with a value of 0 corresponds to the non-rTWT TID (uplink TID). Similarly, in the r-TWT uplink TID bitmap (one byte), each bit corresponds to an uplink TID. A bit with a value of 1 corresponds to the r-TWT TID (uplink TID), and a bit with a value of 0 corresponds to the non-rTWT TID (uplink TID).

[0120] TWT parameter information contains one or more broadcast TWT parameter sets, such as Figure 2A The diagram shows Broadcast TWT parameter set 1 and Broadcast TWT parameter set 2. The Broadcast TWT Recommendation subfield in the Request Type field of each Broadcast TWT parameter set indicates the TWT type specified by that broadcast TWT parameter set. A value of 4 for the Broadcast TWT Recommendation subfield indicates that this broadcast TWT parameter set corresponds to an r-TWT. This request type was introduced in IEEE 802.11be and is therefore incomprehensible to traditional sites. See also... Figure 2A If a broadcast TWT parameter set corresponds to an r-TWT, then the Broadcast TWT Info subfield in the TWT element field contains a one-bit r-TWT Traffic Info Present subfield. A value of 1 for the r-TWT Traffic Info Present subfield indicates that the TWT element field contains... Figure 2AThe r-TWT traffic information subfield (Restricted TWTTraffic Info) is shown in the diagram. A value of 0 for the r-TWT traffic information subfield presence indicator indicates that the TWT element field does not contain the r-TWT traffic information subfield shown in the diagram. The Broadcast TWT ID subfield represents the identifier of the TWT group. Figure 2A For the meaning of each subdomain or field, please refer to the relevant standards, such as the 802.11 series of protocols.

[0121] Figure 2B An example of a silent interval element field provided in this application. For example... Figure 2B As shown, the silent interval element field includes: Element ID field, Length field, QuierCount field, QuietPeriod field, QuietDuration field, and QuietOffet field. Figure 2A The meaning of each subfield or field can be found in relevant standards, such as the 802.11 series of protocols. The Quiet Interval (QI) element field can be included in beacon frames, probe response frames, etc. Beacon frames, probe response frames, etc., can simultaneously include both the TWT element field and the Quiet Interval element field. The TWT element field and the Quiet Interval element field can be considered as two elements within the beacon frame, probe response frame, etc. The station can determine the start time and duration of one or more quiet intervals based on the Quiet Interval element field. See [reference needed]. Figure 2B The silence length indicates the duration of the silence interval, while the silence count and silence offset can be used to determine the start time of the silence interval.

[0122] III. The Principle of r-TWT

[0123] Non-AP EHT STAs wishing to use r-TWT SPs need to first establish an r-TWT agreement with the AP, thereby joining one or more r-TWT groups (e.g., the AP groups by broadcasting TWT IDs). APs and different STAs can establish r-TWT agreements separately. Figure 3 This application provides an interactive process for establishing a protocol between a non-AP EHT STA and an AP that intends to use r-TWT SP. For example... Figure 3As shown, the interaction process for a non-AP EHT STA to establish an agreement with an AP using the r-TWT SP is as follows: The High Throughput Station 1 (EHT STA 1) sends an r-TWT Setup Request Frame to the High Throughput Access Point (EHT AP); after receiving the r-TWT Setup Request Frame, the EHT AP replies to EHT STA 1 with an r-TWT Setup Response Frame. For example, a non-AP EHT STA can join at most one r-TWT group by establishing an r-TWT agreement with the AP once. That is, a non-AP EHT STA can join at most one r-TWT group by sending one r-TWT Setup Request Frame. If a non-AP EHT STA needs to join multiple r-TWT groups, it needs to establish r-TWT agreements with the AP multiple times, joining one r-TWT group each time. The r-TWT Setup Request Frame and the r-TWT Setup Response Frame contain the r-TWT Traffic Info subfield; see [link to documentation]. Figure 2A The r-TWT traffic information subfield (Restricted TWT Traffic Info) contains downlink and uplink traffic identifier (TID) indications, respectively. Figure 2A The r-TWT downlink TID bitmap and r-TWT uplink TID bitmap are shown in the diagram. The non-AP EHT STA and AP negotiate the r-TWT TID through the r-TWT service information subfield. For example, each bit in the r-TWT downlink TID bitmap (one byte) corresponds to a downlink TID; a bit with a value of 1 corresponds to the r-TWT TID (downlink TID), and a bit with a value of 0 corresponds to the non-rTWT TID. Similarly, each bit in the r-TWT uplink TID bitmap (one byte) corresponds to an uplink TID; a bit with a value of 1 corresponds to the r-TWT TID (uplink TID), and a bit with a value of 0 corresponds to the non-rTWT TID (uplink TID). The method by which the non-AP EHT STA and AP negotiate the r-TWT TID through the r-TWT service information subfield can be found in relevant standards, such as the 802.11 series of protocols, and will not be described in detail here.

[0124] After a non-AP EHT STA joins one or more r-TWT groups, it can use an r-TWT SP.

[0125] To facilitate the description of the scheme in this application, the sites involved in this application are mainly divided into three categories: the first category is EHTSTAs belonging to the r-TWT group, the second category is EHTSTAs not belonging to the r-TWT group, and the third category is non-high throughput sites (non-ETH STAs). In this application, EHTSTAs belonging to the r-TWT group can be referred to as r-TWT scheduled STAs. The first and second categories of sites are both sites that support the 802.11be standard, i.e., ETHSTAs. Non-ETH STAs (i.e., the third category of sites) refer to sites that do not support the 802.11be standard, such as traditional sites. The first and second categories of sites are distinguished from whether a site belongs to (or can use) a certain r-TWT SP. If a site belongs to (or can use) a certain r-TWT SP, then for that r-TWT SP, the site is a first-category site. Alternatively, if a site joins the r-TWT group corresponding to a certain r-TWT SP, then for that r-TWT SP, the site is a first-category site. If a station does not belong to (or cannot use) a certain r-TWT SP, it is a Class II station for that r-TWT SP. Alternatively, if a station has not joined the r-TWT group corresponding to a certain r-TWT SP, it is a Class II station for that r-TWT SP. EHTSTAs can determine whether they belong to (or simply belong to) the r-TWT SP indicated by the Broadcast TWT ID subfield in the TWT element field of the beacon frame or probe response frame sent by the AP. The Broadcast TWT ID subfield represents the identifier of the TWT group. An EHTSTA can determine that it belongs to the r-TWT SP corresponding to the identifier of the TWT group it has joined if the identifier of the TWT group indicated by the Broadcast TWT ID subfield belongs to the r-TWT group to which the EHTSTA has joined. The TWT element field in the beacon frame or probe response frame sent by the AP can indicate one or more r-TWT SPs, each r-TWT SP corresponding to the identifier of a TWT group. For example, multiple broadcast TWT parameter sets in the TWT element field each correspond to an r-TWT SP. The broadcast TWT identifier in each broadcast TWT parameter set represents the identifier of a TWT group, and the identifier of the TWT group corresponds to the r-TWT SP corresponding to the broadcast TWT parameter set.

[0126] Figure 4 This application provides a flowchart of a channel access process based on the r-TWT mechanism. Figure 4 The channel access procedure shown illustrates the principle of the r-TWT mechanism. For example... Figure 4As shown, an Extremely High Throughput Access Point (EHT AP) sends a beacon frame indicating the start time of one or more r-TWT SPs. The EHT AP can set a quiet interval of 1 millisecond (ms) in this beacon frame, aligned with the start time of the r-TWT SP. EHTSTA 1, belonging to the r-TWT group, can ignore this quiet interval; that is, it competes for the channel after the r-TWT SP starts and sends data frames after successfully acquiring the channel. EHTSTA 2, not belonging to the r-TWT group, and non-ETH STA 3 need to remain silent according to the quiet interval. The duration of the quiet interval is generally shorter than the duration of the r-TWT SP. A quiet interval aligned with the start time of the r-TWT SP refers to a quiet interval whose start time is the same as the start time of the r-TWT SP. The beacon frame can indicate the start time of multiple quiet intervals and the duration of each quiet interval. Figure 4 Only one Class I site (i.e., EHTSTA 1 within the r-TWT group), one Class II site (i.e., EHTSTA 2 not belonging to the r-TWT group), and one Class III site (i.e., non-ETH STA 3) are shown. It should be understood that a real WLAN system may contain one or more Class I sites, one or more Class II sites, and one or more Class III sites, and this application does not limit the number of sites of each class.

[0127] The r-TWT mechanism also requires that the r-TWT scheduling STA (e.g., EHTSTA 1 within the r-TWT group) must transmit uplink non-rTWT TID data only after completing the transmission of uplink r-TWT TID data within the time specified by the r-TWT SP. Alternatively, the r-TWT mechanism also requires that the r-TWT scheduling STA, after successfully competing for the channel within the time specified by the r-TWT SP, cannot transmit non-rTWT TID data before completing the transmission of uplink r-TWT TID data. In this application, r-TWT TID data refers to data whose service identifier belongs to the r-TWT TID, and non-rTWT TID data refers to data whose service identifier belongs to the non-rTWT TID. That is, r-TWT TID data refers to data whose service identifier belongs to the r-TWT TID, and non-rTWT TID data refers to data whose service identifier belongs to the non-rTWT TID. See also... Figure 4After EHTSTA 1, which belongs to the r-TWT group, competes for the channel in the r-TWT SP, it first sends data frame 1, which is the data of the uplink r-TWT TID. After the data transmission of the uplink r-TWT TID is completed (i.e., data frame 1 is completed), it transmits the data of the uplink non-r-TWT TID, i.e. data frame 2. Figure 4 In the data frame, acknowledgment frame 1 is sent by the AP in response to data frame 1, and acknowledgment frame 2 is sent by the AP in response to data frame 2.

[0128] from Figure 4 It can be seen that the first type of station (i.e., r-TWT scheduled STA) can ignore the aforementioned silence interval, meaning it competes for the channel after the r-TWT SP begins; the second type of station (e.g., EHTSTA 2, which is not in the r-TWT group) and the third type of station (e.g., non-ETH STA 3) need to remain silent according to the silence interval. This reduces the number of STAs competing for the channel within the basic serviceset (BSS), increasing the probability that EHT STAs with low-latency services will obtain the channel. Since the first type of station (i.e., r-TWT scheduled STA) can ignore the aforementioned silence interval, for the first type of station, the operation performed when the beacon frame (or other frame) sent by the AP indicates the silence interval is the same as the operation performed when the beacon frame (or other frame) sent by the AP does not indicate the silence interval. For example, Figure 4 The beacon frame shown includes a first field indicating one or more r-TWT SPs of an EHT STA (any Type I site). The beacon frame may or may not include a second field indicating the silence interval of the EHT STA, the start time of which is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP (belonging to the r-TWT SP indicated by the first field). In this example, since Type I sites (i.e., r-TWT scheduling STAs) can ignore the aforementioned silence interval, the operations performed by a Type I site when the beacon frame includes the second field are the same as those performed when the beacon frame does not include the second field. That is, Type I sites do not care whether the beacon frame includes the second field. It can be understood that for the AP, whether the beacon frame (or other frame) sent by the AP includes the second field is meaningless to Type I sites.

[0129] The access point (AP) can carry r-TWT SP information in beacon frames, probe response frames, TWT setup frames, or other frames. In this application, the example of carrying r-TWT SP information in beacon frames will be used for description.

[0130] IV. Channel Contention

[0131] Stations within a BSS can compete for channel resources. For example... Figure 1 As shown, STA1 and STA2 in the basic service set can compete for channel resources. One possible way for STAs to compete for channel resources is as follows: STAs compete for channels using channel competition parameter 1 (r-TWT TID) for one or more access types, and channel competition parameter 2 (non-rTWT TID) for one or more access types; where channel competition parameter 1 and channel competition parameter 2 are any two of the multiple sets of parameters used by the STA for channel competition. For example, a site can use two sets (or two sets of) EDCA parameter sets for channel access (or channel competition): one is the enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameter set, and the other is the multi-user (MU) EDCA parameter set. The EDCA parameter set is an example of channel competition parameter 1, and the MU EDCA parameter set is an example of channel competition parameter 2. Compared to using the traditional EDCA parameter set, the contention waiting time is longer and the backoff window is larger when using the MU EDCA parameter set for channel access, thus resulting in a lower priority for channel access. Optionally, the STA employs a backoff mechanism to compete for the channel for the access type corresponding to the r-TWT TID and / or the access type corresponding to the non-rTWT TID. For example, one or more access types corresponding to the r-TWT TID of the STA perform backoff, as do one or more access types corresponding to the non-rTWT TID; when an access type backs off to 0, that access type wins the channel competition. The STA's access type backoff can be performed by randomly generating a backoff count value (corresponding to a random window or competition window) and initiating backoff; successfully backing off to 0 indicates that the access type has won the channel competition. For example, if the STA detects a channel idle moment during the backoff process, its backoff count value is decremented by 1. In this application, the station can use any method to compete for the channel, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0132] See Figure 4 The AP sets a silent interval aligned with the start time for the r-TWT SP to ensure that data with the r-TWT TID of the r-TWT scheduling STA (i.e., the first type of site mentioned above) can be transmitted with priority. However, when the start time of the r-TWT SP arrives, if a certain r-TWT scheduling STA (belonging to the first type of site mentioned above) does not have data with the r-TWT TID to transmit (for example, it has already completed data transmission through random contention), then according to the existing r-TWT mechanism, that r-TWT scheduling STA will still continue to compete for the channel.

[0133] Figure 5 Another channel access flowchart based on the r-TWT mechanism is provided for this application. Figure 5 In this scenario, an Extremely High Throughput Access Point (EHT AP) sends a beacon frame (which can be replaced by a probe response frame or other frames) indicating the start time of one or more r-TWT SPs. The AP sets a silence interval in the beacon frame that is aligned with the start time of the r-TWT SP. When the start time of the r-TWT SP arrives, r-TWT scheduling STA 1 does not have any r-TWT TID data, but it still competes for the channel. If it successfully competes for the channel, it will transmit non-rTWT TID data, causing other r-TWT scheduling STAs with r-TWT TID data to be unable to transmit low-latency services in a timely manner. Figure 5 Both r-TWT scheduling STA1 and r-TWT scheduling STA2 belong to the first type of stations mentioned above. Figure 5 In the r-TWT scheduling STA 1, both data frames sent by the r-TWT SP are non-rTWTTID data, and the two acknowledgment frames sent by the AP are for the two data frames sent by the r-TWT SP. Figure 5 In this context, r-TWT scheduled STA 1 represents an STA that, when the start time of the r-TWT SP arrives, has no r-TWT TID data available, but still competes for the channel and successfully acquires it, thus transmitting non-rTWT TID data; r-TWT scheduled STA 2 represents an STA that has r-TWT TID data to transmit during the silent interval, but has not yet acquired the channel.

[0134] See Figure 5 If r-TWT scheduled STA1 successfully accesses the channel, it will directly transmit non-rTWT TID data (because there is no more r-TWT TID data, and the data transmission of r-TWT TID as specified in the r-TWT mechanism has been completed). As a result, the contention and data transmission of its non-rTWT TID will preempt the data transmission opportunity of other r-TWT scheduled STAs (such as STA2 in the figure), thereby affecting the delay performance of other STAs.

[0135] Therefore, it is necessary to address whether non-rTWT TIDs of r-TWT scheduling STAs are allowed to access the channel during the silent interval following the start of r-TWT SP, and whether r-TWT scheduling STAs are allowed to compete for channel contention when there is no r-TWT TID data to transmit at the start of r-TWT SP. The channel access scheme provided in this application can solve these two problems.

[0136] The following section, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes the channel access scheme provided in this application.

[0137] Example 1

[0138] Figure 6 This application provides an interactive flowchart for a channel access method. Figure 6 As shown, the interaction flow of this method includes:

[0139] 601. The access point sends the first frame.

[0140] Accordingly, the station (e.g., EHT STA) receives the first frame.

[0141] The first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more Target Wake-up Time Service Phases (r-TWT SPs) of the site. The r-TWT groups corresponding to the one or more r-TWT SPs indicated by the first field belong to the r-TWT groups that the site has joined.

[0142] The first frame can be any frame that indicates the r-TWT SP and the silence interval, such as a beacon frame, probe response frame, or TWT setup frame. The first frame may include, for example... Figure 2A The TWT element field shown includes a first field. This first field can be any broadcast TWT parameter set from the TWT element field of the first frame. See also... Figure 2A When the negotiation type value in the Control field of the TWT element field is 2, it indicates that the "TWT parameter information" in this TWT element field is broadcast TWT parameter information. In this case, the "Broadcast TWT Recommendation" field in the Request Type field of the broadcast TWT parameter set is 4, indicating that this broadcast TWT parameter set is an r-TWT parameter set, which (i.e., the first field) points to an r-TWT SP. Each r-TWT SP is uniquely identified by the Broadcast TWT ID field.

[0143] The station performs different communication processes based on the first frame. In this application, the station can clearly define the operations to be performed by specifying or pre-agreeing whether the first frame includes a second field. That is, the station performs the operations based on the first frame when the first frame includes the second field, and performs the operations based on the first frame when the first frame does not include the second field. For example, when the first frame includes the second field, the station performs step 602 below; when the first frame does not include the second field, the station performs step 603 below; wherein the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, and the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase.

[0144] 602. If the first frame also includes a second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and the station performs the first operation in any silent interval.

[0145] The first operation mentioned above includes any of the following: not sending data with the first service identifier; or, if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has secured a channel, sending data with the second service identifier before sending the data with the first service identifier. The second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, i.e., r-TWT TID. The first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point. In other words, the first service identifier belongs to non-rTWT TID. Not sending data with the first service identifier can be understood as: not sending any non-rTWT TID data during the silent interval. Sending data with the second service identifier before sending the data with the first service identifier can be understood as: the site can only transmit non-rTWT TID data after completing the transmission of r-TWT TID data during the silent interval.

[0146] One possible implementation for a site not transmitting data for the first service identifier is as follows: The site sets an intra-BSS network allocation vector (NAV) for the access category (AC) corresponding to its non-rTWT TID, and the duration of the NAV is set to the length of the silent interval. The 802.11 standard specifies that once a site's AC has an NAV set, it cannot continue to back off channel contention. In other words, after a site sets an NAV for any non-rTWT TID's AC, that AC cannot continue to back off channel contention (or stops contention). For example, the site sets an intra-BSSNAV for the AC of the first service type, and the duration of this NAV is set to the length of the silent interval. The AC corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the AC corresponding to the second service identifier. This prevents the AC corresponding to the first service identifier from continuing to back off channel contention, while the AC corresponding to the second service identifier continues to back off channel contention. After the silent interval ends, the AC of the first service type resumes contention for the channel. For example, a station sets an intra-BSSNAV for all ACs corresponding to non-rTWT TIDs that do not correspond to r-TWT TIDs. The duration of this NAV is set to the length of the silent interval. That is, if a station's non-rTWT TID corresponds to the same AC as an r-TWT TID, the station does not set an NAV for that AC. This is to prevent the AC corresponding to the r-TWT TID from being unable to continue backing off channel contention. The station does not set an intra-BSSNAV for ACs corresponding to r-TWT TIDs among its non-rTWT TIDs. After any AC corresponding to both non-rTWT TIDs and r-TWT TIDs successfully competes for the channel, the station must first transmit the data corresponding to the r-TWT TID of that AC until the data transmission of the r-TWT TID corresponding to that AC is completed before it can transmit the data corresponding to the non-rTWT TID of that AC. In this implementation, the station can distinguish between the AC corresponding to non-rTWT TID and the AC corresponding to r-TWT TID, and only sets NAV for the ACs corresponding to non-rTWT TID that do not belong to the ACs corresponding to r-TWT TID. This avoids both the ACs corresponding to non-rTWT TID being unable to continue competing for the channel and the ACs corresponding to r-TWT TID being unable to continue backing off from channel contention; it also ensures the latency performance of the data for r-TWT TID.

[0147] One possible implementation for a station not transmitting data with the first service identifier is as follows: After the AC corresponding to the first service identifier wins the channel (e.g., backs off to 0), the station does not transmit data with that first service identifier and instead selects a new backoff count value to compete for the channel, maintaining the contention window size unchanged until the silent interval ends. The AC corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the AC corresponding to the second service identifier, thus avoiding the AC corresponding to the r-TWT TID being unable to continue backoffing from channel contention. If a non-rTWT TID corresponds to the same AC as an r-TWT TID, after the station successfully wins the channel with that AC, it first transmits the data corresponding to the r-TWT TID of that AC until the data transmission of the r-TWT TID corresponding to that AC is completed, only then can it transmit the data corresponding to the non-rTWT TID of that AC. This implementation achieves the technical objective of the station not transmitting data with the first service identifier without changing the station's contention mechanism.

[0148] One possible implementation for a station not transmitting data with the first service identifier is as follows: After the AC corresponding to the first service identifier wins the channel (i.e., backs off to 0), the station does not transmit data with that first service identifier and selects a new backoff count value to compete for the channel; after the backoff count value backs off to 0, the station does not transmit data with the first service identifier and selects another backoff count value to compete for the channel; this process continues until the silent interval ends. The AC corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the AC corresponding to the second service identifier, thus avoiding the AC corresponding to the r-TWT TID from being unable to continue backoffing to compete for the channel. If a non-rTWT TID corresponds to the same AC as a r-TWT TID, after the station successfully wins the channel with that AC, it first transmits the data corresponding to the r-TWT TID of that AC until the data transmission of the r-TWT TID corresponding to that AC is completed, and only then can it transmit the data corresponding to the non-rTWT TID of that AC. In this implementation, the technical objective of the station not transmitting data with the first service identifier can be achieved without changing the station's competition mechanism.

[0149] One possible way for a site not to send data for the first service identifier is as follows: keep the AC corresponding to the first service identifier silent (or suspend, stop, or stop competing for the channel).

[0150] The above describes several possible implementations of a site not sending data containing the first service identifier, but not all possible implementations. It should be understood that any implementation that allows the site to not send data containing the first service identifier (i.e., non-rTWT TID data) falls within the scope of this application. The technical objective of this application in not sending data containing the first service identifier is to avoid adversely affecting the transmission of r-TWT TID data. It is understood that any implementation that achieves this technical objective falls within the scope of this application.

[0151] Any of the aforementioned r-TWT SPs refers to one or more r-TWT SPs for the site indicated by the first field in the first frame. The first frame may also include a second field indicating one or more silence intervals for the site. This second field may include a silence count, silence period, silence length, and silence offset. The second field in the first frame may be a silence interval element field in that first frame; see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2B The second field indicates one or more silent intervals, which may not be specific to one or more sites, but rather to all sites. In one possible implementation, the second field only indicates the start time of one or more silent intervals, without indicating (or limiting) which sites these silent intervals belong to. The one or more silent intervals indicated by the second field can be considered silent intervals for any site. Alternatively, any site can consider the one or more silent intervals indicated by the second field as its own silent intervals. In this implementation, it is not necessary to limit which sites the silent intervals belong to, thus reducing resource overhead. In another possible implementation, the second field indicates the start time of one or more silent intervals, and indicates (or limits) which sites these one or more silent intervals belong to. If the one or more silent intervals indicated by the second field belong to a site, that site can perform the first operation in any silent interval if the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP. If the one or more silent intervals indicated by the second field do not belong to a site, that site can remain silent according to those one or more silent intervals. In this implementation, the silence interval is indicated to which site(s) it belongs to, so that these sites can use the silence interval to reduce latency.

[0152] A site can use one or more r-TWT SPs indicated by the first field of the first frame. Alternatively, the site belongs to (or is subordinate to) one or more r-TWT SPs indicated by the first field of the first frame. Or, the site joins the r-TWT group corresponding to one or more r-TWT SPs indicated by the first field of the first frame. It can be understood that, for the AP, the site is an r-TWT scheduling STA, meaning the site belongs to the first type of site described above. Figure 6The site shown is an example of the first type of site mentioned above. It should be understood that any first type of site can perform this action. Figure 6 The operations or processes performed by the station within the frame. For example, the station determines whether it belongs to the r-TWT SP indicated by the first field by using the Broadcast TWT Identifier subfield in the Broadcast TWT element of the first frame. The station performs... Figure 6 Before performing any operations, you can execute them with AP. Figure 3 The r-TWT agreement is established through an interactive process, allowing a site to join one or more r-TWT groups. Each r-TWT group corresponds to an r-TWT SP. When a site broadcasts that the identifier of the TWT group represented by the TWT identifier subfield belongs to an r-TWT group that the site has joined, it can determine the r-TWT SP corresponding to the identifier of that TWT group.

[0153] It should be understood that the conditions for a station to perform the first operation during the silence interval indicated by the second field include: the first frame also includes a second field for indicating one or more silence intervals, and the start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP indicated by the first field of the first frame. Alternatively, the conditions for a station to perform the first operation during the silence interval indicated by the second field include: the first frame includes a second field, and the start time of any silence interval indicated by the second field is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP indicated by the first field. A station can use various methods to determine whether the conditions for performing the first operation during the silence interval indicated by the second field are met, and this application does not limit this. In this application, "same start time" means that the time difference (i.e., the difference between the start time of any silence interval and the start time of any r-TWT SP) is within a certain threshold, which can be considered as the same start time, and is not limited here. In other words, "same start time" in this application refers to the same start time as understood by those skilled in the art, and is not limited to being at the same moment to be considered as having the same start time.

[0154] Optionally, after receiving the first frame sent by the AP, the station performs the following operations: determines whether the first frame includes a second field, wherein the start time of any silent interval indicated by the second field is the same as the start time of an r-TWT SP of the station; if so, performs the first operation within that silent interval. If the first frame includes the second field, the station may also contend for the channel for the AC of the second service identifier within that silent interval, and after winning the signal, transmit the data of the second service identifier.

[0155] Optionally, after receiving the first frame sent by the AP, the station performs the following operations: determining whether it belongs to at least one r-TWT SP indicated by the first field in the first frame; after determining that the station belongs to at least one r-TWT SP indicated by the first field, determining whether the first frame includes a second field indicating one or more silent intervals; after determining that the first frame includes the second field, determining whether the start time of the silent interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP to which the station belongs; after determining that the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP to which the station belongs, the station performs the first operation in that silent interval. Optionally, after determining that the start time of any silent interval indicated by the second field is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP to which the station belongs, the station competes for the AC channel for the second service identifier. If the station determines that it does not belong to any r-TWT SP indicated by the first field in the first frame, the station cannot use the r-TWT SP indicated by the first field.

[0156] Optionally, after receiving the first frame sent by the AP, the station performs the following operation: It records whether the AP has set a corresponding silent interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs; if yes, it performs the first operation described above during that silent interval. If no, after the station wins the channel, it sends data, the service identifier of which is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier. The "record" here can be replaced by "determine," "judge," etc. If the first frame includes a second field, which indicates one or more silent intervals for the station, and the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, then the station records that the AP has set a corresponding silent interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs. For the AP, if the AP has set a corresponding silent interval for the r-TWT SP to which a certain station belongs, then the AP allows the station to perform the first operation; otherwise, all TIDs of the station are allowed to compete for the channel in the r-TWT SP.

[0157] Step 602 can be replaced with: 603. If the first frame does not include the second field, after the station wins the channel, it sends data. The service identifier of this data is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier. The second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the aforementioned station. The start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station. Here, the first frame not including the second field includes two cases: one is that the first frame does not include any field indicating silent intervals, and the other is that the first frame includes one or more fields indicating silent intervals, but the start time of the silent intervals indicated by these fields is different from the start time of each r-TWT SP of the station. An example of the first frame not including the second field is as follows: The first frame includes field 1, and the start time of each silent interval indicated by field 1 is different from the start time of each r-TWT SP of the station. If the first frame does not include the second field, all TIDs of the station can compete for the channel in the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs. The first frame not including the second field indicates that the AP has not set a silent interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs. When the AP does not set a silent interval for its r-TWT SP, the station can send data after winning the channel; the data won by the competition can be sent in a timely manner.

[0158] Optionally, after receiving the first frame, the station performs the following operations: determines whether it belongs to at least one r-TWT SP indicated by the first field in the first frame; after determining that the station belongs to at least one r-TWT SP indicated by the first field, determines whether the first frame includes a second field indicating a silence interval; if the first frame does not include the second field, the station begins competing for the channel at the start time of the r-TWT SP to which it belongs; after successfully competing for the channel, it transmits data, the service identifier of which is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier. For example, if the first frame does not include the second field, one or more ACs corresponding to non-rTWT TIDs and one or more ACs corresponding to r-TWT TIDs of the station begin competing for the channel at the start time of the r-TWT SP; when an AC successfully competes for the channel, it transmits data corresponding to the service identifier of that AC. In this example, if the AC that successfully competes for the channel corresponds to both an r-TWT TID and a non-rTWT TID, the station first transmits the data corresponding to the r-TWT TID of that AC, and then transmits the data corresponding to the non-rTWT TID of that AC.

[0159] In one possible implementation, the second frame further includes a third field, which indicates the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier of the station. The first operation performed by the station during any of the silent intervals conforms to the channel access rules. In other words, the third field indicates the operation performed by the station during any of the silent intervals. For example, if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, and competition can only continue after the silent interval ends, the first operation is: not sending the data of the first service identifier during any of the silent intervals; or, if the third field indicates that the data of the first service identifier is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, but the data of the second service identifier is allowed to compete for the channel after all the data of the second service identifier has been transmitted, the first operation is: if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has won the channel competition, the data of the second service identifier is sent before sending the data of the first service identifier. This implementation can be referred to in Embodiment 3 below. In this implementation, the third field indicates the channel access rules for the data of the first service identifier during the silent interval, and the first operation performed by the station during any of the silent intervals conforms to the channel access rules. By flexibly specifying the channel access rules for the first service identifier data of the site within the silent interval, the adverse effects on the transmission of r-TWT TID data can be reduced.

[0160] In the previous introduction to the principle of r-TWT, it was explained that for the AP, whether or not the beacon frame (or other frame) sent by the AP includes the second field is meaningless for the first type of station. In existing technical solutions, the operation performed by the first type of station when the first frame sent by the AP includes the second field is the same as the operation performed when the first frame does not include the second field. In this application, the operation performed by the station when the first frame sent by the AP includes the second field is different from the operation performed when the first frame does not include the second field. The first field in the first frame sent by the AP is used to indicate one or more r-TWT SPs of the station. If the first frame also includes the second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station. The start time of any silent interval is the same as any r-TWT SP of the station, and the first frame is used to instruct the station to perform the first operation in any silent interval. If the start time of each silent interval is different from the start time of each r-TWT SP of the station, after the station competes for the channel within the silent interval, it sends data, and the service identifier of the data is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier. Alternatively, if the first frame does not include the second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals for the station, and the first frame is used to indicate that the station will transmit data after contending for the channel, the service identifier of which is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier mentioned above. It should be understood that in this application, whether the first frame sent by the AP includes the second field is meaningful for the first type of station. By sending a first frame including the second field and a first frame not including the second field, the AP can enable the station to perform different operations to ensure the station's latency performance.

[0161] In this embodiment of the application, the station performs the first operation during a silent interval; this can avoid adverse effects on the transmission of r-TWT TID data, that is, ensure the latency performance of the station in transmitting r-TWT TID data.

[0162] The technical solution in Example 1 describes the channel access rules for non-rTWT TIDs of stations (belonging to the first type of stations mentioned above), and solves the problem of whether non-rTWT TIDs of r-TWT scheduled STAs are allowed to access the channel during the silent interval after the start of r-TWT SP.

[0163] Example 2

[0164] Figure 7 This is an interactive flowchart of another channel access method provided in this application. Figure 7 As shown, the interaction flow of this method includes:

[0165] 701. The access point sends the first frame.

[0166] Accordingly, the station (e.g., EHT STA) receives the first frame. The first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more r-TWT SPs of the aforementioned station. Step 701 can be referred to step 601.

[0167] 702. If a station does not have data with a second service identifier to transmit at the start time of any r-TWT SP, and if the first frame also includes a second field indicating one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, the station performs the second operation during that silent interval.

[0168] The second operation described above includes any one of the following: not transmitting data for the first service identifier; changing the channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the first service identifier of the station to a set with a lower channel access chance. The second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point, i.e., r-TWT TID. The first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the station and the access point. In other words, the first service identifier belongs to non-rTWT TID. The implementation method of the station not transmitting data for the first service identifier can be found in Embodiment 1, and will not be detailed here. Any r-TWT SP refers to any one of one or more r-TWT SPs of the station indicated by the first field in the first frame.

[0169] Changing the channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the first service identifier of a site to a set with a lower channel access opportunity can be understood as: the site adjusts the channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the first service identifier to a lower set. Optionally, the site has two sets of channel contention parameters for the AC corresponding to the first service identifier (i.e., non-rTWT TID); the site uses the set of channel contention parameters with a higher channel access opportunity for the AC contention channel corresponding to the first service identifier during non-r-TWT SPs; and uses the set of channel contention parameters with a lower channel access opportunity for the AC contention channel corresponding to the first service identifier during a quiet interval whose start time is aligned with the start time of the r-TWT SP. Optionally, the site uses the same set of channel contention parameters for the AC contention channel corresponding to the second service identifier during both non-r-TWT SPs and r-TWT SPs. Non-r-TWT SPs refer to times other than r-TWT SPs. For example, a station receives a first frame, the first field of which indicates a certain r-TWT SP of the station. Before the start time of the r-TWT SP, the station uses the EDCA parameter set to compete for the channel with the AC corresponding to the first service identifier. When the start time of the r-TWT SP arrives, if there is no r-TWT TID data to be transmitted, and if the first frame also includes a second field, the start time of any quiet interval indicated by the second field is the same as the start time of the r-TWT SP. In this quiet interval, the station uses the MU EDCA parameter set to compete for the channel with the AC corresponding to the first service identifier. The AC corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the AC corresponding to the second service identifier, thus avoiding changing the channel competition parameters of the AC corresponding to the second service identifier to a set with a lower channel access chance. Optionally, the station changes the channel competition parameters of the ACs that do not belong to the ACs corresponding to the r-TWT TIDs to a set with a lower channel access chance. In other words, if a site's non-rTWT TID corresponds to the same AC as an r-TWT TID, the site does not change the AC's channel contention parameters to the set with lower channel access chance; that is, it keeps the AC's channel contention parameters unchanged. After any AC corresponding to both non-rTWT TID and r-TWT TID successfully acquires the channel, the site must first transmit the data corresponding to the r-TWT TID of that AC. Only after the data transmission of the r-TWT TID corresponding to that AC is completed can the site transmit the data corresponding to the non-rTWT TID. By changing the channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the site's first service identifier to the set with lower channel access chance, the site reduces the adverse impact on the transmission of r-TWT TID data while providing an opportunity to transmit r-TWT TID data.

[0170] It should be understood that the conditions for a station to perform the second operation during any of the aforementioned silent intervals indicated by the second field include: the first frame includes the second field, the start time of any silent interval indicated by the second field is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station indicated by the first field, and the station has no data with the second service identifier to transmit during the start time of any r-TWT SP. The station may use various methods to determine whether the conditions for performing the second operation during the silent interval indicated by the second field are met, and this application does not limit this.

[0171] Optionally, after receiving the first frame sent by the AP, the station performs the following operations: records whether the first frame includes a second field, wherein the start time of any silent interval indicated by the second field is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station; if no non-rTWT TID data needs to be transmitted at the start time of any r-TWT SP, determines (or confirms) whether the first frame includes the second field; if so, performs the second operation within any silent interval. In this application, the inclusion of the second field in the first frame can be understood as the AP setting a corresponding silent interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs (corresponding to any of the above-mentioned r-TWT SPs).

[0172] Optionally, after receiving the first frame sent by the AP, the station performs the following operations: determining whether it belongs to at least one r-TWT SP indicated by the first field in the first frame; if the station belongs to at least one r-TWT SP indicated by the first field, the station determines whether there is no r-TWT TID data to be transmitted at the start time of any r-TWT SP to which it belongs; if there is no r-TWT TID data to be transmitted at the start time of any r-TWT SP, and if the first frame also includes a second field, the second field being used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, the station performs the second operation in any silent interval. If the station determines that it does not belong to an r-TWT SP indicated by the first field in the first frame, the station cannot use the r-TWT SP indicated by the first field. If the station has r-TWT TID data to be transmitted at the start time of any r-TWT SP, the technical solution in Embodiment 1 can be adopted.

[0173] Optionally, after receiving the first frame sent by the AP, the station performs the following operations: records whether the AP has set a corresponding silent interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs; if no r-TWT TID data needs to be transmitted at the start time of any r-TWT SP to which the station belongs, it needs to determine whether the AP has set a corresponding silent interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs; if so, the second operation is performed during the silent interval. If the first frame includes a second field, which is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, and the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, then the station records that the AP has set a corresponding silent interval for the r-TWT SP to which the station belongs.

[0174] Step 702 can be replaced with: 703. If the first frame does not include the second field, after the station wins the channel, it sends data. The service identifier of this data is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier. The second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the aforementioned station. The start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station. Step 703 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 6 Step 603 in the process will not be described in detail here.

[0175] When the second operation described above does not send the data of the first service identifier mentioned above. Figure 7 The method interaction process also includes:

[0176] 704. After a station obtains the data of the second service identifier to be transmitted within the time indicated by any of the above-mentioned silent intervals, it competes for the channel; or, after the end of any of the above-mentioned silent intervals, the station competes for the channel.

[0177] After a station obtains the data of the second service identifier to be transmitted within any of the aforementioned silent intervals, it competes for the channel to enable faster transmission of the second service identifier data. After any of the aforementioned silent intervals ends, the station competes for the channel again to prevent non-rTWT TID services from crowding out the transmission opportunities of r-TWT TID services within the r-TWT SP, thus ensuring the priority service right of the r-TWT TID service.

[0178] After any of the aforementioned silent intervals, channel contention can be understood as: the station does not compete for the channel during any of the aforementioned silent intervals, and begins to compete for the channel after the aforementioned silent intervals end. A possible implementation of the station not competing for the channel during any of the aforementioned silent intervals is: the station sets a NAV for all TIDs, and the duration of this NAV is set to the duration of any of the aforementioned silent intervals. Generally, the duration of the silent interval is shorter than the duration of the r-TWT SP. If the r-TWT SP, which is aligned with the start time of any of the aforementioned silent intervals, has not ended after the aforementioned silent intervals end, the station competes for the channel within that r-TWT SP. The station can also use other methods to achieve the purpose of not competing for the channel during silent intervals; this application does not limit the implementation method of not competing for the channel during silent intervals. The station's operation of not transmitting data with the first service identifier during a silent interval can be regarded as remaining silent during that silent interval. If r-TWT TID data (i.e., data that obtains the second service identifier to be sent) arrives while the site is in a silent state, it can execute one of the following methods: Method 1: Remain silent, i.e., do not allow channel contention until the silent interval ends; Method 2: Cancel the silent state, i.e., start competing for the channel.

[0179] In one possible implementation, the second frame further includes a third field, which indicates the channel access rules when no data with the second service identifier needs to be transmitted at the start time of the defined target wake-up time service phase. The second operation performed by the station during any of the silent intervals conforms to the channel access rules. Alternatively, the second operation performed by the station during any of the silent intervals is determined by the station based on the third field. For example, not transmitting data with the first service identifier includes the following two possibilities: not competing for the channel during any of the silent intervals, and continuing to compete for the channel after the end of any of the silent intervals; or not competing for the channel during any of the silent intervals, and starting to compete for the channel after the arrival of data with the second service identifier. If the third field indicates that the station has no data for the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of the limited target wake-up time service phase, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, and can only continue competing after the silent interval ends. The second operation is: not competing for the channel during any of the silent intervals, and continuing to compete for the channel after the silent interval ends. Alternatively, if the third field indicates that the station has no data for the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of the limited target wake-up time service phase, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, but starts competing for the channel after the data for the second service identifier arrives. The second operation is: starting to compete for the channel after obtaining the data for the second service identifier to be transmitted. Before obtaining the data for the second service identifier to be transmitted, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval. This implementation can be referred to in Embodiment 4 below. In this implementation, the third field indicates the channel access rules for the data of the station's first service identifier, and the channel access rules for the data of the station's first service identifier can be flexibly configured to reduce the adverse effects on the transmission of the data for the second service identifier.

[0180] In existing technical solutions, the operation performed by a first-type station when the first frame sent by the AP includes the second field is the same as the operation performed when the first frame does not include the second field. In this application, the operation performed by the station when the first frame sent by the AP includes the second field differs from the operation performed when the first frame does not include the second field. The first field in the first frame sent by the AP is used to indicate one or more r-TWT SPs of the station. If the first frame also includes the second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station. This first frame is used to instruct the station to perform the aforementioned second operation during any silent interval when there is no data with a second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of any r-TWT SP. Alternatively, if the first frame does not include the second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station. This first frame is used to instruct the station to transmit data after winning the channel contention, the service identifier of which is either non-rTWT TID or r-TWT TID. Therefore, whether the first frame sent by the AP includes the second field is meaningful for the first-type station. By sending a first frame that includes the second field and a first frame that does not include the second field, the AP can enable the site to perform different operations in order to ensure the site's latency performance.

[0181] In this embodiment, the station performs a second operation during a silent interval. When the second operation is to not transmit data for the first service identifier, it avoids adversely affecting the transmission of r-TWT TID data. When the second operation is to change the channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the station's first service identifier to a set with lower channel access opportunities, it can reduce the adverse effects on the transmission of r-TWT TID data while providing an opportunity to transmit r-TWT TID data.

[0182] The technical solution in Example 2 describes the channel access rules for stations (belonging to the first type of stations mentioned above) that do not have r-TWT TID data to transmit. It solves the problem of whether the r-TWT scheduling STA is allowed to compete for the channel when there is no r-TWT TID data to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP.

[0183] Example 3

[0184] Figure 8 This is an interactive flowchart of another channel access method provided in this application. Figure 8 As shown, the interaction flow of this method includes:

[0185] 801. The access point sends the second frame.

[0186] Correspondingly, the station (e.g., an EHT STA) receives the second frame. The second frame can be a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or other frames. The first field in the second frame indicates one or more r-TWT SPs of the station. The third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules for the station's non-rTWT TID data. In this application, the channel access rules can be replaced by channel access methods, channel contention methods, etc. Alternatively, the third field indicates the channel access rules for the station's non-rTWT TID data during the silent interval. The third field can be located in the broadcast TWT parameter set of the second frame; this third field can subsequently be referred to as the Access Mode subfield, and it can occupy 2 bits. In this application, an Access Mode subfield, i.e., the third field, is introduced into the broadcast TWT parameter set. The first and third fields can be located in the same broadcast TWT parameter set. The Access Mode subfield can occupy any 2 or more reserved bits in the broadcast TWT parameter set. Table 1 shows the meaning of the values ​​for the Access Mode subfield.

[0187] Table 1

[0188]

[0189]

[0190] In Table 1, allowing non-rTWT TIDs to compete for the channel during a silent interval can be understood as: allowing stations to compete for the channel during a silent interval to transmit non-rTWT TID data, and transmitting the non-rTWT TID data after successfully competing for the channel. Alternatively, it can be said that allowing the AC corresponding to a station's non-rTWT TID to compete for the channel during a silent interval, and transmitting the non-rTWT TID data after successfully competing for the channel. Prohibiting non-rTWT TIDs from competing for the channel during a silent interval can be understood as: prohibiting stations from competing for the channel during a silent interval to transmit non-rTWT TID data. Alternatively, it can be said that prohibiting the AC corresponding to a station's non-rTWT TID from competing for the channel during a silent interval. Non-rTWT TIDs are prohibited from competing for the channel during silent intervals. However, after all r-TWT TID data has been transmitted, non-rTWT TIDs are allowed to compete for the channel. This can be achieved by allowing the AC corresponding to the non-rTWT TID of a station to compete for the channel during silent intervals; after the AC corresponding to the non-rTWT TID wins the channel, it must first transmit the r-TWT TID data; and after all r-TWT TID data has been transmitted, the station is allowed to transmit the non-rTWT TID data. Similarly, non-rTWT TIDs are prohibited from competing for the channel during silent intervals. However, after all r-TWT TID data has been transmitted, non-rTWT TIDs are allowed to compete for the channel. This can be achieved by allowing the AC corresponding to the non-rTWT TID of a station to compete for the channel during silent intervals before all r-TWT TID data has been transmitted; and after all r-TWT TID data has been transmitted, the AC corresponding to the non-rTWT TID of a station is allowed to compete for the channel during silent intervals.

[0191] Optionally, the third field is located in the broadcast TWT information subfield of the broadcast TWT parameter set in the second frame, and this third field may occupy 2 bits. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another TWT element field structure provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the broadcast TWT information subfield includes: Restricted TWT Traffic InfoPresent, Access Mode, Broadcast TWT ID, and Broadcast TWT Persistence. The number below each subfield in this broadcast TWT information indicates the number of bits occupied by that subfield. (Comparison) Figure 9 and Figure 2AIt can be seen that the access mode (i.e. the third field) occupies two reserved bits in the broadcast TWT information subfield, which is compatible with the existing broadcast TWT parameter set and does not require adding bits. Figure 9 The meaning of each subfield or field in the middle and Figure 2A The same applies to the previous text, so I will not repeat it here.

[0192] Optionally, the third field is located in the TrafficInfo Control subfield of the broadcast TWT parameter set in the second frame, and this third field occupies 2 bits. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another TWT element field structure provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the service information control subfield includes: Downlink TID Bitmap Valid (DL TID BitmapValid), Uplink TID Bitmap Valid (UL TID Bitmap Valid), Access Mode, and Reserved. The number below each subfield indicates the number of bits occupied by that subfield. (Comparison) Figure 10 and Figure 2A It can be seen that the access mode (i.e. the third field) occupies 2 reserved bits in the business information control subfield, which is compatible with the existing broadcast TWT parameter set without adding bits. Figure 10 The meaning of each subfield or field in the middle and Figure 2A The same applies to the above, so we will not repeat it here. The access mode may also occupy other reserved bits in the broadcast TWT parameter set, which is not limited in this application.

[0193] 802. If the second frame also includes a second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station, and the station performs a third operation during any silent interval.

[0194] The aforementioned third operation conforms to the channel access rules for non-rTWT TID data indicated by the aforementioned third field. Alternatively, if the second frame also includes the second field, the third operation performed by the station during any of the aforementioned silent intervals is determined by the third field.

[0195] The third operation includes any of the following: after winning the channel, transmitting data whose service identifier belongs to r-TWT TID or non-rTWT TID; not transmitting data with the first service identifier; or, if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier wins the channel, transmitting data with the second service identifier before transmitting the data with the first service identifier, as described in Embodiment 1. After winning the channel, transmitting data can be: after any AC corresponding to a station's TID wins the channel, transmitting the data for that TID. The implementation method of a station not transmitting data with the first service identifier can be found in Embodiment 1, and will not be detailed here.

[0196] If the third field in the second frame indicates that non-rTWT TIDs are allowed to compete for the channel during a silent interval, the third operation is: after competing for the channel within any of the aforementioned silent intervals, data is transmitted, and the service identifier of the data belongs to either r-TWT TID or non-rTWT TID.

[0197] If the third field in the second frame indicates that non-rTWT TIDs are prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, and competition can only continue after the silent interval ends, the third operation is: do not send data of the first service identifier during any of the above silent intervals.

[0198] If the third field in the second frame indicates that non-rTWT TIDs are prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, but after all the data of r-TWT TIDs has been transmitted, non-rTWT TIDs are allowed to compete for the channel, the third operation is: if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier wins the channel competition, the data of the second service identifier is sent before the data of the first service identifier is sent.

[0199] Step 802 can be replaced with: 803. If the second frame does not include the second field, after the station wins the channel, it transmits data. The service identifier of this data belongs to r-TWT TID or non-rTWT TID. The second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the aforementioned station. The start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station. Step 803 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 6 Step 603 in the process will not be described in detail here.

[0200] In this embodiment of the application, the third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules for the non-rTWT TID data of the site, which can flexibly configure the channel access rules for the non-rTWT TID data of the site and reduce the adverse effects on the transmission of r-TWT TID data.

[0201] In the technical solution of Embodiment 3, channel access rules for data with non-rTWT TIDs of the access point are supported. The station accesses the channel according to the channel access rules for data with non-rTWT TIDs specified by the access point; this solves the problem of whether to allow non-rTWT TIDs of r-TWT scheduled STAs to access the channel during the silent interval after the start of r-TWT SP.

[0202] Example 4

[0203] Figure 11 This is an interactive flowchart of another channel access method provided in this application. Figure 11 As shown, the interaction flow of this method includes:

[0204] 1101. The access point sends the second frame.

[0205] Accordingly, the station (e.g., an EHT STA) receives the second frame. The second frame can be a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or other frame. The first field in the second frame indicates one or more r-TWT SPs for the station. The third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules when the station has no r-TWT TID data to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP. The third field can be located in the broadcast TWT parameter set of the second frame; this third field, subsequently referred to as the AccessMode subfield, can occupy 2 bits. In this application, an AccessMode subfield, i.e., the third field, is introduced into the broadcast TWT parameter set. The first and third fields can be located in the same broadcast TWT parameter set. The AccessMode subfield can occupy any 2 or more reserved bits in the broadcast TWT parameter set. Table 2 shows the meaning of the values ​​for the AccessMode subfield.

[0206] Table 2

[0207]

[0208] Comparing Tables 1 and 2, it can be seen that the meaning of the value of the third field in Example 4 is different from that in Example 3. The third field in Example 4 can be located in the broadcast TWT information subfield of the broadcast TWT parameter set in the second frame. Figure 9 The Access Mode shown is the third field in Example 4. The third field in Example 4 can be located in the Traffic Info Control subfield of the broadcast TWT parameter set in the second frame. Figure 10 The Access Mode shown is the third field in Example 4.

[0209] 1102. If a station does not have data with a second service identifier to transmit at the start time of any r-TWT SP, and if the second frame also includes a second field indicating one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, the station performs the fourth operation in any silent interval.

[0210] The aforementioned fourth operation conforms to the channel access rules indicated by the third field when the station has no r-TWT TID data to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP. In other words, if the second frame also includes the second field, and the station has no data with the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of any r-TWT SP, the fourth operation performed by the station during any of the aforementioned silent intervals is determined by the third field.

[0211] The fourth operation includes any of the following: after winning the channel, transmitting data whose service identifier belongs to the non-rTWT TID; not transmitting data (or not competing for the channel); or, after obtaining data with the second service identifier to be transmitted, starting to compete for the channel. After winning the channel, transmitting data can be: after any AC corresponding to a TID of the station wins the channel, transmitting the data for that TID. The station not transmitting data can be due to the station stopping channel competition or the station remaining silent. Optionally, the station sets an intra-BSS NAV for each AC, and the duration of this NAV is set to the length of the silent interval.

[0212] If the third field in the second frame indicates that there is no r-TWT TID data to be transmitted at the start time of the r-TWT SP, the station is allowed to compete for the channel during the silent interval. The fourth operation is: after competing for the channel within any of the above silent intervals, data is sent, and the service identifier of the data belongs to the non-rTWT TID.

[0213] If the third field in the second frame indicates that there is no r-TWT TID data to be transmitted at the start time of the r-TWT SP, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval, and can continue to compete only after the silent interval ends. The fourth operation is: do not send data (or do not compete for the channel) during any of the above silent intervals.

[0214] If the third field in the second frame indicates that the station has no r-TWT TID data to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP, the station is prohibited from competing for the channel during the silent interval. However, after the r-TWT TID data arrives, the silent state is canceled and channel competition begins. The fourth operation is: after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be sent, channel competition begins.

[0215] Step 1102 can be replaced with: 1103. If the second frame does not include the second field, after the station wins the channel, it sends data. The service identifier of this data belongs to r-TWT TID or non-rTWT TID. The second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the aforementioned station. The start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP of the station. Step 1103 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 6 Step 603 in the process will not be described in detail here.

[0216] In this embodiment, the third field in the second frame indicates the channel access rules when the station has no r-TWT TID data to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP. This allows for flexible configuration of the channel access rules when the station has no r-TWT TID data to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP, and reduces the adverse effects on the transmission of r-TWT TID data.

[0217] In the technical solution of Embodiment 4, the access point can specify channel access rules for stations that do not have r-TWT TID data to transmit. Stations access the channel according to the channel access rules specified by the access point; this solves the problem of whether an r-TWT scheduling STA is allowed to compete for channel resources when there is no r-TWT TID data to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP.

[0218] In Examples 3 and 4, the access point publishes (carries) the access mode, i.e., the third field, in the second frame it sends, so that the station can access the channel according to the channel access rules indicated by the access mode. The information with the AccessMode subfield has two publication formats:

[0219] Form 1: The AP broadcasts in frames such as beacon frames and probe response frames, i.e., the methods in Examples 3 and 4.

[0220] Form 2: When establishing an r-TWT agreement, the site and the AP make a request, and the AP decides whether to accept or reject it in the response frame. For example, the site sends an r-TWT setup request frame to the AP. This frame contains the access mode requested by the site, which indicates the channel access rules for the site's non-rTWT TID data or the channel access rules when the site has no r-TWT TID data to transmit at the start time of the r-TWT SP. The AP replies to the site with an r-TWT setup response frame, which indicates whether it accepts or rejects the site's r-TWT request information, including the access mode information and its parameters. For example, if the AP accepts the site's request for access mode 1, in conjunction with Embodiment 1, if the first frame sent by the AP includes a first field and a second field, the site will not send data with the first service identifier during the silence interval indicated by the second field. For example, in access mode 2 where the AP accepts a site request, in conjunction with embodiment 1, if the first frame sent by the AP includes a first field and a second field, and the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has won the channel competition, the site sends the data of the second service identifier before sending the data of the first service identifier. For example, in access mode 3 where the AP accepts a site request, in conjunction with embodiment 2, if the site does not need to transmit data of the second service identifier at the start time of any r-TWT SP, and if the first frame also includes a second field, which indicates the site's silent interval, and the start time of this silent interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, the site does not send the data of the first service identifier during this silent interval. For example, in access mode 4 where the AP accepts a site request, in conjunction with embodiment 2, if the site does not have data with the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of any r-TWT SP, and if the first frame also includes a second field, which is used to indicate the site's silence interval, and the start time of the silence interval is the same as the start time of any r-TWT SP, the site changes the channel contention parameters of the AC corresponding to the site's first service identifier to a set with a lower channel access chance during the silence interval.

[0221] The structure of a communication device that can implement the channel access method provided in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0222] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of a communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1200 can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the stations in the above-described method embodiments, and can also correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the access points in the above-described method embodiments. The communication device may include a processing module 1210 and a transceiver module 1220. Optionally, it may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing module 1210 and the transceiver module 1220 can be coupled to the storage unit. For example, the processing module 1210 can read the instructions (code or program) and / or data in the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. The above-described units can be set independently, or partially or completely integrated. For example, the transceiver module 1220 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module can be a transmitter, and the receiving module can be a receiver. The entity corresponding to the transceiver module 1220 can be a transceiver or a communication interface.

[0223] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1200 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the station in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1200 can be a station or a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the station. The transceiver module 1220 can, for example, be used to perform... Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 In the embodiments, all receive or send operations performed by the station, for example Figure 6 Step 601 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 7 Step 701 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 8 Step 801 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 11 Step 1101 in the illustrated embodiment, and / or other processes used to support the techniques described herein. Processing module 1210 is used to execute... Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 In the embodiments, all operations performed by the station other than sending and receiving operations are included, for example... Figure 6 Steps 602 and 603 in the illustrated embodiment are shown. Figure 7 Steps 702, 703, and 704 in the illustrated embodiment are Figure 8 Steps 802 and 803 in the illustrated embodiment are shown. Figure 11 Steps 1102 and 1103 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0224] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1200 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the access point in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication device 1200 can be an access point or a component (e.g., a chip or circuit) applied in the access point. The transceiver module 1220 can, for example, be used to perform... Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 In the embodiments, all receive or send operations performed by the access point, for example Figure 6 Step 601 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 7 Step 701 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 8 Step 801 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 11 Step 1101 in the illustrated embodiment, and / or other processes used to support the technology described herein. Processing module 1210 is used to perform all operations performed by the access point other than transmission and reception operations, such as generating a first frame or generating a second frame.

[0225] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 130 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 The communication device mentioned above can be either the aforementioned site or the aforementioned access point.

[0226] like Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 130 includes at least one processor 1310 and a transceiver 1320.

[0227] In some embodiments of this application, the processor 1310 and transceiver 1320 can be used to perform functions or operations performed by the site. For example, the transceiver 1320 performs... Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 In this embodiment, all receive or send operations are performed by the station. The processor 1310 is used, for example, to perform... Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 11 In the embodiment, all operations performed by the station other than sending and receiving are considered.

[0228] In some embodiments of this application, the processor 1310 and transceiver 1320 can be used to perform functions or operations performed by the access point. For example, the transceiver 1320 performs... Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 11In this embodiment, all receive or transmit operations are performed by the access point. The processor 1310 is used to perform all operations performed by the access point other than the receive and transmit operations, such as generating a first frame or generating a second frame.

[0229] Transceiver 1320 is used to communicate with other devices / appliances via a transmission medium. Processor 1310 uses transceiver 1320 to send and receive data and / or signaling, and to implement the methods in the above-described method embodiments. Processor 1310 can implement the functions of processing module 1210, and transceiver 1320 can implement the functions of transceiver module 1220.

[0230] Optionally, transceiver 1320 may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry and an antenna. The RF circuitry is primarily used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is primarily used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user.

[0231] Optionally, the communication device 130 may further include at least one memory 1330 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1330 is coupled to the processor 1310. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 1310 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1330. The processor 1310 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 1330. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0232] When the communication device 130 is powered on, the processor 1310 can read the software program in the memory 1330, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1310 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit then performs RF processing on the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1310. The processor 1310 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0233] In another implementation, the aforementioned radio frequency circuits and antennas can be set up independently of the processor that performs baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuits and antennas can be arranged in a remote manner, independent of the communication device.

[0234] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 1320, processor 1310, and memory 1330. This application embodiment... Figure 13 The memory 1330, processor 1310, and transceiver 1320 are connected via a bus 1340. Figure 13 The connections between other components are shown in thick lines only and are not intended to be limiting. This bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 13 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0235] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be 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, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0236] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 140 provided in an embodiment of this application. (See attached diagram.) Figure 14 As shown, Figure 14 The communication device shown includes logic circuit 1401 and interface 1402. Figure 12 The processing module 1210 can be implemented using logic circuit 1401. Figure 12 The transceiver module 1220 can be implemented using interface 1402. The logic circuit 1401 can be a chip, processing circuit, integrated circuit, or system-on-chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 1402 can be a communication interface, input / output interface, etc. In this embodiment, the logic circuit and the interface can also be coupled to each other. The specific connection method between the logic circuit and the interface is not limited in this embodiment.

[0237] In some embodiments of this application, the logic circuit and interface can be used to perform the functions or operations performed by the aforementioned site.

[0238] In some embodiments of this application, the logic circuit and interface can be used to perform the functions or operations performed by the access point described above.

[0239] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods of the above embodiments.

[0240] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes instructions or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the methods in the above embodiments to be executed.

[0241] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned site and access point.

[0242] 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 protection of the above claims.

Claims

1. A channel access method, characterized in that, include: The site receives a first frame, in which a first field is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the site; If the first frame further includes a second field, the second field indicating one or more silence intervals of the station, the start time of any silence interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the station performs a first operation during the any silence interval, the first operation including any of the following: not sending data with a first service identifier; if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has won the channel competition, sending data with a second service identifier before sending data with the first service identifier; or... If the first frame does not include the second field, after the station competes for the channel, it sends data. The service identifier of the data is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier. The second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station. The start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase. The second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, while the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second field includes an element identifier field, a length field, a silence count field, a silence period field, a silence length field, and a silence offset field.

4. A channel access method, characterized in that, include: The site receives a first frame, in which a first field is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the site; If the station does not have data with the second service identifier to transmit at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and if the first frame further includes a second field, the second field being used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval being the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the station performs a second operation in any silent interval, the second operation including any of the following: not sending data with the first service identifier; Change the channel contention parameters for the access type corresponding to the first service identifier of the site to a set with lower channel access opportunities; or... If the first frame does not include the second field, after the station competes for the channel, it sends data. The service identifier of the data is either the first service identifier or the second service identifier. The second field is used to indicate one or more silence intervals of the station. The start time of any silence interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase. The second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, while the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, When the second operation involves not sending data with the first service identifier, the method further includes: After the station obtains the data of the second service identifier to be transmitted within the time indicated by any silent interval, it competes for the channel; or, after the end of any silent interval, the station competes for the channel.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The second field includes an element identifier field, a length field, a silence count field, a silence period field, a silence length field, and a silence offset field.

8. A channel access method, characterized in that, include: Send a first frame, in which a first field is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the site; If the first frame further includes a second field, the second field indicating one or more silent intervals of the site, wherein the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame instructs the site to perform a first operation during the any silent interval, the first operation including any of the following: not transmitting data of the first service identifier; or, if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has contested the channel, transmitting data of the second service identifier before transmitting data of the first service identifier; or... If the first frame does not include the second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame is used to indicate that the station sends data after competing for the channel, and the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier. The second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, while the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

10. A channel access method, characterized in that, include: Send a first frame, in which a first field is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the site; If the first frame further includes a second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame is used to instruct the station to perform a second operation in any silent interval if the station does not have data with the second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the second operation includes any one of the following: not sending data with the first service identifier; Change the channel contention parameters for the access type corresponding to the first service identifier of the site to a set with lower channel access opportunities; or... If the first frame does not include the second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame is used to indicate that the station sends data after competing for the channel, and the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier. The second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, while the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first frame, wherein a first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the site; If the first frame further includes a second field, the second field being used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, wherein the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the processing module is used to perform a first operation in the any silent interval, the first operation including any of the following: not sending data of the first service identifier; if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier competes for the channel, sending data of the second service identifier before sending data of the first service identifier; Alternatively, if the first frame does not include the second field, the transceiver module is further configured to send data, wherein the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is configured to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, wherein the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase. The second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, while the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first frame, wherein a first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the site; If the first frame further includes a second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, and if there is no data with the second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the processing module is used to perform a second operation in any silent interval, the second operation including any one of the following: not sending data with the first service identifier; Change the channel contention parameters for the access type corresponding to the first service identifier of the site to a set with lower channel access opportunities; or... If the first frame does not include the second field, the processing module is further configured to send data, wherein the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier, and the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the site, wherein the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase. The second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, while the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The second operation is to not send the data of the first service identifier; The processing module is further configured to, after obtaining the data of the second service identifier to be transmitted within the time indicated by any of the silence intervals, compete for the channel; or, The processing module is also used to compete for the channel after any of the silent intervals have ended.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The processing module is used to generate a first frame, wherein a first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the site; The transceiver module is used to send the first frame; If the first frame further includes a second field, the second field indicating one or more silent intervals of the site, wherein the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame instructs the site to perform a first operation during the any silent interval, the first operation including any of the following: not transmitting data of the first service identifier; or, if the access type corresponding to the first service identifier has contested the channel, transmitting data of the second service identifier before transmitting data of the first service identifier; or... If the first frame does not include the second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame is used to indicate that the station sends data after competing for the channel, and the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier. The second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, while the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The processing module is used to generate a first frame, wherein a first field in the first frame is used to indicate one or more defined target wake-up time service phases of the site; The transceiver module is used to send the first frame; If the first frame further includes a second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame is used to instruct the station to perform a second operation in any silent interval if the station does not have data with the second service identifier to be transmitted at the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the second operation includes any one of the following: not sending data with the first service identifier; Change the channel contention parameters for the access type corresponding to the first service identifier of the site to a set with lower channel access opportunities; or... If the first frame does not include the second field, the second field is used to indicate one or more silent intervals of the station, the start time of any silent interval is the same as the start time of any defined target wake-up time service phase, the first frame is used to indicate that the station sends data after competing for the channel, and the service identifier of the data is the first service identifier or the second service identifier. The second service identifier belongs to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point, while the first service identifier does not belong to the service identifier of the priority service agreed upon by the site and the access point.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that, The access type corresponding to the first service identifier is different from the access type corresponding to the second service identifier.

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