Channel use method and device, equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a channel using method and device, equipment and a storage medium, and the method comprises the steps that a first node determines the duration of a first transmission opportunity of a main channel or the maintained network allocation vector NAV of the main channel is reset to be the first duration, and then sends a first frame on a secondary channel, the first frame is used for indicating that the duration of a second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from a second duration to a third duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

Description

Channel using method, device, equipment, and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of mobile communication technology, and specifically to a channel usage method and apparatus, device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) can occupy up to multiple channels in the frequency domain, including one primary channel and multiple secondary channels. Secondary channels refer to channels other than the primary channel. During the primary channel's busy period, if a secondary channel is idle, it can be used for data transmission. However, if the primary channel's busy period is unknown, communication devices cannot determine the duration of secondary channel usage.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a channel usage method, apparatus, device, and storage medium.

[0005] The present invention provides a method for using a channel, including:

[0006] The first node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration, and then sends a first frame on the secondary channel, where the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

[0007] The present invention provides a method for using a channel, including:

[0008] The second node receives a first frame on the secondary channel, and based on the first frame determines that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, and the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration.

[0009] The present invention provides a method for using a channel, including:

[0010] After the first node sends the fourth physical layer protocol data unit PPDU on the secondary channel, it detects whether the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset; if the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration, the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

[0011] An embodiment of the present application provides a channel using device, including:

[0012] A first communication unit is configured to determine that the duration of a first transmission opportunity of a primary channel is reset to a first duration, and then send a first frame on a secondary channel, wherein the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of a second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to a third duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

[0013] An embodiment of the present application provides a channel using device, including:

[0014] The second communication unit is configured to receive a first frame on a secondary channel, and determine based on the first frame that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, wherein the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration.

[0015] An embodiment of the present application provides a channel using device, including:

[0016] The detection unit is configured to detect whether the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset after sending the fourth physical layer protocol data unit PPDU on the secondary channel; if the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

[0017] The communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application may be the first node or the second node in the above-mentioned solution, and includes a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and execute the computer program stored in the memory to perform the above-mentioned channel usage method.

[0018] The chip provided in the embodiment of the present application is used to implement the above-mentioned channel usage method.

[0019] Specifically, the chip includes: a processor, which is used to call and run a computer program from a memory, so that a device equipped with the chip executes the above-mentioned channel use method.

[0020] The computer-readable storage medium provided in an embodiment of the present application is used to store a computer program, which enables a computer to execute the above-mentioned channel use method.

[0021] The computer program product provided in an embodiment of the present application includes computer program instructions, which enable a computer to execute the above-mentioned channel use method.

[0022] The computer program provided in the embodiment of the present application, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the above-mentioned channel using method.

[0023] Through the above technical solution, when the duration of the transmission opportunity of the main channel is determined to be updated, the duration of the transmission opportunity on the secondary channel is synchronously updated by sending the first frame on the secondary channel, so that the duration of the transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is synchronously updated with the duration of the transmission opportunity of the main channel, so that the usage time of the secondary channel is as close as possible to the actual usage time of the main channel, maintaining fairness to other devices in using the secondary channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0025] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG2 is an optional schematic diagram of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG3 is an optional schematic diagram of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG4 is an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG6 is an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG7 is an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG8A is a schematic diagram of an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG8B is an optional flowchart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG8C is an optional flowchart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG8D is an optional flowchart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG8E is an optional flowchart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG9 is an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG10 is an optional schematic diagram of NAV reset according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG11 is an optional schematic diagram of NAV reset according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG12 is an optional schematic diagram of NAV reset according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG13 is an optional schematic diagram of NAV reset according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG14 is an optional schematic diagram of NAV reset according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG15 is an optional schematic diagram of NAV reset according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG16 is an optional schematic diagram of NAV reset according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG17 is an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG18 is an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG19 is an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG20 is an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of an optional composition of the first BK frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG22 is a schematic diagram of an optional composition of a duration field according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG23 is a schematic diagram of an optional composition of a service field according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG24 is a schematic diagram of an optional composition of a first ACK frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG25 is a schematic diagram of an optional composition of a QoS empty data frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG26 is an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG27 is an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG28 is a schematic diagram of an optional composition of a transmission opportunity reset frame according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG29 is a schematic diagram of an optional composition of an A-control field according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG30 is a schematic diagram of an optional composition of a duration field according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG31 is an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG32 is an optional flow chart of a channel use method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG33 is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of a channel using device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG34 is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of a channel using device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG35 is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of a channel using device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG36 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG37 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 38 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The following will describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0068] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1, communication system 100 may include an access point (AP) 10 and a non-AP, or station (STA) 20. AP 10 and non-AP 20 are different nodes in communication system 100. AP 10 is an electronic device capable of forming a wireless local area network 30 based on transmitted signals, such as a router or a mobile phone with hotspot functionality. Non-AP 20 is an electronic device connected to the wireless local area network 30 formed by AP 10, such as a mobile phone, a smart washing machine, an air conditioner, or an electronic lock. Non-AP 20 communicates with AP 10 via wireless local area network 30.

[0070] The AP and the non-AP may communicate using one channel or multiple channels. In the embodiment of the present application, the AP10 and the non-AP20 may be terminal devices, which may refer to access terminals, user equipment (UE), user units, user stations, mobile stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote terminals, mobile devices, user terminals, terminals, wireless communication devices, user agents, or user devices. The access terminal 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, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5th generation (5G) network, or a terminal device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

[0071] The communication system 100 shown in Figure 1 may further include a network device, which may be an access network device for communicating with a terminal device. The access network device may provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and may communicate with terminal devices within the coverage area.

[0072] The network device may be an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or a Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG RAN) device, or a base station (gNB) in an NR system, or a wireless controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN), or the network device 120 may be a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a hub, a switch, a bridge, a router, or a network device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

[0073] The communication system 100 shown in Figure 1 may also include a core network device that communicates with the base station. The core network device may be a 5G core network (5G Core, 5GC) device, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), a User Plane Function (UPF), or a Session Management Function (SMF). Optionally, the core network device 130 may also be an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) device of the LTE network, such as a Session Management Function + Core Packet Gateway (SMF+PGW-C) device. It should be understood that SMF+PGW-C can simultaneously implement the functions that SMF and PGW-C can implement. During the network evolution process, the above-mentioned core network device may also be called other names, or a new network entity may be formed by dividing the functions of the core network, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0074] FIG1 exemplarily shows one AP and one Non-AP. Optionally, the wireless communication system 100 may include multiple Non-APs, or only include multiple Non-APs. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0075] It should be noted that Figure 1 is merely an example of a system applicable to this application. Of course, the methods described in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other systems. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein. The term "and / or" herein simply describes an association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. Furthermore, the character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship. It should also be understood that the "indication" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct indication, an indirect indication, or an indication of an association relationship. For example, "A indicates B" can mean that A directly indicates B, for example, B can obtain information through A; it can also mean that A indirectly indicates B, for example, A indicates C, and B can obtain information through C; or it can mean that A and B have an association relationship. It should also be understood that the "correspondence" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can mean that there is a direct or indirect correspondence between two objects, or that there is an association relationship between the two objects, or a relationship between an indicator and the indicated, a configuration and the configured, and so on. It should also be understood that the “predefined” or “predefined rules” mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (for example, including a terminal device and a network device), and the present application does not limit its specific implementation method. For example, predefined can refer to a definition in a protocol. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the “protocol” can refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as an LTE protocol, an NR protocol, and related protocols used in future communication systems, and the present application does not limit this.

[0076] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the relevant technologies of the embodiments of the present application are described below. The following relevant technologies can be arbitrarily combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application as optional solutions, and they all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0077] A Basic Service Set (BSS) describes a group of communicating devices in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), which may or may not include an AP.

[0078] The two Network Allocation Vectors (NAVs) in the protocol are defined as follows:

[0079] STAs maintain two NAVs, and APs maintain two NAVs: the intra-BSS NAV and the basic NAV. The intra-BSS NAV is updated via the intra-BSS physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). The basic NAV is updated via the inter-BSS PPDU or the PPDU that cannot be separated into intra-BSS and inter-BSS types.

[0080] The BSS internal NAV corresponds to the BSS internal NAV timer, and the basic NAV corresponds to the basic NAV timer. When a station maintains two NAVs, if both NAV timers are 0, the virtual carrier sense (CS) indicates that the medium is idle; if at least one of the two NAV timers is non-zero, the virtual carrier sense indicates that the medium is busy.

[0081] The above NAV definition does not specify whether it is for the primary channel or the secondary channel, which makes the secondary channel usage rules unclear and causes confusion when using the primary and secondary channels.

[0082] The rules for using the secondary channel include:

[0083] Rule 1: Wi-Fi can occupy up to multiple channels in the frequency domain, including one primary channel and multiple secondary channels. Secondary channels refer to channels other than the primary channel. The rules for using secondary channels are as follows: If the Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) result on the primary channel is idle, the CCA result for a duration equal to the Point Interframe Space (PIFS) is checked on the secondary channel. If the secondary channel is also idle, it can be used along with the primary channel.

[0084] For rule 1, if the primary channel CCA detection is busy, the secondary channel cannot be used, wasting the transmission opportunity (TXOP) of the secondary channel. The transmission opportunity belongs to (frequency domain resources), so the frequency domain resources are wasted.

[0085] Rule 2: In subchannel selective transmission (SST), STAs select the optimal 1MHz, 2MHz, 4MHz, 8MHz, or 16MHz channels to communicate with the S1G AP, avoiding fading channels. For SST operation, STAs can operate independently on secondary channels, but the primary channel must be available and in use at all times. The SST mechanism in Rule 2 still retains the limitation that secondary channels cannot be used if the primary channel CCA detection is busy.

[0086] Rule 3: When the primary channel is busy, the STA performs a CCA on another channel within the operating bandwidth and transmits on the channel on which the CCA successfully completes. When the busy state of the primary channel ends, any transmissions on secondary (non-primary) channels should also end. This is possible when the PPDU length and / or NAV information is known for the busy primary channel. If the duration of the primary channel's busy state is unknown, the STA uses a secondary channel regardless and periodically polls the primary channel while transmitting short bursts on the secondary channel.

[0087] For Rule 3, the secondary channel usage time must coincide with the end of the primary channel busy period. If this is inconsistent, it will affect other STAs' use of the secondary channel. For example, when the primary channel is busy, a STA may occupy the secondary channel for a long time. Other STAs are unaware of the secondary channel's usage and cannot use it. This reduces other STAs' access opportunities and occupies channel access opportunities for other Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) STAs that use the secondary channel as their primary channel.

[0088] Rule 3 considers the scenario where the busy time of the primary channel is known. However, it does not consider how the usage duration of the secondary channel should be modified if the busy time of the primary channel is reset, that is, when the duration of the primary channel is modified. This is to make the usage duration of the secondary channel as close as possible to the actual usage duration of the primary channel, maintaining fairness for other devices using the secondary channel.

[0089] Specifically, for a busy primary channel, the PPDU length and / or NAV information is known, but the NAV of the primary channel is reset. At this point, the usage duration of the primary channel is unknown, which poses a problem for the use of the secondary channel. As shown in Figure 2, the AP's primary channel busy time is known to be T0. The AP sets the secondary channel's NAV / duration field to be less than or equal to T0. As shown in Figure 3, after the primary channel sends a Contention-Free End (CF-End) frame at time T1, the primary channel's NAV is immediately reset, making the primary channel available (i.e., idle). At this point, the primary channel's usage duration has been updated. If the secondary channel's usage duration (or NAV) is not updated, the PPDU sent by the secondary channel may exceed the updated primary channel busy duration (i.e., T1), resulting in unfairness to other STAs.

[0090] Therefore, the related art does not consider how to modify the usage time of the secondary channel after the busy time of the primary channel is reset, so as to make the usage time of the secondary channel as close as possible to the actual usage time of the primary channel and maintain fairness for other devices to use the secondary channel.

[0091] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions of the present application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above related technologies can be combined arbitrarily with the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application as optional solutions, and all of them fall within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments of the present application include at least part of the following contents.

[0092] FIG4 is a channel usage method provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a first node, as shown in FIG4 , including:

[0093] S401. The first node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel or the network allocation vector NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset to a first duration, and then sends a first frame on the secondary channel, where the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to a third duration, where the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

[0094] FIG5 is a channel usage method provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a second node. As shown in FIG5 , the method includes:

[0095] S501. The second node receives a first frame on a secondary channel, and based on the first frame, determines that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, wherein the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration.

[0096] Here, the first frame is received when the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to a first duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

[0097] FIG6 is a channel usage method provided by an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a wireless communication system including a first node and a second node. As shown in FIG6 , the method includes:

[0098] S601. The first node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel or the network allocation vector NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset to the first duration, and then sends a first frame on the secondary channel, where the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration.

[0099] S602: The second node receives the first frame on the secondary channel;

[0100] S603: The second node determines, based on the first frame, that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to a third duration.

[0101] Below, the channel usage method provided in the embodiment of the present application is further explained.

[0102] In the embodiment of the present application, the first node uses the secondary channel to communicate with other nodes.

[0103] Optionally, the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is used for communication between the first node and the third node, i.e., the first node and the second node are users of the secondary channel and can communicate via the secondary channel. Optionally, the first node is a transmission opportunity holder for the secondary channel, and the second node is a transmission opportunity responder for the secondary channel. Optionally, the second node is a transmission opportunity holder for the secondary channel, and the first node is a transmission opportunity responder for the secondary channel.

[0104] The first node and the second node are respectively a node in a BSS, and the node may be an access point (AP) or a station (STA). It is understandable that the first node and the second node include at most one AP.

[0105] Optionally, the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the first node and the third node, or the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the second node and the third node.

[0106] Taking the example of a first transmission opportunity on the primary channel used for communication between a first node and a third node, the first node and the third node are users of the primary channel and can transmit frames on the primary channel. Alternatively, the first node is a transmission opportunity maintainer on the primary channel, and the third node is a transmission opportunity responder on a secondary channel. Alternatively, the third node is a transmission opportunity maintainer on the primary channel, and the first node is a transmission opportunity responder on the secondary channel.

[0107] If the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the first node and the third node, the first node and the third node determine the usage duration of the primary channel based on the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel. In this case, the first node and the third node each maintain a NAV for the primary channel, and the NAV is 0. The second node maintains a NAV for the primary channel, and the NAV is equal to the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel.

[0108] Taking the example of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel being used for communication between a second node and a third node, the third node is another node in the BSS where the first and second nodes are located. The second and third nodes are users of the primary channel and are capable of transmitting frames on the primary channel. Optionally, the second node is a transmission opportunity maintainer for the primary channel, and the third node is a transmission opportunity responder for a secondary channel. Optionally, the third node is a transmission opportunity maintainer for the primary channel, and the second node is a transmission opportunity responder for the secondary channel.

[0109] If the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is used for communication between the second node and the third node, the second node and the third node determine the usage duration of the main channel through the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel, and the first node determines the usage duration of the main channel through the value of the NAV of the maintained main channel, and the size of the NAV of the main channel maintained by the first node is the same as the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel.

[0110] In an embodiment of the present application, the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel can also be used for communication between the first node and the second node. In this case, the first node and the second node communicate using the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel and the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel.

[0111] It is understandable that in the embodiment of the present application, when both communicating nodes are sites, the transmission opportunity can be used for P2P transmission.

[0112] Optionally, the first node may have capability one, or may not have capability one, where capability one refers to the ability to perform CCA and / or monitor channels on both the primary channel and the secondary channel simultaneously.

[0113] In the case that the first node does not have capability one, the first node can only perform CCA and / or monitor the channel on the primary channel and the secondary channel in a time-sharing manner.

[0114] When the first node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity on the primary channel or the NAV maintained on the primary channel is reset to the first duration, it is considered that the current usage duration of the primary channel is reset to the first duration. The first node then sends a first frame to the second node on the secondary channel. The second node receives the first frame on the secondary channel and resets the duration of the second transmission opportunity on the secondary channel to the third duration based on the instruction of the first frame. It is understandable that the duration of the second transmission opportunity on the secondary channel upon completion of transmission of the first frame is the second duration.

[0115] In the embodiment of the present application, the duration of the transmission opportunity being reset may be understood as the duration of the transmission opportunity or the duration of the NAV being updated.

[0116] Optionally, the first frame is a request to send (RTS) frame.

[0117] Optionally, the second duration is greater than or less than the third duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration. For example, the third duration is equal to the first duration, or the third duration is the first duration minus a first value, where the first value is the duration used for transmission of the first frame on the secondary channel. The relationship between the third duration and the first duration can be set according to actual needs, and in the embodiments of the present application, no limitation is imposed on the relationship between the third duration and the first duration.

[0118] The channel usage method provided in the embodiment of the present application, when determining the update of the duration of the transmission opportunity of the main channel, synchronously updates the duration of the transmission opportunity on the secondary channel by sending the first frame on the secondary channel, so that the duration of the transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is synchronously updated with the duration of the transmission opportunity of the main channel, thereby making the usage duration of the secondary channel as close as possible to the actual usage duration of the main channel, and maintaining fairness to other devices in using the secondary channel.

[0119] In some embodiments, the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset to the third duration after the first frame is sent.

[0120] After completing transmission of the first frame, the first node resets the duration of the second transmission opportunity on the secondary channel to the third duration. After completing reception of the first frame, the second node resets the duration of the second transmission opportunity on the secondary channel to the third duration, thereby achieving synchronization between the first node and the second node on the duration of the second transmission opportunity on the secondary channel.

[0121] In one example, as shown in FIG7 , a primary channel is used for communication between a second node and a third node. Upon determining that the end time of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel has been updated from time T1 to time T2, the first node transmits frame 701 to the second node. Frame 701 indicates that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel has been updated, with the end time updated to T2. After transmitting frame 701, the first node deems the secondary channel idle after time T2. After receiving frame 701, the second node updates the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel and deems the secondary channel idle after time T2.

[0122] In some embodiments, the manner in which the first node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration includes:

[0123] Method 1: The second frame is received on the primary channel;

[0124] Method 2: Actively reset and send the second frame on the primary channel;

[0125] Method 3: The third frame is received on the secondary channel.

[0126] The second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration. Optionally, the second frame is a contention-free end CF-End frame.

[0127] The third frame is used to request sending of the first frame. It can be understood that the third frame is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel to the third duration.

[0128] For method one, the first node receives a second frame on the main channel, and based on the second frame determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration, and the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration.

[0129] In method 1, the first node receives the second frame sent by the second or third node on the primary channel, sends the first frame to the second node on the secondary channel, and the second node receives the first frame. The first node can be either a transmission opportunity responder or a transmission opportunity maintainer on the secondary channel.

[0130] The first node determines, based on the second frame received on the primary channel, that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0131] The first transmission opportunity of the primary channel may be used for communication between the first node and the third node or for communication between the second node and the third node or for communication between the first node and the second node.

[0132] If the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the first node and the third node, the third node actively resets the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel and sends the second frame to the first node, and the first node receives the second frame sent by the third node.

[0133] For the third node, the third node sends a second frame on the primary channel, where the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

[0134] Optionally, the third node is a transmission opportunity maintaining terminal of the primary channel.

[0135] As shown in Figure 8A, the third node sends the second frame to the first node on the main channel, the first node receives the second frame on the main channel, and the first node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration based on the received second frame, and sends the first frame to the second node on the secondary channel.

[0136] In one example, the second transmission opportunity on the secondary channel is used for communication between the first node STA1 and the second node STA2, and the first transmission opportunity on the primary channel is used for communication between STA1 and the third node STA3. STA3 is the transmission opportunity holder for the primary channel. STA3 then sends the second frame to STA1 on the primary channel. STA1 receives the second frame on the primary channel, and then sends the first frame to STA2 on the secondary channel. In this case, STA1 is the transmission opportunity maintainer or the transmission opportunity responder for the secondary channel.

[0137] In one example, the second transmission opportunity on the secondary channel is used for communication between the first node AP and the second node STA2, and the first transmission opportunity on the primary channel is used for communication between the AP and the third node STA3. STA3 is the transmission opportunity holder for the primary channel. STA3 then sends the second frame to the AP on the primary channel. The AP receives the second frame on the primary channel and then sends the first frame to STA2 on the secondary channel. In this case, the AP is either the transmission opportunity maintainer or the transmission opportunity responder for the secondary channel.

[0138] If the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is used for communication between the first node and the second node, the second node actively resets the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel to the first duration, sends a second frame to the first node, and the first node receives the second frame sent by the second node.

[0139] For the second node, the second node sends a second frame on the primary channel, where the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0140] In one example, the main channel is used for communication between the first node STA1 and the second node STA2, and the secondary channel is used for communication between the first node STA1 and the second node STA2. STA2 is the transmission opportunity holder of the main channel, then STA2 sends the second frame to STA1 on the main channel, STA1 receives the second frame on the main channel, and STA1 sends the first frame to STA2 on the secondary channel. At this time, STA1 is the transmission opportunity maintaining end of the secondary channel or the transmission opportunity responding end of the secondary channel.

[0141] If the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is used for communication between the second node and the third node, the first node receives the second frame sent by the second node or the third node on the main channel through the CCA or the monitoring channel, and the first node determines that the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration based on the second frame.

[0142] Optionally, the second node receives a second frame on the primary channel, where the second frame indicates that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration. In this case, the third node is a transmission opportunity maintaining end of the primary channel, and the second node is a transmission opportunity responding end of the primary channel.

[0143] Optionally, the second node proactively resets the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel and sends a second frame on the primary channel. The second frame indicates that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel has been reset to the first duration. In this case, the second node serves as the transmission opportunity maintainer for the primary channel, and the third node serves as the transmission opportunity responder for the primary channel.

[0144] If the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the second node and the third node, the first node receives the second frame sent by the second node or the third node if it has capability one.

[0145] Optionally, the first node is a maintaining end or a transmission opportunity maintaining end of the secondary channel.

[0146] As shown in Figure 8B, there is a second frame on the primary channel between the second node and the third node. The first node receives the second frame on the primary channel based on its ability to perform CCA or monitor the channel on both the primary and secondary channels at the same time. The first node sends the first frame to the second node on the secondary channel, and the second node receives the first frame on the secondary channel.

[0147] In one example, the second transmission opportunity on the secondary channel is used for communication between the first and second nodes AP, and the first transmission opportunity on the primary channel is used for communication between the second node AP and the third node STA3. The AP is the transmission opportunity holder of the primary channel. The AP sends the second frame to STA3 on the primary channel. STA1, based on its ability to perform CCA or monitor channels on both the primary and secondary channels, receives the second frame on the primary channel. STA1 then sends the first frame to the AP on the secondary channel, and the AP receives the first frame on the secondary channel. In this case, STA1 is the transmission opportunity maintainer or the transmission opportunity responder of the secondary channel.

[0148] In one example, the second transmission opportunity on the secondary channel is used for communication between the first node STA1 and the second node STA2, and the first transmission opportunity on the primary channel is used for communication between the second node STA2 and the third node STA3. STA2 is the transmission opportunity holder of the primary channel. STA2 sends the second frame to STA3 on the primary channel. STA1 receives the second frame on the primary channel based on its ability to perform CCA or monitor channels on both the primary and secondary channels. STA1 then sends the first frame to STA2 on the secondary channel, and STA2 receives the first frame on the secondary channel. In this case, STA1 is the transmission opportunity maintainer or the transmission opportunity responder of the secondary channel.

[0149] In the first approach, after receiving the second frame, the first node resets the NAV maintained for the primary channel to the third duration, and considers that the primary channel is idle after the third duration.

[0150] For the second approach, the first node proactively resets the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel, thereby ensuring that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0151] In the second method, the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is used for communication between the first node and the third node or between the first node and the second node, and the first node is the transmission opportunity maintaining end of the main channel, and the first node actively resets the first transmission opportunity of the main channel.

[0152] If the first node proactively resets the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel, the first node sends a second frame on the primary channel, where the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0153] If the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is used for communication between the first node and the third node, the first node actively resets the first transmission opportunity of the main channel and sends a second frame to the third node. The third node receives the second frame on the main channel, and the second frame is used to indicate that the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration.

[0154] As shown in Figure 8C, the first node actively resets the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel to the first duration, the first node sends the second frame to the third node on the main channel, and sends the first frame to the second node on the secondary channel, the third node receives the second frame on the main channel, and the second node receives the first frame on the secondary channel.

[0155] If the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is used for communication between the first node and the second node, and the first node is the transmission opportunity maintaining end of the main channel, the first node actively resets the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel to the first duration, sends a second frame to the second node on the main channel, and sends the first frame to the second node on the secondary channel, the second frame is used to indicate that the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration, the second node receives the second frame sent by the first node on the main channel, and receives the first frame sent by the first node on the secondary channel.

[0156] In one example, the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is used for communication between the first node STA1 and the second node STA2, and the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is for communication between the first node STA1 and the second node STA2. STA1 is the transmission opportunity holder of the main channel, then STA1 sends the second frame to STA2 on the main channel, and STA1 sends the first frame to STA2 on the secondary channel.

[0157] For mode three, the first node receives a third frame on the secondary channel, determines based on the third frame that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, and the third frame is used to request the first node to send the first frame.

[0158] In the third mode, for the second node, the second node sends a third frame on the secondary channel, where the third frame is used to request the first node to send the first frame.

[0159] Here, the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the second node and the third node, the first node does not have capability one, and the first node is the maintainer of the secondary channel and the second node is the responder of the secondary channel.

[0160] As shown in Figure 8D, when the second node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity on the primary channel has been reset to the first duration, it sends a third frame to the first node on the secondary channel. The first node receives the third frame on the secondary channel. After receiving the third frame, the first node sends the first frame to the second node on the secondary channel. The second node receives the first frame sent by the first node on the secondary channel. Optionally, the first node is the transmission opportunity maintaining end of the secondary channel.

[0161] In one example, the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is used for communication between the second node AP and the third node STA3, and the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is used for communication between the second node AP and the first node STA1. STA1 does not have capability one. STA3 sends a second frame to the AP to indicate that the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration. The AP determines that the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration based on the received second frame, then resets the NAV of the maintained main channel, and the AP sends a third frame to STA1 on the secondary channel to request STA1 to send the first frame. The first node STA1 sends a first frame to the AP on the secondary channel based on the third frame to indicate that the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset to the third duration.

[0162] In one example, the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is used for communication between the second node STA2 and the third node STA3, and the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is used for communication between STA2 and the first node STA1. STA1 does not have capability one. STA3 sends a second frame to STA2 to indicate that the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration. STA2 determines that the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration based on the received second frame, and resets the NAV of the maintained main channel. STA2 sends a third frame to STA1 on the secondary channel to request STA1 to send the first frame. The first node STA1 sends a first frame to STA2 on the secondary channel based on the third frame to indicate that the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset to the third duration.

[0163] Optionally, the third frame is sent to the first node after the second node receives or sends the second frame on the primary channel, and the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0164] Here, when the second node sends the second frame to the third node on the primary channel or receives the second frame sent by the third node on the primary channel, the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0165] Optionally, the third frame may be used to indicate a third duration, in which case the implicit instruction requests the first node to reset the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel to the third duration. Optionally, the third frame may also be used to carry instruction information requesting the first node to reset the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, in order to explicitly request the first node to reset the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel.

[0166] In method three, the third frame may require feedback or not. In the case that the third frame requires feedback, after receiving the third frame, the first node sends a confirmation frame for feedback on the third frame on the secondary channel, and sends the first frame on the secondary channel after sending the confirmation frame.

[0167] In the third mode, after receiving the third frame, the first node resets the NAV maintained for the primary channel to the third duration, and considers that the primary channel is idle after the third duration.

[0168] In some embodiments, the third frame includes one of the following:

[0169] First Block Acknowledgement (BA) frame, first Acknowledgement ACK frame, Reverse Protocol Allowed frame, CF-End frame.

[0170] The first BA frame is a BA frame modified based on the BA frame in the protocol, the first ACK frame is an ACK frame modified based on the ACK frame in the protocol, the frame allowed by the reverse protocol is a frame sent by the second node as the transmission opportunity response end of the secondary channel to the transmission opportunity maintenance end of the secondary channel when the reverse protocol of the secondary channel is turned on, and the CF-End frame is a frame sent by the second node as the transmission opportunity response end of the secondary channel to the first node as the transmission opportunity maintenance end of the secondary channel.

[0171] For the first block acknowledgment BA frame

[0172] The first BA frame includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the second indication information indicates the third duration.

[0173] The first BA frame requests the first node to update the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel to the third duration indicated by the second indication information based on the first indication information.

[0174] Optionally, the first indication information is located in a reserved bit in a BA control field of the first BA frame, and the second indication information is located in a BA information field of the first BA frame.

[0175] In the first BA frame, one of the reserved bits B0 or ​​B5-B8 in the BA Control field is defined as first indication information to indicate the duration of the first BA frame used to request resetting the second transmission opportunity. For example, when this bit (i.e., B5) in the BlockAck frame is set to 1, it indicates the duration of the first BA frame used to request resetting the second transmission opportunity.

[0176] In the first BA frame, the second indication information is located in the BA information field (BA Information field), where the BA Information field may be 2 bytes (16 bits).

[0177] For the first ACK frame

[0178] The first physical layer protocol data unit PPDU carrying the first ACK frame carries third indication information and fourth indication information, the third indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the fourth indication information indicates the third duration.

[0179] Here, the first ACK frame requests the first node to update the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel to the third duration indicated by the fourth indication information based on the third indication information.

[0180] Optionally, the first PPDU may include at least one of the following: non-HT PPDU, non-HT duplicate PPDU, HT PPDU, VHT PPDU, HE PPDU or EHT PPDU.

[0181] Optionally, the third indication information is located in the first reserved bit of the service field in the data field of the first PPDU, and the fourth indication information is located in the duration field of the first ACK frame or the second reserved bit of the service field in the data field of the first PPDU.

[0182] Taking the first PPDU as an HE PPDU as an example, B7 to B15 of the service field (SERVICE field) are reserved bits, then the first reserved bit in the reserved bits B7 to B15 (which can be any bit, such as B9) can be used as the third indication information, and the reserved bits other than the reserved bits used as the third indication information in the reserved bits B7 to B15, that is, the second reserved bit, can be used as the fourth indication information, and the duration field (Duration field) of the Ack frame can also be used as the fourth indication information.

[0183] The method in which the second reserved bit and the duration field indicate the third duration may be consistent.

[0184] For frames allowed by the reverse protocol

[0185] The frame allowed by the reverse protocol can be understood as a management frame or a null data frame sent by the transmission opportunity responder to the transmission opportunity maintainer based on the reverse protocol.

[0186] The frames allowed by the reverse protocol include at least one of the following: a transmission opportunity reset frame and a (Quality of Service) Null data frame (QoS) Null frame carrying control information.

[0187] Optionally, the transmission opportunity reset frame carries fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel to the third duration.

[0188] Optionally, the fifth indication information is located in the frame body field of the transmission opportunity reset frame.

[0189] The frame body field is used for transmitted information.

[0190] In one example, the transmission opportunity reset frame may include the following fields: a frame control field, a duration field, a receiving address field, a transmitting address field, a frame body field, and a frame check sequence (FCS) field.

[0191] Optionally, the (QoS) Null frame carries sixth indication information and seventh indication information, the sixth indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the seventh indication information indicates the third duration.

[0192] The (QoS) Null frame requests the first node to update the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel to the third duration indicated by the seventh indication information based on the sixth indication information.

[0193] Optionally, the sixth indication information is located in a control identifier having a second value in an A-control (A-control) field in a high-throughput HT control field in the (QoS) Null frame, and the first field having a third value in the HT control field indicates that the second field in the HT control field is an A-control field; and the seventh indication information is located in a control information field in the A-control field.

[0194] In one example, when bits B0-B1 of the HT Control field of a QoS Null frame are set to 11, bits B2-B31 of the HT Control field are defined as the A-Control field. The first four bits of the A-Control field are the Control ID, and Control ID values ​​7-14 are unused. Therefore, a Control ID of 7 (or any value from 7-14) can be defined as the sixth indication information. The Control Information field can use 16 bits, or the seventh indication information, to indicate the end time of the second transmission opportunity on the secondary channel after the reset, thereby indicating the third duration.

[0195] Optionally, the reverse protocol allowed frame is used to confirm the second PPDU, or the reverse protocol allowed frame is independent of the first confirmation frame used to confirm the second PPDU, and the second PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the first node before the reverse protocol allowed frame.

[0196] If the frame allowed by the reverse protocol has the confirmation function of confirming the PPDU, the frame allowed by the reverse protocol can also be used as a confirmation frame (BA frame or Ack frame). At this time, the second node can reply to the PPDU received from the first node through the frame allowed by the reverse protocol.

[0197] If the reverse protocol permission frame does not have a confirmation function for confirming the PPDU, the reverse protocol permission frame and the confirmation frame (BA frame or Ack frame) for confirming the second PPDU, that is, the first confirmation frame, are independent.

[0198] In a case where the reverse protocol allowed frame is independent of a first confirmation frame for confirming the second PPDU, the second node sends the first confirmation frame on a secondary channel, and the first node receives the first confirmation frame on the secondary channel.

[0199] In the case where the allow frame of the reverse protocol does not have a confirmation function for confirming the PPDU, after receiving the second PPDU, the second node sends a first confirmation frame for confirming the second PPDU to the first node, and sends a reverse protocol allow frame on the secondary channel after the first confirmation frame.

[0200] In some embodiments, the condition for the third frame to include the reverse protocol allowed frame is that the first node is a transmission opportunity maintaining end of the secondary channel and the first node has enabled the reverse protocol of the secondary channel.

[0201] In the embodiment of the present application, when the first node starts the reverse protocol for the secondary channel, the third frame may be a frame allowed by the reverse protocol; otherwise, the third frame does not include a frame allowed by the reverse protocol.

[0202] Optionally, the first node sends a third PPDU on the secondary channel, where the third PPDU is used to indicate starting a reverse protocol for the secondary channel.

[0203] At this time, the second node receives a third PPDU on the secondary channel.

[0204] The first node serves as a transmission opportunity maintainer of the secondary channel and sends a third PPDU on the secondary channel to instruct the second node to start a reverse protocol of the secondary channel.

[0205] Optionally, the third PPDU includes eighth indication information, and the eighth indication information is used to indicate starting the reverse protocol of the secondary channel.

[0206] Optionally, the eighth indication information is located in the Reverse Grant / More PPDU subfield in the HT Control field in the third PPDU.

[0207] The transmission opportunity maintainer may indicate whether to enable the reverse direction protocol for the secondary channel by using the reverse direction grant (RDG) / More PPDU subfield of the HT Control field in the PPDU sent on the secondary channel. The PPDU indicating the enablement of the reverse direction protocol is the third PPDU.

[0208] In one example, if the RDG / More PPDU subfield of the HT Control field in the PPDU is set to 1, it means that the transmission opportunity maintainer has enabled the reverse direction protocol, ie, the TXOP responder is allowed to send the PPDU.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, and then sends the first frame on the secondary channel, comprising:

[0210] The first node determines at a first moment that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to a first duration, and then sends a first frame on the secondary channel at a second moment, where the second moment is after the first moment and is separated from the first moment by a fourth duration.

[0211] Optionally, the fourth duration includes at least a SIFS duration.

[0212] After the first node determines at a first moment that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration:

[0213] If there is no PPDU being sent, the first frame is sent after a SIFS interval. In this case, the fourth duration includes a SIFS.

[0214] If there is a PPDU being sent, the first frame is sent after the PPDU being sent is sent and the confirmation frame for the PPDU is received. At this time, the fourth duration includes at least: the sending duration of the PPDU being sent, the receiving duration of the confirmation frame, and a SIFI;

[0215] If the third frame is received and feedback is required for the third frame, the fourth duration at least includes: a sending duration of a confirmation frame for providing feedback on the third frame.

[0216] In the embodiment of the present application, the size of the fourth duration can be determined based on the data exchanged between the first node and the second node. The embodiment of the present application does not impose any limitation on the size of the fourth duration.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first node receives a fourth frame on the secondary channel, where the fourth frame is a response frame to the first frame and is used to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel or the NAV of the secondary channel.

[0218] In an embodiment of the present application, after the first node sends the first frame to the second node on the secondary channel, the second node may return a fourth frame to the first node, and the fourth frame is used to respond to the third frame, and the fourth frame is used to update the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel or the duration of the NAV of the secondary channel.

[0219] Optionally, the first frame is an RTS frame and the fourth frame is a CTS frame.

[0220] As shown in FIG8E , the first node sends a first frame to the second node to indicate the duration of the second transmission opportunity for resetting the secondary channel. After receiving the first frame, the second node sends a fourth frame to the first node on the secondary channel.

[0221] FIG9 An embodiment of the present application provides a channel usage method, which is applied to a first node, as shown in FIG9 , including:

[0222] S901. After the first node sends the fourth PPDU on the secondary channel, it detects whether the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset; if the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

[0223] After the first node sends the fourth PPDU on the secondary channel, it detects on the primary channel whether the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset. If the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, and the next fourth PPDU continues to be sent on the secondary channel; if the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is not reset, the next fourth PPDU continues to be sent on the secondary channel.

[0224] Optionally, the first node does not have capability 1 and cannot perform CCA or channel monitoring on the primary channel and the secondary channel at the same time. In this case, the first node performs time-sharing monitoring on the primary channel to determine whether the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset and transmits the fourth PPDU on the secondary channel.

[0225] It can be understood that the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is used for communication between the first node and the second node. The first node is the transmission opportunity maintaining end of the secondary channel and can send PPDU to the second node on the secondary channel.

[0226] Optionally, the first node is reset when it cannot learn from the second node that the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset.

[0227] The reason why the first node cannot learn, through the second node, that the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset includes at least one of the following:

[0228] The second node participates in the transmission of the primary channel, but the second node cannot send the third frame on the secondary channel;

[0229] The second node does not participate in the transmission of the primary channel.

[0230] Optionally, the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the second node and the third node; or, communication between the third node and the fourth node.

[0231] When the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel established between the second node and the third node is reset, the first node operating on the secondary channel cannot learn through the second node that the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset.

[0232] The channel usage method provided in the embodiment of the present application, when determining the duration update of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel, synchronously updates the duration of the second transmission opportunity on the secondary channel, so that the duration of the transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is synchronously updated with the duration of the transmission opportunity of the main channel, thereby making the usage duration of the secondary channel as close as possible to the actual usage duration of the main channel, and maintaining fairness to other devices in using the secondary channel.

[0233] In some embodiments, the fourth PPDU includes:

[0234] A regular PPDU is sent when the NAV value maintained by the primary channel exceeds a first threshold;

[0235] The short PPDU is sent when the NAV value maintained on the primary channel does not exceed the first threshold, and the length of the short PPDU is smaller than the length of the regular PPDU.

[0236] The fourth PPDU sent by the first node includes two types:

[0237] The first type is regular PPDU;

[0238] The second type is short PPDU.

[0239] The first node may directly send a regular PPDU, ignoring the possibility that the NAV is reset.

[0240] Considering the possibility of NAV being reset, if the value of the NAV maintained by the primary channel exceeds a first threshold, the first node considers that the possibility of the NAV maintained by the primary channel being reset is small, and thus sends a normal PPDU.

[0241] The first node may consider the possibility that the NAV is reset, and if the value of the NAV maintained by the primary channel does not exceed the first threshold, it may be considered that the possibility that the NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset is high, and thus send a short PPDU.

[0242] Optionally, the first threshold may be a duration specified in a protocol, a set duration, or a duration indicated by a setting parameter.

[0243] Optionally, the first threshold is determined based on a transmission opportunity length threshold using an RTS / CTS condition. In one example, the first threshold is 32 μs*the transmission opportunity length threshold using an RTS / CTS condition.

[0244] In some embodiments, the length of the short PPDU includes at least one of the following:

[0245] Fixed length;

[0246] a length in a first length range;

[0247] The length is determined based on the length of the regular PPDU and the first value.

[0248] In the embodiment of the present application, the lengths of different short PPDUs are the same or different.

[0249] Optionally, when the length of the short PPDU is fixed, the length of the short PPDU sent each time remains unchanged, and the lengths of different short PPDUs are the same.

[0250] Optionally, when the length of the short PPDU is a length within the first length range, the length of the short PPDU sent each time is a length obtained sequentially or randomly within the first length range, and the lengths of different short PPDUs are different.

[0251] Optionally, when the length of the short PPDU is determined based on the length of the conventional PPDU and a first value, the first value is less than 1, and the first value remains unchanged, and the length of the short PPDU sent each time remains unchanged, then the lengths of different short PPDUs are the same.

[0252] In some embodiments, the transmission interval of the short PPDU is the first interval.

[0253] Optionally, the first interval includes: two SIFSs ​​and a duration for receiving a second confirmation frame, wherein the second confirmation frame is a confirmation frame for providing feedback on the short PPDU.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first node detects whether the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset in a manner that includes at least one of the following:

[0255] It is detected whether the NAV of the primary channel maintained by the first node is reset.

[0256] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel includes:

[0257] A second frame is received on the primary channel, where the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset.

[0258] Here, the sender of the second frame is any node using the primary channel.

[0259] The channel usage method provided in the embodiment of the present application can proactively detect whether the first transmission opportunity of the main channel has been reset on the main channel when the first transmission opportunity of the main channel cannot be known. During the detection process, the length of the sent PPDU can be flexibly controlled by sending a regular PPDU or a short PPDU, thereby timely sending the status of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel, so as to make the usage time of the secondary channel as close as possible to the actual usage time of the primary channel, and maintain fairness to other devices in using the secondary channel.

[0260] Next, the NAV defined for the primary channel and the secondary channel in the channel usage method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described.

[0261] A BSS can include one primary channel and multiple secondary channels. A node can be associated with some or all channels in a BSS. Therefore, a node can operate on some or all channels in a BSS. A TXOP defines the duration of a frame transmission between two nodes on a channel. The NAV maintained by other nodes associated with the channel is set to the duration of this transmission opportunity.

[0262] For a primary channel, a node that has not established a transmission opportunity on the primary channel maintains the NAV of the primary channel. For a secondary channel, a node that has not established a transmission opportunity on the channel maintains the NAV of the secondary channel. A node can be associated with multiple secondary channels.

[0263] For the primary channel, the primary channel is maintained with one NAV or two NAVs.

[0264] If a NAV is maintained for the primary channel and the NAV is 0, the primary channel is considered idle; otherwise, the primary channel is considered busy.

[0265] If two NAVs are maintained for the primary channel, and both NAVs are 0, the primary channel is considered idle; otherwise, the primary channel is considered busy.

[0266] The updating method of the NAV maintained on the primary channel includes: when a fifth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the primary channel, the NAV maintained on the primary channel is reset to the first duration indicated by the fifth frame.

[0267] The fifth frame may be received simultaneously on one or more channels. If the channels receiving the fifth frame include the primary channel, the NAV maintained on the primary channel is reset based on the fifth frame. It is understood that resetting the NAV maintained on the primary channel may be understood as updating the NAV maintained on the primary channel, and the updated value may be larger or smaller than the value before the update.

[0268] Alternatively, the fifth frame may include the second frame.

[0269] The fifth frame may include but is not limited to: RTS frame, CTS frame, CF_END frame.

[0270] If the primary channel maintains a NAV, the NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0271] Optionally, the condition for resetting a NAV maintained on the primary channel includes at least one of the following:

[0272] The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node receiving the fifth frame;

[0273] The first duration is greater than a current value of a NAV maintained by the primary channel.

[0274] If the primary channel maintains two NAVs, the two NAVs are reset in the following manners:

[0275] The two NAVs are both reset to the first duration; or,

[0276] A first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration.

[0277] If the two NAVs are both reset to the first duration, the two NAVs are a whole, and the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is the first duration.

[0278] If one of the two NAVs, the first target NAV, is reset to the first duration, the two NAVs are independent, and the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is the larger of the two NAVs. In the case of two independent NAVs, the first target NAV is updated, and the other NAV other than the first target NAV is not updated.

[0279] Optionally, when both NAVs are updated to the first duration, a first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration, and another NAV among the two NAVs other than the first target NAV is reset to the first duration following the first target NAV.

[0280] Here, in the case where the two NAVs maintained by the primary channel are reset at the same time, the first target NAV is reset first, and the other NAV of the two NAVs is updated following the first target NAV.

[0281] In some embodiments, the two NAVs maintained for the primary channel include a basic NAV and a basic service set (BSS) internal NAV.

[0282] If the fifth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the first target NAV is the basic NAV;

[0283] If the fifth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the first target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

[0284] The basic NAV is updated based on the inter-BSS PPDU, and the intra-BSS NAV is updated based on the intra-BSS PPDU or the PPDU that cannot be identified as the intra-BSS PPDU or the inter-BSS PPDU.

[0285] Optionally, the condition for resetting the basic NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following:

[0286] The fifth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS;

[0287] The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0288] The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

[0289] In one example, if the fifth frame received by STA1 is inter-BSS and the receiving address is not STA1's MAC address, the BSS-internal NAV of the primary channel is reset. If the fifth frame received by STA2 is inter-BSS and the receiving address is STA2's MAC address, the basic NAV of the primary channel is not reset. In this case, it can be considered that STA2 has established the first transmission opportunity on the primary channel.

[0290] Optionally, the condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following:

[0291] The fifth frame belongs to the BSS;

[0292] The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0293] The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

[0294] In one example, if the fifth frame received by STA1 is internal to the BSS and the receiving address is not STA1's MAC address, the BSS internal NAV of the primary channel is reset. If the fifth frame received by STA2 is addressed to STA2's MAC address, the primary channel NAV is not reset. In this case, STA2 is considered to have established the first transmission opportunity on the primary channel.

[0295] For the secondary channel

[0296] In at least one secondary channel associated with a node, a corresponding NAV is maintained for each secondary channel.

[0297] In the embodiment of the present application, the NAVs maintained for different secondary channels are independent. In one example, the node STA3 associates secondary channel 1 with secondary channel 2 and maintains the NAV of secondary channel 1 and the NAV of secondary channel 2.

[0298] If a secondary channel is maintained with a NAV and the NAV is 0, the secondary channel is considered idle; otherwise, the secondary channel is considered busy.

[0299] If two NAVs are maintained for a secondary channel, and both NAVs are 0, the secondary channel is considered idle; otherwise, the secondary channel is considered busy.

[0300] Optionally, for a first secondary channel among the at least one secondary channel, one NAV or two NAVs are maintained.

[0301] The numbers of NAVs maintained for different sub-channels in the at least one sub-channel are the same or different.

[0302] Here, a primary channel is any secondary channel among multiple channels associated with a node. If the primary channel maintains one NAV, the transmission opportunity usage duration of a node establishing a transmission opportunity on the primary channel is equal to the duration of the NAV. If the primary channel maintains two NAVs, the transmission opportunity usage duration of a node establishing a transmission opportunity on the primary channel is equal to the larger of the two NAVs.

[0303] The updating method of the NAV maintained on the secondary channel includes: when a sixth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the first secondary channel, the NAV maintained on the first secondary channel is reset to the second duration indicated by the sixth frame.

[0304] The sixth frame may be received simultaneously on one or more channels. If the channel receiving the sixth frame includes the first channel, the NAV maintained for the first channel is reset based on the sixth frame. It is understood that resetting the NAV maintained for the first channel may be understood as updating the NAV maintained for the first channel, and the updated value may be larger or smaller than the value before the update.

[0305] Optionally, the sixth frame includes the first frame. The sixth frame may further include the fourth frame.

[0306] The fifth frame may include but is not limited to: RTS frame, CTS frame, CF_END frame.

[0307] It is understandable that the fifth frame and the sixth frame may be the same frame. In this case, the frame is received on at least the main channel and one first channel. In this case, the NAV maintained on the main channel and the first channel respectively may be reset based on the frame.

[0308] If the first channel maintains a NAV, the NAV maintained by the first channel is reset to the second duration.

[0309] Optionally, the condition for resetting a NAV when the channel is maintained for the first time includes at least one of the following:

[0310] The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node receiving the sixth frame;

[0311] The second duration is greater than a current value of a NAV during which the channel is maintained for the first time.

[0312] If the first channel is maintained with two NAVs,

[0313] The two NAVs are both reset to the second duration; or,

[0314] A second target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the second duration.

[0315] If the two NAVs are both reset to the second duration, the two NAVs are considered as a whole, and the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is the second duration.

[0316] If the second target NAV of the two NAVs is reset to the second duration, the two NAVs are independent, and the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is the larger of the two NAVs. In the case of two independent NAVs, the second target NAV is updated, and the other NAV other than the second target NAV is not updated.

[0317] Optionally, when both NAVs are updated to the second duration, the second target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the second duration, and another NAV among the two NAVs other than the second target NAV is reset to the second duration following the second target NAV.

[0318] Here, in the case that the two NAVs maintained in the first channel are reset at the same time, the second target NAV is reset first, and the other NAV of the two NAVs is updated following the second target NAV.

[0319] In some embodiments, the two NAVs maintained for the first channel include a basic NAV and a BSS internal NAV.

[0320] If the sixth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the second target NAV is the basic NAV;

[0321] If the sixth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the second target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

[0322] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the basic NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following:

[0323] The sixth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS;

[0324] The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0325] The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

[0326] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following:

[0327] The sixth frame belongs to the BSS;

[0328] The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0329] The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

[0330] In one example, STA1 and STA2 establish the first transmission opportunity on the primary channel. If the receiving address of the fifth frame received by STA3 is not its own MAC address, the NAV of the primary channel is reset. If the receiving address of the fifth frame received by STA2 is its own MAC address, the NAV of the primary channel is not reset.

[0331] In one example, a BSS has one primary channel and four secondary channels: secondary channel 1, secondary channel 2, secondary channel 3, and secondary channel 4. The primary channel and the four secondary channels each maintain their own NAV. If a CTS frame is received on the primary channel, and if the CTS frame satisfies the conditions for resetting the NAV maintained by the primary channel, the NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset. If a CTS frame is received on secondary channel 2, and if the CTS frame satisfies the conditions for resetting the NAV maintained by secondary channel 2, the NAV maintained by secondary channel 2 is reset. If a CTS frame is received on the primary channel and secondary channel 2, and if the CTS frame satisfies the conditions for resetting the NAV maintained by the primary channel and secondary channel 2, the NAV maintained by the primary channel and secondary channel 2 are reset. If a CTS frame is received on secondary channels 1 to 3, and if the CTS frame satisfies the conditions for resetting the NAV maintained by secondary channels 1 to 3, the NAV maintained by secondary channels 1 to 3 are reset.

[0332] Below, the method for determining the channel usage duration provided in an embodiment of the present application is further described.

[0333] In an embodiment of the present application, NAVs on the primary channel and the secondary channel are defined, and then different secondary channel usage schemes are proposed based on whether the AP or STA accesses the secondary channel, and whether the device has the ability to listen on the primary channel and the secondary channel at the same time.

[0334] Definition of NAV of primary channel

[0335] There may be 1 or 2 NAVs on the primary channel.

[0336] In the scenario where the primary channel includes one NAV, the station or AP maintains a single NAV on the 20 MHz primary channel, abbreviated as P20 NAV.

[0337] A STA that receives at least one valid frame in a PHY Service Data Unit (PSDU) (or PPDU) on a channel that includes at least P20 MAY update its P20 NAV using information from any valid duration field in the PSDU (or PPDU). A STA MUST NOT update its P20 NAV when the Receiver Address (RA) of the received frame is equal to the STA's own MAC address. For all other STAs that receive frames on a channel that includes at least P20, the STA MUST update its P20 NAV when the received duration is greater than the STA's current P20 NAV value. After receiving a PS-Poll frame in a channel that contains at least P20, STAs other than S1G STAs whose RXVECTOR parameter RESPONSE_INDICATION of the received PS-Poll frame is an NDP response should update their P20 NAV according to the following conditions: When the new P20 NAV value is greater than the current P20 NAV value, set the duration value used by the data rate selection rule to be equal to the time required to transmit one Ack frame plus one SIFS (in microseconds). If the calculated duration includes a fractional part, the value is rounded up to the next higher integer.

[0338] Therefore, the update rule of P20 NAV is: if a frame that sets or resets NAV is received on a channel containing at least P20, the P20 NAV will be set or reset.

[0339] In the scenario where two NAVs are included on the primary channel, the station or AP maintains two NAVs on the primary 20 MHz bandwidth channel: intra-BSS NAV in P20 (abbreviated as P20 intra-BSS NAV) and basic NAV in P20 (abbreviated as P20 basic NAV).

[0340] P20 intra-BSS NAV is updated through PPDUs within the BSS. P20 basic NAV is updated through PPDUs between BSSs or PPDUs that cannot be classified between intra-BSS and inter-BSS.

[0341] P20 intra-BSS NAV corresponds to the P20 intra-BSS NAV timer, and P20 basic NAV corresponds to the P20 basic NAV timer. When a station maintains two P20 NAVs, if both NAV timers are 0, the CS indicates that the medium is idle. If at least one of the two P20 NAV timers is non-zero, the virtual CS indicates that the medium is busy.

[0342] A STA shall modify the P20 intra-BSS NAV based on the duration indicated by a PSDU or PDDU received on a channel including at least P20 if the following conditions are met:

[0343] 1. The received frame is within the BSS;

[0344] 2. The duration of the indication is greater than the current P20 intra-BSS NAV value;

[0345] 3. The RA of the received frame is not the MAC address of the current STA; or, the current STA is not the holder of the Transmission Opportunity (TXOP), and the frame carried by the PPDU is not a frame requesting an immediate response from the STA; or, the current STA is the TXOP holder, and the received frame is a trigger frame.

[0346] The STA shall modify the P20 basic NAV based on the duration indicated by a PSDU or PDDU received on a channel including at least P20 if the following conditions are met:

[0347] 1. The received frame is inter-BSS or cannot be identified as intra-BSS or inter-BSS;

[0348] 2. The duration of the indication is greater than the current P20 basic NAV value;

[0349] 3. The RA of the received frame is not the MAC address of the current STA.

[0350] As described above, when two NAVs are defined for the primary channel, the primary channel can be determined to be idle only when the values ​​of P20 intra-BSS NAV and P20 basic NAV are both 0.

[0351] Definition of NAV of secondary channel

[0352] The NAV of the secondary channel may be defined as a non-primary 20MHz channel NAV (abbreviated as NP20 NAV). In the embodiment of the present application, one or two NP20 NAVs are defined for each 20MHz non-primary channel (ie, secondary channel) other than the primary channel.

[0353] In the scenario where each secondary channel includes one NAV, the station or AP maintains one NP20 NAV on the 20 MHz non-primary channel.

[0354] A STA that receives at least one valid frame in a PSDU (or PPDU) on a channel that includes at least a 20 MHz secondary channel MAY use information from any valid duration field in the PSDU (or PPDU) to update the NP20 NAV of the 20 MHz secondary channel. When the Receiver Address (RA) of the received frame is equal to the STA's own MAC address, the STA SHOULD NOT update the NP20 NAV of its 20 MHz secondary channel. For all other STAs that receive frames on a secondary channel that includes at least 20 MHz, if the received duration is greater than the NP20 NAV value of the STA's current 20 MHz secondary channel, the STA SHOULD update the NP20 NAV of the 20 MHz secondary channel. After receiving a PS-Poll frame on a channel containing at least a 20 MHz secondary channel, STAs other than S1G STAs whose RXVECTOR parameter RESPONSE_INDICATION of the received PS-Poll frame is an NDP response shall update the NP20 NAV containing the 20 MHz secondary channel according to the following conditions: When the new NP20 NAV value is greater than the current NP20 NAV value, set the duration used by the data rate selection rule to a value equal to the time required to transmit one Ack frame plus one SIFS (in microseconds). If the calculated duration includes a fractional part, the value is rounded up to the next higher integer.

[0355] Therefore, the NP20 NAV update rule is: if a frame that sets or resets the NAV is received on a channel containing at least a 20 MHz secondary channel, the NP20 NAV on that secondary channel is set or reset. It's worth noting that when a STA is associated with a 20 MHz*n BSS, each of the n-1 20 MHz non-primary channels requires an NP20 NAV definition, for a total of n-1 NP20 NAVs. For example, if the BSS is an 80 MHz BSS, three NP20 NAVs need to be defined and maintained.

[0356] Based on the above NP20 NAV setting and update criteria, the following examples illustrate the use of a 40MHz BSS, an 80MHz BSS, and an 80MHz BSS with 20MHz puncturing. Examples of other bandwidth and puncturing combinations are similar to those listed and are not described here. It is important to note that the following examples illustrate the NAV setting using the Duration / ID field of a Request To Send (RTS) / Clear To Send (CTS) frame. However, the frames that can be used to set the NAV are not limited to RTS / CTS frames; they can also be any other frames with a Duration / ID field.

[0357] Taking a 40MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 10, the source (AP / STA) sends an RTS frame on the 20MHz primary channel. For the destination (Destination), since the RA in the RTS is the Destination's MAC address, the Destination does not set a NAV on the primary channel. However, after the other end (STA or AP) receives the RTS on the primary channel, since the RA in the RTS is not the other end's MAC address, the other end sets a NAV on the primary channel. The duration of the NAV is indicated in the Duration / ID field of the RTS frame (i.e., the end time of the Ack frame). Upon receiving the RTS frame on the primary channel, the Destination responds with a CTS frame after a SIFS interval. Since the RA in the CTS frame is the Source's MAC address, the Source does not set a NAV on the primary channel. The other end updates the NAV on the primary channel based on the Duration / ID field in the CTS frame (which still indicates the end time of the Ack frame in the figure). After the NAV of the primary channel decreases to 0, the other end can perform a CCA on the primary channel for a duration of DIFS. If the detection result is idle, the other end can compete for the channel on the primary channel. Since no frames are sent on the 20MHz non-primary channel (also called the secondary channel), the other end can immediately compete for the channel after detecting idleness for a duration of DIFS during CCA on the non-primary channel.

[0358] Taking a 40MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 11, the Source (AP / STA) sends an RTS frame on a 20MHz non-primary channel (also called a secondary channel). For the Destination, since the RA in the RTS is the Destination's MAC address, the Destination does not set a NAV on the non-primary channel. However, after receiving the RTS frame on the non-primary channel, the Other (STA / AP) sets a NAV on the non-primary channel because the RA in the RTS is not the Other's MAC address. The duration of the NAV is indicated in the Duration / ID field of the RTS frame (i.e., the end time of the Ack frame). Upon receiving the RTS frame on the non-primary channel, the Destination responds with a CTS frame after a SIFS interval. Since the RA in the CTS frame is the Source's MAC address, the Source does not set a NAV on the non-primary channel. The Other updates the NAV on the non-primary channel based on the Duration / ID field in the CTS frame (which still indicates the end time of the Ack frame in the figure). After the NAV of the non-primary channel decreases to 0, Other can perform a CCA on the non-primary channel for a duration of DIFS. If the result is idle, Other can compete for the non-primary channel. Because no frames are sent on the 20MHz primary channel, Other can immediately compete for the channel after detecting idleness for a duration of DIFS during CCA on the primary channel.

[0359] Taking a 40MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 12, the Source (AP / STA) sends an RTS frame on a 40MHz channel (including the primary and non-primary channels). For the Destination, since the RA of the RTS is the Destination's MAC address, the Destination does not set NAV on the primary and non-primary channels. However, after the Other (STA / AP) receives the RTS on the primary and non-primary channels, since the RA of the RTS is not the Other's MAC address, the Other will set NAV on the primary and non-primary channels. The duration of the NAV is indicated in the Duration / ID field of the RTS frame (i.e., the end time of the Ack frame transmission). The Destination that receives an RTS frame on the primary and non-primary channels will reply with a CTS frame after a SIFS interval. Because the RA in the CTS frame is the Source's MAC address, the Source does not set the NAV on the primary and non-primary channels. The Other, however, updates the NAV on the primary and non-primary channels based on the Duration / ID field in the CTS (the diagram still shows the end time of the Ack frame). After the NAV on the primary and non-primary channels is reduced to 0, the Other can perform a CCA on the primary and non-primary channels for a duration of DIFS. If the result is idle, the Other can compete for channel use on the primary and non-primary channels.

[0360] Taking an 80MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 13, the Source (AP / STA) sends an RTS frame on the primary channel. For the Destination, since the RA in the RTS is the Destination's MAC address, the Destination does not set the NAV on the primary channel. However, after the Other (STA / AP) receives the RTS frame on the primary channel, since the RA in the RTS is not the Other's MAC address, the Other sets the NAV on the primary channel. The duration of the NAV is indicated in the Duration / ID field of the RTS frame (i.e., the end time of the Ack frame). Upon receiving the RTS frame on the primary channel, the Destination responds with a CTS frame after a SIFS interval. Since the RA in the CTS frame is the Source's MAC address, the Source does not set the NAV on the primary channel. The Other updates the NAV on the primary channel based on the Duration / ID field in the CTS (which still indicates the end time of the Ack frame in the figure). After the NAV of the primary channel decreases to 0, Other can perform CCA on the primary channel for a duration of DIFS. If the result is idle, Other can compete for the channel on the primary channel. Since no frames are sent on non-primary channels 1, 2, and 3, Other can immediately compete for the use of these channels after detecting idleness for a duration of DIFS through CCA on non-primary channels 1, 2, and 3.

[0361] Taking an 80MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 14, the Source (AP / STA) sends an RTS frame on non-primary channel 2 and non-primary channel 3. For the Destination, since the RA of the RTS is the Destination's MAC address, the Destination does not set the NAV on non-primary channel 2 and non-primary channel 3. However, after the Other (STA / AP) receives the RTS frame on non-primary channel 2 and non-primary channel 3, since the RA of the RTS is not the Other's MAC address, the Other sets the NAV on non-primary channel 2 and non-primary channel 3. The duration of the NAV is indicated in the Duration / ID field of the RTS frame (that is, the end time of the Ack frame transmission). The Destination receiving an RTS frame on non-primary channels 2 and 3 will reply with a CTS frame after a SIFS interval. Since the RA in the CTS frame is the Source's MAC address, the Source does not set the NAV on non-primary channels 2 and 3. However, Other updates the NAV on non-primary channels 2 and 3 based on the Duration / ID field in the CTS (the diagram still shows the end of the Ack frame transmission). After the NAV on non-primary channels 2 and 3 decreases to 0, Other can perform a CCA on non-primary channels 2 and 3 for a DIFS duration. If the result is idle, Other can compete for channel use on non-primary channels 2 and 3. Since no frames are being sent on primary channel 1 and non-primary channel 1, Other can immediately compete for use of these channels after detecting idleness for a DIFS duration through CCA on the primary and non-primary channels.

[0362] Taking an 80MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 15, the Source (AP / STA) sends an RTS frame on the primary channel and non-primary channel 1. For the Destination, since the RA of the RTS is the Destination's MAC address, the Destination does not set the NAV on the primary channel and non-primary channel 1. However, after the Other (STA / AP) receives the RTS frame on the primary channel and non-primary channel 1, since the RA of the RTS is not the Other's MAC address, the Other sets the NAV on the primary channel and non-primary channel 1. The duration of the NAV is indicated in the Duration / ID field of the RTS frame (that is, the end time of the Ack frame transmission). The Destination receiving an RTS frame on the primary channel and non-primary channel 1 will reply with a CTS frame after a SIFS interval. Since the RA in the CTS frame is the Source's MAC address, the Source does not set the NAV on the primary channel and non-primary channel 1. However, Other will update the NAV on the primary channel and non-primary channel 1 based on the Duration / ID field in the CTS (the diagram still shows the end time of the Ack frame transmission). After the NAV on the primary channel and non-primary channel 1 is reduced to 0, Other can perform a CCA on the primary channel and non-primary channel 1 for a duration of DIFS. If the result is idle, Other can compete for channel use on the primary channel and non-primary channel 1. Since no frames are sent on non-primary channels 2 and 3, Other can immediately compete for use of these channels after detecting idleness for a duration of DIFS through CCA on non-primary channels 2 and 3.

[0363] Taking an 80MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 16, the Source (AP / STA) sends an RTS frame on the 80MHz channels (primary channel + non-primary channel 1 + non-primary channel 3) with non-primary channel 2 punctured. For the Destination, since the RA in the RTS is the Destination's MAC address, the Destination does not set NAVs on the primary channel, non-primary channel 1, and non-primary channel 3. However, after the Other (STA / AP) receives the RTS frame on the primary channel, non-primary channel 1, and non-primary channel 3, since the RA in the RTS is not the Other's MAC address, the Other sets NAVs on the primary channel, non-primary channel 1, and non-primary channel 3. The duration of the NAV is indicated in the Duration / ID field of the RTS frame (i.e., the end time of the Ack frame transmission). The destination that receives the RTS frame on the primary channel, non-primary channel 1, and non-primary channel 3 will reply with a CTS frame at an interval of SIFS. Since the RA of the CTS frame is the MAC address of the source, the source does not set the NAV on the primary channel, non-primary channel 1, and non-primary channel 3. However, the other will update the NAV on the primary channel, non-primary channel 1, and non-primary channel 3 based on the Duration / ID field of the CTS (the figure still shows the end time of the Ack frame sending).After the NAVs of the primary, non-primary, and non-primary channels 1 and 3 are reduced to 0, Other can perform CCA detection on the primary, non-primary, and non-primary channels 1 and 3 for a DIFS duration. If the result is idle, Other can compete for the use of the primary, non-primary, and non-primary channels 1 and 3. Since no frames are sent on non-primary channel 2, Other can immediately compete for the use of the channel after detecting idleness for a DIFS duration through CCA on non-primary channel 2.

[0364] In the scenario where two NAVs are included on the secondary channel, the site AP maintains two NAVs (NP20 NAVs) on each secondary 20 MHz channel, and the access point maintains two NAVs (NP20 NAVs) on each secondary 20 MHz channel: intra-BSS NAV in NP20 (abbreviated as NP20 intra-BSS NAV) and basic NAV in NP20 (abbreviated as NP20 basic NAV).

[0365] NP20 intra-BSS NAV and NP20 basic NAV are defined as follows:

[0366] NP20 intra-BSS NAV is updated through PPDUs within the BSS, and NP20 basic NAV is updated through PPDUs between BSSs or PPDUs that cannot be classified between intra-BSS and inter-BSS.

[0367] NP20 intra-BSS NAV corresponds to the NP20 intra-BSS NAV timer, and NP20 basic NAV corresponds to the NP20 basic NAV timer. If a site maintains two NP20 NAVs, if both NP20 NAV timers are 0, the CS indicates that the medium is idle. If at least one of the two NP20 NAV timers is non-zero, the virtual CS indicates that the medium is busy.

[0368] The STA shall modify the NP20 intra-BSS NAV based on the duration indicated by a PSDU or PDDU received on a channel including at least a secondary 20 MHz channel if the following conditions are met:

[0369] 1. The received frame is within the BSS;

[0370] 2. The duration of the indication is greater than the current NP20 intra-BSS NAV value;

[0371] 3. The RA of the received frame is not the MAC address of the current STA; or, the current STA is not the holder of the Transmission Opportunity (TXOP), and the frame carrying the PPDU is not a frame requesting an immediate response from the STA; or, the current STA is the TXOP holder, and the received frame is a trigger frame.

[0372] If the following conditions are met, the STA shall modify the NP20 basic NAV based on the duration indicated by the PSDU or PDDU received on the channel including at least the sub-20 MHz channel:

[0373] 1. The received frame is inter-BSS or cannot be identified as intra-BSS or inter-BSS;

[0374] 2. The duration of the indication is greater than the current NP20 basic NAV value;

[0375] 3. The RA of the received frame is not the MAC address of the current STA.

[0376] As described above, when a STA associates to a 20MHz*n BSS, two NP20 NAVs must be defined for each of the n-1 20MHz non-primary channels. Therefore, a total of 2*(n-1) NP20 NAVs must be defined: n-1 NP20 basic NAVs and n-1 NP20 intra-BSS NAVs. For example, if the BSS is 80MHz, three NP20 basic NAVs and three NP20 intra-BSS NAVs must be defined and maintained. Furthermore, when two NP20 NAVs are defined for each non-primary 20MHz channel, the non-primary 20MHz channel is considered idle only when both the NP20 intra-BSS NAV and the NP20 basic NAV are 0.

[0377] Below, the update of the secondary channel usage duration is explained by taking the main signal and each secondary channel defining 1 NAV as an example. The method of updating the channel usage duration in the scenario where the main channel and each secondary channel define 2 NAVs (basic NAV and intra-BSS NAV) is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0378] In the embodiment of the present application, the STA / AP sends a CF-End to change the duration of the current TXOP (reset the NAV to a new time).

[0379] Taking a 40MHz BSS as an example, the secondary channel transmission opportunity update is shown in Figure 17. Initially, the AP and STA 1 establish a TXOP with a duration of T0 on the primary channel (the primary channel TXOP holder can be either the AP or STA 1). Correspondingly, the AP and STA 2 establish a TXOP with a duration less than or equal to T0 on the secondary channel (the secondary channel TXOP holder can be either the AP or STA 2). If, at time T1, the primary channel NAV is reset to time T2 (T2 is less than T1 in the figure, but T2 can also be greater than T1), for example, if the primary channel TXOP holder (STA 1, for example, or the AP) sends a CF-End with the Duration / ID field set to time T2, then the primary channel becomes idle after time T2. Furthermore, for STA 1, the TXOP duration of its secondary channel is also reset to T2. After time T2, the secondary channel becomes idle, and the secondary channel transmission opportunity is updated.

[0380] The AP and STA1 establish a TXOP on the primary channel. If the TXOP of the primary channel is reset to T2 at time T1, the NAV of the primary channel maintained by STA2 or other STAs is reset to T2.

[0381] The AP and STA2 establish a TXOP on the primary channel. If the TXOP on the secondary channel is reset to T2, the ANV on the secondary channel maintained by STA1 or other STAs is reset to T2.

[0382] Here, the method for determining the usage duration of a secondary channel provided in the embodiment of the present application is described using different situations where an AP or a STA accesses a secondary channel, wherein the device accessing the secondary channel is a TXOP holder of the secondary channel.

[0383] Example 1: AP performs secondary channel access

[0384] An AP performing secondary channel access is a TXOP holder on a secondary channel. Given its high capabilities, it can be assumed that the AP is capable of performing CCA and / or monitoring channels simultaneously on both the primary and secondary channels. When the AP detects that the primary channel NAV has been reset, it can directly send an RTS or other frame on the secondary channel to update the secondary channel's usage time.

[0385] Taking a 40MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 18, the AP and STA 1 initially establish a TXOP with a duration of T0 on the primary channel (the primary channel TXOP holder can be either the AP or STA 1). Correspondingly, the AP and STA 2 establish a TXOP with a duration less than or equal to T0 on the secondary channel (the secondary channel TXOP holder is the AP). If the primary channel NAV is reset to T2 at time T1, for example, if the primary channel TXOP holder (STA 1, or the AP) sends a CF-End with the Duration / ID field set to T2, the primary channel becomes idle after T2. Furthermore, for STA 1, its secondary channel also becomes idle after T2.

[0386] Because a STA may not be able to perform CCA and / or monitor channels simultaneously on both the primary and secondary channels, the AP learns on the primary channel that its NAV has been reset to T2. After the AP, acting as the TXOP holder for the secondary channel, sends the current PPDU (PPDU 2) and receives a SIFS interval between BlockAck / Ack, it proactively sends an RTS frame or other frame on the secondary channel to reset the TXOP end time and / or NAV of the secondary channel to T2. After receiving the RTS frame, STA 2 learns that the secondary channel will be idle after T2. Furthermore, for STA 2, its primary channel is also reset to idle after T2 by default.

[0387] The primary channel is not limited to establishing a TXOP between the AP and a STA (eg, STA 1), and may also be a P2P transmission between different STAs.

[0388] It is worth noting that after the AP as the TXOP holder sends an RTS to STA 2 as the TXOP responder on the secondary channel, STA 2 may also reply with a CTS after a SIFS period to update the TXOP duration of the secondary channel and / or update the secondary channel NAV.

[0389] Example 2: STA performs secondary channel access

[0390] STA2 may or may not have the capability to perform CCA and / or monitor the channels simultaneously on the primary channel and the secondary channel.

[0391] Scenario 1: STA2 has the ability to perform CCA and / or monitor channels simultaneously on the primary and secondary channels

[0392] Taking a 40MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 19, in the initial state, the AP and STA 1 establish a TXOP with a duration of T0 on the primary channel (the primary channel TXOP holder can be either the AP or STA 1). Correspondingly, the AP and STA 2 establish a TXOP with a duration less than or equal to T0 on the secondary channel (the secondary channel TXOP holder is STA 2). If the primary channel NAV is reset to T2 at time T1, for example, if the primary channel TXOP holder (for example, the AP or STA 1) sends a CF-End with the Duration / ID field set to T2, then the primary channel becomes idle after T2. In addition, for STA 1, its secondary channel is also reset to be idle after T2.

[0393] Because STA 2 is capable of performing CCA and / or monitoring on both the primary and secondary channels simultaneously, it can detect on the primary channel that the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2. As the TXOP holder for the secondary channel, STA 2 sends an RTS (or other frame) on the secondary channel after receiving a BlockAck / Ack interval SIFS after sending the current PPDU (PPDU 2) to reset the TXOP end time and / or NAV of the secondary channel to time T2. After receiving the RTS frame, the AP and STA 1 detect that the secondary channel is idle after time T2. Furthermore, for STA 2, its primary channel is also reset to idle after time T2 by default.

[0394] It is worth noting that after the AP as the TXOP holder sends an RTS to STA 2 as the TXOP responder on the secondary channel, STA 2 may also reply with a CTS after a SIFS period to update the TXOP duration of the secondary channel and / or update the secondary channel NAV.

[0395] Scenario 2: STA2 performs CCA and / or monitors channels on the primary and secondary channels in a time-sharing manner

[0396] At this time, STA2 does not have the ability to perform CCA and / or monitor channels on both the primary and secondary channels at the same time.

[0397] If a STA is unable to perform CCA and / or monitor channels simultaneously on both the primary and secondary channels, it must monitor management frames and other information on the primary channel, then transmit and receive data and / or control frames on the secondary channel as scheduled by the AP. After completing frame transmission and reception on the secondary channel, the STA must return to the primary channel to continue monitoring management frames on the primary channel. Therefore, the STA can only perform CCA and / or monitor channels on the primary and secondary channels in a time-sharing manner. When the NAV on the primary channel is reset to a new time, the STA may not be notified in a timely manner and will continue to operate according to the originally set secondary channel TXOP duration. This can cause the secondary channel usage duration to be inconsistent with the actual usage duration of the primary channel.

[0398] In scenario 2, the updating schemes for the usage duration of the secondary channel include the following two schemes:

[0399] Solution 1: The AP sends a frame on the secondary channel to instruct the STA to send an RTS (or other frame) to reset the secondary channel TXOP end time.

[0400] In solution 1, STA 2 is the TXOP holder of the secondary channel, and the AP, as the TXOP responder, can only send Ack / BlockAck frames, or the TXOP holder allows the TXOP responder to send PPDUs (i.e., other frames) other than Ack / BlockAck frames through the reverse direction protocol. Here, the TXOP holder can be requested to reset the usage duration of the secondary channel by sending other frames using a modified Ack / BlockAck frame or by enabling the Reverse direction protocol on the secondary channel, and then the TXOP holder confirms the request (i.e., the TXOP holder sends an RTS on the secondary channel to reset the usage duration of the secondary channel).

[0401] Taking a 40MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 20, in the initial state, the AP and STA 1 establish a TXOP with a duration of T0 on the primary channel (the primary channel TXOP holder can be either the AP or STA 1). Correspondingly, the AP and STA 2 establish a TXOP with a duration less than or equal to T0 on the secondary channel (the secondary channel TXOP holder is STA 2). If the primary channel NAV is reset to T2 at time T1, for example, if the primary channel TXOP holder (STA 1, or the AP) sends a CF-End with the Duration / ID field set to T2, then the primary channel becomes idle after T2. Furthermore, for STA 1, the secondary channel is also idle after T2.

[0402] Since STA 2 can only perform CCA and / or monitor channels in a time-sharing manner on the primary and secondary channels, STA 2 cannot learn that the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2. However, after receiving the current PPDU (PPDU2) for a SIFS interval, the AP can reply with a modified Ack / BlockAck frame or other frames (PPDUs) allowed by the Reverse Direction Protocol on the secondary channel to request the TXOP holder to reset the TXOP end time and / or NAV of the secondary channel to time T2. Then, after a SIFS interval, STA 2, as the TXOP holder, sends an RTS or other frame on the secondary channel to reset the TXOP end time and / or NAV of the secondary channel to time T2. For STA 2, its primary channel is reset to be idle after time T2 by default.

[0403] It is worth noting that after STA 2 sends an RTS to the AP on the secondary channel, the AP can reply with a CTS after a SIFS period to update the TXOP duration of the secondary channel and / or update the NAV of the secondary channel.

[0404] Based on different frames, the frame format modification schemes include:

[0405] Modification plan 1: Modify the BlockAck frame

[0406] The format of the BlockAck frame is shown in Figure 21. You can use B0 or ​​any bit from B5 to B8 (for example, B0) of the reserved bit in the BA Control field to define TXOP Reset. When this bit (i.e., B0) in the BlockAck is set to 1, it means that the sender of the BlockAck frame requests the receiver to immediately update the TXOP duration and help the third-party site reset the NAV value of the current channel. The updated duration is indicated by the BA Information field of the BlockAck frame. The BA Information field can be designed as 2 bytes (16 bits). Its function is similar to the Duration / ID field and is used to indicate a period of time, as shown in Figure 22.

[0407] That is, the AP, as the TXOP holder on the secondary channel, sends a BlockAck to the TXOP holder (ie, STA 2), requesting the TXOP holder to immediately update the TXOP duration of the secondary channel to the value specified by the BA Information field.

[0408] Modification solution 2: Modify the Ack frame

[0409] The TXOP Reset indication may be carried in the SERVICE field (16 bits) of the Data field of the PPDU carrying the Ack frame. The PPDU may be a non-HT PPDU, a non-HT duplicate PPDU, a HT PPDU, a VHT PPDU, a HE PPDU, or an EHT PPDU.

[0410] Taking the HE PPDU shown in Figure 23 as an example, bits B0 to B6 of the SERVICE field are for scramble initialization, and bits B7 to B15 of the SERVICE field are reserved. Therefore, any bit in the reserved bits B7 to B15 (e.g., B9) can be defined as a TXOP Reset. When this bit (i.e., B9) in the SERVICE field of the Data field of the HT PPDU carrying an Ack frame is set to 1, it indicates that the sender of the Ack frame requests the receiver to immediately update the TXOP to the value indicated by the Duration field of the Ack frame. The format of the Duration field is shown in Figure 24 and is located between the Frame Control field and the RA field. The Ack frame also includes the FCS field.

[0411] That is, the AP, as the TXOP holder on the secondary channel, sends an Ack frame to the TXOP holder (ie, STA 2), requesting the TXOP holder to immediately update the TXOP duration of the secondary channel to the value specified by the Duration field.

[0412] Modification 3: TXOP holder enables reverse protocol by default on the secondary channel

[0413] As shown in Figure 25, the TXOP holder (i.e., STA 2) can set the RDG / More PPDU subfield of the HT Control field to 1 in the PPDU sent on the secondary channel, indicating that the TXOP holder has enabled the reverse direction protocol, allowing the TXOP responder to send PPDUs. As shown in Figures 26 and 27, after receiving the PPDU sent by the TXOP holder, the AP, as the TXOP responder, can send a PPDU carrying a TXOP Reset frame to instruct the TXOP holder to immediately reset the TXOP.

[0414] As shown in FIG25 , the PPDU further includes a frame control field, a duration field, address 1 to address 4 fields, a sequence control bullet, and an FCS field.

[0415] The premise for implementing Modification 3 is that STA 2 is the TXOP holder of the secondary channel and has enabled the Reverse direction protocol. The AP, as the TXOP responder of the secondary channel, can send a newly designed TXOP Reset frame (management frame, Action frame, requiring Ack) or a (QoS) Null frame carrying control information to suggest that the TXOP holder reset the usage duration of the secondary channel, which is then confirmed by the TXOP holder (i.e., the TXOP holder sends an RTS on the secondary channel to reset the usage duration of the secondary channel).

[0416] Taking a 40MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figures 26 or 27, the AP and STA 1 initially establish a TXOP with a duration of T0 on the primary channel (the primary channel TXOP holder can be either the AP or STA 1). Correspondingly, the AP and STA 2 establish a TXOP with a duration less than or equal to T0 on the secondary channel (the secondary channel TXOP holder is STA 2). If the primary channel NAV is reset to T2 at time T1, for example, if the primary channel TXOP holder (STA 1, or the AP) sends a CF-End with the Duration / ID field set to T2, the primary channel becomes idle after T2. Furthermore, for STA 1, its secondary channel is also reset to idle after T2.

[0417] As shown in Figure 26, STA 2, as the TXOP holder, cannot detect that the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2. However, STA 2 has enabled the Reverse Direction Protocol. Therefore, after receiving the current PPDU (PPDU2), the AP can send a newly designed TXOP Reset frame or a (QoS) Null frame carrying control information on the secondary channel SIFS later. This frame suggests that the TXOP holder reset the TXOP end time (and / or NAV) of the secondary channel to time T2. This frame also functions as a BlockAck / Ack, confirming the PPDU (PPDU2). Then, SIFS later, according to the Reverse Direction Protocol, STA 2 must acknowledge the TXOP Reset frame or (QoS) Null frame carrying control information sent by the AP. SIFS after STA 2 sends its ACK, STA 2, as the TXOP holder, sends an RTS or other frame on the secondary channel to reset the TXOP end time (and / or NAV) of the secondary channel to time T2. STA 2 can also assume that the primary channel is idle after time T2.

[0418] It is worth noting that after STA 2 sends an RTS to the AP on the secondary channel, the AP can reply with a CTS after a SIFS period to update the TXOP duration of the secondary channel and / or update the NAV of the secondary channel.

[0419] As shown in Figure 27, STA 2, the TXOP holder, is unaware that the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2. However, STA 2 has enabled the Reverse Direction protocol. Therefore, after receiving the current PPDU (PPDU2), the AP sends a BlockAck / Ack to acknowledge the reset. The AP then sends a newly designed TXOP Reset frame or a (QoS) Null frame carrying control information on the secondary channel after a SIFS interval, suggesting that the TXOP holder reset the secondary channel's end time and / or NAV to time T2. After a SIFS interval, STA 2, according to the Reverse Direction protocol, needs to acknowledge the TXOP Reset frame or (QoS) Null frame sent by the AP. At time T2, SIFS after STA 2 sends its ACK, STA 2, the TXOP holder, sends an RTS (or other frame) on the secondary channel to reset the secondary channel's TXOP end time (and / or NAV) to time T2. For STA 2, its primary channel is reset to idle after time T2 by default.

[0420] It is worth noting that after STA 2 sends an RTS to the AP on the secondary channel, the AP can reply with a CTS after a SIFS period to update the TXOP duration of the secondary channel and / or update the NAV of the secondary channel.

[0421] In Figure 26, the newly designed TXOP Reset frame or the (QoS) Null frame carrying control information sent by the AP on the secondary channel has the function of BlockAck / Ack. In Figure 27, the newly designed TXOP Reset frame or the (QoS) Null frame carrying control information sent by the AP on the secondary channel is independent of BlockAck / Ack.

[0422] The newly designed TXOP Reset frame has a format shown in Figure 28. The frame body (TXOP Reset) indicates the end time of the TXOP after the reset. The TXOP responder sends this frame to the TXOP holder to suggest that the TXOP holder reset the TXOP duration to the time indicated by the TXOP Reset field in the frame.

[0423] The length of the TXOP Reset field can be 2 bytes (16 bits), and its function is similar to the Duration / ID field, which is used to indicate a period of time, that is, the length of time after the TXOP is reset, as shown in Figure 22.

[0424] For a (QoS) Null frame, the frame format is shown in Figure 29. When bits B0-B1 of the HT Control field of the QoS Null frame are set to 11, bits B2-B31 of the HT Control field are defined as the A-Control field. The first four bits of the A-Control field are the Control ID. Currently, Control IDs 7-14 are unused. Therefore, Control ID = 7 (or any value from 7-14) can be defined as a TXOP Reset. The Control Information field can use 16 bits to indicate the TXOP end time after the reset. This serves to advise the TXOP holder to reset the TXOP duration to the time indicated by the TXOP Reset field of the frame. As shown in Figure 22, the Control Information field indicates the TXOP end time after the reset in a similar manner to the Duration / ID field.

[0425] Solution 2: STA directly uses the secondary channel

[0426] If the AP participates in the transmission of the primary channel but cannot send CF-End or RTS frames on the primary channel, or if the AP does not participate in the transmission of the primary channel (for example, the primary channel performs P2P transmission), STA 2 working on the secondary channel cannot know the status of the primary channel and can only use the secondary channel directly.

[0427] Taking a 40MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 30, in the initial state, the AP and STA 1 establish a TXOP with a duration of T0 on the primary channel (the primary channel TXOP holder can be either the AP or STA 1). Correspondingly, the AP and STA 2 establish a TXOP with a duration less than or equal to T0 on the secondary channel (the secondary channel TXOP holder can be either the AP or STA 2). If the primary channel NAV is reset to T2 at time T1, for example, if the primary channel TXOP holder (STA 1, or the AP) sends a CF-End with the Duration / ID field set to T2, then the primary channel becomes idle after T2. Furthermore, for STA 1, the secondary channel becomes idle after T2.

[0428] Because the AP cannot send CF-End or RTS on the secondary channel, STA 2 has the following two options for using the secondary channel:

[0429] Option 1: Ignore the possibility of resetting the NAV of the primary channel: STA 2 directly sends a complete (full) PPDU and then checks whether the NAV of the primary channel is reset to time T2;

[0430] Option 2: Consider the possibility of resetting the NAV of the primary channel: STA 2 sends a short PPDU and then checks whether the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2.

[0431] The information / criteria based on which the TA decides whether to send a full PPDU or a short PPDU on the secondary channel is: the TXOP length (or NAV length) of the primary channel.

[0432] STA 2 uses the TXOP length threshold (dot11TXOPDurationRTSThreshold, less than 1023) of the RTS / CTS condition. If the primary channel TXOP length (or NAV length) exceeds the threshold (32us*dot11TXOPDurationRTSThreshold), indicating that the primary channel NAV is likely to be reset, the STA sends a short PPDU on the secondary channel. Otherwise, it sends a full PPDU on the secondary channel.

[0433] If STA2 sends a full PPDU on the secondary channel

[0434] STA2's actions after sending the full PPDU include: STA2 detects on the primary channel whether the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2;

[0435] If STA2 does not detect that the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2, STA2 continues to send the next full PPDU on the secondary channel.

[0436] If STA2 detects that the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2, it continues to send the next full PPDU on the secondary channel and resets the NAV of the secondary channel to time T2.

[0437] If STA2 sends a short PPDU on the secondary channel

[0438] The length of the short PPDU is determined by:

[0439] The short PPDU length is fixed to a shorter length, such as L_min bytes; the length of the PPDU sent each time remains unchanged;

[0440] Short PPDU length is randomly selected within a short interval, such as [L_min1, L_min2]. The length of each PPDU sent can be variable.

[0441] Set a constant n, the length of the short PPDU is one nth of the full PPDU, short PPDU = full PPDU / n.

[0442] STA2's actions after sending the short PPDU include: STA2 detects on the primary channel whether the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2;

[0443] If STA2 does not detect that the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2, STA2 continues to send the next full PPDU on the secondary channel.

[0444] If STA2 detects that the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2, it continues to send the next full PPDU on the secondary channel and resets the NAV of the secondary channel to time T2.

[0445] STA2 sends one short PPDU every T_burst duration, and then detects the primary channel according to the above method; for example, T_burst = 2*SIFS+TXTIME(Ack / BlockAck).

[0446] For solution 1 in scenario 2 where the STA is a TXOP holder in embodiment 2, the following indication method is also provided.

[0447] Indication method 1: AP actively sends RTS or other frames on the secondary channel to reset the secondary channel TXOP

[0448] Assume that STA 2 is communicating with the AP on the secondary channel. Since the AP is capable of monitoring both the primary and secondary channels, when the primary channel NAV is reset to time T2, the AP can learn this information on the primary channel. Therefore, the AP can directly send an RTS or other frame on the secondary channel to reset the transmission duration of the TXOP established on the secondary channel between the AP and STA 2.

[0449] Taking a 40MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 31, the AP and STA 1 initially establish a TXOP with a duration of T0 on the primary channel (the primary channel TXOP holder can be either the AP or STA 1). Correspondingly, the AP and STA 2 establish a TXOP with a duration less than or equal to T0 on the secondary channel (the secondary channel TXOP holder is STA 2). If the primary channel NAV is reset to T2 at time T1, for example, if the primary channel TXOP holder (STA 1, or the AP) sends a CF-End with the Duration / ID field set to T2, then the primary channel becomes idle after T2. Furthermore, for STA 1, the secondary channel is also idle after T2.

[0450] STA 2 cannot detect that the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2. However, the AP, as the TXOP responder, can proactively send an RTS (or other frame) on the secondary channel at time T2, after a SIFS interval between responding to the BlockAck / Ack of the current PPDU (PPDU2), to reset the TXOP end time (and / or NAV) of the secondary channel to time T2. After receiving the RTS frame, STA 2 detects that the secondary channel is idle after time T2. In addition, STA 2 assumes that the primary channel is idle after time T2.

[0451] It is worth noting that after the AP sends the RTS to STA 2 on the secondary channel, STA 2 may also reply with a CTS after a SIFS period to update the TXOP duration of the secondary channel and / or update the NAV of the secondary channel.

[0452] Indication method 2: The AP actively sends CF-End on the secondary channel and suggests that the TXOP holder send RTS or other frames to reset the secondary channel TXOP.

[0453] STA 2 is the TXOP holder for the secondary channel. The AP, acting as the TXOP responder, proactively sends a CF-End request to the TXOP holder to reset the secondary channel usage duration. The TXOP holder then confirms the request. This means that after the AP sends a CF-End request on the secondary channel, STA 2 sends a CTS request on the secondary channel to confirm the reset.

[0454] Taking a 40MHz BSS as an example, as shown in Figure 32, the AP and STA 1 initially establish a TXOP with a duration of T0 on the primary channel (the primary channel TXOP holder can be either the AP or STA 1). Correspondingly, the AP and STA 2 establish a TXOP with a duration less than or equal to T0 on the secondary channel (the secondary channel TXOP holder is STA 2). If the primary channel NAV is reset to T2 at time T1, for example, if the primary channel TXOP holder (STA 1, or the AP) sends a CF-End with the Duration / ID field set to T2, then the primary channel becomes idle after T2. Furthermore, for STA 1, the secondary channel is also idle after T2.

[0455] STA 2 cannot know that the NAV of the primary channel has been reset to time T2, but after the AP responds to the BlockAck / Ack of the current PPDU (PPDU2) for a SIFS interval, it can actively send a CF-End on the secondary channel (the CF-End is initiated by the TXOP responder and is used to suggest that the TXOP holder reset the TXOP). It suggests that STA 2 reset the TXOP end time (and / or NAV) of the secondary channel to time T2. Then, at time T2 after the SIFS interval, STA 2, as the TXOP holder, also sends a CF-End on the secondary channel to reset the TXOP end time (and / or NAV) of the secondary channel to time T2. In addition, for STA 2, its primary channel is also reset to be idle after time T2 by default.

[0456] The preferred embodiments of the present application are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present application is not limited to the specific details in the above embodiments. Within the technical concept of the present application, the technical solution of the present application can be subjected to a variety of simple modifications, and these simple modifications all fall within the scope of protection of the present application. For example, the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present application will no longer describe the various possible combinations separately. For another example, the various different embodiments of the present application can also be arbitrarily combined, as long as they do not violate the idea of ​​the present application, they should also be regarded as the contents disclosed in the present application. For another example, under the premise of no conflict, the various embodiments and / or the technical features in each embodiment described in the present application can be arbitrarily combined with the prior art, and the technical solution obtained after the combination should also fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0457] It should also be understood that in the various method embodiments of the present application, the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes do not imply a precedence in 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. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the terms "downlink," "uplink," and "sidelink" are used to indicate the transmission direction of signals or data, where "downlink" is used to indicate the first direction of transmission of signals or data from a site to a user equipment in a cell, "uplink" is used to indicate the second direction of transmission of signals or data from a user equipment in a cell to a site, and "sidelink" is used to indicate the third direction of transmission of signals or data from user equipment 1 to user equipment 2. For example, "downlink signal" indicates that the transmission direction of the signal is the first direction. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. Specifically, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0458] FIG33 is a schematic diagram of the first structural composition of a channel use device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a first node. As shown in FIG33 , the channel use device 3300 includes:

[0459] The first communication unit 3301 is configured to determine the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel or the network allocation vector NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset to the first duration, and then send a first frame on the secondary channel, where the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

[0460] In some embodiments, the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset to the third duration after the first frame is sent.

[0461] In some embodiments, the first frame is a request to send (RTS) frame.

[0462] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 3301 is also configured to receive a second frame on the main channel, determine based on the second frame that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration, and the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration.

[0463] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 3301 is further configured to actively reset the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel, thereby determining that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0464] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 3301 is further configured to send a second frame on the primary channel, where the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0465] In some embodiments, the second frame is a Contention Free End (CF-End) frame.

[0466] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 3301 is further configured to receive a third frame on the secondary channel, determine based on the third frame that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, and the third frame is used to request the first node to send the first frame.

[0467] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent to the first node after the second node receives or sends the second frame on the primary channel, and the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0468] In some embodiments, the third frame includes one of the following:

[0469] First block acknowledgement BA frame, first confirmation ACK frame, reverse protocol allowed frame, CF-End frame.

[0470] In some embodiments, the first BA frame includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the second indication information indicates the third duration.

[0471] In some embodiments, the first indication information is located in a reserved bit in a BA control field of the first BA frame, and the second indication information is located in a BA information field of the first BA frame.

[0472] In some embodiments, the first physical layer protocol data unit PPDU carrying the first ACK frame carries third indication information and fourth indication information, the third indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the fourth indication information indicates the third duration.

[0473] In some embodiments, the third indication information is located in the first reserved bit of the service field in the data field of the first PPDU, and the fourth indication information is located in the duration field of the first ACK frame or the second reserved bit of the service field in the data field of the first PPDU.

[0474] In some embodiments, the frames allowed by the reverse protocol include at least one of the following: a transmission opportunity reset frame and a (Quality of Service) Null Data frame (QoS) Null frame carrying control information.

[0475] In some embodiments, the transmission opportunity reset frame carries fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel to the third duration.

[0476] In some embodiments, the fifth indication information is located in a frame body field of the transmission opportunity reset frame.

[0477] In some embodiments, the (QoS) Null frame carries sixth indication information and seventh indication information, the sixth indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the seventh indication information indicates the third duration.

[0478] In some embodiments, the sixth indication information is located in a control identifier having a first value in an A-control (A-control) field in a high-throughput HT control field in the (QoS) Null frame, the first field having a second value in the HT control field indicating that the second field in the HT control field is an A-control field; and the seventh indication information is located in a control information field in the A-control field.

[0479] In some embodiments, the reverse protocol allowed frame is used to confirm a second PPDU, or the reverse protocol allowed frame is independent of a first confirmation frame used to confirm the second PPDU, and the second PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the first node before the reverse protocol allowed frame.

[0480] In some embodiments, if the reverse protocol allowed frame is independent of a first acknowledgment frame used to acknowledge the second PPDU, the method further comprises:

[0481] The first node receives the first acknowledgment frame on the secondary channel.

[0482] In some embodiments, the condition for the third frame to include the reverse protocol allowed frame is that the first node is the second transmission opportunity maintaining end of the secondary channel and the first node has started the reverse protocol of the secondary channel.

[0483] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 3301 is further configured to send a third PPDU on the secondary channel, where the third PPDU is used to indicate starting a reverse protocol for the secondary channel.

[0484] In some embodiments, the third PPDU includes eighth indication information, and the eighth indication information is used to indicate starting a reverse protocol of the secondary channel.

[0485] In some embodiments, the eighth indication information is located in a Reverse Direction Grant / More PPDU subfield in an HT Control field in the third PPDU.

[0486] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 3301 is further configured to: determine the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel at a first moment or the NAV maintained by the main channel is reset to a first duration, and then send a first frame on the secondary channel at a second moment, and the second moment is located after the first moment and is separated from the first moment by a fourth duration.

[0487] In some embodiments, the fourth duration includes at least a SIFS duration.

[0488] In some embodiments, the first communication unit 3301 is further configured to receive a fourth frame on the secondary channel, where the fourth frame is a response frame to the first frame, and the fourth frame is used to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel or the NAV maintained by the secondary channel.

[0489] In some embodiments, the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is used for communication between the first node and the second node.

[0490] In some embodiments,

[0491] The first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the first node and the third node; or,

[0492] The first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the second node and the third node.

[0493] In some embodiments, the primary channel is maintained with one NAV or two NAVs.

[0494] In some embodiments, when a fifth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the primary channel, the maintained NAV of the primary channel is reset to the first duration indicated by the fifth frame.

[0495] In some embodiments, when the primary channel maintains a NAV, the NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0496] In some embodiments, the condition under which a NAV maintained on the primary channel is reset includes at least one of the following:

[0497] The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node receiving the fifth frame;

[0498] The first duration is greater than a current value of a NAV maintained by the primary channel.

[0499] In some embodiments, the primary channel is maintained with two NAVs.

[0500] The two NAVs are both reset to the first duration; or,

[0501] A first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration.

[0502] In some embodiments, when both NAVs are updated to the first duration, a first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration, and another NAV among the two NAVs other than the first target NAV is reset to the first duration following the first target NAV.

[0503] In some embodiments, the two NAVs maintained for the primary channel include a basic NAV and a basic service set (BSS) internal NAV.

[0504] If the fifth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the first target NAV is the basic NAV;

[0505] If the fifth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the first target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

[0506] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the basic NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following:

[0507] The fifth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS;

[0508] The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0509] The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

[0510] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following:

[0511] The fifth frame belongs to the BSS;

[0512] The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0513] The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

[0514] In some embodiments, each of the at least one secondary channel associated with a node maintains a corresponding NAV.

[0515] In some embodiments, for a primary channel in the at least one secondary channel, one NAV or two NAVs are maintained.

[0516] In some embodiments, the number of NAVs maintained for different sub-channels in the at least one sub-channel is the same or different.

[0517] In some embodiments, when a sixth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the first channel, the NAV maintained for the first channel is reset to the second duration indicated by the sixth frame.

[0518] In some embodiments, when the first channel is maintained with a NAV, the NAV maintained with the first channel is reset to the second duration.

[0519] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting a NAV when the channel is maintained for the first time includes at least one of the following:

[0520] The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node receiving the sixth frame;

[0521] The second duration is greater than a current value of a NAV during which the channel is maintained for the first time.

[0522] In some embodiments, the first channel is maintained with two NAVs.

[0523] The two NAVs are both reset to the second duration; or,

[0524] A second target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the second duration.

[0525] In some embodiments, when both NAVs are updated to the second duration, the second target NAV of the two NAVs is reset to the second duration, and another NAV of the two NAVs other than the second target NAV is reset to the second duration following the second target NAV.

[0526] In some embodiments, the two NAVs maintained for the first channel include a basic NAV and a BSS internal NAV.

[0527] If the sixth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the second target NAV is the basic NAV;

[0528] If the sixth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the second target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

[0529] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the basic NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following:

[0530] The sixth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS;

[0531] The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0532] The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

[0533] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following:

[0534] The sixth frame belongs to the BSS;

[0535] The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0536] The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

[0537] FIG34 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a channel use device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a second node. As shown in FIG34 , the channel use device 3400 includes:

[0538] The second communication unit 3401 is configured to receive a first frame on a secondary channel, and determine, based on the first frame, that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to a third duration, wherein the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, and the first frame is received when the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel or the network allocation vector NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset to the first duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

[0539] In some embodiments, the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset to the third duration after the first frame is received.

[0540] In some embodiments, the first frame is a request to send (RTS) frame.

[0541] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 3401 is further configured to send a second frame on the primary channel, wherein the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

[0542] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 3401 is further configured to receive a second frame on the primary channel, where the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0543] In some embodiments, the second frame is a contention end CF-End frame.

[0544] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 3401 is further configured to send a third frame on the secondary channel, wherein the third frame is used to request the first node to send the first frame, and the third frame is also used to determine that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0545] In some embodiments, the third frame is sent to the first node after the second node receives or sends the second frame on the primary channel, and the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0546] In some embodiments, the third frame includes one of the following:

[0547] First block acknowledgement BA frame, first confirmation ACK frame, reverse protocol allowed frame, CF-End frame.

[0548] In some embodiments, the first BA frame includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the second indication information indicates the third duration.

[0549] In some embodiments, the first indication information is located in a reserved bit in a BA control field of the first BA frame, and the second indication information is located in a BA information field of the first BA frame.

[0550] In some embodiments, the first physical layer protocol data unit PPDU carrying the first ACK frame carries third indication information and fourth indication information, the third indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the fourth indication information indicates the third duration.

[0551] In some embodiments, the third indication information is located in the first reserved bit of the service field in the data field of the first PPDU, and the fourth indication information is located in the duration field of the first ACK frame or the second reserved bit of the service field in the data field of the first PPDU.

[0552] In some embodiments, the frames allowed by the reverse protocol include at least one of the following: a transmission opportunity reset frame and a (Quality of Service) Null Data frame (QoS) Null frame carrying control information.

[0553] In some embodiments, the transmission opportunity reset frame carries fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel to the third duration.

[0554] In some embodiments, the fifth indication information is located in a frame body field of the transmission opportunity reset frame.

[0555] In some embodiments, the (QoS) Null frame carries sixth indication information and seventh indication information, the sixth indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the seventh indication information indicates the third duration.

[0556] In some embodiments, the sixth indication information is located in a control identifier having a first value in an A-control (A-control) field in a high-throughput HT control field in the (QoS) Null frame, and the first field having a second value in the HT control field indicates that the second field in the HT control field is an A-control field; and the seventh indication information is located in a control information field in the A-control field.

[0557] In some embodiments, the reverse protocol allowed frame is used to confirm a second PPDU, or the reverse protocol allowed frame is independent of a first confirmation frame used to confirm the second PPDU, and the second PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the first node before the reverse protocol allowed frame.

[0558] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 3401 is further configured to receive the first confirmation frame on the secondary channel if the reverse protocol allowed frame is independent of the first confirmation frame used to confirm the second PPDU.

[0559] In some embodiments, the condition for the third frame to include the reverse protocol allowed frame is that the second node is a second transmission opportunity responder of the secondary channel, and the first node starts the reverse protocol of the secondary channel.

[0560] In some embodiments, the second communication unit is further configured to receive a third PPDU on the secondary channel, where the third PPDU is used to indicate starting a reverse protocol on the secondary channel.

[0561] In some embodiments, the third PPDU includes eighth indication information, and the eighth indication information is used to indicate starting a reverse protocol of the secondary channel.

[0562] In some embodiments, the eighth indication information is located in a Reverse Direction Grant / More PPDU subfield in an HT Control field in the third PPDU.

[0563] In some embodiments, the second communication unit 3401 is further configured to send a fourth frame on the secondary channel, where the fourth frame is a response frame to the first frame, and the fourth frame is used to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel or the NAV maintained by the primary channel.

[0564] In some embodiments, the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is used for communication between the first node and the second node.

[0565] In some embodiments,

[0566] The first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the first node and the third node; or,

[0567] The first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the second node and the third node.

[0568] In some embodiments, the primary channel is maintained with one NAV or two NAVs.

[0569] In some embodiments, when a fifth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the primary channel, the maintained NAV of the primary channel is reset to the first duration indicated by the fifth frame.

[0570] In some embodiments, when the primary channel maintains a NAV, the NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0571] In some embodiments, the condition under which a NAV maintained on the primary channel is reset includes at least one of the following:

[0572] The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node receiving the fifth frame;

[0573] The first duration is greater than a current value of a NAV maintained by the primary channel.

[0574] In some embodiments, the primary channel is maintained with two NAVs.

[0575] The two NAVs are both reset to the first duration; or,

[0576] A first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration.

[0577] In some embodiments, when both NAVs are updated to the first duration, a first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration, and another NAV among the two NAVs other than the first target NAV is reset to the first duration following the first target NAV.

[0578] In some embodiments, the two NAVs maintained for the primary channel include a basic NAV and a basic service set (BSS) internal NAV.

[0579] If the fifth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the first target NAV is the basic NAV;

[0580] If the fifth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the first target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

[0581] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the basic NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following:

[0582] The fifth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS;

[0583] The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0584] The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

[0585] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following:

[0586] The fifth frame belongs to the BSS;

[0587] The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0588] The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

[0589] In some embodiments, each of the at least one secondary channel associated with a node maintains a corresponding NAV.

[0590] In some embodiments, for a primary channel in the at least one secondary channel, one NAV or two NAVs are maintained.

[0591] In some embodiments, the number of NAVs maintained for different sub-channels in the at least one sub-channel is the same or different.

[0592] In some embodiments, when a sixth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the first channel, the NAV maintained for the first channel is reset to the second duration indicated by the sixth frame.

[0593] In some embodiments, when the first channel is maintained with a NAV, the NAV maintained with the first channel is reset to the second duration.

[0594] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting a NAV when the channel is maintained for the first time includes at least one of the following:

[0595] The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node receiving the sixth frame;

[0596] The second duration is greater than a current value of a NAV during which the channel is maintained for the first time.

[0597] In some embodiments, the first channel is maintained with two NAVs.

[0598] The two NAVs are both reset to the second duration; or,

[0599] A second target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the second duration.

[0600] In some embodiments, when both NAVs are updated to the second duration, the second target NAV of the two NAVs is reset to the second duration, and another NAV of the two NAVs other than the second target NAV is reset to the second duration following the second target NAV.

[0601] In some embodiments, the two NAVs maintained for the first channel include a basic NAV and a BSS internal NAV.

[0602] If the sixth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the second target NAV is the basic NAV;

[0603] If the sixth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the second target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

[0604] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the basic NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following:

[0605] The sixth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS;

[0606] The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0607] The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

[0608] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following:

[0609] The sixth frame belongs to the BSS;

[0610] The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0611] The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

[0612] FIG35 is a third structural diagram of a channel use device according to an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to a first node. As shown in FIG35 , the channel use device 3500 includes:

[0613] The detection unit 3501 is configured to detect whether the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset after sending the fourth physical layer protocol data unit PPDU on the secondary channel; if the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration, the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

[0614] In some embodiments, the fourth PPDU includes:

[0615] A regular PPDU sent when the NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset and may be ignored or when the value of the NAV maintained by the primary channel exceeds a first threshold;

[0616] The short PPDU is sent when the NAV value maintained on the primary channel does not exceed the first threshold, and the length of the short PPDU is smaller than the length of the regular PPDU.

[0617] In some embodiments, the length of the short PPDU includes at least one of the following:

[0618] Fixed length;

[0619] a length in a first length range;

[0620] The length is determined based on the length of the regular PPDU and the first value.

[0621] In some embodiments, the lengths of different short PPDUs are the same or different.

[0622] In some embodiments, the first node detects whether the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset in a manner that includes at least one of the following:

[0623] It is detected whether the NAV of the primary channel maintained by the first node is reset.

[0624] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel includes:

[0625] A second frame is received on the primary channel, where the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset.

[0626] In some embodiments, the primary channel is maintained with one NAV or two NAVs.

[0627] In some embodiments, when a fifth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the primary channel, the maintained NAV of the primary channel is reset to the first duration indicated by the fifth frame.

[0628] In some embodiments, when the primary channel maintains a NAV, the NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

[0629] In some embodiments, the condition under which a NAV maintained on the primary channel is reset includes at least one of the following:

[0630] The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node receiving the fifth frame;

[0631] The first duration is greater than a current value of a NAV maintained by the primary channel.

[0632] In some embodiments, the primary channel is maintained with two NAVs.

[0633] The two NAVs are both reset to the first duration; or,

[0634] A first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration.

[0635] In some embodiments, when both NAVs are updated to the first duration, a first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration, and another NAV among the two NAVs other than the first target NAV is reset to the first duration following the first target NAV.

[0636] In some embodiments, the two NAVs maintained for the primary channel include a basic NAV and a basic service set (BSS) internal NAV.

[0637] If the fifth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the first target NAV is the basic NAV;

[0638] If the fifth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the first target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

[0639] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the basic NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following:

[0640] The fifth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS;

[0641] The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0642] The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

[0643] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following:

[0644] The fifth frame belongs to the BSS;

[0645] The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0646] The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

[0647] In some embodiments, each of the at least one secondary channel associated with a node maintains a corresponding NAV.

[0648] In some embodiments, for a primary channel in the at least one secondary channel, one NAV or two NAVs are maintained.

[0649] In some embodiments, the number of NAVs maintained for different sub-channels in the at least one sub-channel is the same or different.

[0650] In some embodiments, when a sixth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the first channel, the NAV maintained for the first channel is reset to the second duration indicated by the sixth frame.

[0651] In some embodiments, when the first channel is maintained with a NAV, the NAV maintained with the first channel is reset to the second duration.

[0652] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting a NAV when the channel is maintained for the first time includes at least one of the following:

[0653] The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node receiving the sixth frame;

[0654] The second duration is greater than a current value of a NAV during which the channel is maintained for the first time.

[0655] In some embodiments, the first channel is maintained with two NAVs.

[0656] The two NAVs are both reset to the second duration; or,

[0657] A second target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the second duration.

[0658] In some embodiments, when both NAVs are updated to the second duration, the second target NAV of the two NAVs is reset to the second duration, and another NAV of the two NAVs other than the second target NAV is reset to the second duration following the second target NAV.

[0659] In some embodiments, the two NAVs maintained for the first channel include a basic NAV and a BSS internal NAV.

[0660] If the sixth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the second target NAV is the basic NAV;

[0661] If the sixth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the second target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

[0662] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the basic NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following:

[0663] The sixth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS;

[0664] The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0665] The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

[0666] In some embodiments, the condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following:

[0667] The sixth frame belongs to the BSS;

[0668] The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV;

[0669] The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

[0670] Those skilled in the art should understand that the relevant description of the above-mentioned channel using device in the embodiment of the present application can be understood with reference to the relevant description of the channel using method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0671] Figure 36 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 3600 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be a first node or a second node. The communication device 3600 shown in Figure 36 includes a processor 3610, which can call and execute a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0672] Optionally, as shown in FIG36 , the communication device 3800 may further include a memory 3820. The processor 3810 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 3820 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0673] The memory 3620 may be a separate device independent of the processor 3610 or may be integrated into the processor 3610 .

[0674] Optionally, as shown in FIG36 , the communication device 3600 may further include a transceiver 3630 , and the processor 3610 may control the transceiver 3630 to communicate with other devices, specifically, to send information or data to other devices, or to receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0675] The transceiver 3630 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 3630 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0676] Optionally, the communication device 3600 may specifically be the first node of an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 3600 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the first node in each method of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0677] Optionally, the communication device 3600 may specifically be the second node of the embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 3800 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the second node in each method of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0678] Figure 37 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip 3700 shown in Figure 37 includes a processor 3710, which can call and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0679] Optionally, as shown in FIG37 , the chip 3700 may further include a memory 3720. The processor 3710 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 3720 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0680] The memory 3720 may be a separate device independent of the processor 3710 or may be integrated into the processor 3710 .

[0681] Optionally, the chip 3700 may further include an input interface 3730. The processor 3710 may control the input interface 3730 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, may obtain information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0682] Optionally, the chip 3700 may further include an output interface 3740. The processor 3710 may control the output interface 3740 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, may output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0683] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the first node in the embodiment of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the first node in each method of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0684] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the second node in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the second node in each method of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0685] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can also be called a system-level chip, a system chip, a chip system or a system-on-chip chip, etc.

[0686] FIG38 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 3800 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG38 , the communication system 3800 includes a first node 3810 and a second node 3820 .

[0687] Among them, the first node 3810 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the first node in the above method, and the second node 4020 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the second node in the above method. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0688] It should be understood that the processor of the embodiments of the present application may 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 software instructions. 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 devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. 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, 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.

[0689] 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 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 RAM bus random access memory (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.

[0690] It should be understood that the above-mentioned memories are exemplary but not restrictive. For example, the memories in the embodiments of the present application may also be 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 RAM RAM (DR RAM), etc. In other words, the memories in the embodiments of the present application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0691] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program.

[0692] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the first node in the embodiment of the present application, and the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the first node in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0693] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the second node in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the second node in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0694] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

[0695] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the first node in the embodiment of the present application, and the computer program instructions enable the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the first node in the various methods of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0696] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the second node in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program instructions enable the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the second node in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0697] The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program.

[0698] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the first node in the embodiments of the present application. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer executes the corresponding processes implemented by the first node in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0699] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the second node in the embodiments of the present application. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer executes the corresponding processes implemented by the second node in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0700] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed 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 beyond the scope of this application.

[0701] Those skilled in the art will 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.

[0702] 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 schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, 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.

[0703] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown 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 these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0704] 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.

[0705] 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, a server, or a 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 read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0706] 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 the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A channel usage method, the method comprising: The first node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration, and then sends a first frame on the secondary channel, where the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset to the third duration after the first frame is sent.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first frame is a request to send (RTS) frame.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, including: The first node receives a second frame on the main channel, and based on the second frame determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration, and the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the main channel is reset to the first duration.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, including: The first node actively resets the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel, thereby determining that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The method further comprises: The first node sends a second frame on the primary channel, where the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

7. The method according to claim 4 or 6, wherein: The second frame is a contention-free end CF-End frame.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The first node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, including: The first node receives a third frame on the secondary channel, and based on the third frame, determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration. The third frame is used to request the first node to send the first frame.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The third frame is sent to the first node after the second node receives or sends the second frame on the primary channel, and the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein The third frame includes one of the following: First block acknowledgement BA frame, first confirmation ACK frame, reverse protocol allowed frame, CF-End frame.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The first BA frame includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the second indication information indicates the third duration.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The first indication information is located in a reserved bit in a BA control field of the first BA frame, and the second indication information is located in a BA information field of the first BA frame.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The first physical layer protocol data unit PPDU carrying the first ACK frame carries third indication information and fourth indication information, the third indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the fourth indication information indicates the third duration.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The third indication information is located in the first reserved bit of the service field in the data field of the first PPDU, and the fourth indication information is located in the duration field of the first ACK frame or the second reserved bit of the service field in the data field of the first PPDU.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein The frames allowed by the reverse protocol include at least one of the following: a transmission opportunity reset frame and a (Quality of Service) Null data frame (QoS) Null frame carrying control information.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The transmission opportunity reset frame carries fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel to the third duration.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The fifth indication information is located in the frame body field of the transmission opportunity reset frame.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein The (QoS) Null frame carries sixth indication information and seventh indication information, the sixth indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the seventh indication information indicates the third duration.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The sixth indication information is located in a control identifier having a first value in an A-control (A-control) field in a high-throughput HT control field in the (QoS) Null frame, wherein the first field in the HT control field having a second value indicates that the second field in the HT control field is an A-control field; and the seventh indication information is located in a control information field in the A-control field.

20. The method according to any one of claims 10, 15 to 19, wherein The reverse protocol allowed frame is used to confirm the second PPDU, or the reverse protocol allowed frame is independent of the first confirmation frame used to confirm the second PPDU, and the second PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the first node before the reverse protocol allowed frame.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein If the reverse protocol allowed frame is independent of a first acknowledgment frame used to acknowledge the second PPDU, the method further includes: The first node receives the first acknowledgment frame on the secondary channel.

22. The method according to any one of claims 10, 15 to 21, wherein The condition that the third frame includes the frame allowed by the reverse protocol is that the first node is the second transmission opportunity maintaining end of the secondary channel and the first node starts the reverse protocol of the secondary channel.

23. The method according to any one of claims 10, 15 to 22, wherein The method further comprises: The first node sends a third PPDU on the secondary channel, where the third PPDU is used to indicate starting a reverse protocol of the secondary channel.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The third PPDU includes eighth indication information, where the eighth indication information is used to indicate starting a reverse protocol for the secondary channel.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein The eighth indication information is located in the Reverse Direction Grant / More PPDU subfield in the HT Control field in the third PPDU.

26. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein The first node determines that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, and then sends a first frame on the secondary channel, including: The first node determines at a first moment that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to a first duration, and then sends a first frame on the secondary channel at a second moment, where the second moment is after the first moment and is separated from the first moment by a fourth duration.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein The fourth duration includes at least a SIFS duration.

28. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein The method further comprises: The first node receives a fourth frame on the secondary channel, where the fourth frame is a response frame to the first frame and is used to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel.

29. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein The second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is used for communication between the first node and the second node.

30. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein The first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the first node and the third node; or, The first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the second node and the third node.

31. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein The primary channel is maintained with one NAV or two NAVs.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein When a fifth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the primary channel, the maintained NAV of the primary channel is reset to the first duration indicated by the fifth frame.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein In a case where the primary channel maintains a NAV, the NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein The condition in which a NAV maintained on the primary channel is reset includes at least one of the following: The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node receiving the fifth frame; The first duration is greater than a current value of a NAV maintained by the primary channel.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein: The primary channel is maintained in case of two NAVs, The two NAVs are both reset to the first duration; or, A first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein When both NAVs are updated to the first duration, a first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration, and another NAV among the two NAVs other than the first target NAV is reset to the first duration following the first target NAV.

37. The method according to claim 35 or 36, wherein The two NAVs maintained by the primary channel include the basic NAV and the basic service set BSS internal NAV. If the fifth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the first target NAV is the basic NAV; If the fifth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the first target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein: The condition for resetting the basic NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following: The fifth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS; The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV; The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein: The condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following: The fifth frame belongs to the BSS; The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV; The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

40. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein In at least one secondary channel associated with a node, a corresponding NAV is maintained for each secondary channel.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein For a first secondary channel among the at least one secondary channel, one NAV or two NAVs are maintained.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein The numbers of NAVs maintained for different sub-channels in the at least one sub-channel are the same or different.

43. The method according to claim 41 or 42, wherein When a sixth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the first channel, the NAV maintained for the first channel is reset to the second duration indicated by the sixth frame.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein In the case that the first channel maintains a NAV, the NAV maintained by the first channel is reset to the second duration.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein: The condition for resetting a NAV when the channel is maintained for the first time includes at least one of the following: The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node receiving the sixth frame; The second duration is greater than a current value of a NAV during which the channel is maintained for the first time.

46. ​​The method of claim 43, wherein The first time the channel is maintained in case of two NAVs, The two NAVs are both reset to the second duration; or, A second target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the second duration.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein When both NAVs are updated to the second duration, the second target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the second duration, and the other NAV among the two NAVs other than the second target NAV is reset to the second duration following the second target NAV.

48. The method according to claim 46 or 47, wherein The two NAVs maintained by the first channel include the basic NAV and the BSS internal NAV. If the sixth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the second target NAV is the basic NAV; If the sixth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the second target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

49. The method according to claim 48, wherein The condition for resetting the basic NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following: The sixth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS; The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV; The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

50. The method of claim 48, wherein The condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following: The sixth frame belongs to the BSS; The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV; The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

51. A method for using a channel, the method comprising: The second node receives a first frame on the secondary channel, and based on the first frame determines that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, and the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein The duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset to the third duration after the first frame is received.

53. The method according to claim 51 or 52, wherein The first frame is a request to send (RTS) frame.

54. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein The method further comprises: The second node sends a second frame on the primary channel, where the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

55. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein The method further comprises: The second node receives a second frame on the primary channel, where the second frame is used to indicate that a duration of a first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to a first duration, and the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

56. The method according to claim 54 or 55, wherein The second frame is a contention end CF-End frame.

57. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 56, wherein The method further comprises: The second node sends a third frame on the secondary channel, where the third frame is used to request the first node to send the first frame. The third frame is also used to determine that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein The third frame is sent to the first node after the second node receives or sends the second frame on the primary channel, and the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

59. The method according to claim 57 or 58, wherein The third frame includes one of the following: First block acknowledgement BA frame, first confirmation ACK frame, reverse protocol allowed frame, CF-End frame.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein The first BA frame includes first indication information and second indication information, the first indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the second indication information indicates the third duration.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein: The first indication information is located in a reserved bit in a BA control field of the first BA frame, and the second indication information is located in a BA information field of the first BA frame.

62. The method of claim 59, wherein: The first physical layer protocol data unit PPDU carrying the first ACK frame carries third indication information and fourth indication information, the third indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the fourth indication information indicates the third duration.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein: The third indication information is located in the first reserved bit of the service field in the data field of the first PPDU, and the fourth indication information is located in the duration field of the first ACK frame or the second reserved bit of the service field in the data field of the first PPDU.

64. The method of claim 59, wherein The frames allowed by the reverse protocol include at least one of the following: a transmission opportunity reset frame and a (Quality of Service) Null data frame (QoS) Null frame carrying control information.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein The transmission opportunity reset frame carries fifth indication information, and the fifth indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel to the third duration.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein The fifth indication information is located in the frame body field of the transmission opportunity reset frame.

67. The method of claim 64, wherein The (QoS) Null frame carries sixth indication information and seventh indication information, the sixth indication information is used to request the first node to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel, and the seventh indication information indicates the third duration.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein The sixth indication information is located in a control identifier having a first value in an A-control (A-control) field in a high-throughput HT control field in the (QoS) Null frame, wherein the first field in the HT control field having a second value indicates that the second field in the HT control field is an A-control field; and the seventh indication information is located in a control information field in the A-control field.

69. The method according to any one of claims 59, 64 to 68, wherein The reverse protocol allowed frame is used to confirm the second PPDU, or the reverse protocol allowed frame is independent of the first confirmation frame used to confirm the second PPDU, and the second PPDU is the most recent PPDU sent by the first node before the reverse protocol allowed frame.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein If the reverse protocol allowed frame is independent of a first acknowledgment frame used to acknowledge the second PPDU, the method further includes: The second node receives the first acknowledgment frame on the secondary channel.

71. The method according to any one of claims 59, 64 to 70, wherein The condition that the third frame includes the frame allowed by the reverse protocol is that the second node is a second transmission opportunity responder of the secondary channel, and the first node starts the reverse protocol of the secondary channel.

72. The method according to any one of claims 59, 64 to 71, wherein The method further comprises: The second node receives a third PPDU on the secondary channel, where the third PPDU is used to indicate starting a reverse protocol on the secondary channel.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein: The third PPDU includes eighth indication information, where the eighth indication information is used to indicate starting a reverse protocol for the secondary channel.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein The eighth indication information is located in the Reverse Direction Grant / More PPDU subfield in the HT Control field in the third PPDU.

75. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 74, wherein The method further comprises: The second node sends a fourth frame on the secondary channel, where the fourth frame is a response frame to the first frame and is used to reset the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel.

76. The method of any one of claims 51 to 75, wherein The second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is used for communication between the first node and the second node.

77. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 76, wherein The first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the first node and the third node; or, The first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is used for communication between the second node and the third node.

78. The method of any one of claims 51 to 77, wherein The primary channel is maintained with one NAV or two NAVs.

79. The method of claim 78, wherein When a fifth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the primary channel, the maintained NAV of the primary channel is reset to the first duration indicated by the fifth frame.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein In a case where the primary channel maintains a NAV, the NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein The condition in which a NAV maintained on the primary channel is reset includes at least one of the following: The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node receiving the fifth frame; The first duration is greater than a current value of a NAV maintained by the primary channel.

82. The method of claim 79, wherein The primary channel is maintained in case of two NAVs, The two NAVs are both reset to the first duration; or, A first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein When both NAVs are updated to the first duration, a first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration, and another NAV among the two NAVs other than the first target NAV is reset to the first duration following the first target NAV.

84. The method of claim 82 or 83, wherein The two NAVs maintained by the primary channel include the basic NAV and the basic service set BSS internal NAV. If the fifth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the first target NAV is the basic NAV; If the fifth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the first target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

85. The method of claim 84, wherein The condition for resetting the basic NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following: The fifth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS; The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV; The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

86. The method of claim 84, wherein The condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following: The fifth frame belongs to the BSS; The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV; The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

87. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 86, wherein In at least one secondary channel associated with a node, a corresponding NAV is maintained for each secondary channel.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein For a first secondary channel among the at least one secondary channel, one NAV or two NAVs are maintained.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein The numbers of NAVs maintained for different sub-channels in the at least one sub-channel are the same or different.

90. The method of claim 88 or 89, wherein When a sixth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the first channel, the NAV maintained for the first channel is reset to the second duration indicated by the sixth frame.

91. The method of claim 90, wherein In the case that the first channel maintains a NAV, the NAV maintained by the first channel is reset to the second duration.

92. The method of claim 91, wherein The condition for resetting a NAV when the channel is maintained for the first time includes at least one of the following: The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node receiving the sixth frame; The second duration is greater than a current value of a NAV during which the channel is maintained for the first time.

93. The method of claim 90, wherein: The first time the channel is maintained in case of two NAVs, The two NAVs are both reset to the second duration; or, A second target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the second duration.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein When both NAVs are updated to the second duration, the second target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the second duration, and the other NAV among the two NAVs other than the second target NAV is reset to the second duration following the second target NAV.

95. The method of claim 93 or 94, wherein The two NAVs maintained by the first channel include the basic NAV and the BSS internal NAV. If the sixth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the second target NAV is the basic NAV; If the sixth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the second target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

96. The method of claim 95, wherein The condition for resetting the basic NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following: The sixth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS; The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV; The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

97. The method of claim 95, wherein The condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following: The sixth frame belongs to the BSS; The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV; The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

98. A method for using a channel, the method comprising: After the first node sends a fourth physical layer protocol data unit PPDU on the secondary channel, detecting whether the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset; If the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to a third duration, where the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

99. The method of claim 98, wherein The fourth PPDU includes: A regular PPDU sent when the NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset and may be ignored or when the value of the NAV maintained by the primary channel exceeds a first threshold; The short PPDU is sent when the NAV value maintained on the primary channel does not exceed the first threshold, and the length of the short PPDU is smaller than the length of the regular PPDU.

100. The method of claim 99, wherein The length of the short PPDU includes at least one of the following: Fixed length; a length in a first length range; The length is determined based on the length of the regular PPDU and the first value.

101. The method according to claim 99 or 100, wherein The lengths of different short PPDUs may be the same or different.

102. The method according to any one of claims 98 to 101, wherein The manner in which the first node detects whether the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset includes at least one of the following: It is detected whether the NAV of the primary channel maintained by the first node is reset.

103. The method according to any one of claims 98 to 102, wherein The conditions for resetting the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel include: A second frame is received on the primary channel, where the second frame is used to indicate that the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset.

104. The method according to any one of claims 98 to 103, wherein The primary channel is maintained with one NAV or two NAVs.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein When a fifth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the primary channel, the maintained NAV of the primary channel is reset to the first duration indicated by the fifth frame.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein In a case where the primary channel maintains a NAV, the NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset to the first duration.

107. The method of claim 106, wherein: The condition in which a NAV maintained on the primary channel is reset includes at least one of the following: The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node receiving the fifth frame; The first duration is greater than a current value of a NAV maintained by the primary channel.

108. The method of claim 105, wherein: The primary channel is maintained in case of two NAVs, The two NAVs are both reset to the first duration; or, A first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration.

109. The method of claim 108, wherein When both NAVs are updated to the first duration, a first target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the first duration, and another NAV among the two NAVs other than the first target NAV is reset to the first duration following the first target NAV.

110. The method according to claim 108 or 109, wherein The two NAVs maintained by the primary channel include the basic NAV and the basic service set BSS internal NAV. If the fifth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the first target NAV is the basic NAV; If the fifth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the first target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

111. The method according to claim 110, wherein The condition for resetting the basic NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following: The fifth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the second frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS; The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV; The receiving end address of the fifth frame is not the address of the node that receives the fifth frame.

112. The method according to claim 110, wherein The condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the first duration includes at least one of the following: The fifth frame belongs to the BSS; The first duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV; The receiving end of the fifth frame receives the address of the node of the fifth frame.

113. The method according to any one of claims 98 to 112, wherein In at least one secondary channel associated with a node, a corresponding NAV is maintained for each secondary channel.

114. The method according to claim 113, wherein For a first secondary channel among the at least one secondary channel, one NAV or two NAVs are maintained.

115. The method of claim 114, wherein The numbers of NAVs maintained for different sub-channels in the at least one sub-channel are the same or different.

116. The method according to claim 114 or 115, wherein When a sixth frame is received on at least one channel including at least the first channel, the NAV maintained for the first channel is reset to the second duration indicated by the sixth frame.

117. The method according to claim 116, wherein In the case that the first channel maintains a NAV, the NAV maintained by the first channel is reset to the second duration.

118. The method of claim 117, wherein: The condition for resetting a NAV when the channel is maintained for the first time includes at least one of the following: The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node receiving the sixth frame; The second duration is greater than a current value of a NAV during which the channel is maintained for the first time.

119. The method of claim 116, wherein The first time the channel is maintained in case of two NAVs, The two NAVs are both reset to the second duration; or, A second target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the second duration.

120. The method of claim 119, wherein When both NAVs are updated to the second duration, the second target NAV among the two NAVs is reset to the second duration, and the other NAV among the two NAVs other than the second target NAV is reset to the second duration following the second target NAV.

121. The method according to claim 119 or 120, wherein The two NAVs maintained by the first channel include the basic NAV and the BSS internal NAV. If the sixth frame belongs to an inter-BSS, the second target NAV is the basic NAV; If the sixth frame belongs to the intra-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS, the second target NAV is the intra-BSS NAV.

122. The method according to claim 121, wherein The condition for resetting the basic NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following: The sixth frame belongs to the inter-BSS or the sixth frame cannot be identified as the inter-BSS or the intra-BSS; The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV; The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

123. The method according to claim 121, wherein The condition for resetting the BSS internal NAV to the second duration includes at least one of the following: The sixth frame belongs to the BSS; The second duration is greater than a current value of the basic NAV; The receiving end address of the sixth frame is not the address of the node that receives the sixth frame.

124. A channel using device comprising: The first communication unit is configured to determine that a duration of a first transmission opportunity of a primary channel or a network allocation vector NAV maintained by the primary channel is reset to a first duration, and then send a first frame on a secondary channel, where the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of a second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to a third duration, where the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

125. A channel using device comprising: The second communication unit is configured to receive a first frame on a secondary channel, and determine based on the first frame that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration, wherein the first frame is used to indicate that the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to the third duration.

126. A channel using device comprising: a detection unit configured to detect whether a duration of a first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset after sending a fourth physical layer protocol data unit PPDU on the secondary channel; If the duration of the first transmission opportunity of the primary channel is reset to the first duration, the duration of the second transmission opportunity of the secondary channel is reset from the second duration to a third duration, where the third duration is determined based on the first duration.

127. A communication device comprising: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory, executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 50, or executing the method according to any one of claims 51 to 97, or executing the method according to any one of claims 98 to 123.

128. A chip comprising: A processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory so that a device equipped with the chip executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 50, or executes the method according to any one of claims 51 to 97, or executes the method according to any one of claims 98 to 123.

129. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, wherein the computer program causes a computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 50, or the method according to any one of claims 51 to 97, or the method according to any one of claims 98 to 123.

130. A computer program product comprising computer program instructions, the computer program instructions causing a computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 50, or the method of any one of claims 51 to 97, or the method of any one of claims 98 to 123.

131. A computer program, wherein the computer program causes a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 50, or the method according to any one of claims 51 to 97, or the method according to any one of claims 98 to 123.

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