Slave channel access method, terminal and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and discloses a slave channel access method, a terminal and a storage medium. In the invention, a slave channel access strategy is obtained by negotiating with associated access point equipment, and the slave channel access strategy and the associated access point equipment are switched to a slave channel access mode together; the terminal equipment or the access point equipment switched to the slave channel access mode can execute slave channel access and configure related parameters during data transmission on a slave channel according to a slave channel access strategy; and after slave channel access is executed according to the slave channel access strategy, when a preset reconfiguration condition is met, updating the slave channel access strategy in a manner of re-negotiating with the access point equipment, so as to adjust related parameters during data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access strategy. Therefore, the terminal equipment can execute slave channel access, wireless resources are saved, and the stability of data transmission is improved through a reconfiguration mode of slave channel access.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a slave channel access method, a terminal and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In the Wi-Fi system, the main channel and the slave channel are defined. The original purpose is to increase the bandwidth in 802.11n by using a channel binding method. For example, a 40MHz channel sends beacons and management frames on the 20MHz main channel. Data is sent on another 20MHz slave channel. In this way, the overall working bandwidth of the device reaches 40MHz. Compared with the original device, the working bandwidth is increased and the throughput is improved. At the same time, Wi-Fi maintains compatibility with devices that previously only supported 20MHz. Traditional devices that previously only supported 20MHz can still work normally by accessing the 20MHz main channel.

[0003] The standard stipulates that for terminals operating at 40MHz, the main channel is 20MHz and the slave channel is also 20MHz. When the terminal, or the corresponding AP, accesses the channel, it detects through the channel that the main channel is idle and the slave channel is idle, then it accesses (sends data or management frames, action frames on the main and slave channels); if the main channel is idle and the slave channel is busy, it only accesses the main channel; if the main channel is busy and the slave channel is busy, it does not access; if the main channel is busy and the slave channel is idle, it cannot access the channel. The purpose of the above access methods is to take the main channel as the main channel to ensure the forward compatibility of the equipment on the main channel.

[0004] The inventors have found that there are at least the following problems in the related art: With the development of wireless technology, Wi-Fi supports larger and larger working bandwidths, such as 80MHz, 160MHz, and even 320MHz. However, the access method of the above-mentioned main channel and slave channel has not changed and has been used to this day. As a result, when the main channel is busy and the slave channel is idle, channel access cannot be performed, or more precisely, slave channel access cannot be performed. The bandwidth of the slave channel increases along with the bandwidth of the overall channel. The above-mentioned situation where the slave channel cannot be utilized seriously wastes wireless resources. Therefore, in the recent discussion of the Wi-Fi 8 standard, there have been solutions on how to make full use of the slave channel. Most of the solutions mentioned are to enable the terminal to access the slave channel when the main channel is busy and the slave channel is idle. Or the definition of the working granularity of the slave channel. The granularity refers to the bandwidth of the slave channel access, or sub-channel, which is composed of one or several 20MHz channels. However, there is currently no description of the utilization of the slave channel and no discussion on the reconfiguration of the slave channel access. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a sub-channel access method, a terminal and a storage medium, so that the terminal device can perform sub-channel access, saving wireless resources while improving the stability of data transmission by reconfiguring the sub-channel access.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a slave channel access method, comprising: obtaining a slave channel access strategy by negotiating with an associated access point device, and jointly switching to a slave channel access mode; wherein the terminal device or access point device that is switched to the slave channel access mode can perform slave channel access when the main channel is busy and the slave channel is idle, and configure relevant parameters for data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access strategy; after performing slave channel access according to the slave channel access strategy, when a preset reconfiguration condition is met, the slave channel access strategy is updated by re-negotiating with the access point device to adjust the relevant parameters for data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access strategy.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a terminal, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor so that the at least one processor can execute the above-mentioned channel access method.

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the above-mentioned slave channel access method is implemented.

[0009] In the embodiment of the present invention, the slave channel access strategy is obtained by negotiation with the associated access point device, and the slave channel access mode is switched to together; the terminal device or access point device switched to the slave channel access mode can perform slave channel access when the main channel is busy and the slave channel is idle, and configure the relevant parameters for data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access strategy; after performing slave channel access according to the slave channel access strategy, when the preset reconfiguration conditions are met, the slave channel access strategy is updated by re-negotiating with the access point device to adjust the relevant parameters for data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access strategy. This enables the terminal device to perform slave channel access, effectively utilize slave channel resources by accessing the slave channel, save wireless resources, and improve the stability of data transmission through the reconfiguration of slave channel access.

[0010] In addition, the slave channel access strategy is obtained by negotiation with the associated access point device, including: sending an inquiry frame to the associated access point device to indicate that it supports switching to the slave channel access mode; wherein the inquiry frame carries capability information for indicating its own capability, information for indicating the number of slave channels that it can support, and information for indicating the slave channel granularity that it can support; receiving a suggestion frame fed back by the access point device according to the inquiry frame, wherein the suggestion frame carries temporary main channel location information supported by the access point device and slave channel granularity information supported by the access point device; selecting the number of slave channels and slave channel granularity used for this access according to the suggestion frame to generate a slave channel access strategy; and sending the slave channel access strategy to the access point device through a response frame. It is beneficial for the AP to load balance each frequency band within the bandwidth and allocate each terminal to different slave channels or different slave channel granularities. By triggering the slave channel access reconfiguration on the service flow, it is beneficial to ensure the QoS (Quality of service) of the service flow in a targeted manner. Especially for the requirements of ultra-high reliability, the slave channel access reconfiguration for service QoS is particularly important. At the same time, when switching, the channel access mode can be maintained from the original access point to the target access point, which is conducive to maintaining terminal service continuity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by pictures in the corresponding drawings, and these exemplified descriptions do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent similar elements, and unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0012] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a slave channel access method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction from the channel access strategy negotiation provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] To make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the embodiments of the present invention, many technical details are proposed in order to enable the reader to better understand the present application. However, even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments, the technical scheme claimed in the present application can be implemented. The division of the following embodiments is for the convenience of description, and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of the present invention. The various embodiments can be combined and referenced with each other without contradiction.

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a slave channel access method, which can be applied to any terminal device that can be wirelessly connected to an access point device, such as a mobile phone, a computer and other terminal devices. In this embodiment, a slave channel access strategy is obtained by negotiating with the associated access point device, and the slave channel access mode is switched to together; the terminal device or access point device switched to the slave channel access mode can perform slave channel access when the main channel is busy and the slave channel is idle, and configure the relevant parameters for data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access strategy; after performing slave channel access according to the slave channel access strategy, when the preset reconfiguration condition is met, the slave channel access strategy is updated by re-negotiating with the access point device to adjust the relevant parameters for data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access strategy. The terminal device can perform slave channel access, effectively utilize slave channel resources by accessing the slave channel, save wireless resources, and improve the stability of data transmission by reconfiguring the slave channel access. The following is a specific description of the implementation details of the slave channel access method of this embodiment. The following content is only the implementation details provided for the convenience of understanding, and is not necessary for the implementation of this solution.

[0017] The terminal device and the AP associated with it only work on the slave channel, or the terminal and the AP associated with it only transmit data on the slave channel when the main channel is busy and the slave channel is idle, which can effectively improve the Wi-Fi spectrum utilization. From a general point of view, in order to achieve this effect, the AP and the terminal need to negotiate the slave channel working mode, strategy, temporary main channel position, temporary main channel bandwidth, slave channel access granularity and other parameters. Then the AP and the terminal start to work together in the slave channel access mode according to the negotiation results. When the main channel is busy and the slave channel is idle, the AP or the terminal can access and send and receive data on the current slave channel. When both the AP and the terminal enter the slave channel access mode and start working, the slave channel access reconfiguration will occur. For example, the slave channel access granularity changes. After the reconfiguration is completed, both the AP and the terminal start working in the slave channel access mode according to the new configuration. Finally, the terminal, or the AP exits the slave channel access mode. The terminal exits the slave channel access mode and can restart the slave channel access mode with other APs.

[0018] In some cases, after the slave channel access negotiation, access is made according to the negotiation result. In some cases, access starts at a predetermined time. In some cases, slave channel access is triggered by a departure frame. In some cases, the trigger frame indicates that the slave channel access mode starts when the frame is received. In some cases, the trigger frame indicates that the slave channel access mode has started, and data is about to be transmitted on the slave channel after the current trigger frame. In some cases, the trigger frame is transmitted at a certain granularity on the slave channel, or on a channel group consisting of certain 20MHz sub-channels. In some cases, the trigger frame is transmitted on at least one temporary main channel on the slave channel.

[0019] After the above general examples of the present application scheme, the specific implementation details of the present application will be described below through various examples. The process of the channel access method in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, in step 101, the terminal device (STA) obtains the slave channel access strategy through negotiation with the associated access point device, and jointly switches the channel access mode to the slave channel access mode; wherein, the terminal device or access point device that switches the channel access mode to the slave channel access mode will be able to perform slave channel access when the main channel is busy and the slave channel is idle, and configure the relevant parameters for data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access strategy.

[0020] In an example, Figure 2As shown, the slave channel access strategy is obtained by negotiating with the connected access point device, which can be: the terminal device sends an inquiry frame (or called a slave channel access inquiry frame) to the access point device to indicate that it supports switching to the slave channel access mode; wherein the inquiry frame carries capability information for indicating its own capability, information for indicating the number of slave channels that it can support, and information for indicating the granularity of slave channels that it can support; the access point device receives a suggestion frame (or called a slave channel access suggestion frame) fed back by the inquiry frame, wherein the suggestion frame carries temporary main channel location information supported by the access point device and slave channel granularity information supported by the access point device; the number of slave channels and the slave channel granularity used for this access are selected according to the suggestion frame to generate a slave channel access strategy; and the slave channel access strategy is sent to the access point device through a response frame (or called a slave channel access response frame).

[0021] The granularity of the slave channel can be 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz or 160MHz. The access granularity of the slave channel refers to further subdividing a connected slave channel into smaller subbands or subchannels for access. In some embodiments, information such as the granularity of the number of supported slave channels is included in the beacon, probe request response, and association response. Or it is included in the information control frame (ICF for short, full name of information control frame) for slave channel access, or it is included in the above-mentioned inquiry frame, suggestion frame, or response frame.

[0022] In some cases, after receiving the inquiry frame from the terminal, the AP puts the configuration into the suggestion frame and sends it to the terminal according to its own capabilities and the number of slave channels and bandwidth supported. The terminal sends the response frame only for confirmation. In some cases, the terminal does not send the response frame.

[0023] In some cases, the terminal does not send an inquiry frame. After the AP learns that the terminal supports access to the secondary channel, it directly sends a suggestion frame. After receiving the suggestion frame, the terminal sends a response frame.

[0024] In some cases, only a slave channel access proposal frame is sent between the terminal and the AP. In some cases, the frame can be called a slave channel access control frame, or simply a control frame.

[0025] In some cases, only ICF (as an initial control frame) or initial control response frame (ICR) information frame (as an initial response frame) is sent between the terminal and the AP. ICF carries information about slave channel access, such as granularity, slave channel bandwidth, and temporary main channel position in the slave channel. The AP sends ICF to the terminal, and after receiving the ICF, the terminal responds by sending ICR to the AP for negotiation. The AP is informed of the result whether the slave channel access is agreed. In some cases, there is no ICR in the ICF afterwards; the AP notifies the terminal to enter the slave channel access mode by sending ICF to the terminal. In some cases, ICF is a trigger frame.

[0026] In some cases, the inquiry frame does not exist, and only ICF (as the initial control frame) is used to complete the channel access configuration, or reconfiguration, or to complete the channel access activation function, or to complete the channel access release function; or the inquiry frame itself is an ICF frame.

[0027] In step 102, after the terminal device executes the slave channel access according to the slave channel access policy, when the preset reconfiguration conditions are met, the slave channel access policy is updated by re-negotiating with the access point device to adjust the relevant parameters during data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access policy.

[0028] The slave channel access parameters, modes, etc. determined through the slave channel access negotiation are not static. Reconfiguration can be performed in many cases. In one example, the preset reconfiguration conditions include: the access point device enters the energy-saving mode, and the number of temporary main channels, the temporary main channel position, the slave channel granularity or the working bandwidth in the terminal device changes; and / or, the number of terminal devices working on the same bandwidth reaches a first preset value; and / or, the slave channel granularity of the slave channel is cancelled because the number of accessed terminal devices is less than the minimum number limit; and / or, the number or type of services to be processed by the terminal device meets the preset reconfiguration requirements triggered by the service; and / or, the working state, working mode, capability mode, spatial stream, or service stream of the terminal device changes.

[0029] The preset reconfiguration conditions are closely related to the reconfiguration situation, and examples are given below:

[0030] In some cases, the number of temporary main channels between the terminal and the AP, the position of the temporary main channel, the granularity of the access to the slave channel and other parameters will be changed. For example, when the AP is in energy-saving mode, the working bandwidth becomes narrower. It is necessary to reconfigure the relevant parameters of the slave channel access. For example, the reconfiguration process can be: the AP will send a beacon at this time to indicate that the working bandwidth it supports has changed, or the AP will start a channel switching mechanism to indicate that its working bandwidth has changed. Or it can be specifically set for AP energy saving. Related frames. In some cases, the parameters of the AP and the terminal working in the slave channel are sent together with the command of the AP energy-saving working bandwidth change. Contains relevant parameters of the slave channel, such as the position, width, number of temporary main channels, and the granularity of the access to the slave channel. In some cases, the relevant parameters of the slave channel, such as the position, width, number of temporary main channels, and the granularity of the access to the slave channel, automatically become invalid when the AP working bandwidth changes in the AP energy-saving mode. The AP and the terminal stop working in the slave channel access mode until the AP and the terminal re-establish the slave channel access mode with new parameters. The specific establishment steps can apply Example 1. In some cases, the inquiry frame is a reassociation request frame, and the suggestion frame is a reassociation response frame. In some cases, the above reconfiguration only completes the setting of the slave channel access parameters and mode, and the slave channel access is not started. The start of the slave channel access is indicated by a trigger frame or a dedicated frame.

[0031] In addition to judging whether to start reconfiguration based on the above energy-saving mode, reconfiguration can also be started based on the number and capabilities of terminals. For example, in some cases, the current AP supports multiple bandwidths. For example, the maximum supported bandwidth is 320MHz. However, many terminals work at 80MHz. In order to improve the performance of the wireless network and balance the complexity of access points in various frequency bands. When the number of terminals working in a certain bandwidth exceeds a certain number, the terminal starts reconfiguration from channel access. When the number of terminals working in a certain bandwidth exceeds a certain number, the terminal starts reconfiguration from channel access. In some cases, such as a large number of terminals working at 80MHz, they all work in the main channel and compete for the 80MHz spectrum resources of the main channel, but the other 240MHz resources are not fully used. At this time, the terminal starts reconfiguration from the channel based on the number of terminals working in the current 80MHz bandwidth, divides the remaining 240MHz bandwidth into 3 80MHz sub-bands, and switches these terminals evenly to each 80MHz bandwidth. The performance of the current 80MHz terminals can be measured based on their number, for example, when the number exceeds 100. 75 of them are evenly distributed to the other three 80MHz working bandwidths. A threshold can be set for the number of terminals of each working bandwidth. When the number exceeds a certain value, these terminals are evenly or unevenly distributed to the entire working bandwidth of the AP.

[0032] For a terminal working in a slave channel mode, no longer working in a slave channel mode, or switching to another access point, similarly, when the number of terminals working or parking in a slave channel granularity is small and below a certain number, the access point cancels the slave channel access granularity and switches the terminal to the main channel or other slave channel access granularity. In some cases, the slave channel access granularity is a combination of some 20MHz sub-channels in the slave channel, which can be called a slave channel group or a sub-channel group of a slave channel. In some cases, there are terminal number limits for each slave channel access granularity, which are the maximum number limit and the minimum number limit. When the number is less than the minimum number, the slave channel access granularity is canceled. In some cases, the user number limit is included in the slave channel negotiation related frame, or in the ICF frame used for slave channel access. In some cases, adding a slave channel access granularity or canceling a slave channel access granularity signaling is included in an enhanced multi-link element (multi link element, or basic multilink element). In some cases, it is included in a newly defined secondary channel access element or a newly defined non-primary channel access element. In some cases, it is included in a beacon or a probe response. It is included in an association response frame. In some cases, the signaling of adding a secondary channel access granularity or canceling a secondary channel access granularity is a bitmap. The corresponding bit is 0, indicating cancellation of the granularity. The corresponding bit is 1, indicating establishment or updating of the parameters of the granularity.

[0033] For the case of changes in service or service flow transmission, in some cases, because new services have arrived or are about to arrive. Or the service type has decreased, the service to be carried by the terminal has changed. The corresponding terminal's access channel duration has changed. Or the access bandwidth has changed, or the number of access connections has changed. If the terminal works in the slave channel access mode, it will affect its slave channel access. For example, the arrival of new services has relatively low delay requirements, and a slave channel access granularity can be established separately for the current terminal, which is specifically used to transmit low-latency services. The current slave channel granularity is established for the current terminal, and there is no delay caused by competition between terminals within the AP. In other slave channel granularities, or when multiple terminals coexist on the main channel, the transmission of uplink low-latency services will cause delays due to competition. In some cases, the service flow triggers the reconfiguration of the slave channel, which can include at least part of the service type, or the service identifier (Traffi Identifier, referred to as TID). Similar signaling is included in the basic multi link element, or in the newly defined multilink element. In some cases, it is included in the newly defined secondary channel access element, or in the newly defined non-primary channel access element. In some cases, it is included in the beacon, in the probe response, or in the association response frame.

[0034] For the case where the working state, working mode, capability mode, or spatial stream of the terminal device changes, in some cases, the terminal working state changes and the slave channel access is reconfigured. For example, some terminals initially maintain a connection with the AP for communication. Later, the number of working antennas of the terminal changes, or the working flow changes, and the slave channel access mode is terminated. Or, the granularity and bandwidth of the slave channel access are reconfigured. In some cases, the reconfiguration is completed through a trigger frame or a control frame. In some cases, the control frame or the trigger frame is sent to the AP by the terminal. In some cases, the trigger frame or the control frame is sent to the terminal by the AP. In some cases, the trigger frame or the control frame is sent to the terminal by the AP. After receiving the trigger frame or the control frame, the terminal sends a confirmation frame. In some cases, after receiving the trigger frame or the control frame, the terminal or the AP does not send a confirmation frame. In some cases, after receiving the trigger frame or the control frame, the terminal or the AP does not send a confirmation frame, and then sends data on the slave channel. In some cases, the data is the data solicited by the trigger frame or the control frame. In some cases, the control frame or the trigger frame is sent on the slave channel. The above situations are not limited and can be reasonably combined in certain circumstances.

[0035] Next, in an example, an example is given for the way to start the slave channel access mode. The slave channel access strategy is obtained by negotiation with the access point device with a connection. It can also be: before sending an inquiry frame to the access point device, negotiate with the access point device with a connection to establish a service binding relationship; wherein, the terminal device with a service binding relationship with the access point device will send an inquiry frame to the access point device with a service binding relationship when receiving a low-latency service transmission request. Specifically: In some cases, the slave channel access mode is bound to the service flow. For example, if a device transmits a low-latency service, the device automatically starts the slave channel access mode if the device supports slave channel access. The binding relationship is determined during the slave channel access negotiation and is included in the slave channel access control frame. Alternatively, the binding relationship is included in the slave channel access trigger frame. In some cases, the binding relationship is a signaling, or a bitmap corresponds to each service type, and the corresponding service type bit 1 indicates that the service is bound, otherwise it indicates that the service is not bound. In some cases, the signaling is included in the basic multilink element, and in some cases, the signaling is included in the beacon or in the probe response frame. In some cases, when the service stops or the corresponding TID is no longer mapped to the current connection, the slave channel access mode is automatically stopped. The reception mode can end immediately or after several target beacon transmission times (TBTT).

[0036] Next, in an example, an example is given for the termination of the slave channel access mode. When a control frame for terminating the slave channel access mode is received, the slave channel access mode is terminated by the control frame; or, when a command to terminate the slave channel access is received, the slave channel access mode is terminated after the currently ongoing transmission opportunity is completed. For example: In some cases, a terminal working in the slave channel access mode terminates the slave channel access mode by receiving a control frame. In some cases, a terminal working in the slave channel access mode receives the above-mentioned slave channel access suggestion frame again and terminates the slave channel access mode. In some cases, a terminal working in the slave channel access mode, if currently accessing the slave channel (the master channel is busy and the slave channel is idle, and data is sent on the slave channel), terminates the slave channel access mode after the transmission completes the current transmission opportunity (TransmissionOpportunity, TXOP). In some cases, a terminal working in the slave channel access mode receives a command to terminate the slave channel access. If the slave channel is not currently accessed (the master channel is idle and the slave channel is idle, and data is sent on the master and slave channels at the same time), the slave channel access mode is terminated after the transmission completes the current TXOP. Or terminate the slave channel access mode immediately. In some cases, a terminal operating in slave channel access mode receives a command to end slave channel access. If there is no slave channel access currently (the master channel is idle and the slave channel is busy, and data is sent on the master and slave channels at the same time), the slave channel access mode is ended after the current TXOP is transmitted. Or the slave channel access mode is ended immediately. In some cases, the slave channel access mode is a time period. When the time period ends, the slave channel access mode of the terminal or AP ends automatically. The time period is included in the slave channel access negotiation-related frame, or the ICF frame used for slave channel access. In some cases, the slave channel access mode is a time period. When the time period ends, the slave channel access mode of the terminal or AP ends automatically within several TBTTs. In some cases, several TBTT times are default times, such as two TBTTs. The time is included in the slave channel access negotiation-related frame, or the ICF frame used for slave channel access. In some cases, the slave channel access mode is a time period. When the time period ends, the slave channel access mode of the terminal or AP ends automatically within several TBTTs. The specific number of TBTTs is determined by the negotiation frame, the suggestion frame, or the control frame indication.

[0037] In one example, in the slave channel access mode, when seamless roaming with other access point devices is performed, the slave channel access mode continues to be maintained; or, in the slave channel access mode, when seamless roaming with other access point devices is performed, negotiation with other access point devices is performed to determine whether the terminal device remains in the slave channel access mode.

[0038] When switching, the channel access mode can be maintained by default or not maintained by default, or determined through negotiation according to the situation. These three situations will be discussed with examples:

[0039] For the case of maintaining the slave channel access mode, in some embodiments, when a terminal configured as the slave channel access mode switches between two access point devices, if the terminal is in the slave channel access mode with the original access point, the terminal continues to maintain the slave channel access mode after switching to the new access point. Both access point devices support slave channel access and have slave channel access capability. The terminal also has slave channel access capability. In some cases, both access point devices support slave channel access and have slave channel access capability, and the capability is enabled. The terminal also has slave channel access capability, and the capability is enabled. In some cases, the switch is a normal switch between the two access point devices. In some cases, the switch is a seamless switch between the two access point devices. In some cases, the slave channel access or slave channel access mode is triggered by a trigger frame or a control frame or a management frame at the original access point. When switching, the slave channel access mode is not maintained at the target access point. In some cases, the mode works within a transmission opportunity. In some cases, a semi-static slave channel access or slave channel access mode is triggered by a trigger frame, a control frame, or a management frame at the original access point. During the handover, the slave channel access mode is continued at the target access point. In some cases, this mode works in multiple transmission opportunities. In some cases, after the terminal switches to a new access point, the new access point supports at least one item of the following set {slave channel bandwidth, slave channel access granularity, number of temporary main channels, main channel bandwidth}, and the item is within the terminal's capability range, then the terminal continues to maintain the slave channel access mode with the new access point.

[0040] For the case where the slave channel access mode is not maintained, in some embodiments, when the terminal configured for the slave channel access mode switches between two access point devices, the slave channel access capability is not maintained. Both access point devices support slave channel access. In some cases, the switch is a normal switch between the two access point devices. In some cases, the switch is a seamless switch between the two access point devices. In some cases, the slave channel access mode between the terminal and the original access point automatically stops after the terminal is disassociated from the original access point, or disconnected, or a certain connection is disconnected. In some cases, the slave channel access mode is a slave channel access mode on a certain connection between the terminal and the access point. In some cases, the slave channel access mode is a slave channel access mode between the terminal device and the access point device. In some cases, the slave channel access mode between the terminal and the original access point will not be maintained by default to the connection between the terminal and the new access point. In some cases, if the new access point does not support the slave channel access mode, the slave channel access mode between the terminal and the original access point will not be maintained by default to the connection between the terminal and the new access point.

[0041] Regarding the discussion of whether the slave channel mode is automatically continued, for example, when switching, whether the terminal continues from the channel access mode is a bit, a subfield, contained in the link reconfiguration frame for seamless switching, or the link reconfiguration request frame, the link reconfiguration response frame. 0 means to continue, 1 means not to continue. In some cases, the above switching is seamless switching. In some cases, when switching, the continuation of the slave channel access mode requires the target connection and the original connection to have the same bandwidth. In some cases, when switching, the parameters related to the slave channel access model are contained in an element, which is contained in the link reconfiguration frame, the link reconfiguration request frame, the link reconfiguration response frame for seamless switching. If the above frame contains this element, it indicates that the slave channel access mode is automatically continued during switching. In some cases, the premise for maintaining the slave channel access mode during switching is that both the target access point and the original access point support slave channel access and are enabled.

[0042] For the case of negotiation during the switching of the channel access mode, since the negotiation signaling is included in the linkreconfiguration frame, negotiation can also be regarded as a reconfiguration process in a broad sense.

[0043] In some embodiments, the negotiation includes the secondary channel access capabilities supported by the access point or terminal, such as bandwidth, granularity, and the number of temporary primary channels. In some cases, the signaling is included in the link reconfiguration frame. In some implementations, the signaling is included in the basic multi-link element enhanced for seamless switching, or the seamless roaming element defined for seamless switching. In some cases, the signaling is included in a frame newly defined for seamless switching, such as a seamless switching request frame, a seamless switching confirmation frame, or a seamless switching response frame. In some cases, the above frame or the above element includes a signaling / field of whether to negotiate secondary channel access during switching or initial access, 0 means no negotiation, and 1 means negotiation. In some cases, the above frame or the above element includes a signaling / field of whether to continue the secondary channel access mode between the terminal and the new access point during switching, 0 means no continuation, and 1 means continuation. In some cases, when the above frame or the above element contains a switch, it contains a slave channel access capability enable flag, or a slave channel access capability declaration / advertisement, then at the time of switch or initial access, the slave channel access negotiation is performed by default. In some cases, when the terminal and the original access point work in the slave channel access mode, when the terminal needs to switch to a new access point, the terminal needs to (or can) negotiate with the new access point whether to work in the slave channel access mode. In some cases, the negotiation is completed by negotiation between the original access point and the new access point. The slave channel access related information is included in the seamless access request frame, or the slave channel access related information is included in the seamless access suggestion frame. In some cases, when the terminal and the original access point do not work in the slave channel access mode, when the terminal needs to switch to a new access point, the terminal does not need to negotiate with the new access point whether to work in the slave channel access mode. In some cases, the negotiation is completed by negotiation between the original access point and the new access point. The slave channel access related information is included in the seamless access request frame, or the slave channel access related information is included in the seamless access suggestion frame. In some cases, the negotiation of the channel access mode during seamless handover is not limited to whether the channel access mode between the terminal and the original access point is maintained until the terminal and the new access point are reached. The negotiation content includes the granularity, bandwidth, or duration of the channel access mode, and the services that can be transmitted on the channel. The relevant content is included in the link reconfiguration frame, link reconfiguration request frame, link reconfiguration response frame, or multi-link element.

[0044] The following is an example of the situation when the link is reconfigured in the slave channel access mode:

[0045] In some cases, the secondary channel access mode is at the connection level. That is, each access point attached to a multi-connection device can have a different secondary channel access mode, which can be enabled or disabled independently. In some cases, the secondary channel access mode is at the multi-connection device level. That is, each access point attached to a multi-connection device can have the same secondary channel access mode, which can be enabled or disabled at the same time.

[0046] In one example, the access point device belongs to an access point multi-connection device (AP MLD); when in the process of link reconfiguration, and the access point multi-connection device and the terminal device are both in the slave channel access mode, and a new connection is added between the terminal device and the access point multi-connection device, the device corresponding to the newly added connection is made to work in the slave channel access mode. The purpose of link reconfiguration is to add and delete a link of a multi-connection device. Specifically, in some cases, the slave channel access mode is maintained, transferred, or terminated during link reconfiguration.

[0047] In some cases, during link reconfiguration, if the terminal and the access point multi-connection device operate in the slave channel access mode, and a new connection is added between the terminal and the access point multi-connection device, the newly added connection operates in the slave channel access mode. In some cases, during link reconfiguration, a link reconfiguration request frame or a link reconfiguration response frame contains whether the newly added connection continues to use the current slave channel access mode. In some cases, the information is a bit, 1 means to continue to use, and 0 means not to continue to use. In some cases, during link reconfiguration, the newly added connection does not enable the slave channel access mode by default. In some cases, when the slave channel access mode is in link reconfiguration, a certain connection of the terminal is disconnected between the terminal and the access point, and the slave channel access mode corresponding to the connection on the terminal side is terminated as the connection is disconnected. In some cases, when the slave channel access mode is in link reconfiguration, a certain connection of the terminal is disconnected between the terminal and the access point, and before the disconnection, the terminal is in the slave channel access mode on the connection. Soon after, the terminal reconnects to the connection (corresponding AP), and the terminal starts the slave channel access mode on the connection by default. In some cases, when the slave channel access mode is in link reconfiguration, a connection of the terminal is disconnected between the terminal and the access point, and before the disconnection, the terminal is in the slave channel access mode on the connection. Soon after, the terminal reconnects to the connection (corresponding AP), if the corresponding newly defined bit of continuing the slave channel access mode in the link reconfiguration request / response frame or in the basic multiple link element is 1, the terminal starts the slave channel access mode on the connection. Otherwise, the slave channel access mode is not enabled.

[0048] In some cases, the information on whether the slave channel access mode is continued during seamless switching is a context included in the link reconfiguration request / response frame used for seamless switching. Or in the seamless roaming request / responseframe. Or transmitted to the target access point (AP or AP MLD) through the current access point (AP or AP MLD). Or, in some cases, the current terminal includes information about the current access point or candidate access point through the current access point or candidate access point, including whether the candidate access point is working in the slave channel access mode, or whether to continue the slave channel access mode. Or, in some cases, when the target AP MLD re-establishes the context with the terminal, the method in this patent is selected to continue using it, not to continue using it, or to renegotiate whether to enable the slave channel access mode.

[0049] In some cases, when accessing from a channel, the slave channel access mode is a period of time. If the period of time has not ended before switching, then after seamless switching, the slave channel access mode is continued (keep the slave channel access open) until the remaining time of the slave channel access ends or runs out.

[0050] When link switching occurs, the slave channel access also needs to be handled accordingly. For example, when in the process of channel switching, determine whether to continue to use the slave channel access mode through the slave channel mode switching information; if it is determined to continue to use the slave channel access mode, then the slave channel access mode will be used after the channel switching; if it is determined not to continue to use the slave channel access mode, then the slave channel access mode will be terminated after the channel switching; wherein, the slave channel mode switching information will be carried in the channel switching element sent by the access point device, or pre-stored in the terminal device. In addition, when channel switching occurs, the slave channel access mode on the connection before the switching can also be used by default. For example, if the slave channel access mode is turned on on the connection before the switching, the slave channel access mode will be started by default on the channel after the switching. Otherwise, it will not be turned on. When link switching occurs, a new field is defined in the channel switching element or the reserved information is enabled, and 1 bit is used to indicate whether to use the slave channel access mode of the connection (channel) before the switching. For example, if the bit is 1, it indicates that the slave channel access mode on the connection before the switching is used, such as the slave channel access mode is turned on on the connection. The secondary channel access mode is started by default on the channel after the switch. Otherwise, this bit is 0, which means it is not enabled. In some cases, when link switching occurs, the secondary channel access mode is not enabled by default after the AP and the associated terminal switch to the new channel. In some cases, the secondary channel access mode occurs in a time period. If channel switching occurs within this time period, the secondary channel access mode is enabled by default on the new channel after the switch by the terminal and AP; otherwise, it is not enabled.

[0051] For the case where a connection (re)establishment occurs, an example will be given below to illustrate this. In one example, when the connection is (re)established, i.e., during link (re)setup, a new AP to which the access point multi-connection device is attached is enabled, or an original AP to which it is attached is deleted. During link (re)setup, information on whether the slave channel access mode is enabled on the newly established AP is included in a probe response frame, a probe response frame, or a (re)association request frame, i.e., a (re)association request frame, or a (re)association response frame, i.e., a (re)association response frame. For example, in at least one of the above frames, a bit is included to indicate whether the slave channel access mode is enabled. In some cases, the bit is included in a basic multi-link element. In some cases, if the current access point multi-connection device and / or the associated non-access point multi-connection device both operate in the slave channel access mode, the newly established AP enables the slave channel access mode, or has the capability of slave channel access.

[0052] In this embodiment, the slave channel access strategy is obtained by negotiation with the associated access point device, and the channel access mode is switched to the slave channel access mode together; the terminal device or access point device that switches the channel access mode to the slave channel access mode can perform slave channel access when the main channel is busy and the slave channel is idle, and configure the relevant parameters for data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access strategy; after performing slave channel access according to the slave channel access strategy, when the preset reconfiguration conditions are met, the slave channel access strategy is updated by re-negotiating with the access point device to adjust the relevant parameters for data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access strategy. This enables the terminal device to perform slave channel access, effectively utilize slave channel resources by accessing the slave channel, save wireless resources, and improve the stability of data transmission through the reconfiguration of slave channel access.

[0053] The steps of the above method are divided only for clear description. When implemented, they can be combined into one step or some steps can be split and decomposed into multiple steps. As long as they include the same logical relationship, they are all within the scope of protection of this application; adding insignificant modifications to the algorithm or process or introducing insignificant designs without changing the core design of the algorithm and process are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a terminal, such as Figure 3As shown, it includes at least one processor 301; and a memory 302 that is communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory 302 stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor 301, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor 301 so that the at least one processor 301 can execute the channel access method as described above.

[0055] The memory 302 and the processor 301 are connected in a bus manner, and the bus may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, and the bus connects various circuits of one or more processors 301 and the memory 302 together. The bus can also connect various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface between the bus and the transceiver. The transceiver can be one element or multiple elements, such as multiple receivers and transmitters, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium. The data processed by the processor 301 is transmitted on a wireless medium through an antenna, and further, the antenna also receives data and transmits the data to the processor 301.

[0056] The processor 301 is responsible for managing the bus and general processing, and can also provide various functions, including timing, peripheral interfaces, voltage regulation, power management and other control functions. The memory 302 can be used to store data used by the processor 301 when performing operations.

[0057] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which implements the above method embodiment when executed by a processor.

[0058] That is, those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the steps in the above-mentioned embodiment method can be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a program, and the program is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions to enable a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, chip, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-mentioned embodiments are specific examples for implementing the present invention, and in actual applications, various changes may be made thereto in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A slave channel access method, It is characterized in that Applied to a terminal device, the method comprises: Obtain a slave channel access policy by negotiating with the associated access point device, and jointly switch to a slave channel access mode; Wherein, the terminal device or access point device switched to the slave channel access mode can perform slave channel access when the master channel is busy and the slave channel is idle, and configure the relevant parameters for data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access strategy; After performing slave channel access according to the slave channel access policy, when a preset reconfiguration condition is met, the slave channel access policy is updated by re-negotiating with the access point device to adjust relevant parameters when performing data transmission on the slave channel according to the slave channel access policy.

2. The slave channel access method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The obtaining of a slave channel access strategy by negotiation with the associated access point device and jointly switching to a slave channel access mode includes: Sending an inquiry frame to the associated access point device to indicate that the device supports switching to the slave channel access mode; The inquiry frame carries capability information indicating its own capability, information indicating the number of slave channels it can support, and information indicating the granularity of slave channels it can support; receiving a suggestion frame fed back by the access point device according to the inquiry frame, wherein the suggestion frame carries temporary primary channel position information supported by the access point device and secondary channel granularity information supported by the access point device; Selecting the number of secondary channels and secondary channel granularity used for this access according to the proposed frame to generate the secondary channel access strategy; The slave channel access policy is sent to the access point device via a response frame.

3. The slave channel access method according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The preset reconfiguration condition includes: The access point device enters the energy-saving mode, and the number of temporary main channels, the position of temporary main channels, the granularity of the slave channels or the working bandwidth in the terminal device changes; and / or, The number of the terminal devices operating on the same bandwidth reaches a first preset value; and / or, The sub-channel granularity of the sub-channel is cancelled because the number of the terminal devices connected is less than the minimum number limit; and / or, The number or type of services to be processed by the terminal device meets the preset reconfiguration requirements triggered by the services; and / or, The working state, working mode, capability mode, spatial stream, or service flow of the terminal device changes.

4. The slave channel access method according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The obtaining of the secondary channel access strategy by negotiating with the connected access point device also includes: Before sending the inquiry frame to the access point device, negotiate with the connected access point device to establish a service binding relationship; Wherein, the terminal device having the service binding relationship with the access point device will send the inquiry frame to the access point device having the service binding relationship when receiving a low-latency service transmission request.

5. The slave channel access method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: When a control frame for ending the slave channel access mode is received, ending the slave channel access mode through the control frame; or, When a command to end the slave channel access is received, the slave channel access mode is ended after the currently ongoing transmission opportunity is completed.

6. The slave channel access method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that In the slave channel access mode, when performing seamless roaming with other access point devices, continue to maintain the channel access mode in the slave channel access mode; or, In the secondary channel access mode, when performing seamless roaming with other access point devices, negotiation is performed with the other access point devices to determine whether the terminal device remains in the secondary channel access mode.

7. The slave channel access method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The access point device belongs to an access point multi-connection device; The method further comprises: When in the process of connection reconfiguration, and the access point multi-connection device and the terminal device are both in the slave channel access mode, and a new connection is added between the terminal device and the access point multi-connection device, the device corresponding to the newly added connection is made to operate in the slave channel access mode.

8. The slave channel access method according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: When in the process of channel switching, determining whether it is necessary to continue to use the slave channel access mode through the slave channel mode switching information; If it is determined to continue to use the slave channel access mode, then the slave channel access mode is continued to be used after the channel is switched; if it is determined not to continue to use the slave channel access mode, then the slave channel access mode is terminated after the channel is switched; The slave channel mode switching information is carried in a channel switching element sent by the access point device, or is pre-stored in the terminal device.

9. A terminal, It is characterized in that include: at least one processor; as well as, a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the slave channel access method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, It is characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the slave channel access method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is implemented.

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