Communication method and communication device

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application are applied to wireless local area network systems that support the IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocol, such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7 or EHT, and further to wireless local area network systems of the 802.11 series protocols such as 802.11be next generation, Wi-Fi 8, UHR, Wi-Fi AI, etc., and can also be applied to UWB-based wireless personal area network systems, perception systems, etc. The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus, in which a transmitting end MLD sends a first element to a receiving end MLD via a link, the first element including first information and second information, and the second information more clearly indicates on which links a TWT SP aligned with the unicast TWT SP on the reference link indicated by the first information needs to be established, thereby clarifying the method of establishing aligned unicast TWT SPs on multiple links via one link.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 202211330156.7, and the original application date is October 27, 2022. The entire content of the original application is incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] Target wake time (TWT) is a technology used to save energy. The core idea is to set some periodic time periods so that some devices only need to remain active during these time periods and can sleep at other times, thereby achieving the purpose of energy saving. These active time periods are called TWT service periods (SP). For two multi-link devices (MLD) that support multi-link communication, a unicast TWT SP can be established on multiple links respectively. Each unicast TWT SP can contain multiple periodic TWT service periods.

[0004] Because some MLD devices can only work on one link at a time, when they switch links, they do not want to interrupt the TWT period established on the previous link. Therefore, establishing aligned unicast TWT SPs on multiple links is a reasonable solution. However, the current method provides a method for one MLD to establish unicast TWT SPs on multiple links associated with two MLDs through a link associated with the two MLDs. However, there is no clear method for establishing aligned unicast TWT SPs on multiple links through a single link. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device, which clarify a method for establishing aligned unicast TWT SP on multiple links through one link.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be executed by a receiving device, or may be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the receiving device, although this application does not limit this. For ease of description, the following description is based on an example of execution by a receiving device.

[0007] The method may include: a receiving device receives a first frame, the first frame includes a first element, the first element is used to request the establishment of a unicast target wake-up time TWT service phase SP, the first element includes first information and second information, the first information indicates a request to establish a first link of the unicast TWT SP, the second information indicates a request to establish N second links of the unicast TWT SP, and the N second unicast TWT SPs established on the N second links need to be aligned with the first unicast TWT SP of the first link, the N second unicast TWT SPs correspond one-to-one to the N second links, wherein the first link and the second link are communication links between the sending device and the receiving device, the N second links are different links, and N is a positive integer; the receiving device establishes a first unicast TWT SP on the first link and N second unicast TWT SPs on the N second links according to the first element; the receiving device communicates on the corresponding links according to the first unicast TWT SP and the N second unicast TWT SPs.

[0008] It should be understood that the alignment of the first unicast TWT SP and the second unicast TWT SP means that the time when the device wakes up on the two unicast TWP SPs (ie, the time when data can be sent and received) is aligned.

[0009] It should also be understood that the transmitting device can send the first frame on any link associated with the transmitting device and the receiving device, and correspondingly, the receiving device can receive the first frame on the any link.

[0010] In the above technical solution, the second information indicates which links need to be established to align the unicast TWT SPs, and the first information indicates that the first link is used as the reference link to align multiple unicast TWT SPs on multiple links, thereby clarifying the method of establishing aligned unicast TWT SPs on multiple links through one link.

[0011] In certain implementations of the first aspect, the first element includes third information, the third information indicates information of the first unicast TWT SP, the information of the first unicast TWT SP includes the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP, and establishing the first unicast TWT SP on the first link and establishing N second unicast TWT SPs on N second links according to the first element, including: the receiving end device establishes the first unicast TWT SP on the first link according to the information of the first unicast TWT SP; the receiving end device determines information of N second unicast TWT SPs, the information of the second unicast TWT SP includes the starting time of the second unicast TWT SP, and the starting time of the second unicast TWT SP is determined based on the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP; the receiving end device establishes N second unicast TWT SPs on the N second links according to the information of the N second unicast TWT SPs.

[0012] Optionally, the information of the first unicast TWT SP also includes the period of the first unicast TWT SP and the duration of waking up in each period.

[0013] It should be understood that when the first unicast TWT SP and the second unicast TWT SP are aligned, the periods of the two unicast TWT SPs and the duration of the SP within a period are the same. Then, the receiving device can determine the period of the first unicast TWT SP and the duration of the SP within a period based on the period of the first unicast TWT SP and the duration of the SP within a period.

[0014] In the above technical solution, the first element includes the unicast TWT SP information of the reference link. The receiving device can use the starting time of the reference link as the alignment standard to determine the corresponding time of the starting time of the reference link in the time axis of the N second links.

[0015] In certain implementations of the first aspect, after determining the start time of the second unicast TWT SP based on the start time of the first unicast TWT SP, the second unicast TWT SP is aligned with the first unicast TWT SP.

[0016] In some implementations of the first aspect, the starting time TWT of the second unicast TWT SP is j Satisfies the following formula: TWT j =TWT i +TWT offset , where TWT i is the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP, TWT offset The value of is equal to the difference between the time synchronization function TSF timer of the first link and the TSF timer of the second link.

[0017] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first element further includes fourth information, and the fourth information indicates that the first element includes the second information.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the fourth information can clearly inform the receiving end device whether the first element is used to establish the aligned TWT SP, which helps the receiving end device to quickly determine whether the aligned TWT SP needs to be established.

[0019] In certain implementations of the first aspect, the first element is a TWT element, and the fourth information is an aligned TWT field in a control field of the TWT element.

[0020] In certain implementations of the first aspect, the first element is a TWT element, the first information is a link ID bit map field or a link ID field in the TWT parameter information field of the TWT element, and the second information is an aligned TWT bit map field in the TWT parameter information field.

[0021] In certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the receiving device sends a second frame, the second frame includes a second element, the second element includes fifth information, and the fifth information indicates that the receiving device confirms acceptance of establishing a unicast TWT SP on the first link and N second links.

[0022] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a transmitting device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the transmitting device, which is not limited in this application. For ease of description, the following description uses execution by the transmitting device as an example.

[0023] The method may include: a sending device generates a first frame, the first frame includes a first element, the first element is used to request the establishment of a unicast target wake-up time TWT service phase SP, the first element includes first information and second information, the first information indicates a request to establish a first link of the unicast TWT SP, the second information indicates a request to establish N second links of the unicast TWT SP, and the N second unicast TWT SPs established on the N second links need to be aligned with the first unicast TWT SP of the first link, the N second unicast TWT SPs correspond one-to-one to the N second links, wherein the first link and the second link are communication links between the sending device and the receiving device, the N second links are different links, and N is a positive integer; the sending device sends the first frame.

[0024] For the beneficial effects of the second aspect, please refer to the description of the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0025] In certain implementations of the second aspect, the first element includes third information, the third information indicates information of the first unicast TWT SP, and the information of the first unicast TWT SP includes a starting time of the first unicast TWT SP.

[0026] In certain implementations of the second aspect, aligning the second unicast TWT SP with the first unicast TWT SP includes aligning a start time of the first unicast TWT SP with a start time of the second unicast TWT SP.

[0027] In some implementations of the second aspect, the first element further includes fourth information, and the fourth information indicates that the first element includes the second information.

[0028] In certain implementations of the second aspect, the first element is a TWT element, and the fourth information is an aligned TWT subfield in a control field of the TWT element.

[0029] In certain implementations of the second aspect, the first element is a TWT element, the first information is a link ID bit map field or a link ID field in the TWT parameter information field of the TWT element, and the second information is an aligned TWT bit map subfield in the TWT parameter information field.

[0030] In certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the transmitting device receives a second frame, the second frame includes a second element, the second element includes fifth information, and the fifth information indicates that the receiving device confirms acceptance of establishing a unicast TWT SP on the first link and N second links.

[0031] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a receiving device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the receiving device, although this application does not limit this. For ease of description, the following description uses execution by a receiving device as an example.

[0032] The method may include: a receiving device receives a first frame, the first frame includes M first elements, the first element is used to request the establishment of a unicast TWT SP, the first element includes first information and second information, wherein the first information indicates the target link for requesting the establishment of a unicast target wake-up time TWT service phase SP, and the second information indicates the information of the target unicast TWT SP of the target link, the M target unicast TWT SPs corresponding to the M first elements are aligned, wherein the target link is the communication link between the sending device and the receiving device, and M is an integer greater than 1; the receiving device establishes M target unicast TWT SPs on the M target links according to the information of the M target unicast TWT SPs contained in the M first elements, and the M target links are different links; the receiving device communicates on the corresponding links according to the M target unicast TWT SPs.

[0033] It should be understood that the M target unicast TWT SPs are aligned, which means that the time when the device wakes up on the M unicast TWP SPs (ie, the time when data can be sent and received) is aligned.

[0034] It should also be understood that the transmitting device can send the first frame on any link associated with the transmitting device and the receiving device, and correspondingly, the receiving device can receive the first frame on the any link.

[0035] In the above technical solution, the second information directly includes the information of the target unicast TWT SP of the corresponding target link (that is, the link that requires unicast TWT SP alignment). Therefore, the receiving device only needs to read the parameters contained in the second information to establish an aligned unicast TWT SP on M target links through one link. No additional calibration is required, which also reduces the energy consumption of the receiving device.

[0036] In certain implementations of the third aspect, the first element further includes third information, where the third information indicates that the first information indicates a target link.

[0037] In the above technical solution, the third information can clearly inform the receiving device whether each first element indicates the target link for establishing the aligned TWT SP, which helps the receiving device to quickly determine whether the link indicated by the first information is the link of the TWT SP that needs to be aligned.

[0038] In certain implementations of the third aspect, the first element is a TWT element, and the third information is an aligned TWT field in a control field of the TWT element.

[0039] In certain implementations of the third aspect, the first element is a TWT element, the first information is a link ID bit map field in a TWT parameter information field of the TWT element, and the second information is a TWT parameter information field.

[0040] In certain implementations of the third aspect, the first element is a TWT element, the first information is an aligned TWT bitmap field in a TWT parameter information field of the TWT element, and the second information is a TWT parameter information field.

[0041] In certain implementations of the third aspect, the method also includes: the receiving device sends a second frame, the second frame includes a second element, the second element includes fourth information, and the fourth information indicates that the receiving device confirms acceptance of establishing unicast TWT SP on the M target links corresponding to the M first elements.

[0042] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a transmitting device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the transmitting device, which is not limited in this application. For ease of description, the following description uses execution by a transmitting device as an example.

[0043] The method may include: a sending device generates a first frame, the first frame includes M first elements, the first element is used to request the establishment of a unicast TWT SP, the first element includes first information and second information, wherein the first information indicates the target link for requesting the establishment of a unicast wake-up time TWT service phase SP, and the second information indicates the target unicast TWT SP information of the target link, and the M target unicast TWT SPs corresponding to the M first elements are aligned, wherein the target link is the communication link between the sending device and the receiving device, and M is an integer greater than 1; the sending device sends the first frame.

[0044] For the beneficial effects of the fourth aspect, please refer to the description of the third aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0045] In certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the information of the target unicast TWT SP includes the starting time of the target unicast TWT SP, the starting time TWT of the target unicast TWT SP, and the starting time TWT of the target unicast TWT SP. j Satisfies the following formula: TWT j =TWT i +TWT offset , where TWT i The starting time of the target unicast TWT SP is mapped to the time axis of the reference link, TWT offset The value of is equal to the difference between the TSF timer of the reference link and the TSF timer of the target link. The reference link is any link in the communication link between the transmitting device and the receiving device.

[0046] In the above technical solution, the transmitting device uses the time axis of the reference link as the reference standard and determines TWT based on the above formula. i At the corresponding moments on the time axis of the M target links, the transmitter only performs one calibration for each link, thereby reducing the complexity of calculating the start moment of the aligned unicast TWT SP on each link.

[0047] In certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first element further includes third information, and the third information indicates that the first information indicates a target link.

[0048] In certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first element is a TWT element, and the third information is an aligned TWT field in a control field of the TWT element.

[0049] In certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first element is a TWT element, the first information is a link ID bit map field in a TWT parameter information field of the TWT element, and the second information is a TWT parameter information field.

[0050] In certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first element is a TWT element, the first information is an aligned TWT bitmap field in a TWT parameter information field of the TWT element, and the second information is a TWT parameter information field.

[0051] In certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method also includes: the sending device receives a second frame, the second frame includes a second element, the second element includes fourth information, and the fourth information indicates that the receiving device confirms acceptance of establishing unicast TWT SP on the M target links corresponding to the M first elements.

[0052] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a receiving device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the receiving device, although this application does not limit this. For ease of description, the following description will be based on an example of execution by a receiving device.

[0053] The method may include: a receiving device receives a first frame on a first link, the first frame includes a first element, the first element is used to request the establishment of a unicast target wake-up time TWT service phase SP, the first element includes second information, the second information indicates a request to establish N second links for the unicast TWT SP, and the N second unicast TWT SPs established on the N second links need to be aligned, the N second unicast TWT SPs correspond one-to-one to the N second links, wherein the N second links are different links, N is a positive integer, the first link and the second link are communication links between the sending device and the receiving device; the receiving device establishes aligned N second unicast TWT SPs on the N second links with the first link as a reference link; the receiving device communicates on the corresponding links according to the N second unicast TWT SPs.

[0054] In the above technical solution, the second information indicates which links need to be established to align the unicast TWT SPs, and the first link for transmitting the first frame is used as the reference link to align the multiple unicast TWT SPs on multiple links, thereby clarifying the method for the transmitting device to establish aligned unicast TWT SPs on multiple links with the receiving device through one link.

[0055] In certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first element includes third information, the third information indicates information of the first unicast TWT SP of the first link, the information of the first unicast TWT SP includes the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP, and N aligned second unicast TWT SPs are established on N second links with the first link as the reference link, including: the receiving device determines information of the N second unicast TWT SPs, the information of the second unicast TWT SP includes the starting time of the second unicast TWT SP, and the starting time of the second unicast TWT SP is determined based on the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP; the receiving device establishes N second unicast TWT SPs on the N second links according to the information of the N second unicast TWT SPs.

[0056] It should be noted that, in this method, even if the information of the first unicast TWT SP is configured, it is not necessarily necessary to actually establish the first unicast TWT SP on the first link. The information of the first unicast TWT SP on the first link is only used as reference information for establishing an aligned unicast TWT SP on the second link indicated by the second information. If the N second links indicated by the second information include the first link, the first unicast TWT SP is actually established on the first link. If the N second links indicated by the second information do not include the first link, the first unicast TWT SP is not established on the first link. At this time, the first unicast TWT SP can be regarded as a virtual unicast TWT SP, which is only used to establish a reference TWT SP for establishing the aligned unicast TWT SP.

[0057] In certain implementations of the fifth aspect, after determining the start time of the second unicast TWT SP based on the start time of the first unicast TWT SP, the second unicast TWT SP is aligned with the first unicast TWT SP.

[0058] In certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the starting time TWT of the second unicast TWT SP is j Satisfies the following formula:

[0059] TWT j =TWT i +TWT offset

[0060] Among them, TWT i is the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP, TWT offset The value of is equal to the difference between the time synchronization function TSF timer of the first link and the TSF timer of the second link.

[0061] In certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first element further includes fourth information, and the fourth information indicates that the first element includes the second information.

[0062] In certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first element is a TWT element, and the fourth information is an aligned TWT field in a control field of the TWT element.

[0063] In certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first element is a TWT element, and the second information is an aligned TWT bitmap field in the TWT parameter information field.

[0064] In certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: the receiving device sends a second frame, the second frame includes a second element, the second element includes fifth information, and the fifth information indicates that the receiving device confirms acceptance of establishing a unicast TWT SP on N second links.

[0065] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided. This method may be executed by a transmitting device, or may be executed by a chip or circuit configured in the transmitting device, although this application does not limit this. For ease of description, the following description will be based on an example of execution by a transmitting device.

[0066] The method may include: a transmitting device generates a first frame, the first frame includes a first element, the first element is used to request the establishment of a unicast target wake-up time TWT service phase SP, the first element includes second information, the second information indicates a request to establish N second links for the unicast TWT SP, and the N second unicast TWT SPs established on the N second links need to be aligned, the N second unicast TWT SPs correspond one-to-one to the N second links, wherein the N second links are different links and N is a positive integer; the transmitting device sends a first frame on the first link, wherein the N second unicast TWT SPs are aligned with the first link as a reference link, and the first link and the second link are communication links between the transmitting device and the receiving device.

[0067] For the beneficial effects of the sixth aspect, please refer to the description in the fifth aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0068] In certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first element includes third information, the third information indicates information of the first unicast TWT SP of the first link, and the information of the first unicast TWT SP includes the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP.

[0069] In certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the alignment of the second unicast TWT SP with the first unicast TWT SP includes aligning a start time of the first unicast TWT SP with a start time of the second unicast TWT SP.

[0070] In certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first element further includes fourth information, and the fourth information indicates that the first element includes the second information.

[0071] In certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first element is a TWT element, and the fourth information is an aligned TWT subfield in a control field of the TWT element.

[0072] In certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first element is a TWT element, and the second information is an aligned TWT bitmap subfield in the TWT parameter information field.

[0073] In certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the method further includes: the transmitting device receives a second frame, the second frame includes a second element, the second element includes fifth information, and the fifth information indicates that the receiving device confirms acceptance of establishing a unicast TWT SP on the N second links.

[0074] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, the device being configured to execute the method provided in the first aspect or the third aspect. Specifically, the device may include a module for executing the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or the fifth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0075] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, the device being configured to execute the method provided in the second aspect or the fourth aspect. Specifically, the device may include a module for executing the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or the sixth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixth aspect.

[0076] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be configured to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method of the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the method of the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or the method of the fifth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifth aspect. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0077] In one implementation, the apparatus is a receiving device. When the apparatus is a sending device, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0078] In another implementation, the device is a chip configured in a receiving device. When the device is a chip configured in a sending device, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0079] In another implementation, the device is a chip or a chip system.

[0080] Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0081] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor. The processor may be configured to execute instructions in a memory to implement the method of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the sixth aspect and any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, the processor being coupled to the communication interface.

[0082] In one implementation, the apparatus is a transmitting device. When the apparatus is a receiving device, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0083] In another implementation, the device is a chip configured in a transmitting device. When the device is a chip configured in a receiving device, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0084] In another implementation, the device is a chip or a chip system.

[0085] Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0086] In the eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer instructions are stored. When the computer instructions are executed by an apparatus, the apparatus implements the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or implements the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or implements the method in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0087] In the twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer instructions are stored. When the computer instructions are executed by an apparatus, the apparatus implements the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, or implements the method in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or implements the method in the sixth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixth aspect.

[0088] In the thirteenth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which contains a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a device, the device implements the method provided in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or enables the device to implement the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect, or enables the device to implement the method in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0089] In the fourteenth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which contains a computer program. When the computer program is executed by an apparatus, the apparatus implements the method provided in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, or enables the apparatus to implement the method in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, or enables the apparatus to implement the method in the sixth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixth aspect.

[0090] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a transmitting device and a receiving device as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an application scenario applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0092] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-link communication scenario.

[0093] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a unicast TWT SP.

[0094] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of two MLDs negotiating to establish a TWT protocol.

[0095] Figure 5 It is a structural diagram of the TWT element.

[0096] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the single-user TWT parameter information field.

[0097] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the broadcast TWT parameter information field.

[0098] Figure 8 It is a schematic block diagram of the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0099] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of unicast TWT SP alignment of multiple links.

[0100] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the field design of the first information and the second information in the TWT element proposed in this application.

[0101] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another field design of the first information and the second information in the TWT element proposed in this application.

[0102] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the field design of the fourth information in the TWT element proposed in this application.

[0103] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another field design of the fourth information in the TWT element proposed in this application.

[0104] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another field design of the fourth information in the TWT element proposed in this application.

[0105] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another field design of the fourth information in the TWT element proposed in this application.

[0106] Figure 16 It is a schematic block diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0107] Figure 17 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0108] Figure 18 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0109] Figure 19 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0110] Figure 20 1 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0111] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0112] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios, for example, supporting IEEE 802.11-related standards, such as 802.11a / b / g standards, 802.11n standards, 802.11ac standards, 802.11ax standards, and IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocols, such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, extremely high throughput (EHT), 802.11ad, 802.11ay, or 802.11bf, and further such as the next generation of 802.11be and Wi-Fi 8. It can also be applied to wireless personal area network systems based on ultra-wide band (UWB), such as the 802.15 series of standards, and can also be applied to sensing systems, such as the 802.11bf series of standards. The 802.11n standard is known as high throughput (HT), the 802.11ac standard is known as very high throughput (VHT), the 802.11ax standard is known as high efficiency (HE), and the 802.11be standard is known as extremely high throughput (EHT). 802.11bf includes two major standards: low-frequency (Sub-7 GHz) and high-frequency (60 GHz). Sub-7 GHz implementations primarily rely on 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, and their next-generation standards, while 60 GHz implementations primarily rely on 802.11ad, 802.11ay, and their next-generation standards. 802.11ad is also known as the directional multi-gigabit (DMG) standard, and 802.11ay is also known as the enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) standard.

[0113] Although the embodiments of the present application are primarily described using the deployment of a WLAN network, particularly a network using the IEEE 802.11 system standard, as an example, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the various aspects of the embodiments of the present application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, such as a high-performance wireless local area network (HIPERLAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), or other networks now known or developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0114] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to various communication systems, such as: WLAN communication system, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), future communication system, Internet of Things (IoT) network or vehicle to x (V2X), etc.

[0115] The above-mentioned communication system applicable to the present application is only an example, and the communication system applicable to the present application is not limited to this. It is described uniformly here and will not be repeated below.

[0116] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario applicable to the embodiment of this application. Figure 1As shown, the resource configuration method provided by the present application is applicable to data communication between stations (STAs), wherein the station can be an access point (AP) type station or a non-access point type station (none access point station, non-AP STA), respectively referred to as AP and non-AP station. Specifically, the scheme of the present application is applicable to data communication between an AP and one or more non-AP stations (for example, data communication between AP1 and non-AP STA1, non-AP STA2), and also to data communication between APs (for example, data communication between AP1 and AP2), as well as data communication between non-AP STAs and non-AP STAs (for example, data communication between non-AP STA2 and non-AP STA3).

[0117] An access point is a terminal (e.g., a mobile phone) that connects to a wired (or wireless) network. It's typically deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. It can also be deployed outdoors. An access point acts as a bridge between wired and wireless networks, connecting wireless network clients and then connecting the wireless network to the Ethernet.

[0118] Specifically, the access point can be a terminal or network device with a Wi-Fi chip, and the network device can be a server, a router, a switch, a bridge, a computer, a mobile phone, a relay station, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a network device in a 5G network, a network device in a future 6G network, or a network device in a public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. The access point can be a device that supports the Wi-Fi standard. For example, the access point can also support one or more standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ad, and 802.11ay.

[0119] A non-AP site may be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal, and may also be referred to as a user, user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. A non-AP site may be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, an Internet of Things device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network, a terminal device in a future 6G network, or a terminal device in a PLMN, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. A non-AP site may be a device that supports the WLAN standard. For example, a non-AP station may support one or more standards of the IEEE 802.11 family, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ad, and 802.11ay.

[0120] For example, non-AP sites can be mobile phones, tablets, set-top boxes, smart TVs, smart wearable devices, in-vehicle communication devices, computers, Internet of Things (IoT) nodes, sensors, smart homes such as smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters, and sensors in smart cities.

[0121] The above-mentioned AP or non-AP site may include a transmitter, a receiver, a memory, a processor, etc., wherein the transmitter and the receiver are used for sending and receiving packet structures respectively, the memory is used to store signaling information and store preset values agreed in advance, etc., and the processor is used to parse signaling information, process related data, etc.

[0122] The above-mentioned communication system applicable to the present application is only an example, and the communication system applicable to the present application is not limited to this. It is described uniformly here and will not be repeated below.

[0123] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, several nouns or terms involved in the present application are first introduced below.

[0124] 1. Multi-link Communication: Next-generation WLAN standards are evolving toward continuously improving throughput. WLAN system standards are primarily being researched and discussed within the IEEE 802.11 standards group. Building upon previous standards such as 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, the next-generation standard 802.11be targets EHT (Extensible Hypertext Transfer Protocol). One of the key technologies currently in development is multi-link communication. The core concept of multi-link communication is to enable WLAN devices supporting the next-generation IEEE 802.11 standard—EHT devices—to transmit and receive on multiple frequency bands, thereby utilizing a larger bandwidth for transmission and improving throughput. Multi-bands primarily include, but are not limited to, the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz Wi-Fi bands. Access and transmission on each frequency band is called a link, and access and transmission on multiple frequency bands is called multi-link. 802.11be currently defines a multi-link device (MLD), meaning a device that supports multi-link communication.

[0125] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-link communication scenario. Figure 2 An AP MLD and a STA MLD are included. An AP MLD may include multiple access points (APs), such as AP1 and AP2, and a STA MLD may include multiple stations (STAs), such as STA1 and STA2. For example, Figure 2 Link 1 and link 2 form two links. The communication between the AP MLD device and the STA MLD device on link 1 and link 2 can be called multi-link communication.

[0126] 2. TWT: TWT is a technology defined by Wi-Fi 6 for energy saving. The core idea is to set some periodic time periods so that certain devices only need to remain active during these time periods and can sleep at other times, thereby achieving the purpose of energy saving. TWT is divided into unicast TWT (individual TWT) and broadcast TWT (broadcast TWT). In unicast TWT, each STA can establish a TWT protocol with the AP individually, so each STA can have its own active time period and sleep time period; in broadcast TWT, the AP can establish a common TWT protocol for a group of STAs, and multiple STAs work in the same active time period and sleep in other time periods.

[0127] 3. Unicast (individual) TWT: Unicast TWT means that the TWT requesting site (hereinafter referred to as the requesting site) sends a TWT request message to the TWT answering site (hereinafter referred to as the answering site), requesting to set a wake-up time; the answering site sends a TWT answer message to the requesting site after receiving the TWT request message. After the interaction is successful, a TWT agreement is established between the requesting site and the answering site. When the TWT agreement is reached, both the requesting site and the answering site should remain active during the agreed time period in order to send and receive data. Outside the above active time period, the site can sleep to achieve the purpose of energy saving. For example, Figure 3 As shown, a TWT request frame can be sent by the STA to the AP. The TWT request frame is used to request the establishment of a TWT protocol, that is, the STA is the requesting station and the AP is the responding station, and vice versa. Correspondingly, the AP sends a TWT response frame to the STA. The TWT response frame instructs the AP to accept the establishment of a TWT protocol. After the TWT protocol is established, the agreed active time period is called the TWT SP, where each TWT protocol can include multiple periodic TWT service phases of equal length.

[0128] 4. Broadcast TWT: Different from unicast TWT, broadcast TWT provides a "batch management" mechanism. The AP can establish a series of periodic TWT service phases with multiple STAs. During the service phase, the above-mentioned multiple STAs need to remain active to communicate with the AP. The AP can carry information about one or more broadcast TWTs in the Beacon frame. Each broadcast TWT is represented by a broadcast TWT identifier and the AP's MAC address. After receiving the Beacon frame, if the STA is willing to join the broadcast TWT, it can send a broadcast TWT establishment request message to the AP to join the broadcast TWT. When establishing a broadcast TWT, it is necessary to specify a broadcast TWT identifier to request to join a specific broadcast TWT. After joining the broadcast TWT, the STA can wake up according to the service phase indicated by the TWT parameter set to communicate with the AP. It should be noted that if the STA supports broadcast TWT but does not explicitly join a broadcast TWT ID, it will participate in the broadcast TWT with broadcast TWT ID = 0 by default. Similar to unicast TWT, the parameter set for broadcast TWT also specifies the period during which TWT service phases occur and the duration of each TWT service phase. In addition, the broadcast TWT parameters also include the lifecycle of the broadcast TWT, which is expressed in Beacon frame intervals and represents the duration of the established broadcast TWT.

[0129] In 802.11be Draft 2.0, the functionality of unicast TWT has been extended to accommodate multi-link communication scenarios. An MLD can establish a unicast TWT agreement on multiple links with another MLD in the following ways. Method 1: According to the 802.11ax protocol, the MLD can establish a unicast TWT agreement and a corresponding unicast TWT SP on each link. Method 2: According to 802.11be Draft 2.0, the MLD can send a TWT request message on one link to establish TWT agreements on multiple links and a corresponding unicast TWT SP for each of the multiple links.

[0130] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of two MLDs negotiating and establishing a TWT agreement through the above method 2. Figure 4 There are two MLDs, one AP MLD and one Non-AP MLD, which need to establish TWT agreement(s) through negotiation. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, AP MLD has three subordinate AP sites: AP1, AP2 and AP3, which work at 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz respectively; Non-APMLD has three subordinate Non-AP sites: STA1, STA2 and STA3. The following three links have been established between the AP MLD and Non-AP MLD: Link 1 between AP1 and STA1; Link 2 between AP2 and STA2; Link 3 between AP3 and STA3. The two MLD sites will establish TWT agreements by sending TWT elements. Figures 5 to 7 First, let’s introduce the TWT element and its parameter information.

[0131] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of TWT elements. Figure 5 As shown, the TWT element includes element number, length, control and TWT parameter information fields, wherein the control field includes null data packet (NDP) paging indication, responder power saving mode, negotiation type, TWT information frame disable and other fields. Among them, the negotiation type indicates one of two single-user TWT types and another two broadcast TWT types. For example, when the negotiation type indicates a single-user TWT type, Figure 5 The TWT parameter information field in Figure 6As shown, it includes request type, target wake-up time, TWT group allocation, minimum TWT wake-up duration, TWT wake-up duration fraction, TWT channel, NDP paging and link ID bit map. For example, when the negotiation type indicates the broadcast TWT type, Figure 5 The TWT parameter information field in Figure 7 As shown, it includes the request type, target wake-up time, minimum TWT wake-up duration, TWT wake-up duration fraction, broadcast TWT channel, and restricted TWT service information. For the number of bits or bytes occupied by each field, please refer to the description in the corresponding figure and will not be described here one by one.

[0132] It should be understood that for the sake of distinction, Figure 7 The target wake-up time in the implementation of this application can be called the starting time of the unicast TWT SP. It is further understood that this starting time is the starting time of the first SP cycle of the unicast TWT SP.

[0133] Then, when Figure 4 To establish TWT agreements on multiple links (for example, links 1, 2, and 3) using AP MLD in a non-AP MLD configuration, you can use the following two methods:

[0134] Method 1, such as Figure 4 As shown, the AP MLD can send a TWT request frame (TWT requestframe) on link 1 to request the establishment of a TWT agreement on multiple links between the two MLDs. The request frame carries a TWT element, and the value of the link ID bitmap in the control field of the TWT element is set to 1. At this time, the single-user TWT parameter information field of the TWT element will carry the link ID bitmap. The number of bits in the link ID bitmap is the same as the number of links between the two MLDs. Each bit in the bitmap corresponds to a link between the two MLDs. If a bit in the link ID bitmap is set to 1, it means that a TWT agreement is requested to be established on the link corresponding to the bit with the bit value of 1. If multiple bits are set to 1, the two MLDs can simultaneously establish TWT agreements on multiple links corresponding to multiple bits with the bit value of 1. At this time, the TWT parameter information in the TWT element is applied to the link corresponding to the bit with the value of 1 in the link ID bitmap of the element.

[0135] Method 2, such as Figure 4As shown in the figure, AP MLD still sends a TWT request frame on link 1, but carries multiple TWT elements in the request frame. At the same time, the link ID bitmap of the control field of one or more TWT elements can be set to 1. At this time, the single-user TWT parameter information field of these TWT elements will carry the link ID bitmap. Similarly, the TWT parameter information in the TWT element is applied to the link corresponding to the bit with a value of 1 in the link ID bitmap of the element. The information of each TWT element is independent of each other.

[0136] For some MLD devices, such as devices in enhanced multi-link singleradio (EMLSR) / enhanced multi-link multi-radio (EMLMR) / non-simultaneously transmit and receive (NSTR) mode, unicast TWT SPs aligned on multiple links are very important for device energy saving, because these devices can only work on one link at a time. When it switches links, the TWT cycle established on the previous link does not want to be interrupted. Therefore, establishing aligned TWT SPs on multiple links is a more reasonable solution. However, it can be seen from the above two methods that the existing TWTagreements establishment method does not clearly explain how to establish aligned unicast TWT SPs on multiple links through one link. Because one TWT parameter information will be applied to multiple links, and the time synchronization function (TSF) timer of each link is different, the same parameter in the TWT parameter information field (such as the value of the target wake-up time in the TWT parameter information field) actually has an offset on different links, that is, the starting points of multiple unicast TWT SPs are not aligned, resulting in the unicast TWT SPs on different links being in a non-aligned state.

[0137] Currently, proposal 802.11-22 / 0552r4 proposes a method to use a TWTelement to establish a unicast TWT SP aligned on multiple links based on the above method 1. Specifically, the target wake-up time on each link is calculated as follows:

[0138] TWT i =TWT ti +TWT offset

[0139] Among them, TWT iThe target wake-up time corresponding to the i-th link indicated in the link ID bitmap. ti The target wake-up time indicated in the carried TWT element is mapped to the time axis of the i-th link. offset The value of satisfies the following formula, TWT offset =TSF0-TSF i ,TSF0 is the TSF time of the link with the smallest link ID among the two MLD-associated links, TWT i is the TSF time of the i-th link.

[0140] In the above method, each link calculates the corresponding TWT based on TSF0. offset , which is equivalent to aligning the target wake-up time corresponding to each link with the target wake-up time of the link with the smallest link ID. Therefore, it is possible to establish aligned unicast TWT SPs on multiple links through a TWT element. However, in this method, the MLD at the receiving end needs to perform two TSF calibrations when calculating the target wake-up time of each link, which is relatively complex. In addition, the negotiation process between the two MLDs does not clearly state whether the request to establish an aligned unicast TWT SP is true.

[0141] In view of this, the present application proposes a communication method that can effectively solve the above technical problems. The method proposed in the present application is described in detail below.

[0142] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the transmitting device and the receiving device in this embodiment are MLDs. As an example, Figure 8 The sending device in the protocol can be AP MLD, and the receiving device can be STAMLD, or vice versa.

[0143] S810, the transmitting device generates a first frame. The first frame includes a first element, the first element is used to request the establishment of a unicast TWT SP, the first element includes first information and second information, the first information indicates the request to establish a first link of the unicast TWT SP, the second information indicates the request to establish N second links of the unicast TWT SP, and the N second unicast TWT SPs established on the N second links need to be aligned with the first unicast TWT SP of the first link, wherein the N second unicast TWT SPs correspond one-to-one to the N second links, the first link and the second link are communication links between the transmitting device and the receiving device, the N second links are different links, and N is a positive integer.

[0144] It should be understood that the unicast TWT SP in this application can be called a unicast TWT protocol, and each unicast TWT SP contains the following Figure 3 Shown are multiple periodically occurring TWT SPs of equal length.

[0145] It should also be understood that the time when two unicast TWT SPs are aligned to indicate that the devices wake up on the two unicast TWP SPs (i.e., the time when data can be sent and received) is aligned. For example, the communication links between the transmitting device and the receiving device include link 1, link 2, link 3, and link 4. If the first information indicates link 1 and the second information indicates link 2 and link 3, then the unicast TWT SP1 of link 1, the unicast TWT SP2 of link 2, and the unicast TWT SP3 of link 3 are aligned as follows: Figure 9 As shown, position T1 is the starting time point of each unicast TWT SP waking up in the first cycle, and T is the duration of each unicast TWT SP waking up in one cycle. However, it should be noted that since the TSF timers of the three links are different, the time corresponding to position T1 in the time axes of link 1, link 2 and link 3 are different. For example, position T corresponds to time 1 in the time axis of link 1, position T in link 2 corresponds to time 2 in the time axis of link 1, and position T corresponds to time 3 in the time axis of link 3.

[0146] Optionally, the first link may be any one of a plurality of communication links between the transmitting device and the receiving device. For example, the first link is a communication link for transmitting the first frame.

[0147] It can be seen that in this method, the second information indicates on which links the aligned unicast TWT SP needs to be established, and the first information clearly indicates that the first link is used as the reference link to align multiple unicast TWT SPs on multiple links, thereby clarifying the method for the transmitting device to establish aligned unicast TWTSPs on multiple links with the receiving device through one link. Therefore, in this application, the first link indicated by the first information can also be referred to as a reference link, and the two descriptions can be interchangeable hereinafter.

[0148] S820: The transmitting device transmits a first frame, and the receiving device receives the first frame accordingly.

[0149] It should be understood that the transmitting device sends the first frame on any link associated with the transmitting device and the receiving device, and correspondingly, the receiving device receives the first frame on the link.

[0150] S830: The receiving device establishes a first unicast TWT SP on the first link and establishes N second unicast TWT SPs on N second links according to the first element.

[0151] Optionally, the first element also includes third information, which indicates information of the first unicast TWT SP. The information of the first unicast TWT SP includes the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP, the period of the first unicast TWT SP and the duration of the SP of the first unicast TWT SP within one period.

[0152] It can be understood that in an embodiment of the present application, when the first element is a TWT element, the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP is related to the value of the TWT field of the single-user TWT parameter information, the period of the first unicast TWT SP is the value of the TWT wake-up interval decimal field of the single-user TWT parameter information, and the duration of the first unicast TWT SP is the value of the minimum TWT wake-up duration of the single-user TWT parameter information.

[0153] It should be understood that for multiple unicast TWT SPs aligned on multiple links, the period and duration of the multiple unicast TWT SPs can be obtained based on the third information. These parameters are fixed and will not differ based on the TSF timer of the link. Only the starting time of the multiple unicast TWT SPs will deviate due to the TSF timer. Therefore, the key to determining multiple aligned TWTSPs lies in determining the starting time of the multiple TWT SPs.

[0154] Specifically, in this step, the receiving end device can establish a first unicast TWT SP on the first link according to the information of the first unicast TWT SP in the third information. And the receiving end device determines the starting time of the second unicast TWT SP according to the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP included in the information of the first unicast TWT SP, wherein the starting time TWT of the second unicast TWTSP is j Satisfies the following formula:

[0155] TWT j =TWT i +TWT offset (1)

[0156] Among them, TWT i is the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP. offset The value of satisfies the following formula, TWT offset =TSF j -TSF i , TSF i TSF time corresponding to the first link, TSF j is the TSF time corresponding to the second link. In other words, the transmitting device uses the time axis of the reference link as the reference standard and determines the TWT based on the above formula. iThe corresponding moment on the time axis of the second link. Afterwards, the receiving device determines the period and duration of the second unicast TWT SP based on the period of the first unicast TWT SP and the duration of the first unicast TWT SP, and establishes the second unicast TWT SP on the second link based on this information.

[0157] Specifically, when the first element is a TWT element, TWT i The value of can be obtained by mapping the value of the target wake-up time subfield in the TWT parameter information field of the first element to the TSF timer of the first link. The target wake-up time subfield has a total of 16 bits, corresponding to the values of bits 10 to 25 of the TSF timer. The TWT can be obtained by replacing bits 10 to 25 of the TSF timer of the first link with the value of the target wake-up time subfield of the first element. i It can be understood that the value of the target wake-up time subfield in the TWT parameter information field of the first element is an absolute value, so the value obtained by mapping it to the TSF timer of the first link is consistent with the value obtained by mapping it to the TSF timer of the other second link.

[0158] Understandably, TWT i and TWT j It can be regarded as the corresponding moments in the time axis of the first link and the time axis of the second link for the same time position.

[0159] It can be seen that the third information directly indicates the starting time of the TWT SP of the reference link, and the starting time of the second unicast TWT SP can be calibrated based on the synchronization time difference between the reference link and the second link. Compared with the scheme for establishing aligned TWT SP proposed in Proposal 802.11-22 / 0552r4, for one link, the receiving end only performs one calibration, thereby reducing the complexity of calculating the starting time of the aligned unicast TWT SP on a link.

[0160] In the example, the first element is a TWT element, and the field corresponding to the third information is the TWT parameter information field of the TWT element. Since the first information and the second information have different meanings from the information indicated by the fields in the current TWT element, the possible field design methods of the first information and the second information in the TWT element are given below.

[0161] Method 1: If Figure 10As shown, a new field is added after the link ID bit map of the single-user TWT parameter information field of the TWT element as the field corresponding to the second information. This application does not limit the name of this field. For the sake of convenience of description, this application refers to the newly added field as the aligned TWT bit map (Aligned TWT Bitmap) field. For example, the length of the newly added aligned TWT bit map field is 2 bytes.

[0162] In method one, the link ID bitmap can be regarded as a field corresponding to the first information, indicating the first link (i.e., the reference link), that is, the information of the TWT SP of the link indicated by the newly added aligned TWT bitmap is calculated based on the information of the TWT SP of the reference link. The aligned TWT bitmap is used to indicate on which links of the transmitting device and the receiving device the TWT SP aligned with the first link is established. For example, the link indication method is to set the bit corresponding to the link in the aligned TWT bitmap to 1.

[0163] Method 2: If Figure 11 As shown, a new field (i.e., aligned TWT bitmap) is added after the link ID bitmap of the single-user TWT parameter information field of the TWT element as the field corresponding to the second information, and the existing link ID bitmap field is modified to the link ID field as the field corresponding to the first information. For example, the length of the newly added aligned TWT bitmap field is 2 bytes.

[0164] Specifically, this method modifies the original two-byte link bitmap into a one-byte field. The first four bits of this byte are used to indicate the primary link (the ID of the primary link ranges from 0 to 15), and the last four bits are reserved. As can be seen, Method 2 saves one byte compared to Method 1, but the field design logic is the same.

[0165] Optionally, the first element further includes fourth information, the fourth information indicating that the first element includes the second information. For example, the fourth information is 1 bit of information, and when the value of the 1 bit is 1, it indicates that the first information includes the second information, and when the value of the 1 bit is 0, it indicates that the first information does not include the second information.

[0166] For example, the first element is a TWT element. The following is a possible element design method of the fourth information in the TWT element.

[0167] Method 1: If Figure 12As shown, 1 bit in the control field of the TWT element is reserved as the field corresponding to the fourth information. The present application does not limit the name of this field. For ease of description, this application refers to the field as the aligned TWT field.

[0168] So, for example, when the value of the aligned TWT field is 1, it means that the TWT parameter information carried by the TWT element is the parameter required for determining multiple aligned TWT SPs; when the value of the aligned TWT field is 0, it means that the TWT parameter information carried by the TWT element is not the parameter required for determining multiple aligned TWT SPs or it is not defined (not specified) whether the TWT parameter information carried by the TWT element is the parameter required for aligning the TWT SP, and vice versa. This embodiment does not limit the specific setting method.

[0169] Method 2: If Figure 13 As shown, a 2-bit field is added to the control field of the TWT element to indicate the field corresponding to the fourth information. This application does not limit the name of this field. For the sake of ease of description, this application refers to the aligned TWT field. At this time, since there is only one 1-bit left in the existing control field that is not used, the number of bits is insufficient, so it is necessary to add one byte (8 bits) and use the unused 7 bits as a reserved field.

[0170] Then, for example, when the value of the aligned TWT field is 00, it means that the TWT parameter information carried by the TWT element is the parameter required for determining multiple aligned TWT SPs; when the value of the aligned TWT field is 01, it means that the TWT parameter information carried by the TWT element is not the parameter required for determining multiple aligned TWT SPs; when the value of the aligned TWT field is 10, it means that it is not defined whether the TWT parameter information carried by the TWT element is the parameter required for aligning the TWT SP. This embodiment does not limit the specific setting method.

[0171] For example, in this application, when the value of the aligned TWT field indicates that the TWT parameter information carried by the TWT element is a parameter required to determine multiple aligned TWT SPs, the aligned TWT bitmap field exists, otherwise the aligned TWT bitmap field does not exist. Therefore, the aligned TWT field in this application can also be called the aligned TWT bitmap present field (Aligned TWT Bitmap Present).

[0172] Method 3: If Figure 14As shown, in Figure 10 On the basis of this, a one-byte field is added after the link ID bit map of the single-user TWT parameter information field of the TWT element, and the 2-bit subfield in the newly added field is used to indicate the field corresponding to the fourth information. This application does not limit the name of this field. For the sake of ease of description, this application refers to the aligned TWT field. At this time, if there is a link ID bit map subfield, one byte (8 bits) is added after the link ID bit map subfield, and the unused 6 bits are used as reserved fields.

[0173] Method 4: If Figure 15 As shown, in Figure 11 On the basis of Figure 11 2 bits of the 4 bits reserved in the link ID subfield are used as the field corresponding to the fourth information. This application does not limit the name of this field. For the convenience of description, this application refers to the field as the aligned TWT field.

[0174] Then, for example, in method three and method four, when the value of the aligned TWT field is 00, it means that the TWT parameter information carried by the TWTelement is the parameter required for determining multiple aligned TWT SPs, and when the value of the aligned TWT field is 01, it means that the TWT parameter information carried by the TWT element is not the parameter required for determining multiple aligned TWTSPs, and when the value of the aligned TWT field is 10, it means that it is not defined whether the TWT parameter information carried by the TWT element is the parameter required for aligning the TWT SP. This embodiment does not limit the specific setting method.

[0175] For example, in this application, when the value of the aligned TWT field indicates that the TWT parameter information carried by the TWT element is a parameter required to determine multiple aligned TWT SPs, the aligned TWT bitmap field exists, otherwise the aligned TWT bitmap field does not exist. Therefore, the aligned TWT field in this application can also be called the aligned TWT bitmap present field (Aligned TWT Bitmap Present).

[0176] Optionally, the aligned TWT field may not be added to the control field of the TWT element (i.e., the fourth information is not included), and the aligned TWT bitmap (i.e., the second information) always exists, that is, the transmitting device does not explicitly indicate whether to establish aligned SPs on multiple links when requesting to establish a unicast TWT SP, and the receiving end determines whether to establish aligned TWT SPs based on the indication of the aligned TWT bitmap. Other behaviors of the receiving device and the transmitting device remain unchanged. For example, if the value of some bits in the aligned TWT bitmap is 0, it is not necessary to establish TWT SPs aligned with the reference link on these links with bit values 0; if the value of some bits in the TWT bitmap is 1, TWT SPs aligned with the reference link are established on these links with bit values 1.

[0177] S840, the sending device and the receiving device communicate on the corresponding link according to the first unicast TWT SP and N second unicast TWT SPs.

[0178] Optionally, before the receiving device determines to receive the request for the first element from the sending device, the method further includes:

[0179] S850: The receiving device sends a second frame, which includes a second element, which includes fifth information, indicating that the receiving device confirms the acceptance of establishing a unicast TWT SP on the first link and N second links. Correspondingly, the sending device receives the second frame.

[0180] It should be understood that the above content describes the process of establishing multiple unicast TWT SPs on multiple links based on the first element after the receiving device accepts the request of the sending device to establish a TWT SP. In practice, the receiving device may also reject the request. The following is a possible complete implementation process of MLD1 (sending device) and MLD2 (receiving device) using the above scheme to establish aligned unicast TWT SPs on multiple links based on specific signaling.

[0181] MLD1 sends a TWT setup frame (i.e., an example of the first frame) to MLD 2 on a link associated with MLD1 and MLD2. MLD 1 carries a TWT element (i.e., an example of the first element) in this TWT setup frame, and carries a value indicating SuggestTWT or Demand TWT in the TWT Setup Command field in the request type field of the TWT element. Suggest TWT or Demand TWT is used to indicate that the TWT setup frame is used to initiate a request to establish a TWT SP. Suggest TWT or Demand TWT allows MLD1 to initiate a request to establish a TWT SP while carrying a series of TWT parameter information (i.e., an example of the third information). MLD 1 should also set the aligned TWT field of the TWT control field (i.e., an example of the fourth information) to 1 (or 00) to indicate that the TWT element also carries the aligned TWT bitmap field (i.e., an example of the second information), and indicate in the aligned TWT bitmap field which links you want to establish unicast TWT SPs aligned with the reference link. The reference link is indicated by the link ID bitmap or link ID field (i.e., an example of the first information).

[0182] Correspondingly, after MLD2 receives the TWT setup frame sent by MLD 1, it can determine that this is a unicast TWT SP establishment request through the TWT element therein, and can determine on which links MLD 1 wants to establish the aligned TWT SP and which link is the reference link through the link ID bitmap (or link ID) field and the aligned TWT bitmap field in the TWT element. Combined with the TWT field of the single-user TWT parameter information field, the starting time of the unicast TWT SP that needs to be aligned on the requested links can be calculated based on formula (1). Finally, combined with other information in the single-user TWT parameter information field, such as the minimum TWT wake-up duration, the TWT wake-up interval decimal field, etc., the duration and interval period of the aligned unicast TWT SP requested to be established can be calculated. In this way, after obtaining all the required information, MLD 2 will determine whether to accept MLD 1's request to establish a TWT SP based on the information obtained. The following is a detailed description of whether MLD 2 receives MLD 1's request.

[0183] In one possible scenario, MLD 2 accepts the request, and MLD2 sends a TWT Setup frame (i.e., an example of the second frame) containing a TWTelement to MLD1. The value of the TWT Request subfield of the request type field of the TWT element is equal to 0, indicating that it is a response frame. The TWT element carries a value for indicating Accept TWT (i.e., an example of the fifth information) in the TWTSetup Command field in the request type field. Accept TWT indicates confirmation of accepting the request of MLD 1. Optionally, the control field of the TWT element may carry an alignment TWT subfield, which is set to 1 (or 00), and its meaning is the same as described above, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the TWT element may carry the same single-user TWT parameter information as the received TWT element, or may not carry the single-user TWT parameter information field.

[0184] In another possible scenario, MLD 2 does not accept the request, then MLD2 sends a TWT Setup frame (i.e., an example of the second frame) containing a TWTelement to MLD1. The value of the TWT Request subfield of the request type field of the TWT element is equal to 0, indicating that it is a response frame. The TWT element carries a value for indicating Reject TWT in the TWTSetup Command field in the request type field, and Reject TWT means that the request of MLD 1 is not accepted. Optionally, the control field of the TWT element may carry an Alignment TWT subfield, which may be set to any value. Optionally, the TWT element may carry the same single-user TWT parameter information as the received TWT element, or it may not carry it.

[0185] In another possible scenario, MLD 2 does not accept the request, but can provide recommended parameters to MLD 1. Then MLD2 sends a TWT Setup frame (i.e., an example of the second frame) containing a TWT element to MLD1. The value of the TWT Request subfield of the request type field of the TWTelement is equal to 0, indicating that it is a response frame. The TWTelement carries a value indicating Alternate TWT or Dictate TWT in the TWT Setup Command field in the request type field. Alternate TWT or Dictate TWT means that MLD 1's request is not accepted, but recommended TWT SP parameters can be provided to MLD 1. The recommended parameters are carried by the single-user TWT parameter information field in the TWT element, and the alignment TWT subfield in the control field in the TWT element indicates whether the recommended TWT SP parameters are aligned TWTSP. For example, if the aligned TWT subfield of the control field of the TWT element is set to 1, it means that the recommended TWT SP is an aligned TWT SP; if the aligned TWT subfield is set to 0, it means that the recommended TWT SP can be an aligned or unaligned TWTSP.

[0186] Figure 16 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the transmitting end device and the receiving end device in this embodiment are MLDs. For example, Figure 16 The sending device in the MLD can be an AP MLD, and the receiving device can be a STA MLD, or vice versa.

[0187] S1610, the transmitting device generates a first frame. The first frame includes a first element, the first element is used to request the establishment of a unicast TWT SP, the first element includes second information, the second information indicates the request to establish N second links of the unicast TWT SP, and the N second unicast TWT SPs established on the N second links need to be aligned, the N second unicast TWT SPs correspond one to one with the N second links, wherein the N second links are different links, N is a positive integer, and the second link is a communication link between the transmitting device and the receiving device.

[0188] S1620: The transmitting end device transmits a first frame on the first link. The N second unicast TWT SPs are aligned with the first link as a reference link. Correspondingly, the receiving end device receives the first frame on the first link.

[0189] It should be understood that the first link is a communication link between a transmitting device and a receiving device.

[0190] It can be seen that compared with Figure 8 In the method shown, the first element may not indicate the first information. If the first element does not indicate the first information, then Figure 8 The first link indicated by the first information may be the link for sending the first element. In this way, the second information indicates which links need to be established to align the unicast TWT SPs, and the first link is used as a reference link to align multiple unicast TWT SPs on multiple links, thereby clarifying the method for the transmitting device to establish aligned unicast TWT SPs on multiple links with the receiving device through one link.

[0191] This method can also be understood as, when the first element includes the second information, the first information must not exist, so that the second information indicates which links need to be established to align the unicast TWT SPs, and the first link that sends the first frame is used as the reference link to align the multiple unicast TWT SPs on multiple links, thereby clarifying the method for the transmitting device to establish aligned unicast TWT SPs on multiple links with the receiving device through one link.

[0192] S1630: The receiving device establishes N aligned second unicast TWT SPs on N second links using the first link as a reference link.

[0193] Optionally, the first element also includes third information, which indicates the information of the first unicast TWT SP of the first link, and the information of the first unicast TWT SP includes the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP, the period of the first unicast TWT SP and the duration of the SP of the first unicast TWT SP within one period.

[0194] It should be noted that, in this method, even if the information of the first unicast TWT SP is configured, it is not necessarily necessary to actually establish the first unicast TWT SP on the first link. The information of the first unicast TWT SP on the first link is only used as reference information for establishing an aligned unicast TWT SP on the second link indicated by the second information. If the N second links indicated by the second information include the first link, the first unicast TWT SP is actually established on the first link. If the N second links indicated by the second information do not include the first link, the first unicast TWT SP is not established on the first link. At this time, the first unicast TWT SP can be regarded as a virtual unicast TWT SP, which is only used to establish a reference TWT SP for establishing the aligned unicast TWT SP.

[0195] It can be understood that in an embodiment of the present application, when the first element is a TWT element, the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP is related to the value of the TWT field of the single-user TWT parameter information, the period of the first unicast TWT SP is the value of the TWT wake-up interval decimal field of the single-user TWT parameter information, and the duration of the first unicast TWT SP is the value of the minimum TWT wake-up duration of the single-user TWT parameter information.

[0196] It should be understood that for multiple unicast TWT SPs aligned on multiple links, the period and duration of the multiple unicast TWT SPs can be obtained based on the third information. These parameters are fixed and will not differ based on the TSF timer of the link. Only the starting time of the multiple unicast TWT SPs will deviate due to the TSF timer. Therefore, the key to determining multiple aligned TWTSPs lies in determining the starting time of the multiple TWT SPs.

[0197] Specifically, in this step, the receiving end device can determine the starting time of the second unicast TWT SP according to the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP included in the information of the first unicast TWT SP, wherein the starting time TWT of the second unicast TWT SP is j Satisfies the following formula:

[0198] TWT j =TWT i +TWT offset (2)

[0199] Among them, TWT i is the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP. offset The value of satisfies the following formula, TWT offset =TSF j -TSF i , TSF i TSF time corresponding to the first link, TSF j is the TSF time corresponding to the second link. In other words, the transmitting device uses the time axis of the reference link as the reference standard and determines the TWT based on the above formula. i The corresponding moment on the time axis of the second link. Afterwards, the receiving device determines the period and duration of the second unicast TWT SP based on the period of the first unicast TWT SP and the duration of the first unicast TWT SP, and establishes the second unicast TWT SP on the second link based on this information.

[0200] Specifically, when the first element is a TWT element, TWT iThe value of can be obtained by mapping the value of the target wake-up time subfield in the TWT parameter information field of the first element to the TSF timer of the first link. The target wake-up time subfield has a total of 16 bits, corresponding to the values of bits 10 to 25 of the TSF timer. The TWT can be obtained by replacing bits 10 to 25 of the TSF timer of the first link with the value of the target wake-up time subfield of the first element. i It can be understood that the value of the target wake-up time subfield in the TWT parameter information field of the first element is an absolute value, so the value obtained by mapping it to the TSF timer of the first link is consistent with the value obtained by mapping it to the TSF timer of the other second link.

[0201] Understandably, TWT i and TWT j It can be regarded as the corresponding moments in the time axis of the first link and the time axis of the second link for the same time position.

[0202] It can be seen that the third information directly indicates the starting time of the TWT SP of the reference link, and the starting time of the second unicast TWT SP can be calibrated based on the synchronization time difference between the reference link and the second link. Compared with the scheme for establishing aligned TWT SP proposed in Proposal 802.11-22 / 0552r4, for one link, the receiving end only performs one calibration, thereby reducing the complexity of calculating the starting time of the aligned unicast TWT SP on a link.

[0203] For example, the first element is a TWT element, and the field corresponding to the third information is the TWT parameter information field of the TWT element. For possible field design methods of the second information in the TWT element, see Figure 8 The description in the corresponding embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0204] S1640, the transmitting device and the receiving device communicate on the corresponding link according to N second unicast TWT SPs.

[0205] Optionally, before the receiving device determines to receive the request for the first element from the sending device, the method further includes:

[0206] S1650: The receiving device sends a second frame, the second frame includes a second element, the second element includes fifth information, and the fifth information indicates that the receiving device confirms acceptance of establishing a unicast TWT SP on the N second links. Correspondingly, the sending device receives the second frame.

[0207] It should be understood that the above content describes the process of establishing multiple unicast TWT SPs on multiple links based on the first element after the receiving device accepts the request of the sending device to establish a TWT SP. In practice, the receiving device may also reject the request. Based on specific signaling, the following gives a possible complete implementation process of MLD1 (sending device) and MLD2 (receiving device) using the above solution to establish aligned unicast TWT SPs on multiple links.

[0208] MLD1 sends a TWT setup frame (i.e., an example of the first frame) to MLD 2 on a link associated with MLD1 and MLD2. MLD 1 carries a TWT element (i.e., an example of the first element) in this TWT setup frame, and carries a value indicating SuggestTWT or Demand TWT in the TWT Setup Command field in the request type field of the TWT element. Suggest TWT or Demand TWT is used to indicate that the TWT setup frame is used to initiate a request to establish a TWT SP. Suggest TWT or Demand TWT allows MLD1 to initiate a request to establish a TWT SP while carrying a series of TWT parameter information (i.e., an example of the third information). MLD 1 should also set the aligned TWT field of the TWT control field (i.e., an example of the fourth information) to 1 (or 00) to indicate that the TWT element also carries the aligned TWT bitmap field (i.e., an example of the second information), and indicate in the aligned TWT bitmap field which links you want to establish unicast TWT SPs aligned with the reference link, where the reference link is the link that sends the TWT setup frame.

[0209] Correspondingly, after MLD2 receives the TWT setup frame sent by MLD 1, it can determine that this is a unicast TWT SP establishment request through the TWT element therein, and can determine on which links MLD 1 wants to establish the aligned TWT SP through the aligned TWT bitmap field in the TWT element, and determine that the link receiving the TWT setup frame is the reference link. Combined with the TWT field of the single-user TWT parameter information field, the starting time of the unicast TWT SP that needs to be aligned on the requested links can be calculated based on formula (2). Finally, combined with other information in the single-user TWT parameter information field, such as the minimum TWT wake-up duration, the TWT wake-up interval decimal field, etc., the duration and interval period of the aligned unicast TWTSP requested to be established can be calculated. In this way, after obtaining all the required information, MLD 2 will determine whether to accept MLD 1's request to establish a TWT SP based on the information obtained. The following is a detailed description of whether MLD 2 accepts MLD 1's request.

[0210] In one possible scenario, MLD 2 accepts the request, and MLD2 sends a TWT Setup frame (i.e., an example of the second frame) containing a TWTelement to MLD1. The value of the TWT Request subfield of the request type field of the TWT element is equal to 0, indicating that it is a response frame. The TWT element carries a value for indicating Accept TWT (i.e., an example of the fifth information) in the TWTSetup Command field in the request type field. Accept TWT indicates confirmation of accepting the request of MLD 1. Optionally, the control field of the TWT element may carry an alignment TWT subfield, which is set to 1 (or 00), and its meaning is the same as described above, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the TWT element may carry the same single-user TWT parameter information as the received TWT element, or may not carry the single-user TWT parameter information field.

[0211] In another possible scenario, MLD 2 does not accept the request, then MLD2 sends a TWT Setup frame (i.e., an example of the second frame) containing a TWTelement to MLD1. The value of the TWT Request subfield of the request type field of the TWT element is equal to 0, indicating that it is a response frame. The TWT element carries a value for indicating Reject TWT in the TWTSetup Command field in the request type field, and Reject TWT means that the request of MLD 1 is not accepted. Optionally, the control field of the TWT element may carry an Alignment TWT subfield, which may be set to any value. Optionally, the TWT element may carry the same single-user TWT parameter information as the received TWT element, or it may not carry it.

[0212] In another possible scenario, MLD 2 does not accept the request, but can provide recommended parameters to MLD 1. Then MLD2 sends a TWT Setup frame (i.e., an example of the second frame) containing a TWT element to MLD1. The value of the TWT Request subfield of the request type field of the TWTelement is equal to 0, indicating that it is a response frame. The TWTelement carries a value indicating Alternate TWT or Dictate TWT in the TWT Setup Command field in the request type field. Alternate TWT or Dictate TWT means that MLD 1's request is not accepted, but recommended TWT SP parameters can be provided to MLD 1. The recommended parameters are carried by the single-user TWT parameter information field in the TWT element, and the alignment TWT subfield in the control field in the TWT element indicates whether the recommended TWT SP parameters are aligned TWTSP. For example, if the aligned TWT subfield of the control field of the TWT element is set to 1, it means that the recommended TWT SP is an aligned TWT SP; if the aligned TWT subfield is set to 0, it means that the recommended TWT SP can be an aligned or unaligned TWTSP.

[0213] Next, this application proposes another communication method that can effectively solve the above technical problems. The method is described in detail below.

[0214] Figure 17 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the transmitting end device and the receiving end device in this embodiment are MLDs. For example, Figure 17The sending device in the MLD can be an AP MLD, and the receiving device can be a STA MLD, or vice versa.

[0215] S1710, the transmitting device generates a first frame. The first frame includes M first elements, the first element is used to request the establishment of a unicast TWT SP, and the first element includes first information and second information, wherein the first information indicates the target link for requesting the establishment of the unicast TWT SP, and the second information indicates the information of the target unicast TWT SP of the target link, and the M target unicast TWT SPs corresponding to the M first elements are aligned, wherein the target link is the communication link between the transmitting device and the receiving device, and M is an integer greater than 1.

[0216] It should be understood that the M target links corresponding to the M first elements are different links.

[0217] Optionally, the information of the target unicast TWT SP includes the starting time of the target unicast TWT SP, the period of the target unicast TWT SP and the duration of the target unicast TWT SP.

[0218] It should also be understood that this method is Figure 8 The difference between the methods described is that the second information directly includes the target unicast TWT SP information of the corresponding target link (ie the link that requires unicast TWT SP alignment).

[0219] It should be noted that the sending device also needs to ensure that the period of the target unicast TWT SP on the M target links and the duration of the SP of the target unicast TWT SP within one period are consistent to ensure that the unicast TWT SPs established on the M target links are aligned.

[0220] As can be seen from the above description, for multiple unicast TWT SPs aligned on multiple links, the parameters such as the period and duration of the multiple unicast TWT SPs are fixed and will not differ based on the TSF timer of the link. Only the starting time of the multiple unicast TWT SPs will deviate due to the TSF timer. Therefore, the key for the transmitting device to determine multiple aligned TWT SPs is to determine the starting time of the TWT SPs of the multiple links. Therefore, the transmitting device can determine the starting time of the target unicast TWT SPs corresponding to the M target links based on the same link (i.e., a reference link).

[0221] Among them, the starting time TWT of the target unicast TWT SP is j Satisfies the following formula:

[0222] TWT j =TWT i +TWT offset (3)

[0223] Among them, TWT i The starting time of the target unicast TWT SP is mapped to the corresponding time on the time axis of the reference link. For example, TWT offset The value of satisfies the following formula, TWT offset =TSF j -TSF i , TSF i is the TSFtime corresponding to the reference link, TSF j is the TSF time corresponding to the target link. In other words, the sending device uses the time axis of the reference link as the reference standard and determines the TWT based on the above formula. i The corresponding moments on the time axis of the M target links. Optionally, the reference link is any link in the communication links between the transmitting device and the receiving device.

[0224] Optionally, the reference link is pre-set or pre-configured. For example, the reference link can be the link that sends the first frame, or can be the target link corresponding to the first element of the M first elements, or a specified link, such as the link with the smallest link ID.

[0225] S1720: The transmitting device transmits a first frame, and the receiving device receives the first frame.

[0226] It should also be understood that the transmitting device sends the first frame on any link associated with the transmitting device and the receiving device, and correspondingly, the receiving device receives the first frame on the link.

[0227] S1730: The receiving device establishes M target unicast TWT SPs on M target links according to the information of the M target unicast TWT SPs contained in the M first elements.

[0228] In one possible implementation, if only one link is indicated in the first information, and the link is the target link, the receiving device establishes M target unicast TWT SPs on the M target links based on the information of the M target unicast TWT SPs contained in the M first elements. Since the information of the M target unicast TWT SPs sent by the sending device is information after alignment calibration, the M target unicast TWT SPs established by the receiving device are aligned.

[0229] In another possible implementation, if multiple links are indicated in the first information, including the target link, the receiving device cannot determine which link among the multiple links is the target link based on the first information after receiving multiple first elements. The receiving device first determines the TWT SP information of the multiple links based on the TWT SP information indicated by the second information. Since the TSF timer of each link is different, the starting time of the target unicast TWT SP indicated in the second information is actually deviated in the time axis of different links, that is, it is not aligned. In this way, the TWT SP information of the multiple links indicated by M first information in the M first elements can be determined, and the TWT SP information of the multiple links indicated by the M first information can be compared to know which link among the multiple links in each first information is the target link.

[0230] Optionally, the first element also includes third information, which indicates that the target link exists in the one or more links indicated by the first information. For example, the third information is 1-bit information. When the value of the 1-bit is 1, it indicates that the target link exists in the one or more links indicated by the first information. When the value of the 1-bit is 0, it indicates that the target link does not exist in the one or more links indicated by the first information. When the third information is 2-bit information, the indication method is similar to that of 1-bit information and is not further described here.

[0231] In a possible specific implementation, the first element is a TWT element, the field corresponding to the first information is the link ID bit map field in the TWT parameter information field of the TWT element or the aligned TWT bit map field in the TWT parameter information field of the TWT element, the field corresponding to the second information is the field related to the TWT SP information in the TWT parameter information field of the TWT element, and the field corresponding to the third information can be reused. Figure 8 The design of the aligned TWT fields in the illustrated embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0232] Optionally, in the above implementation, the aligned TWT field may not be added to the control field of the TWT element (i.e., the first element) (i.e., the third information is not included), that is, the transmitting device does not explicitly indicate whether the target link is included in the multiple links indicated by the link ID bit map when requesting to establish a unicast TWT SP. The receiving end determines whether the target link is included in the multiple links indicated by the link ID bit map according to the method described above. Other behaviors of the receiving device and the transmitting device remain unchanged.

[0233] S1740, the sending device and the receiving device communicate on the corresponding link according to the M target unicast TWT SPs.

[0234] Optionally, before the receiving device determines to receive the first element request from the sending device, the method further includes:

[0235] S1750: The receiving device sends a second frame, which includes a second element. The second element includes fourth information, which indicates that the receiving device confirms the acceptance of establishing unicast TWTSPs on the M target links corresponding to the M first elements. Correspondingly, the sending device receives the second frame.

[0236] It should be understood that the above content describes the process of establishing multiple unicast TWT SPs on multiple links based on M first elements after the receiving device accepts the request of the sending device to establish a TWT SP. In practice, the receiving device may also reject the request. The following is a possible complete implementation process of MLD1 (sending device) and MLD2 (receiving device) using the above scheme to establish aligned unicast TWT SPs on multiple links based on specific signaling.

[0237] MLD 1 sends a TWT setup frame (i.e., an example of the first frame) to MLD 2 on an associated link. MLD 1 carries multiple TWT elements (i.e., an example of M first elements) in this TWT setup frame, and carries a value indicating SuggestTWT or Demand TWT in the TWT Setup Command field in the request type field of each TWT element. Suggest TWT or Demand TWT is used to indicate that the TWT setup frame is used to initiate a request to establish a TWT SP. Suggest TWT or Demand TWT allows MLD to initiate a request and carry a series of TWT parameter information at the same time. Each TWT element carries a link ID bit map (i.e., an example of the first information) to indicate one or more links requested to be established. When the aligned TWT subfield (i.e., an example of the third information) is set to 1 (or 00), it indicates that the target link is included in the one or more links indicated by the link ID bit map carried by the TWTelement. MLD 1 determines the value of the TWT subfield of the single-user TWT parameter information of the target link corresponding to each TWT element (that is, the position of the starting interval unit of the first unicast TWT contained in the second information) through the calculation method described in formula (3), ensuring that the TWT SP on each target link calculated by the receiving end is aligned, and the receiving end does not need to perform additional calibration.

[0238] Correspondingly, after MLD 2 receives the TWT setup frame sent by MLD 1, it can determine that this is a unicast TWT SP establishment request through the TWT elements therein, and can determine on which links MLD 1 wants to establish TWT SP through the link ID bitmap subfield in each TWT element. Through the TWT subfield of the single-user TWT parameter information field in each TWT element, the start time of the TWT SP on one or more links indicated by the link ID bitmap subfield can be obtained. Combined with the start time of the TWT SP of all links indicated by the link ID bitmap in all TWT elements, it can be determined which links' TWT SPs are aligned (that is, which links are determined as target links). Finally, combined with other information in the single-user TWT parameter information field, such as the minimum TWT wake-up duration, the TWT wake-up interval decimal subfield, etc., the duration and interval period of the TWT SP requested to be established can be calculated. After obtaining all the required information, MLD2 will determine whether to accept MLD 1's application. The following is a detailed description of whether MLD 2 receives MLD 1's request.

[0239] In one possible scenario, MLD 2 accepts the request, and MLD2 sends a TWT Setup frame (i.e., an example of the second frame) containing a TWTelement to MLD1. The value of the TWT Request subfield of the request type field of the TWT element is equal to 0, indicating that it is a response frame. The TWT element carries a value indicating Accept TWT (i.e., an example of the fourth information) in the TWTSetup Command field in the request type field. Accept TWT indicates confirmation of accepting the request of MLD 1. Optionally, the control field of the TWT element may carry an alignment TWT subfield, which is set to 1 (or 00), and its meaning is the same as described above, which will not be repeated here, and the TWT element does not carry a single-user TWT parameter information field.

[0240] In another possible scenario, MLD 2 does not accept the request, then MLD2 sends a TWT Setup frame (i.e., an example of the second frame) containing a TWTelement to MLD1. The value of the TWT Request subfield of the request type field of the TWT element is equal to 0, indicating that it is a response frame. The TWT element carries a value for indicating Reject TWT in the TWTSetup Command field in the request type field, and Reject TWT means that the request of MLD 1 is not accepted. Optionally, the control field of the TWT element may carry an alignment TWT subfield, which may be set to any value. Optionally, the TWT element may carry the same single-user TWT parameter information as the received TWT element, and the TWT element does not carry a single-user TWT parameter information field.

[0241] In another possible scenario, MLD 2 does not accept the request, but can provide recommended parameters to MLD 1. Then MLD2 sends a TWT Setup frame (i.e., an example of the second frame) containing a TWT element to MLD1. The value of the TWT Request subfield of the request type field of the TWTelement is equal to 0, indicating that it is a response frame. The TWTelement carries a value indicating Alternate TWT or Dictate TWT in the TWT Setup Command field in the request type field. Alternate TWT or Dictate TWT means that MLD 1's request is not accepted, but recommended TWT SP parameters can be provided to MLD 1. The recommended parameters are carried by the single-user TWT parameter information field in the TWT element, and the alignment TWT subfield in the control field in the TWT element indicates whether the recommended TWT SP parameters are aligned TWTSP. For example, if the aligned TWT subfield of the control field of the TWT element is set to 1, it means that the recommended TWT SP is an aligned TWT SP; if the aligned TWT subfield is set to 0, it means that the recommended TWT SP can be an aligned or unaligned TWTSP.

[0242] It should be noted that, although this article focuses on establishing a unicast TWTSP aligned on multiple links through one link, this application is also applicable to establishing a broadcast TWT SP aligned on multiple links through one link. The difference is that when the APMLD broadcasts the establishment of a broadcast TWT SP aligned on multiple links, the AP MLD first needs to carry a TWTelement or multiple TWT elements in the beacon to broadcast the corresponding TWT SP parameters. After receiving the beacon, the non-AP MLD chooses whether to send a TWT setup frame to the AP MLD. If you choose to send, the subsequent process is the same as establishing an aligned unicast TWT SP. In addition, to establish an aligned broadcast TWT SP, the TWT element carried at this time should be a broadcast TWT element. When a non-AP MLD initiates a request to the AP MLD to establish a broadcast TWT SP aligned on multiple links, the non-AP MLD sends a TWT setup frame carrying one or more broadcast TWT elements. After receiving the frame, the AP MLD determines whether to accept it. If so, it carries the same TWT element in the beacon to broadcast the parameters. The subsequent process is the same as the previous method.

[0243] It should be understood that the meanings of fields and subfields are not specifically defined in the embodiments of the present application.

[0244] It should also be understood that the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0245] It should also be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their internal logical relationships.

[0246] It should also be understood that in some of the above embodiments, devices in existing network architectures are mainly used as examples for illustrative purposes, and it should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific form of the devices. For example, devices that can achieve the same functions in the future are applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0247] It is understandable that in the above-mentioned various method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by devices (such as the above-mentioned transmitting device, receiving device, etc.) can also be implemented by components of the device (such as chips or circuits).

[0248] Above, combined Figures 1 to 17The method provided by the embodiments of the present application is described in detail. The above method is mainly described from the perspective of the interaction between the sending end device and the receiving end device. It is understood that in order to implement the above functions, the sending end device and the receiving end device include the corresponding hardware structure and / or software modules for performing each function.

[0249] Those skilled in the art should be aware that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is performed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0250] The following, combined Figures 18 to 20 The communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application is described in detail. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment. Therefore, for the content that is not described in detail, please refer to the method embodiment above. For the sake of brevity, some content will not be repeated. The embodiment of the present application can divide the functional modules of the transmitting end device or the receiving end device according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above-mentioned integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. The following is an example of dividing each functional module corresponding to each function.

[0251] The data transmission method provided by this application has been described in detail above. The following describes the communication device provided by this application. In one possible implementation, the device is used to implement the steps or processes corresponding to the receiving device in the above method embodiment. In another possible implementation, the device is used to implement the steps or processes corresponding to the transmitting device in the above method embodiment.

[0252] Figure 18 2 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 18 As shown, the apparatus 200 may include a communication unit 210 and a processing unit 220. The communication unit 210 may communicate with the outside, and the processing unit 220 may be used for data processing. The communication unit 210 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a transceiver unit.

[0253] In one possible design, the device 200 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the sending end device in the above method embodiment, wherein the processing unit 220 is used to perform processing-related operations of the sending end device in the above method embodiment, and the communication unit 210 is used to perform sending-related operations of the sending end device in the above method embodiment.

[0254] In another possible design, the device 200 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the receiving device in the above method embodiment, wherein the communication unit 210 is used to perform reception-related operations of the receiving device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 220 is used to perform processing-related operations of the receiving device in the above method embodiment.

[0255] It should be understood that the device 200 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combined logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 200 may be specifically the sending end device in the above embodiment, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the sending end device in the above method embodiment, or the device 200 may be specifically the receiving end device in the above embodiment, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the receiving end device in the above method embodiment. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0256] The apparatus 200 of each of the above-mentioned solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the transmitting end device in the above-mentioned method, or the apparatus 200 of each of the above-mentioned solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the receiving end device in the above-mentioned method. The functions can be implemented by hardware, or can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions; for example, the communication unit can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the transmitting unit in the communication unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the communication unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as the processing unit, can be replaced by a processor to respectively perform the transmitting and receiving operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0257] In addition, the communication unit may also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit may be a processing circuit. Figure 18The device in the embodiment can be the AP or STA in the aforementioned embodiment, or it can be a chip or chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). The communication unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit can be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. This is not limited here.

[0258] Figure 19 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 300 includes a processor 310 and a transceiver 320. The processor 310 and the transceiver 320 communicate with each other via an internal connection path, and the processor 310 is used to execute instructions to control the transceiver 320 to send and / or receive signals.

[0259] Optionally, the apparatus 300 may further include a memory 330, which communicates with the processor 310 and the transceiver 320 via an internal connection path. The memory 330 is used to store instructions, and the processor 310 can execute the instructions stored in the memory 330. In one possible implementation, the apparatus 300 is used to implement the various processes and steps corresponding to the transmitting end device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. In another possible implementation, the apparatus 300 is used to implement the various processes and steps corresponding to the receiving end device in the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0260] It should be understood that the device 300 can be specifically the transmitting device or receiving device in the above-mentioned embodiment, or it can be a chip or a chip system. Correspondingly, the transceiver 320 can be the transceiver circuit of the chip, which is not limited here. Specifically, the device 300 can be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transmitting device or the receiving device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. Optionally, the memory 330 can include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory can also include a non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory can also store information about the device type. The processor 310 can be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 310 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 310 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above-mentioned method embodiment corresponding to the transmitting device or the receiving device.

[0261] During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in conjunction with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0262] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or instructions in software form. The above processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. The processor in the embodiments of the present application can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0263] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0264] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor. It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0265] Figure 20 1 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The chip system 1300 (or also referred to as a processing system) includes a logic circuit 1310 and an input / output interface 1320.

[0266] Logic circuit 1310 may be a processing circuit within chip system 1300. Logic circuit 1310 may be coupled to a storage unit and invoke instructions within the storage unit, enabling chip system 1300 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application. Input / output interface 1320 may be an input / output circuit within chip system 1300, outputting information processed by chip system 1300 or inputting data or signaling to be processed into chip system 1300 for processing.

[0267] Specifically, for example, if the chip system 1300 is installed in the transmitting device, the logic circuit 1310 is coupled to the input / output interface 1320, and the logic circuit 1310 can send a first frame through the input / output interface 1320. The first frame can be generated by the logic circuit 1310. For another example, if the chip system 1300 is installed in the receiving device, the logic circuit 1310 is coupled to the input / output interface 1320, and the logic circuit 1310 can receive the first frame through the input / output interface 1320. The logic circuit 1320 determines the TWT SP information of the link based on the first frame.

[0268] As a solution, the chip system 1300 is used to implement the operations performed by the transmitting end device in the above method embodiment.

[0269] For example, the logic circuit 1310 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the transmitting end device in the above method embodiment, such as: Figure 8 or Figure 16 or Figure 17 The processing-related operations performed by the transmitting device in the embodiment shown; the input / output interface 1320 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the transmitting device in the above method embodiment, such as, Figure 8 or Figure 16 or Figure 17 The processing-related operations performed by the sending end device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0270] As another solution, the chip system 1300 is used to implement the operations performed by the receiving device in the above method embodiment.

[0271] For example, the logic circuit 1310 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the receiving device in the above method embodiment, such as: Figure 8 or Figure 16 or Figure 17 The processing-related operations performed by the receiving device in the embodiment shown; the input / output interface 1320 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the receiving device in the above method embodiment, such as, Figure 8 or Figure 16 or Figure 17The processing-related operations performed by the receiving device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0272] In addition, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the operations and / or processes performed by the sending device or the receiving device in each method embodiment of the present application are executed.

[0273] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code or instructions. When the computer program code or instructions are run on a computer, the operations and / or processes performed by the sending device or the receiving device in the various method embodiments of the present application are executed.

[0274] In addition, the present application also provides a communication system, including a transmitting device and a receiving device in the embodiments of the present application.

[0275] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0276] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various exemplary units and algorithmic steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented using hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for ease of description and brevity, the specific operating processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units described is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other divisions may be used, such as multiple units or components being combined or integrated into another system, or some features being omitted or not implemented. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interface, or indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment. In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0277] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0278] It should be understood that references to "embodiments" throughout this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0279] It should also be understood that the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to define the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For example, the first information and the second information do not indicate differences in information size, content, priority, or importance.

[0280] It should also be understood that in this application, "when", "if" and "if" all mean that the network element will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, which is not a time limit, and does not require the network element to make judgment actions when implementing it, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0281] It should also be understood that, in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "At least one item" or similar expressions refers to one or more items, that is, any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0282] It should also be understood that expressions similar to "the item includes one or more of the following: A, B, and C" in this application generally mean, unless otherwise specified, that the item can be any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C; A and A; A, A and A; A, A and B; A, A and C, A, B and B; A, C and C; B and B, B, B and B, B, B and C, C and C; C, C and C, and other combinations of A, B and C. The above example uses A, B, and C as an example to illustrate the optional items of the item. When the expression is "the item includes at least one of the following: A, B, ..., and X", that is, when the expression contains more elements, the items to which the item can be applied can also be obtained according to the above rules.

[0283] It should also be understood that the term "and / or" in this document simply describes a relationship between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B together, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, "A / B" means: A or B.

[0284] It should also be understood that in each embodiment of the present application, "A corresponds to B" means that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B based solely on A, and B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0285] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Receive a first frame, the first frame includes a first element, the first element is used to request establishment of a unicast target wake-up time TWT service phase SP, the first element includes first information and second information, the first information indicates a request to establish a first link of the unicast TWT SP, the second information indicates a request to establish N second links of the unicast TWT SP, and the first link is used as a reference link so that the N second unicast TWT SPs established on the N second links are aligned with the first unicast TWT SP of the first link, and the N second unicast TWT SPs correspond one-to-one to the N second links, wherein the first link and the second link are communication links between a transmitting device and a receiving device, the N second links are different links, and N is a positive integer; establishing the first unicast TWT SP on the first link and establishing the N second unicast TWT SPs on the N second links according to the first element; Communicate on corresponding links according to the first unicast TWT SP and the N second unicast TWT SPs.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first element includes third information, the third information indicating information of the first unicast TWT SP, the information of the first unicast TWT SP including the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP, The establishing the first unicast TWT SP on the first link and the establishing the N second unicast TWT SPs on the N second links according to the first element includes: Establishing the first unicast TWT SP on the first link according to the information of the first unicast TWT SP; Determine information of the N second unicast TWT SPs, where the information of the second unicast TWT SPs includes a start time of the second unicast TWT SP, and the start time of the second unicast TWT SP is determined based on the start time of the first unicast TWT SP; The N second unicast TWTSPs are established on the N second links according to information of the N second unicast TWTSPs.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The alignment of the second unicast TWT SP with the first unicast TWT SP includes aligning the start time of the first unicast TWT SP with the start time of the second unicast TWT SP.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The starting time TWT of the second unicast TWT SP j Satisfies the following formula: TWT j =TWT i + TWT offset Wherein, the TWT i is the starting time of the first unicast TWT SP, the TWT offset The value of is equal to the difference between the time synchronization function TSF timer of the first link and the TSF timer of the second link.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The first element further includes fourth information, and the fourth information indicates that the first element includes the second information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The first element is a TWT element, and the fourth information is an aligned TWT field in a control field of the TWT element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The first element is a TWT element, the first information is a link ID bit map field or a link ID field in a TWT parameter information field of the TWT element, and the second information is an aligned TWT bit map field in the TWT parameter information field.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second frame is sent, where the second frame includes a second element, where the second element includes fifth information, and the fifth information indicates that the receiving device confirms acceptance of establishing a unicast TWT SP on the first link and the N second links.

9. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Generate a first frame, the first frame includes a first element, the first element is used to request the establishment of a unicast target wake-up time TWT service phase SP, the first element includes first information and second information, the first information indicates a request to establish a first link of the unicast TWT SP, the second information indicates a request to establish N second links of the unicast TWT SP, and the first link is used as a reference link so that the N second unicast TWT SPs established on the N second links are aligned with the first unicast TWT SP of the first link, and the N second unicast TWT SPs correspond one-to-one to the N second links, wherein the first link and the second link are communication links between a transmitting device and a receiving device, the N second links are different links, and N is a positive integer; The first frame is sent.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first element includes third information, and the third information indicates information of the first unicast TWT SP, and the information of the first unicast TWT SP includes a starting time of the first unicast TWT SP.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The alignment of the second unicast TWT SP with the first unicast TWT SP includes aligning the start time of the first unicast TWT SP with the start time of the second unicast TWT SP.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that The first element further includes fourth information, and the fourth information indicates that the first element includes the second information.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first element is a TWT element, and the fourth information is an aligned TWT subfield in a control field of the TWT element.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that The first element is a TWT element, the first information is a link ID bitmap field or a link ID field in a TWT parameter information field of the TWT element, and the second information is an aligned TWT bitmap subfield in the TWT parameter information field.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second frame is received, where the second frame includes a second element, where the second element includes fifth information, and the fifth information indicates that the receiving device confirms acceptance of establishing a unicast TWT SP on the first link and the N second links.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A communication unit is configured to receive a first frame, wherein the first frame includes a first element, wherein the first element is used to request establishment of a unicast target wake-up time TWT service phase SP, and the first element includes first information and second information, wherein the first information indicates a request to establish a first link of the unicast TWT SP, and the second information indicates a request to establish N second links of the unicast TWT SP, and the first link is used as a reference link so that the N second unicast TWT SPs established on the N second links are aligned with the first unicast TWT SP of the first link, and the N second unicast TWT SPs correspond one-to-one to the N second links, wherein the first link and the second link are communication links between a transmitting device and a receiving device, the N second links are different links, and N is a positive integer; a processing unit, configured to establish the first unicast TWT SP on the first link and the N second unicast TWT SPs on the N second links according to the first element; The processing unit is further used to communicate on corresponding links according to the first unicast TWT SP and the N second unicast TWT SPs.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processing unit is used to generate a first frame, the first frame includes a first element, the first element is used to request the establishment of a unicast target wake-up time TWT service phase SP, the first element includes first information and second information, the first information indicates a request to establish a first link of the unicast TWT SP, the second information indicates a request to establish N second links of the unicast TWT SP, and the first link is used as a reference link so that the N second unicast TWT SPs established on the N second links are aligned with the first unicast TWT SP of the first link, the N second unicast TWT SPs correspond one-to-one to the N second links, wherein the first link and the second link are communication links between a transmitting device and a receiving device, the N second links are different links, and N is a positive integer; A communication unit is configured to send the first frame.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory, so that the apparatus performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or so that the apparatus performs the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that Computer instructions are stored therein. When the computer instructions are run on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is executed, or the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15 is executed.

20. A chip, characterized in that: The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or executes the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

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