Communication method and device and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of communication, and provides a communication method and device and a computer readable storage medium. The method can be applied to a wireless personal local area network system based on ultra-wideband (UWB), and comprises a 802.15 series protocol, such as a 802.15. 4a protocol, a 802.15. 4 z protocol or a 802.15. 4 ab protocol and the like. The wireless local area network sensing system can support an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 802.11 ax next generation WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) protocol, such as 802.11 be, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) 7 or EHT (Evolved Huang Transform), such as 802.11 be next generation, Wi-Fi 8 and other 802.11 series wireless local area network system sensing systems and the like. The method comprises the following steps: identifying that the device itself and a second device are two-hop devices; and adjusting the self R-TWTSP to be aligned with the R-TWTSP of the second equipment according to the size of the BSSID of the first equipment and the size of the BSSID of the second equipment. According to the embodiment of the invention, a plurality of two-hop devices can align the R-TWTSP, and scheduling resources are saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, device and computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Target wake time (TWT) is a technology defined by Wi-Fi 6 for energy saving. It means that the station (STA) and access point (AP) can agree on a service period (SP), remain active and communicate during the service period, and sleep outside the service period to achieve energy saving.

[0003] In the case of multiple APs, two APs separated by an AP that communicates with each other and cannot hear each other's wireless signals can be called two-hop APs, that is, two APs are two-hop APs to each other. For example, AP1 and AP2 are overlapping basic service sets (OBSS), AP2 and AP3 are OBSS, AP1 and AP3 cannot hear each other's wireless signals, that is, AP1 and AP3 are two-hop APs to each other.

[0004] Multiple APs can establish TWT SPs respectively. Since APs that are two-hop APs cannot hear each other's wireless signals, the APs that are two-hop APs can be aligned with their restricted target wakeup time (Restricted Target WakeupTime, R-TWT) service period (service period, SP). Since APs that are two-hop APs do not interfere with each other, their alignment does not affect concurrent transmissions in the same period, thereby saving scheduling resources.

[0005] However, due to the lack of coordination mechanism, APs that are two-hop APs cannot determine which AP should adjust the R-TWT SP to align with the other device. For example, if two APs are adjusted at the same time, it is equivalent to swapping their R-TWT SPs, and the alignment effect is not achieved. Therefore, if there are multiple APs that are two-hop APs, it is difficult to align the R-TWT SPs with each other in the absence of coordination. Therefore, how to achieve R-TWT SP alignment of multiple APs that are two-hop APs is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium, which can realize R-TWT SP alignment of multiple devices that are two-hop devices to each other, thereby saving scheduling resources.

[0007] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a first device, or to a module (for example, a chip or a processor) in the first device, or to a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device. The following description is taken as an example in which the execution subject is the first device. The communication method includes: the first device recognizes that itself and the second device are two-hop devices; the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the basic service set identifier (BSSID) of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device.

[0008] The embodiment of the present application can use predefined rules to clearly align two or more two-hop devices with each other's R-TWT SP according to the size of the BSSID, thereby avoiding the ping-pong effect caused by two or more devices adjusting their R-TWT SP at the same time, thereby saving scheduling resources.

[0009] A possible implementation method is that the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device, including: when the BSSID of the first device is smaller than the BSSID of the second device, the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device.

[0010] In the embodiment of the present application, the device in the two-hop device with a smaller BSSID can adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the other party's R-TWT SP, avoiding the ping-pong effect caused by two or more devices adjusting the R-TWT SP at the same time, thereby saving scheduling resources.

[0011] A possible implementation method is that the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device, including: when the BSSID of the first device is greater than or equal to the BSSID of the second device, the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device.

[0012] In the embodiment of the present application, the device in the two-hop device with a larger BSSID can adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the other party's R-TWT SP, avoiding the ping-pong effect caused by two or more devices adjusting the R-TWT SP at the same time, thereby saving scheduling resources.

[0013] In one possible implementation, if the second device includes multiple devices, the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device, including: the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the device with the largest BSSID among the second devices.

[0014] A possible implementation method is that the first device recognizes that itself and the second device are two-hop devices, including: when the first device is unable to receive the first frame from the second device, receiving a second frame from a third device, the second frame including R-TWT information of the second device; the first device recognizes that itself and the second device are two-hop devices based on the R-TWT information of the second device.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, the first frame and the second frame are beacon frames.

[0016] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a first device, or to a module (for example, a chip or a processor) in the first device, or to a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device. The following description is taken as an example in which the execution subject is the first device. The communication method includes: the first device receives broadcast target wakeup time (target wakeup time, TWT) information from a third device, and the broadcast TWT information of the third device includes a first preset R-TWT SP; the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the first preset R-TWT SP.

[0017] The embodiment of the present application can broadcast a preset R-TWT SP to clarify that the devices in multiple two-hop devices adjust their own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the other party, avoiding the ping-pong effect caused by multiple devices adjusting the R-TWT SP at the same time, thereby saving scheduling resources.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first preset R-TWT SP is determined by a broadcast TWT identifier in a broadcast TWT information subfield.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the first preset R-TWT SP is indicated by a first element, where the first element includes a next SP start time, an SP duration, and an interval between two adjacent SPs.

[0020] One possible implementation method is that the next SP start time is carried in the target wake-up time field in the first element, the SP duration is carried in the minimum TWT wake-up duration field in the first element, and the interval between two adjacent SPs is carried in the TWT wake-up interval field in the first element.

[0021] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a third device, or to a module (for example, a chip or a processor) in a third device, or to a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the third device. The following description is given by taking the execution subject as the third device. The communication method includes: the third device receives broadcast TWT information from a first device and broadcast TWT information from a second device, the broadcast TWT information of the first device includes a second preset R-TWT SP, the broadcast TWT information of the second device includes a third preset R-TWTSP, and the first device and the second device are two-hop devices to each other;

[0022] If the third preset R-TWT SP overlaps with the R-TWT SP of the first device, the third device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the second preset R-TWT SP; or if the second preset R-TWT SP overlaps with the R-TWT SP of the second device, the third device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the third preset R-TWT SP.

[0023] The embodiment of the present application can broadcast a preset R-TWT SP to clarify that the devices in multiple two-hop devices adjust their own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the other party, avoiding the ping-pong effect caused by multiple devices adjusting the R-TWT SP at the same time, thereby saving scheduling resources.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the preset R-TWT SP is determined by the broadcast TWT identifier in the broadcast TWT information subfield.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the preset R-TWT SP is indicated by a first element, where the first element includes a next SP start time, an SP duration, and an interval between two adjacent SPs.

[0026] One possible implementation method is that the next SP start time is carried in the target wake-up time field in the first element, the SP duration is carried in the minimum TWT wake-up duration field in the first element, and the interval between two adjacent SPs is carried in the TWT wake-up interval field in the first element.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device can be applied to a first device, a module (e.g., a chip or a processor) in the first device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device.

[0028] The beneficial effects can be found in the description of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. The communication device has the function of implementing the behavior in the method example of the first aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0029] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device includes:

[0030] A processing unit, configured to identify that the processing unit and the second device are two-hop devices;

[0031] The processing unit is further configured to adjust the alignment of its own R-TWT SP with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device.

[0032] In one possible implementation method, the processing unit adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device. Specifically, when the BSSID of the first device is smaller than the BSSID of the second device, the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device.

[0033] In one possible implementation method, the processing unit adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device. Specifically, when the BSSID of the first device is greater than or equal to the BSSID of the second device, the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWTSP of the second device.

[0034] A possible implementation method is that if the second device includes multiple devices, the processing unit adjusts the R-TWT SP of the first device to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device, specifically used to: adjust the R-TWT SP of the first device to align with the R-TWT SP of the device with the largest BSSID among the second devices.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device further includes:

[0036] A transceiver unit, configured to receive a second frame from a third device when the first device cannot receive the first frame from the second device, wherein the second frame includes R-TWT information of the second device;

[0037] The processing unit identifies that the first device and the second device are two-hop devices to each other, and is specifically used to: identify that itself and the second device are two-hop devices to each other according to the R-TWT information of the second device.

[0038] In a possible implementation manner, the first frame and the second frame are beacon frames.

[0039] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device can be applied to a first device, a module (e.g., a chip or a processor) in the first device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device.

[0040] The beneficial effects can be found in the description of the second aspect, which will not be repeated here. The communication device has the function of implementing the behavior in the method example of the second aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0041] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device includes:

[0042] A transceiver unit, configured to receive broadcast TWT information from a third device, wherein the broadcast TWT information of the third device includes a first preset R-TWT SP;

[0043] The processing unit is configured to adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the first preset R-TWT SP.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the first preset R-TWT SP is determined by a broadcast TWT identifier in a broadcast TWT information subfield.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the first preset R-TWT SP is indicated by a first element, where the first element includes a next SP start time, an SP duration, and an interval between two adjacent SPs.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the next SP start time is carried in the target wake-up time field in the first element, the SP duration is carried in the minimum TWT wake-up duration field in the first element, and the interval between two adjacent SPs is carried in the TWT wake-up interval field in the first element.

[0047] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device can be applied to a third device, a module (e.g., a chip or a processor) in the third device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the third device.

[0048] The beneficial effects can be found in the description of the third aspect, which will not be repeated here. The communication device has the function of implementing the behavior in the method example of the third aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0049] In a possible implementation manner, the communication device includes:

[0050] A transceiver unit, configured to receive broadcast TWT information from a first device and broadcast TWT information from a second device, wherein the broadcast TWT information of the first device includes a second preset R-TWT SP, the broadcast TWT information of the second device includes a third preset R-TWT SP, and the first device and the second device are two-hop devices to each other;

[0051] A processing unit, configured to adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the second preset R-TWT SP if the third preset R-TWT SP overlaps with the R-TWT SP of the first device; or to adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the third preset R-TWT SP if the second preset R-TWT SP overlaps with the R-TWT SP of the third device.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the preset R-TWT SP is determined by the broadcast TWT identifier in the broadcast TWT information subfield.

[0053] In a possible implementation, the preset R-TWT SP is indicated by a first element, where the first element includes a next SP start time, a SP duration, and an interval between two adjacent SPs.

[0054] One possible implementation method is that the next SP start time is carried in the target wake-up time field in the first element, the SP duration is carried in the minimum TWT wake-up duration field in the first element, and the interval between two adjacent SPs is carried in the TWT wake-up interval field in the first element.

[0055] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be the first device in the above method embodiment, or a chip or processor set in the first device. The communication device may include a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store programs or instructions, and when the program or instruction is executed by the processor, the communication device executes the method executed by the first device, or the chip or processor in the first device in the above method embodiment.

[0056] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be the third device in the above method embodiment, or a chip or processor set in the third device. The communication device may include a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store a program or instruction, and when the program or instruction is executed by the processor, the communication device executes the method executed by the third device, or the chip or processor in the third device in the above method embodiment.

[0057] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which instructions are stored. When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0058] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the method of the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation method of the second aspect.

[0059] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation method of the third aspect.

[0060] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product comprising program instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method of the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0061] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product comprising program instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method of the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0062] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product comprising program instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0063] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor for implementing the functions in the above methods. In a possible implementation, the chip system may also include a memory for storing program instructions and / or data. The chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0064] In the sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes the first device provided by the first aspect or the second aspect or the third device provided by the third aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0066] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of an R-TWT principle provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of a TWT element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an AP adjusting an R-TWT SP provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 5 It is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another AP adjusting the R-TWT SP provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Figure 7 It is a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of another AP adjusting the R-TWT SP provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of another AP adjusting the R-TWT SP provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Fig.10 It is a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of an AP adjusting an R-TWT SP provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of an AP adjusting an R-TWT SP provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] Fig.13 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Fig.14 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] Fig.15 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Fig.16 It is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] The scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0083] The present application embodiment provides a communication method that can be applied to a wireless communication system, such as a cellular network or a wireless local area network system. Figure 1 , Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the network architecture 100 includes an access point AP101 and one or more stations (STA102-STA103). The access point and the station support a wireless local access network (WLAN) communication protocol. The communication protocol may include IEEE 802.11be (or Wi-Fi 7, EHT protocol), and may also include IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ac and other protocols, wherein the name of the 802.11n standard may also be called high throughput (HT), the name of the 802.11ac standard may also be called very high throughput (VHT), the name of the 802.11ax standard may also be called high efficiency (HE), and the name of the 802.11be standard may also be called extremely high throughput (EHT). Of course, with the continuous evolution and development of communication technology, the communication protocol may also include the next generation protocol of IEEE802.11be, etc. Taking WLAN as an example, the device for implementing the method of the present application may be an access point or station in the WLAN, or a chip or processing system installed in the access point or station.

[0084] An access point (e.g., AP101) is a device with wireless communication function, supports communication using WLAN protocol, has the function of communicating with other devices in the WLAN network (e.g., stations or other access points), and of course, can also have the function of communicating with other devices. In a WLAN system, an access point can be called an access point station (AP STA). The device can be a complete device, or a chip or processing system installed in the complete device, etc. The device installed with these chips or processing systems can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application under the control of the chip or processing system. The AP in the embodiments of the present application can be a device that provides services for STA and can support the 802.11 series of protocols. For example, AP can be a communication entity such as a communication server, a router, a switch, a bridge, etc.; AP can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc., and of course AP can also be chips and processing systems in these various forms of devices, thereby implementing the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0085] A station is a device with wireless communication function, supports communication using WLAN protocol, and has the ability to communicate with other stations or access points in the WLAN network. In a WLAN system, a station can be called a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For example, a STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and then communicate with a WLAN. The device can be a complete device, or a chip or processing system installed in the complete device, etc. The device installed with these chips or processing systems can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of the present application under the control of the chip or processing system. For example, a STA can be a tablet computer, desktop, laptop, notebook computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (ultra-mobile personal computer, UMPC), handheld computer, netbook, personal digital assistant (personal digital assistant, PDA), mobile phone and other user devices that can be connected to the Internet, or an Internet of Things node in the Internet of Things, or a vehicle-mounted communication device or entertainment device, game device or system, global positioning system device, etc. in the Internet of Vehicles. STA can also be the chip and processing system in the above-mentioned terminals.

[0086] WLAN system can provide high-speed and low-latency transmission. With the continuous evolution of WLAN application scenarios, WLAN system will be applied to more scenarios or industries, such as the Internet of Things industry, the Internet of Vehicles industry or the banking industry, corporate offices, stadiums and exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, wards, classrooms, supermarkets, squares, streets, production workshops and warehouses, etc. Of course, the devices supporting WLAN communication (such as access points or sites) can be sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart meters, smart air detection nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, TVs, speakers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (such as wearable devices such as AR and VR), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, loudspeakers, speakers, etc.), Internet of Vehicles devices in the Internet of Vehicles, infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-service navigation desks in supermarkets, self-service cashier devices, self-service ordering machines, etc.), and equipment in large sports and music venues, etc. There is no special limitation on the specific forms of STA and AP in the embodiments of the present application, which are merely illustrative here.

[0087] In order to facilitate the understanding of this application, the relevant technical knowledge involved in the embodiments of this application is first introduced here. The terms used in the implementation method part of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit this application.

[0088] 1. TWT

[0089] TWT is a technology defined by Wi-Fi 6 for energy saving. The core idea is to set some periodic time periods so that some devices only need to remain active during these TWT service periods (TWT SP) and can sleep at other times, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0090] 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.

[0091] Unicast TWT: Unicast TWT means that the TWT requesting station (requesting) sends a TWT request message to the TWT responding station (responding), requesting to set a wake-up time. After receiving the TWT request message, the responding station sends a TWT response message to the requesting station. After the interaction is successful, a TWT protocol is established between the requesting station and the responding station. When the TWT protocol is reached, both the requesting station and the responding station should remain active during the agreed time period in order to send and receive data. Outside the above time period, the station can sleep to achieve the purpose of energy saving. Generally speaking, the STA sends a TWT protocol establishment request to the AP, that is, the STA is the requesting station and the AP is the responding station. Of course, the AP can also initiate a TWT protocol establishment request to the station. After the TWT protocol is established, the agreed active time period is called the TWT service phase.

[0092] Broadcast TWT: Different from unicast TWT, broadcast TWT provides a "batch management" mechanism, where the AP can establish a series of periodic TWT service phases with multiple STAs. During the TWT service phase, the above multiple STAs need to remain active to communicate with the AP.

[0093] The AP can carry information about one or more broadcast TWTs in a beacon frame. Each broadcast TWT is represented by a broadcast TWT identifier and the AP's media access control (MAC) address. After receiving the beacon frame, if the STA wishes 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.

[0094] Similar to unicast TWT, the parameter set of broadcast TWT also specifies the period of TWT service phase and the duration of each TWT service phase. In addition, the broadcast TWT parameters also include the life cycle of the broadcast TWT, which is expressed in units of beacon frame intervals and indicates the duration of the established broadcast TWT.

[0095] 2. Two-hop device

[0096] The first device and the second device are OBSS, the second device and the third device are OBSS, and the first device and the third device cannot hear each other's wireless signals, that is, the first device and the third device are two-hop devices.

[0097] 3. Low-latency communication

[0098] With the development of wireless networks and the continuous upgrading of wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, more and more application traffic is carried by Wi-Fi. On the other hand, the endless stream of mobile applications has higher and higher requirements for the latency performance of WLAN. For example, applications such as wireless video, voice, games, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) have very high requirements for communication latency.

[0099] See also Figure 2 , Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an R-TWT principle provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2As shown, R-TWT is a new mechanism to ensure low-latency services derived from the existing broadcast TWT in IEEE 802.11ax. Under the 802.11be standard, non-AP EHT STA (hereinafter referred to as EHT STA) has many real-time applications (RTA), and the traffic of these applications has very strict latency requirements. Based on this, the R-TWT mechanism is proposed, which indicates that the AP broadcasts one or more R-TWT SPs through beacon frames or probe response frames. When the EHT STA in the BSS receives any R-TWT SP information broadcast by the AP, if the dot11RestrictedTWTOptionImplemented of the STA is set to true, then the EHT STA needs to end its transmission opportunity (TXOP) before the start time of the r-TWT SP. In addition, the AP can set a quiet interval (quiet interval) in the beacon frame or the detection response frame that is aligned with the start time of the R-TWT SP, with a duration of 1 millisecond (ms). It is required that the EHT STA belonging to this R-TWT SP group (grouped by broadcast TWT ID) can ignore the above quiet interval and then compete for the channel after the R-TWT SP starts. Other EHT STAs need to remain silent according to the quiet interval, which will reduce the number of STAs competing for the channel in the BSS and increase the probability of EHT STAs with low-latency services getting the channel.

[0100] R-TWT information may be indicated in the TWT element field, see Figure 3 , Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a TWT element provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3As shown, for a broadcast TWT, the TWT parameter information can include multiple broadcast TWT parameter sets. The broadcast TWT recommendation subfield (broadcast TWT recommendation) in the request type field (request type) of each broadcast TWT parameter set is used to indicate the TWT type specified by the broadcast TWT parameter set. Its value is 4, indicating that this broadcast TWT parameter set corresponds to an R-TWT. This request type is introduced by IEEE 802.11be, so legacy STA cannot understand it. If a broadcast TWT parameter set corresponds to an R-TWT, then the broadcast TWT information subfield (broadcast TWT Info) in the TWT element field contains a one-bit R-TWT service information subfield existence indication subfield (restricted TWT traffic Info present). The value of this bit is 1, which means that the TWT element field contains Figure 3 The R-TWT service information sub-domain (restricted TWT traffic Info) shown in the figure is 0, which means that the TWT element domain does not contain Figure 3 The R-TWT traffic information subfield (restricted TWT traffic Info) shown in . The broadcast TWT indication (broadcastTWT ID) subfield indicates the identification number of the TWT group.

[0101] First, in order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the technical problems to be specifically solved by the present application are further analyzed and proposed. Currently, there are multiple technical solutions for implementing the R-TWT SP adjustment of the AP, which are described in the following exemplary manner.

[0102] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an AP adjusting an R-TWT SP provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown in (a), there are three APs, namely AP1, AP2 and AP3. AP1 and AP3 are OBSS, AP2 and AP3 are OBSS, and AP1 and AP2 cannot hear each other's wireless signals, that is, they are recognized as two-hop APs. Figure 4 As shown in (b), the three APs establish TWT SPs without coordination, that is, AP1 establishes TWT SP as SP11, AP2 establishes TWT SP as SP21, and AP3 establishes TWT SP as SP31. Since SP11 and SP21 have been used by AP1 and AP2, AP3 cannot use SP11 and SP21 as TWT SPs. If it is recommended that APs that recognize each other as two-hop APs can perform R-TWT SP alignment, such as Figure 4As shown in (c), after AP1 and AP2 align their R-TWT SPs, the time period originally occupied by SP21 can be used by the three APs to schedule other services. Since AP1 and AP2 do not interfere with each other, their alignment does not affect concurrent transmission in the same time period.

[0103] Due to the lack of coordination mechanism, two APs that are two-hop APs cannot determine which one should adjust the R-TWT SP to align with the other. If the two APs adjust at the same time, it is equivalent to swapping their R-TWT SPs, and the alignment effect is not achieved. If there are multiple two-hop APs, it is difficult for them to align their R-TWT SPs with each other in the absence of a coordination mechanism.

[0104] Based on the fact that multiple two-hop devices find it difficult to align their R-TWT SPs with each other in the absence of a coordination mechanism, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can use pre-defined rules or broadcast preset R-TWT SPs to clearly enable devices in multiple two-hop devices to adjust their own R-TWT SPs to align with each other's R-TWT SPs, thereby avoiding the ping-pong effect caused by multiple devices adjusting their R-TWTSPs at the same time, thereby saving scheduling resources.

[0105] See also Figure 5 , Figure 5 It is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 The method is illustrated by taking the first device as the execution subject of the process diagram as an example, but the present application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction diagram. For example, the first device in this embodiment may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the first device to implement the method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device; the second device may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the second device to implement the method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second device; the third device may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the third device to implement the method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the third device. The first device, the second device, and the third device may be APs, STAs, or other devices. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the types of the first device, the second device, and the third device. Figure 5 As shown, the communication method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0106] S501: A first device recognizes that it and a second device are two-hop devices.

[0107] The first device can recognize that itself and the second device are two-hop devices. In a possible implementation, each device can broadcast the R-TWT information of itself and the OBSS device. When the first device cannot receive the first frame from the second device, it receives the second frame from the third device, and the second frame includes the R-TWT information of the second device. The first device can recognize that itself and the second device are two-hop devices based on the R-TWT information of the second device. It can be understood that this implementation is only an exemplary description, and other methods that can identify two-hop devices are also applicable to the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the identification method of two-hop devices.

[0108] The first frame and the second frame may be beacon frames. It is understood that the first frame and the second frame may also be other frames that can realize the functions of the first frame and the second frame. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the types of the first frame and the second frame, and the types of the first frame and the second frame may be the same or different.

[0109] For example, the first frame and the second frame are beacon frames, the first device is AP1, the second device is AP2, and the third device is AP3. Figure 4 As shown in (a), there are three APs, namely AP1, AP2 and AP3. Each AP can broadcast its own R-TWT information and that of the OBSS AP. AP1 receives the beacon frame sent by AP3 and obtains the R-TWT information of AP2 from it. If AP1 cannot receive the beacon frame of AP2, AP1 can identify itself and AP2 as two-hop APs.

[0110] S502: The first device adjusts its R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device.

[0111] In the embodiment of the present application, the two-hop devices can determine which device adjusts its own R-TWT SP according to the size order of their BSSIDs. The following is an example of the first device adjusting its own R-TWT SP.

[0112] The first device adjusts its R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device, which may meet one or more of the following possible implementations:

[0113] In a possible implementation, when the BSSID of the first device is less than (or less than or equal to) the BSSID of the second device, the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device. Specifically, when the first device recognizes that it and the second device are two-hop devices, if its own BSSID is less than (or less than or equal to) the BSSID of the other party, it can adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the other party. Otherwise, it does not adjust its own R-TWT SP. For example, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 FIG. 1 is another schematic diagram of an AP adjusting an R-TWT SP provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, AP1 and AP2 are two-hop APs to each other. Since the BSSID of AP1 is smaller than the BSSID of AP2, AP1 adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of AP2.

[0114] A possible implementation method is that when the BSSID of the first device is greater than or equal to (or greater than) the BSSID of the second device, the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device. Specifically, when the first device recognizes that itself and the second device are two-hop devices, if its own BSSID is greater than or equal to (or greater than) the BSSID of the other party, it can adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the other party. Otherwise, its own R-TWT SP will not be adjusted.

[0115] A possible implementation method is that if the second device includes multiple devices, the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the device with the largest BSSID in the second device. Specifically, if the first device identifies two or more two-hop devices, and its own BSSID is less than (or less than or equal to) the BSSID of the two or more two-hop devices, it will give priority to aligning the R-TWT SP with the device with the largest BSSID.

[0116] A possible implementation method is that if the second device includes multiple devices, the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the device with the smallest BSSID in the second device. Specifically, if the first device identifies two or more two-hop devices, and its own BSSID is greater than or equal to (or greater than) the BSSID of the two or more two-hop devices, it is preferred to align the R-TWT SP with the device with the smallest BSSID.

[0117] It can be understood that the above multiple possible implementation methods can be stipulated by the protocol, or the settings can be negotiated on which rule to use.

[0118] It should be noted that as long as multiple devices are two-hop devices, the above possible implementation methods are applicable. In the end, all devices will align their R-TWT SPs with the R-TWT SPs of the device with the largest or smallest BSSID.

[0119] The embodiment of the present application can use predefined rules to clarify which device among two or more two-hop devices will adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the other party's R-TWT SP, avoiding the ping-pong effect caused by two or more devices adjusting the R-TWT SP at the same time, thereby saving scheduling resources.

[0120] See also Figure 7 , Figure 7 It is a process interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 The method is illustrated by taking the first device and the third device as the execution subjects of the process interaction as an example, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction illustration. For example, the first device in this embodiment may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the first device to implement the method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device; the second device may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the second device to implement the method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second device; the third device may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the third device to implement the method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the third device. The first device, the second device, and the third device may be APs, STAs, or other devices. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the types of the first device, the second device, and the third device. Figure 7 As shown, the communication method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0121] S701. The third device sends broadcast TWT information including a first preset R-TWT SP to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device receives the broadcast TWT information from the third device.

[0122] In the embodiment of the present application, each device can send the location information of the preset R-TWT SP to the device in the OBSS with it, and the device in the OBSS with it aligns its own R-TWT SP with the preset R-TWT SP, thereby achieving the effect of aligning the R-TWT SP of the two-hop devices. The following is an example of the first device adjusting its own R-TWT SP.

[0123] The third device may broadcast TWT information, and the broadcast TWT information includes the first preset R-TWT SP. The first preset R-TWT SP may also be understood as the location information of the first preset R-TWT SP.

[0124] The first preset R-TWT SP can be determined by the broadcast TWT identifier in the broadcast TWT information subfield. Specifically, Figure 3 As shown, the broadcast TWT information (broadcast TWT Info) subdomain may include a restricted TWT traffic Info present field, a reserved field, a broadcast TWT ID field, and a broadcast TWT persistence field. The corresponding broadcast TWT information may be indicated by setting the broadcast TWT ID field to one or more specific values ​​to indicate the first preset R-TWT SP. Exemplarily, the broadcast TWT ID field is 5 bits, and may also be one or more of 31, 30, 29, 0, 1, or 2. The embodiments of the present application do not limit specific values ​​as long as they are agreed upon in advance.

[0125] The first preset R-TWT SP may also be indicated by a new element, for example, by a first element, which may include the next SP start time, SP duration, and the interval between two adjacent SPs. In one embodiment, the next SP start time may be carried in the target wake time field in the first element, the SP duration may be carried in the nominal minimum TWT wake duration field in the first element, and the interval between two adjacent SPs may be carried in the TWT wake interval field in the first element.

[0126] S702: The first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with a first preset R-TWT SP.

[0127] After the first device receives the broadcast TWT information from the third device, it can adjust its own R-TWT SP according to the first preset R-TWT SP carried in the broadcast TWT information, that is, the first device can adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the first preset R-TWT SP.

[0128] For example, the first device is AP1, the second device is AP2, and the third device is AP3. Figure 4As shown in (a), there are three APs, namely AP1, AP2 and AP3. AP1 and AP3 are OBSS, AP2 and AP3 are OBSS, and AP1 and AP2 cannot hear each other's wireless signals, that is, they are recognized as two-hop APs. Figure 8 , Figure 8 FIG. 1 is another schematic diagram of an AP adjusting an R-TWT SP provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, AP3 broadcasts its first preset R-TWT SP information. After hearing the first preset R-TWT SP information broadcast by AP3, AP1 adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the first preset R-TWT SP.

[0129] Furthermore, the first device and the second device are two-hop devices to each other, and the third device broadcasts broadcast TWT information including the first preset R-TWT SP. The second device can also receive the first preset R-TWT SP and adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the first preset R-TWT SP. The first device and the second device respectively adjust their respective R-TWT SPs to align with the first preset R-TWT SP, thereby achieving the effect of R-TWT SP alignment of the two-hop devices.

[0130] For example, please refer to Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is another schematic diagram of an AP adjusting an R-TWT SP provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 9 As shown, AP3 broadcasts its first preset R-TWT SP information. After hearing the first preset R-TWT SP information broadcast by AP3, AP1 and AP2 adjust their own R-TWT SP to align with the first preset R-TWT SP. Since AP1 and AP2 are two-hop APs, the R-TWT SP alignment effect of the two-hop devices can be achieved.

[0131] It should be noted that the first preset R-TWT SP can be used to align the R-TWT SP of two-hop devices, but the alignment of the two-hop devices may not be strongly coupled. For example, when the first device has only one OBSS, the first preset R-TWTSP can also be used to suggest that the OBSS adjust its R-TWT SP to align with the first preset R-TWT SP to facilitate the first device to arrange its scheduling.

[0132] The embodiment of the present application can broadcast a preset R-TWT SP to clarify that the devices in multiple two-hop devices adjust their own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the other party, avoiding the ping-pong effect caused by multiple devices adjusting the R-TWT SP at the same time, thereby saving scheduling resources.

[0133] See also Fig.10 , Fig.10 It is a process interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.10 The method is illustrated by taking the first device, the second device and the third device as the execution subjects of the process interaction as an example, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interaction illustration. For example, the first device in this embodiment may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the first device to implement the method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device; the second device may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the second device to implement the method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second device; the third device may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the third device to implement the method, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the third device. The first device, the second device and the third device may be APs, STAs, or other devices. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the types of the first device, the second device and the third device. Fig.10 As shown, the communication method includes but is not limited to the following steps.

[0134] S1001. A first device sends broadcast TWT information including a second preset R-TWT SP to a third device. Correspondingly, the third device receives the broadcast TWT information from the first device.

[0135] The first device may send broadcast TWT information to the third device, and the broadcast TWT information includes a second preset R-TWT SP. The second preset R-TWT SP may also be understood as the location information of the second preset R-TWT SP. The implementation method of the second preset R-TWT SP may refer to the specific description of the first preset R-TWT SP in step S701 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0136] S1002: The second device sends broadcast TWT information including a third preset R-TWT SP to the third device. Correspondingly, the third device receives the broadcast TWT information from the second device.

[0137] The second device may send broadcast TWT information to the third device, and the broadcast TWT information includes a third preset R-TWT SP. The third preset R-TWT SP may also be understood as the location information of the third preset R-TWT SP. The implementation method of the third preset R-TWT SP may refer to the specific description of the first preset R-TWT SP in step S701 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0138] S1003. If the third preset R-TWT SP overlaps with the R-TWT SP of the first device, the third device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the second preset R-TWT SP; or if the second preset R-TWT SP overlaps with the R-TWT SP of the second device, the third device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the third preset R-TWT SP.

[0139] After receiving the broadcast TWT information from the first device and the broadcast TWT information from the second device, the third device can adjust its own R-TWT SP according to the second preset R-TWT SP and the third preset R-TWT SP.

[0140] In a possible implementation, if the third preset R-TWT SP overlaps with the R-TWT SP of the first device, the third device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the second preset R-TWT SP. For example, the first device is AP1, the second device is AP2, and the third device is AP3. Figure 4 As shown in (a), there are three APs, namely AP1, AP2 and AP3. AP1 and AP3 are OBSS, AP2 and AP3 are OBSS, and AP1 and AP2 cannot hear each other's wireless signals, that is, they are recognized as two-hop APs. Fig.11 , Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an AP adjusting an R-TWT SP provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.11 As shown, AP1 and AP2 broadcast preset R-TWT SPs respectively, that is, AP1 broadcasts the second preset R-TWT SP, and AP2 broadcasts the third preset R-TWT SP. AP3 receives the second preset R-TWT SP and the third preset R-TWT SP of AP1 and AP3, and determines that the third preset R-TWT SP of AP2 overlaps with the R-TWT SP of AP1. If AP3 adjusts its own R-TWT SP according to the third preset R-TWT SP of AP2, it will overlap with the R-TWT SP of AP1, and AP1 and AP3 are OBSS, and the overlapping R-TWT SP will cause serious interference. Therefore, it is not a good choice to make adjustments based on the third preset R-TWT SP of AP2. Therefore, in this case, AP3 can adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the second preset R-TWT SP of AP1.

[0141] In a possible implementation, if the second preset R-TWT SP overlaps with the R-TWT SP of the second device, the third device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the third preset R-TWT SP. For example, the first device is AP1, the second device is AP2, and the third device is AP3. Figure 4 As shown in (a), there are three APs, namely AP1, AP2 and AP3. AP1 and AP3 are OBSS, AP2 and AP3 are OBSS, and AP1 and AP2 cannot hear each other's wireless signals, that is, they are recognized as two-hop APs. Fig.12 , Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an AP adjusting an R-TWT SP provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.12 As shown, AP1 and AP2 broadcast preset R-TWT SPs respectively, that is, AP1 broadcasts the second preset R-TWT SP, and AP2 broadcasts the third preset R-TWT SP. AP3 receives the second preset R-TWT SP and the third preset R-TWT SP of AP1 and AP3, and determines that the second preset R-TWT SP of AP1 overlaps with the R-TWT SP of AP2. If AP3 adjusts its own R-TWT SP according to the second preset R-TWT SP of AP1, it will overlap with the R-TWT SP of AP2, and AP2 and AP3 are OBSS, and the overlapping R-TWT SP will cause serious interference. Therefore, it is not a good choice to make adjustments based on the second preset R-TWT SP of AP1. Therefore, in this case, AP3 can adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the third preset R-TWT SP of AP2.

[0142] It should be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the order of the sequence numbers of the above processes does not mean the order of execution. For example, step S1002 may be executed first and then step S1001, or step S1001 and step S1002 may be executed simultaneously. 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 the present application.

[0143] The embodiment of the present application can broadcast a preset R-TWT SP to clarify that the devices in multiple two-hop devices adjust their own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the other party, avoiding the ping-pong effect caused by multiple devices adjusting the R-TWT SP at the same time, thereby saving scheduling resources.

[0144] The above content elaborates on the method provided by the present application. In order to facilitate better implementation of the above scheme of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides a corresponding device.

[0145] The embodiment of the present application can divide the functional modules of the communication device according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above 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 function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0146] See also Fig.13 , Fig.13 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may be a first device, or a module (for example, a chip or a processor) in the first device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device. Fig.13 As shown, the communication device 1300 at least includes: a processing unit 1301 and a transceiver unit 1302; wherein:

[0147] The processing unit 1301 is configured to identify that the processing unit 1301 and the second device are two-hop devices.

[0148] The processing unit 1301 is further configured to adjust the alignment of its own R-TWT SP with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device.

[0149] In one embodiment, the processing unit 1301 adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device, specifically for:

[0150] When the BSSID of the first device is smaller than the BSSID of the second device, the first device adjusts its R-TWT SP to be aligned with the R-TWT SP of the second device.

[0151] In one embodiment, the processing unit 1301 adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device, specifically for:

[0152] In a case where the BSSID of the first device is greater than or equal to the BSSID of the second device, the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to be aligned with the R-TWT SP of the second device.

[0153] In one embodiment, if the second device includes multiple devices, the processing unit 1301 adjusts the R-TWT SP of the first device to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device, specifically for:

[0154] The R-TWT SP of the first device is adjusted to align with the R-TWT SP of the device with the largest BSSID among the second devices.

[0155] In one embodiment, the transceiver unit 1302 is configured to receive a second frame from a third device when the first device cannot receive the first frame from the second device, the second frame including the R-TWT information of the second device;

[0156] The processing unit 1301 identifies that the first device and the second device are two-hop devices to each other, and is specifically used to: identify that itself and the second device are two-hop devices to each other according to the R-TWT information of the second device.

[0157] In one embodiment, the first frame and the second frame are beacon frames.

[0158] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 1301 and the transceiver unit 1302, please refer to the above Figure 5-Figure 6 The relevant description of the first device in the method embodiment shown is not repeated here.

[0159] See also Fig.14 , Fig.14 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may be a first device, or a module (for example, a chip or a processor) in the first device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device. Fig.14 As shown, the communication device 1400 at least includes: a transceiver unit 1401 and a processing unit 1402; wherein:

[0160] The transceiver unit 1401 is configured to receive broadcast TWT information from a third device, where the broadcast TWT information of the third device includes a first preset R-TWT SP;

[0161] The processing unit 1402 is configured to adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the first preset R-TWT SP.

[0162] In one embodiment, the first preset R-TWT SP is determined by the broadcast TWT identifier in the broadcast TWT information subfield.

[0163] In one embodiment, the first preset R-TWT SP is indicated by a first element, which includes a next SP start time, an SP duration, and an interval between two adjacent SPs.

[0164] In one embodiment, the next SP start time is carried in the target wake-up time field in the first element, the SP duration is carried in the minimum TWT wake-up duration field in the first element, and the interval between two adjacent SPs is carried in the TWT wake-up interval field in the first element.

[0165] For a more detailed description of the transceiver unit 1401 and the processing unit 1402, please refer to the above Figure 7-Figure 9 The relevant description of the first device in the method embodiment shown is not repeated here.

[0166] See also Fig.15 , Fig.15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device may be a third device, or a module (for example, a chip or a processor) in a third device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the third device. Fig.15 As shown, the communication device 1500 at least includes: a transceiver unit 1501 and a processing unit 1502; wherein:

[0167] The transceiver unit 1501 is configured to receive broadcast TWT information from a first device and broadcast TWT information from a second device, wherein the broadcast TWT information of the first device includes a second preset R-TWT SP, the broadcast TWT information of the second device includes a third preset R-TWT SP, and the first device and the second device are two-hop devices to each other;

[0168] Processing unit 1502 is used to adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the second preset R-TWT SP if the third preset R-TWT SP overlaps with the R-TWT SP of the first device; or to adjust its own R-TWT SP to align with the third preset R-TWT SP if the second preset R-TWT SP overlaps with the R-TWT SP of the third device.

[0169] In one embodiment, the preset R-TWT SP is determined by the broadcast TWT identifier in the broadcast TWT information subfield.

[0170] In one embodiment, the preset R-TWT SP is indicated by a first element, which includes a next SP start time, an SP duration, and an interval between two adjacent SPs.

[0171] In one embodiment, the next SP start time is carried in the target wake-up time field in the first element, the SP duration is carried in the minimum TWT wake-up duration field in the first element, and the interval between two adjacent SPs is carried in the TWT wake-up interval field in the first element.

[0172] For a more detailed description of the transceiver unit 1501 and the processing unit 1502, please refer to the above Figure 10-12 The relevant description of the third device in the method embodiment shown is not repeated here.

[0173] See also Fig.16 , Fig.16 Schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.16 As shown, the device 1600 may include one or more processors 1601, which may also be called a processing unit, and may implement certain control functions. The processor 1601 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor.

[0174] In an optional design, the processor 1601 may also store instructions 1603 and / or data, and the instructions 1603 and / or data can be executed by the processor so that the device 1600 executes the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0175] In another optional design, the processor 1601 may include a transceiver unit for implementing the receiving and sending functions. For example, the transceiver unit may be a transceiver circuit, or an interface, or an interface circuit, or a communication interface. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing the receiving and sending functions may be separate or integrated. The above-mentioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used for reading and writing code / data, or the above-mentioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be used for transmitting or delivering signals.

[0176] In yet another possible design, the apparatus 1600 may include a circuit that may implement the functions of sending, receiving, or communicating in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0177] Optionally, the device 1600 may include one or more memories 1602, on which instructions 1604 may be stored, and the instructions may be executed on the processor so that the device 1600 performs the method described in the above method embodiment. Optionally, data may also be stored in the memory. Optionally, instructions and / or data may also be stored in the processor. The processor and memory may be provided separately or integrated together. For example, the corresponding relationship described in the above method embodiment may be stored in a memory or in a processor.

[0178] Optionally, the device 1600 may further include a transceiver 1605 and / or an antenna 1606. The processor 1601 may be referred to as a processing unit, which controls the device 1600. The transceiver 1605 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, a transceiver device or a transceiver module, etc., which is used to implement a transceiver function.

[0179] Optionally, the device 1600 in the embodiment of the present application can be used to execute the embodiment of the present application Figure 5-Figure 12 Describe the method.

[0180] In one embodiment, the communication device 1600 can be applied to a first device, or to a module (e.g., a chip or a processor) in the first device, or to a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first device. When the computer program instructions stored in the memory 1602 are executed, the processor 1601 is used to control the processing unit 1301 and the processing unit 1402 to perform the operations performed in the above embodiments, the transceiver 1605 is used to perform the operations performed by the transceiver unit 1302 and the transceiver unit 1401 in the above embodiments, and the transceiver 1605 is also used to send information to other communication devices outside the communication device. The above-mentioned first device or the module in the first device can also be used to perform the above-mentioned Figure 5-Figure 9 The various methods performed by the first device in the method embodiment are not described in detail.

[0181] In one embodiment, the communication device 1600 can be applied to a third device, or to a module (e.g., a chip or a processor) in the third device, or to a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the third device. When the computer program instructions stored in the memory 1602 are executed, the processor 1601 is used to control the processing unit 1502 to perform the operations performed in the above embodiment, the transceiver 1605 is used to perform the operations performed by the transceiver unit 1501 in the above embodiment, and the transceiver 1605 is also used to send information to other communication devices outside the communication device. The above third device or the module in the third device can also be used to perform the above Figure 10-12 The various methods performed by the third device in the method embodiment are not described in detail.

[0182] The processor and transceiver described in the present application can be implemented in an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency interface chip (RFIC), a mixed signal IC, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), N-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS), P-type metal oxide semiconductor (positive channel metal oxide semiconductor, PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0183] The device described in the above embodiments may be a first terminal device or a second terminal device, but the scope of the device described in this application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the device may not be limited thereto. Fig.16 The device may be a stand-alone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the device may be:

[0184] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0185] (2) having a set of one or more ICs, and optionally, the IC set may also include a storage component for storing data and / or instructions;

[0186] (3) ASIC, such as modem (MSM);

[0187] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0188] (5) Receivers, terminals, smart terminals, cellular phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, machine equipment, home equipment, medical equipment, industrial equipment, etc.;

[0189] (6)Others

[0190] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the program is executed by a processor, it can implement the process related to the first device in the communication method provided in the above method embodiment.

[0191] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the program is executed by a processor, it can implement the process related to the third device in the communication method provided in the above method embodiment.

[0192] The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, which, when executed on a computer or processor, enables the computer or processor to execute one or more steps in any of the above communication methods. If the components of the above-mentioned devices are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in the computer-readable storage medium.

[0193] The embodiment of the present application also provides a chip system, including at least one processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface and the at least one processor are interconnected through a line, and the at least one processor is used to run a computer program or instruction to execute the above-mentioned Figure 5-Figure 12 Any part or all of the steps recorded in the corresponding method embodiment. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0194] The present application also discloses a communication system including a first device, a second device and a third device. Figure 5-Figure 12 The communication method shown.

[0195] It should be understood that the memory mentioned 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 hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), 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 exemplary but not limiting explanation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM) and direct rambus RAM (DRRAM). Memory is any other medium that can be used to carry or store a desired program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiment of the present application can also be a circuit or any other device that can realize a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0196] It should also be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0197] 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, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) is integrated in the processor.

[0198] It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0199] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, 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 the present application.

[0200] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments provided herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software 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.

[0201] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0202] In the several embodiments provided in the present 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 only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0203] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on 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.

[0204] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment 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.

[0205] 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 technology or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform 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 USB flash drives, mobile hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0206] The steps in the method of the embodiment of the present application can be adjusted in order, combined and deleted according to actual needs.

[0207] The modules / units in the device of the embodiment of the present application can be combined, divided and deleted according to actual needs.

[0208] As described above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first device recognizes that itself and the second device are two-hop devices; The first device adjusts its own defined target wake-up time service period R-TWT SP to be aligned with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the basic service set identifier BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first device adjusting its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device includes: When the BSSID of the first device is smaller than the BSSID of the second device, the first device adjusts its R-TWT SP to be aligned with the R-TWT SP of the second device.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first device adjusting its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device according to the size of the BSSID of the first device and the size of the BSSID of the second device includes: When the BSSID of the first device is greater than or equal to the BSSID of the second device, the first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: If the second device includes multiple devices, the first device adjusting its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the second device includes: The first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the R-TWT SP of the device with the largest BSSID among the second devices.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first device identifying itself and the second device as two-hop devices comprises: In a case where the first device cannot receive the first frame from the second device, receiving a second frame from a third device, wherein the second frame includes R-TWT information of the second device; The first device identifies that itself and the second device are two-hop devices based on the R-TWT information of the second device.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The first frame and the second frame are beacon frames.

7. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first device receives broadcast target wake-up time TWT information from a third device, wherein the broadcast TWT information of the third device includes a first preset limited target wake-up time service period R-TWT SP; The first device adjusts its own R-TWT SP to align with the first preset R-TWT SP.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first preset R-TWT SP is determined by the broadcast TWT identifier in the broadcast TWT information subfield.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first preset R-TWT SP is indicated by a first element, which includes a next SP start time, an SP duration, and an interval between two adjacent SPs.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The next SP start time is carried in the target wake-up time field in the first element, the SP duration is carried in the minimum TWT wake-up duration field in the first element, and the interval between two adjacent SPs is carried in the TWT wake-up interval field in the first element.

11. A communication device, characterized in that: The apparatus is applied to a first device, and comprises a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. A communication device, characterized in that: The apparatus is applied to a third device, and comprises a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

13. A communication device, characterized in that: It includes a processor, a memory, an input interface and an output interface, the input interface is used to receive information from other communication devices outside the communication device, and the output interface is used to output information to other communication devices outside the communication device. When the stored computer program stored in the memory is called by the processor, the device executes the method described in any one of claims 1-6 or 7-10.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or a computer instruction. When the computer program or the computer instruction is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or 7 to 10 is implemented.

15. A computer program product comprising program instructions, which implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or 7 to 10 when the program instructions are executed on a computer.

16. A chip system, characterized in that: It includes at least one processor, a memory and an interface circuit, wherein the memory, the interface circuit and the at least one processor are interconnected via lines, and instructions are stored in the at least one memory; when the instructions are executed by the processor, the method described in any one of claims 1-6 or 7-10 is implemented.

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