Communication method and device, storage medium and chip system

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and device, a storage medium and a chip system, relates to the technical field of communication, and is used for adding indication information in TWT information, so that a non-AP STA identifies a TWT established between an AP in an OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP. The present application is applied to a wireless local area network system that supports an IEEE 802.11 ax next generation Wi-Fi protocol (e.g., 802.11 be, Wi-Fi 7, or EHT), or an IEEE 802.11 be next generation Wi-Fi protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi 8, UHR, 11bn), or Wi-Fi AI, or millimeter wave (mmWave), or ultra wide band (UWB), or sensing. In the application, the first AP can send the first TWT information. The first TWT information may indicate a TWT established between an AP of the OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. The first TWT information can carry first indication information, so that the first non-AP STA identifies that the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP establish TWT, thereby assisting the non-AP STA to communicate based on a TWT mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Many wireless devices (especially terminal devices) are battery-powered, so energy-saving features are particularly important. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ah introduced the target wakeup time (TWT) technology in the field of Internet of Things (IoT). TWT requesting stations can remain dormant outside the TWT service period (SP) to reduce energy consumption.

[0003] A communication system may include multiple basic service sets (BSSs). BSSs are the basic components of local area networks (LANs) in 802.11. BSSs consist of stations (STAs) that form a certain connection within a certain coverage area.

[0004] For example, in the infrastructure basic service set (BSS), there is a STA with special functions as the access point for all stations inside the BSS to access the distributed system (DS). This special station is the access point (AP) of this BSS and is responsible for managing this BSS. When a non-access point station (non-APSTA) needs to access the DS, the non-AP STA needs to associate with the AP and access the DS through the associated AP. Each BSS managed by an AP entity may include at least one non-AP STA, and the multiple non-AP STAs are associated with the AP entity corresponding to the BSS. A TWT or r-TWT can be established between each AP and the non-AP STA associated with the AP. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method, device, storage medium and chip system for adding indication information in TWT information so that the non-AP STA can identify the TWT established between the AP in the overlapping basic service set (overlapping BSS, OBSS) of the AP and the non-AP STA associated with the AP, thereby assisting the non-AP STA to communicate based on the TWT mechanism.

[0006] The present application provides a possible implementation mode, in which a first AP sends TWT information, and the TWT indicated by the TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in an OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. The TWT information may carry first indication information so that the first non-AP STA can identify the TWT established between an AP in an OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP.

[0007] In another possible implementation, the first non-AP STA and the first AP may communicate with each other using the switched main channel during the SP period of the TWT established between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP. Since the switched main channel may be different from the main channel in the OBSS, the probability that the switched main channel is busy during the SP period of the TWT established between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP is low, and then the first non-AP STA communicates with the switched main channel to improve communication efficiency.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applicable to a first non-AP STA. The first non-AP STA can be, for example, a non-AP STA device or a unit, module or chip (system) inside the non-AP STA device.

[0009] In the method, a first non-AP STA receives a first TWT information from a first AP. The first non-AP STA is associated with a first AP, and the first TWT information includes a first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in an overlapping basic service set OBSS of the first AP and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. The first non-AP STA determines, based on the first indication information, that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS and a non-APSTA associated with the AP.

[0010] Since the first TWT information includes the first indication information, the first non-AP STA can distinguish the AP in the OBSS and establish a TWT between the non-AP STA associated with the AP. This solution can assist the non-AP STA to communicate based on the TWT mechanism.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the first TWT information is carried in the first TWT element. The first indication information is carried in a reserved field B7 in a control field in the first TWT element.

[0012] In this implementation, since the first indication information can occupy the reserved field in the first TWT element, this implementation makes fewer changes to the existing TWT elements, so that it can be better compatible with existing technologies. In addition, the scheme does not increase the bits of the TWT element due to the first indication information, thereby saving resource overhead.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA receives second TWT information from the first AP, the second TWT information includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the TWT indicated by the second TWT information is a TWT established between the first AP and the non-AP STA associated with the first AP.

[0014] Since the second TWT information includes the second indication information, the first non-AP STA can identify whether the TWT indicated by the received TWT information is the TWT established between the AP in the BSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP, and then the first non-AP STA can communicate with the first AP based on the TWT established between the identified AP in the BSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the second TWT information is carried in the second TWT element, and the second indication information is carried in the reserved field B7 in the control field in the second TWT element.

[0016] In this implementation, since the second indication information can occupy the reserved field in the first TWT element, this implementation makes fewer changes to the existing TWT elements, so that it can be better compatible with existing technologies. In addition, the scheme does not increase the bits of the TWT element due to the second indication information, thereby saving resource overhead.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the first TWT information may include the third indication information or the fourth indication information.

[0018] The third indication information is used to instruct the first non-AP STA to communicate with the first AP using the switched main channel. The third indication information can also be used to instruct the first AP to communicate with the first non-AP STA using the switched main channel. In this way, when the first non-APSTA determines that the third indication information exists in the first TWT information, the first non-AP STA will switch the main channel regardless of whether the first channel, which was originally the main channel, is idle or busy, such as switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicating with the first AP using the second channel as the main channel. The third indication information can enable the first non-APSTA to determine the conditions for switching the main channel, so that the first AP and the first non-AP STA can make the same choice based on the same conditions, thereby achieving the effect of both switching the main channel.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the first TWT information is carried in the first TWT element, and the third indication information is carried in the TWT parameter information field in the first TWT element.

[0020] The third indication information can be carried in a newly added field in the TWT parameter information field. Since the third indication information can also be regarded as TWT parameter information, it is more reasonable to carry the third indication information in the TWT parameter information field, and it can be more compatible with existing technologies.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth indication information is used to indicate that: when the state of the first channel is a busy state, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP using the switched primary channel. The fourth indication information is used to indicate that: when the state of the first channel is a busy state, the first AP communicates with the first non-AP STA using the switched primary channel.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth indication information is further used to indicate that: when the state of the first channel is an idle state, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP using the first channel as a main channel. The fourth indication information is further used to indicate that: when the state of the first channel is an idle state, the first AP communicates with the first non-APSTA using the first channel as a main channel.

[0023] In this way, when the first non-AP STA determines that there is the fourth indication information in the first TWT information, the first non-AP STA will first detect the first channel that was originally the main channel. If the first channel is idle, the first non-APSTA does not need to switch the main channel. If the first channel is busy, the first non-AP STA switches the main channel, such as switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicating with the first AP using the second channel as the main channel. The fourth indication information can enable the first non-AP STA to determine the conditions for switching the main channel, so that the first AP and the first non-AP STA can make the same choice based on the same conditions, thereby achieving the effect of both switching or not switching the main channel.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the first indication information is also used to indicate that the third indication information or the fourth indication information exists in the first TWT information. It can also be understood that when the first indication information exists in the first TWT information, it can also be considered that the third indication information or the fourth indication information exists in the first TWT information.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the first TWT information is carried in the first TWT element. The fourth indication information is carried in the TWT parameter information field in the first TWT element. The fourth indication information can be carried in a newly added field in the TWT parameter information field. Since the fourth indication information can also be regarded as TWT parameter information, it is more reasonable to carry the fourth indication information in the TWT parameter information field, and it can be more compatible with existing technologies.

[0026] In one possible implementation, in another possible implementation, the first non-AP STA switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel according to the first TWT information, and communicates with the first AP using the second channel as the main channel.

[0027] In one example, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP in the second TWT, and the main channel is the first channel. During the non-second TWT time, the first non-AP STA needs to use a conventional scheme to communicate with the first AP, that is, the first non-APSTA monitors the main channel (first channel). When the first channel is busy, backoff is performed, and when the first channel is idle, the first channel is used as the main channel to communicate with the first AP. However, the first channel may also be the main channel of the second AP in the OBSS. The second AP establishes a first TWT with its associated non-AP STA. There is a high possibility that the first channel is busy during the SP of the first TWT, which results in low communication efficiency of the first non-AP STA during the first TWT time.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the first non-AP STA switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel within the SP time of the first TWT, thereby reducing the probability of the main channel being busy. Then, the first non-APSTA transmits using the second channel as the main channel within the SP of the first TWT, and communication efficiency can be improved.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the start time of switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel is located at the SP start time of the first TWT, or is located before the SP start time of the first TWT. In one possible implementation, the completion time of switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel is located at the SP start time of the first TWT, or is located before the SP start time of the first TWT.

[0030] By limiting the start time and / or completion time of switching the main channel to the second channel, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can complete the switching of the main channel as much as possible within a short period of time before or after the SP start time of the first TWT, so that the first AP and the first non-AP STA can communicate based on the switched main channel for a longer period of time during the SP of the first TWT, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the first non-AP STA switches the main channel from the second channel to the first channel, and communicates with the first AP using the first channel as the main channel. The start time of switching the main channel from the second channel to the first channel is located at the SP end time of the first TWT, or is located after the SP end time of the first TWT. In a possible implementation, the completion time of switching the main channel from the second channel to the first channel is located at the SP end time of the first TWT, or is located after the SP end time of the first TWT.

[0032] By limiting the start time and / or completion time of switching the main channel back to the first channel, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can return to the original main channel as soon as possible before the SP end time of the first TWT or within a short period of time after the end time, so that the first AP and the first non-AP STA can communicate using the originally configured main channel.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the first non-AP STA obtains the indication information of the second channel. In this way, the first non-AP STA can determine the main channel after switching based on the obtained indication information of the second channel. The first non-AP STA can obtain the indication information of the second channel by pre-configuration in advance or by receiving an indication from another device.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the indication information of the second channel includes: a first value and a second value. The first value corresponds to the position of the first channel. The relationship between the first value and the second value is used to indicate: the relative position relationship between the first channel and the second channel. Workstations with different bandwidths may have different numbers for the main channels. The embodiment of the present application does not rely on the absolute number of the channel, but relies on the relative position to indicate the used channel, so as to avoid ambiguity and simplify the implementation.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the indication information of the second channel is carried in the anchor channel information field of the action frame or the management frame. The first value is carried in the main channel field in the anchor channel information field. The second value is carried in the anchor channel field in the anchor channel information field. This setting is more reasonable and more compatible with the existing technology.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the frame for carrying the indication information of the second channel further includes: information for indicating that the indication information of the second channel exists in the frame. In this way, the first non-AP STA can determine whether the indication information of the second channel exists in the frame based on the information, and when the indication information of the second channel does not exist, the indication information field for carrying the second channel in the frame is no longer parsed, thereby reducing the workload of the first non-AP STA and reducing the power consumption of the first non-AP STA.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA sends information to the first AP to indicate a request to enter the first mode. Or, the first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP to indicate a request to enter the first mode. The first mode indicates that the non-AP STA and / or AP entering the first mode is allowed to switch the main channel according to the first TWT information. It can also be understood that the first mode includes some rules, and the non-AP STA and / or AP entering the first mode needs to abide by the rules of the first mode. The rules of the first mode may include: allowing non-AP STA and / or AP to switch the main channel when it is necessary to switch the main channel. For the relevant content of the main channel switching, please refer to the above description and will not be repeated.

[0038] Since the first non-AP STA and the first AP can transmit information indicating a request to enter the first mode, the first non-AP STA and the first AP can negotiate whether to enter the first mode. After both parties agree to enter the first mode, both parties can be allowed to switch the main channel when they need to. If both parties do not enter the first mode, they may not be bound by the rules of the first mode. For example, they may not be allowed to switch the main channel, such as not allowing both parties to switch the main channel in the SP phase of the first TWT information.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the first non-AP STA sends information indicating successful entry into the first mode to the first AP. Or, the first non-AP STA receives information indicating successful entry into the first mode from the first AP. Since the first non-AP STA and the first AP can transmit information indicating successful entry into the first mode, the first non-AP STA or the first AP can confirm whether the other party has successfully entered the first mode through the signaling.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the first non-AP STA sends information for indicating the end of the first mode to the first AP. Or, the first non-AP STA receives information for indicating the end of the first mode from the first AP. Since the first non-AP STA and the first AP can transmit information for indicating the end of the first mode, the first non-AP STA or the first AP can exit the first mode through the signaling.

[0041] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applicable to a first AP. The first AP can be, for example, an AP device or a unit, module, or chip (system) inside the AP device.

[0042] In the method, the first AP sends the first TWT information. The first non-AP STA is associated with the first AP, and the first TWT information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in an overlapping basic service set OBSS of the first AP and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. The first AP sends the first TWT information.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first AP sends second TWT information.

[0044] In a possible implementation, the first AP switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel according to the first TWT information, and communicates with the first non-AP STA using the second channel as the main channel. The start time of switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel is located at the SP start time of the first TWT, or is located before the SP start time of the first TWT. In a possible implementation, the completion time of switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel is located at the SP start time of the first TWT, or is located before the SP start time of the first TWT.

[0045] In a possible implementation, the first AP switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel according to the first TWT information, and after communicating with the first non-AP STA using the second channel as the main channel, the first AP switches the main channel from the second channel to the first channel, and communicates with the first non-AP STA using the first channel as the main channel. The start time of switching the main channel from the second channel to the first channel is at the SP end time of the first TWT, or is after the SP end time of the first TWT. In a possible implementation, the completion time of switching the main channel from the second channel to the first channel is at the SP end time of the first TWT, or is after the SP end time of the first TWT.

[0046] In a possible implementation manner, the first AP sends indication information of the second channel.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the first AP sends information indicating a request to enter the first mode. Or, the first AP receives information indicating a request to enter the first mode. The first mode indicates that the non-AP STA and / or AP that enters the first mode is allowed to switch the main channel according to the first TWT information.

[0048] In a possible implementation manner, the first AP sends information indicating successful entry into the first mode. Or, the first AP receives information indicating successful entry into the first mode.

[0049] In a possible implementation manner, the first AP sends information for indicating the end of the first mode. Or, the first AP receives information for indicating the end of the first mode.

[0050] The relevant content and beneficial effects of the first indication information, the second indication information, the third indication information, the fourth indication information, the second channel indication information, and the information used to indicate the presence of the second channel indication information in the frame, as well as the relevant description and beneficial effects of the above content can be found in the description of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0051] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applicable to a first non-AP STA. The first non-AP STA can be, for example, a non-AP STA device or a unit, module or chip (system) inside the non-AP STA device.

[0052] In the method, the first non-AP STA receives the indication information of the second channel. The first non-AP STA switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicates with the first AP using the second channel as the main channel.

[0053] In this way, the first non-AP STA can determine the main channel after switching based on the acquired indication information of the second channel. The first non-AP STA can acquire the indication information of the second channel by pre-configuration in advance or receiving an indication from other devices.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the indication information of the second channel includes: a first value and a second value. The first value corresponds to the position of the first channel. The relationship between the first value and the second value is used to indicate: the relative position relationship between the first channel and the second channel.

[0055] The relevant content and beneficial effects of the second channel indication information, and the information used to indicate the presence of the second channel indication information in the frame, as well as the relevant description and beneficial effects of the above content can be found in the description of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0056] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applicable to a first AP. The first AP can be, for example, an AP device or a unit, module, or chip (system) inside the AP device.

[0057] In the method, the first AP sends indication information of the second channel. The first AP switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicates with the first non-AP STA using the second channel as the main channel.

[0058] The indication information of the second channel includes: a first value and a second value. The first value corresponds to the position of the first channel. The relationship between the first value and the second value is used to indicate: the relative position relationship between the first channel and the second channel.

[0059] The relevant content and beneficial effects of the second channel indication information, and the information used to indicate the presence of the second channel indication information in the frame, as well as the relevant description and beneficial effects of the above content can be found in the description of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0060] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applicable to a first non-AP STA. The first non-AP STA can be, for example, a non-AP STA device or a unit, module or chip (system) inside the non-AP STA device.

[0061] In the method, the first non-AP STA sends information to the first AP for indicating a request to enter the first mode. Or, the first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP for indicating a request to enter the first mode. The first mode indicates that the non-AP STA and / or AP that enters the first mode is allowed to switch the main channel according to the first TWT information.

[0062] Since information indicating a request to enter the first mode can be transmitted between the first non-AP STA and the first AP, the first non-AP STA and the first AP can negotiate whether to enter the first mode. After both parties agree to enter the first mode, both parties can be allowed to switch the main channel when necessary.

[0063] In a possible implementation manner, the first non-AP STA sends information indicating successful entry into the first mode to the first AP. Alternatively, the first non-AP STA receives information indicating successful entry into the first mode from the first AP.

[0064] In a possible implementation manner, the first non-AP STA sends information for indicating the termination of the first mode to the first AP. Alternatively, the first non-AP STA receives information for indicating the termination of the first mode from the first AP.

[0065] For related contents and beneficial effects, please refer to the description of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0066] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be applicable to a first AP. The first AP can be, for example, an AP device or a unit, module, or chip (system) inside the AP device.

[0067] In the method, the first AP sends information indicating a request to enter the first mode. Or, the first AP receives information indicating a request to enter the first mode. The first mode indicates that the non-AP STA and / or AP that enters the first mode is allowed to switch the main channel according to the first TWT information.

[0068] In a possible implementation manner, the first AP sends information indicating successful entry into the first mode. Or, the first AP receives information indicating successful entry into the first mode.

[0069] In a possible implementation manner, the first AP sends information for indicating the end of the first mode. Or, the first AP receives information for indicating the end of the first mode.

[0070] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be the aforementioned first non-AP STA or the first AP. The communication device may include a communication unit and a processing unit to perform any aspect of the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects, or to perform any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects. The communication unit is used to perform functions related to sending and receiving. Optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. In one design, the communication device is a communication chip, the processing unit may be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit may be an input and output circuit or port of the communication chip.

[0071] In another design, the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver, or the communication unit may be a transmitter and a receiver.

[0072] Optionally, the communication device also includes various modules that can be used to execute any aspect of the first to sixth aspects above, or execute any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects.

[0073] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be the aforementioned first non-AP STA or the first AP. The communication device may include a processor and a memory to execute any one of the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects, or to execute any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects. Optionally, it also includes a transceiver, the memory is used to store a computer program or instruction, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program or instruction from the memory, and when the processor executes the computer program or instruction in the memory, the communication device executes any one of the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects, or to execute any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects.

[0074] Optionally, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0075] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be provided separately from the processor.

[0076] Optionally, the transceiver may include a transmitter (transmitter) and a receiver (receiver).

[0077] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be the aforementioned first non-AP STA or the first AP. The communication device may include a processor to perform any aspect of the aforementioned first to sixth aspects, or to perform any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects. The processor is coupled to a memory. Optionally, the communication device also includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device also includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0078] In one implementation, when the communication device is a first non-AP STA or a first AP, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0079] In another implementation, when the communication device is a chip or a chip system, the communication interface may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or a related circuit on the chip or the chip system, etc. The processor may also be embodied as a processing circuit or a logic circuit.

[0080] In a tenth aspect, a system is provided, the system comprising the first non-AP STA mentioned above.

[0081] In a possible implementation, the system may further include a first AP.

[0082] In the eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute any one of the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects, or any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects.

[0083] In the twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions). When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer executes any one of the above-mentioned first to sixth aspects, or executes any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects.

[0084] In the thirteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, which may include a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and may be used to perform any of the first to sixth aspects described above, or to perform any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects. Optionally, the chip system also includes a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program (also referred to as code, or instruction). The processor is used to call and run a computer program from the memory, so that a device equipped with the chip system performs any of the first to sixth aspects described above, or performs any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects.

[0085] In a fourteenth aspect, a processing device is provided, comprising: an interface circuit and a processing circuit. The interface circuit may include an input circuit and an output circuit. The processing circuit is used to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that any aspect of the first to sixth aspects above, or any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects is implemented.

[0086] In the specific implementation process, the above-mentioned processing device can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter, and the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0087] In one implementation, when the communication device is a first non-AP STA or a first AP, the interface circuit may be a radio frequency processing chip in the first non-AP STA or the first AP, and the processing circuit may be a baseband processing chip in the first non-AP STA or the first AP.

[0088] In another implementation, the communication device may be a part of the first non-AP STA or the first AP, such as an integrated circuit product such as a system chip or a communication chip. The interface circuit may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin or a related circuit on the chip or the chip system. The processing circuit may be a logic circuit on the chip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided for this application;

[0090] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a specific structure of an AP or non-AP STA provided in this application;

[0091] Figure 3 A possible schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0092] Figure 4 A possible structural diagram of a frame format provided by this application;

[0093] Figure 5 A possible structural diagram of a frame format provided by this application;

[0094] Figure 6 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] Figure 7 A possible structural diagram of a frame format provided by this application;

[0096] Figure 8 A possible structural diagram of a frame format provided by this application;

[0097] Fig. 9 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] Fig.10 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0099] Fig.11 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0100] Fig.12 A possible structural diagram of a frame format provided by this application;

[0101] Fig.13 A possible structural diagram of a frame format provided by this application;

[0102] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0104] The communication method provided in the present application can be applied to various communication systems. For example, the communication method provided in the present application can be applicable to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios. For example, it can be applicable to IEEE 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11a / b / g standards, 802.11n standards, 802.11ac standards, 802.11ax standards, or their next generations, such as 802.11be standards, wireless fidelity (wireless fidelity, Wi-Fi) 7 or extremely high throughput (extremely high throughput, EHT), such as 802.11be next generation Wi-Fi protocols (such as Wi-Fi 8, ultra high reliability (ultra high reliability, UHR), 11bn), or Wi-Fi artificial intelligence (artificial intelligence, AI), or millimeter wave (millimeter wave, mmWave). The present application can also be applied to wireless personal area network systems based on ultra-bandwidth (ultra bandwidth, UWB), sensing systems. The embodiments of the present application may also be applicable to wireless local area network systems such as the Internet of Things (IoT) network or the vehicle to X (V2X). Of course, the embodiments of the present application may also be applicable to other possible communication systems, such as the long term evolution (LTE) system, the universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), the fifth generation (5G) communication system, and the future sixth generation (6G) communication system.

[0105] Although the embodiments of the present application are mainly described by taking WLAN network, especially the network using IEEE 802.11 system standard as an example, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the various aspects involved in the present application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, for example, BLUETOOTH, high performance radiolocal area network (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11 standard, mainly used in Europe) and wide area network (WAN), personal area network (PAN) or other networks known now or developed later. Therefore, regardless of the coverage range and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided by the present application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0106] The above-mentioned communication system applicable to the present application is only an example for illustration, and the communication system applicable to the present application is not limited to this. A unified description is given here and no further elaboration is given below.

[0107] For example, Figure 1 The structure of a possible communication system to which the communication method provided by the present application is applicable is shown. The structure of the communication system may include at least one BSS, for example Figure 1 BSS#1 and BSS#2 in the BSS. BSSs that overlap with the coverage of this BSS can be called OBSSs. For example, the OBSS of BSS#1 can include BSS#2, and the OBSS of BSS#2 can include BSS#1. A BSS can include one or more OBSSs. Figure 1 Two BSSs are used as an example.

[0108] A BSS may include at least one AP and at least one non-AP STA. Figure 1 BSS#1 includes AP#1, non-AP STA#11 and non-AP STA#12, and BSS#2 includes AP#2, non-AP STA#21 and non-AP STA#22.

[0109] AP can be an access point for terminal devices (such as mobile phones) to enter the wired (or wireless) network. It is mainly deployed in homes, buildings and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens of meters to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also be deployed outdoors. The access point is equivalent to a bridge connecting the wired network and the wireless network. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the DS. Specifically, the access point can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router) with a Wi-Fi chip. The access point can be a device that supports the 802.11be standard. The access point can also be a device that supports 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a and 802.11be Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 8 or its next generation, etc., a variety of wireless local area networks (WLAN) standards of the 802.11 family. The access point in the present application may be a high efficiency (HE) AP or an extremely high throughput (EHT) AP, and may also be an access point applicable to a future generation of Wi-Fi standards.

[0110] Non-AP STA can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor or a wireless communication terminal, etc., and can also be called a user, or a non-AP STA. For example, Non-AP STA can be a mobile phone that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a tablet computer that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a set-top box that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a smart TV that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a smart wearable device that supports Wi-Fi communication function, a vehicle-mounted communication device that supports Wi-Fi communication function, and a computer that supports Wi-Fi communication function, etc. Optionally, Non-AP STA can support 802.11be standard. Non-AP STA can also support 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 8 or its next generation and other 802.11 family wireless local area networks (WLAN) standards.

[0111] The Non-AP STA in the present application may be a high efficiency (HE) non-AP STA or an extremely high throughput (EHT) non-AP STA, and may also be a non-AP STA applicable to a future generation of Wi-Fi standards.

[0112] For example, APs and non-AP STAs can be sensor nodes in smart cities (for example, smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air detection nodes), smart devices in smart homes (for example, smart cameras, projectors, display screens, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), entertainment terminals (for example, wearable devices such as AR and VR), smart devices in smart offices (for example, printers, projectors, etc.), Internet of Vehicles devices in the Internet of Vehicles, and some infrastructure in daily life scenarios (for example, vending machines, self-service navigation desks in supermarkets, self-service cashier devices, self-service ordering machines, etc.).

[0113] For example, the specific structure of an AP or a non-AP STA may be as follows: Figure 2 As shown in the structural diagram, a processor may be included. Optionally, the specific structure of the AP or non-AP STA may also include one or more of the following: a memory, a transmitter, a receiver, a signal detector or a digital signal processor, and may optionally include a user interface. The transmitter and the receiver may also be combined into a transceiver, which is not limited in this application.

[0114] Figure 1 The names of the devices shown are only examples, and other names may be used in future communication systems. Figure 1 The number of devices in the figure is just an example, and more or fewer devices may be included, which is not limited in this application.

[0115] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to a variety of scenarios, such as data communication between an AP and one or more non-AP STAs, and can also be used in scenarios involving sub-channel selection similar to TWT mechanisms and main channel states in other technologies. This application does not limit this.

[0116] Some nouns or terms involved in the embodiments of the present application are first introduced below.

[0117] (1) TWT.

[0118] When "TWT" is mentioned, it generally refers to TWT technology or the TWT operation established after successful negotiation. TWT technology is a technology introduced by WiFi 6 for site energy saving. Specifically, the TWT requester will initiate a request to "establish TWT" to the TWT responder, and the TWT responder will determine all parameters involved in the TWT operation, such as "whether the TWT operation is successfully established", the start time of the first TWT SP, the cycle of the TWT SP (if necessary) and other information. After both parties successfully establish TWT, the TWT requester can enter the doze state of the Power Save mode until the first TWT SP starts. Within the TWT SP, the TWT requester and the TWT responder exchange data. It can be seen that the TWT requester and the TWT responder negotiate the time and transmit data within the negotiated time range. In this way, the TWT requester can enter the doze state outside the negotiation range to achieve energy saving.

[0119] There are two types of TWT establishment, unicast TWT negotiation and broadcast TWT agreement. WiFi 7 introduces a new technology based on the broadcast TWT agreement, Restricted TWT (R-TWT). From the establishment form to the use process, R-TWT is a special example of TWT. However, unlike the purpose of using TWT, the purpose of establishing R-TWT is to give priority to low-latency service. Because R-TWT stipulates that within the R-TWT SP, sites with low-latency services should be sent first, and low-latency service data should be sent first.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present application, R-TWT technology is also a type of TWT technology. The TWT involved in the embodiment of the present application may include the current TWT, may also include R-TWT technology, and may also include future technologies developed based on TWT technology.

[0121] (2)BSS and OBSS.

[0122] BSS is a basic component of local area network (LAN) 802.11.

[0123] In a BSS, there is a station (STA) with special functions as the access point for all stations in the BSS to access the distributed system (DS). This special station is the access point (AP) of the BSS and is responsible for managing the BSS. When a non-AP STA needs to access the DS, the non-AP STA needs to associate with the AP and access the DS through the associated AP. Each BSS managed by an AP entity may include at least one non-AP STA, and the multiple non-AP STAs are associated with the AP entity corresponding to the BSS.

[0124] As the density of AP deployment increases, OBSSs exist near BSSs. OBSSs are BSSs whose coverage overlaps with that of BSSs. Communications in BSSs and OBSSs may affect each other.

[0125] (3) Main channel.

[0126] The primary channel refers to the channel for synchronization between the transmitter and the receiver (such as the AP and the non-AP STA). For example, in one possible implementation, both the AP and the non-AP STA know that a 20 MHz channel is the primary channel, so the AP and the non-AP STA synchronize on the channel (this synchronization can also be called physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) synchronization). After the AP and the non-AP STA complete the synchronization, they start receiving and decoding the PPDU, so that the receiver can extract the information transmitted by the transmitter.

[0127] In the solution provided in the embodiment of the present application, the primary channel can be agreed upon between the AP and the non-AP STA, and the primary channel can also be switched between the non-AP STA and the AP.

[0128] based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiments shown and the other contents described above, Figure 3 A possible flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application is exemplified. Figure 3 The first non-AP STA involved in the above Figure 1 and Figure 2 The non-AP STA or the module (such as chip) used in the non-AP STA shown in Figure 3 The first AP and the second AP involved in the above Figure 1 or Figure 2 The access point or module (such as a chip) in the access point is shown. The first AP and the second AP can be APs in two BSSs, such as AP#1 in BSS#1 and AP#2 in BSS#2. The BSS where the second AP is located can be called the OBSS of the first AP, and the BSS where the first AP is located can also be called the OBSS of the second AP. In the embodiment of the present application, the first AP can have one or more OBSSs, and the embodiment of the present application is introduced by taking one OBSS of the first AP as an example.

[0129] like Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0130] Step 301: The first AP sends the first TWT information.

[0131] Correspondingly, the first non-AP STA receives the first TWT information from the first AP.

[0132] The first non-AP STA is associated with the first AP. It can also be understood that the first non-AP STA is a non-AP STA associated with the first AP.

[0133] In the embodiment of the present application, the first AP may send one or more TWT information. The TWT information sent by the first AP may be broadcast. The first non-AP STA may receive the first TWT information broadcast by the first AP. The TWT information sent by the first AP may also be multicast or unicast.

[0134] The TWT information sent by the first AP can indicate TWT, for example, the TWT information can indicate relevant information of the SP of the TWT, for example, the TWT information can indicate information such as the start time and end time of the SP. In a possible implementation, the TWT information sent by the first AP is TWT information. The TWT information sent by the first AP includes the first TWT information involved in the embodiment of the present application, and the first TWT information is used to indicate the TWT established between the second AP and the non-AP STA associated with the second AP. The second AP is an AP of the OBSS of the first AP. It can also be understood that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS of the first AP and a non-AP STA associated with the AP.

[0135] In another possible implementation, the TWT information sent by the first AP may also include second TWT information. For example, the first AP sends the second TWT information. Correspondingly, the first non-AP STA receives the second TWT information from the first AP. The TWT indicated by the second TWT information is the TWT established between the first AP and the non-AP STA associated with the first AP. It can also be understood that the TWT indicated by the second TWT information is the TWT established between the AP in the BSS of the first non-AP STA and the non-AP STA associated with the AP.

[0136] The first TWT information and the second TWT information can be carried in the same frame, or in two frames respectively.

[0137] Step 302: The first non-AP STA processes the first TWT information.

[0138] Step 302 can be understood as: the first non-AP STA processes (such as parses) the message used to carry the first TWT information, thereby obtaining the first TWT information.

[0139] When the first non-AP STA also receives the second TWT information, it can also process the second TWT information, such as parsing the message carrying the second TWT information, so as to obtain the second TWT information. In another possible implementation, the first non-AP STA and the first AP can communicate based on the TWT mechanism in the SP phase of the second TWT information, such as communicating with the first channel as the main channel in the SP phase of the second TWT information.

[0140] Since the first TWT information includes the first indication information, the first non-AP STA can identify the TWT established between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP, thereby assisting the non-AP STA to communicate based on the TWT mechanism.

[0141] In the embodiment of the present application, the TWT information (such as the first TWT information and / or the second TWT information) sent by the first AP may include a message for indicating whether the TWT indicated by the TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. When the TWT indicated by a TWT information sent by the first AP is a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP, the TWT indicated by the TWT information is not a TWT established between an AP in the BSS where the first AP is located and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. When the TWT indicated by a TWT information sent by the first AP is a TWT established between an AP in the BSS where the first AP is located and a non-AP STA associated with the AP, the TWT indicated by the TWT information is not a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. Based on this, it can also be understood that the information used to indicate whether the TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP can be replaced by information used to indicate whether the TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in the BSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP.

[0142] In another possible implementation, the TWT information (such as the first TWT information and / or the second TWT information) sent by the first AP may also include information for indicating whether the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT information must switch the main channel. One or more of these indication information may be added to the TWT information so that the first non-AP STA performs subsequent operations based on this information. This information enables the first AP and the first non-AP STA to determine whether the main channel needs to be switched based on the same conditions, thereby achieving the effect of enabling the first AP and the first non-AP STA to make the same choice based on the same conditions, that is, the first AP and the first non-AP STA may both switch or not switch the main channel.

[0143] A TWT information (such as the first TWT information or the second TWT information) defined in an embodiment of the present application can be carried in a message and can be sent through multiple messages, and each message can carry part of the information in a TWT information.

[0144] In the embodiment of the present application, the indication information included in a TWT information (such as the first TWT information and / or the second TWT information) can be carried in one or more bits or fields in the frame of the TWT information. For example, TWT information (such as the first TWT information and / or the second TWT information) can be carried in a TWT element (TWT element). In the embodiment of the present application, the TWT information can also be a TWT element, such as the first TWT information is the first TWT element, and the second TWT information is the second TWT element. One or more TWT information (such as the first TWT information and / or the second TWT information) can be carried in the same beacon frame (beacon) or in multiple different beacon frames. The TWT information (such as the first TWT information and / or the second TWT information) in the embodiment of the present application can also be carried in other frame structures. In the embodiment of the present application, the TWT information (such as the first TWT information and / or the second TWT information) carried in the TWT element is used as an example for introduction.

[0145] In the embodiment of the present application, a TWT element may include an OBSS indication field and / or a forced switching field. The information carried by the OBSS indication field is used to indicate whether the TWT indicated by the TWT information in the TWT element is a TWT established by the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP. The information carried by the forced switching field is used to indicate whether the main channel must be switched during the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT element. The two fields are introduced below through implementation A1 and implementation A2. The field names of the OBSS indication field and the forced switching field in the embodiment of the present application are only examples. In actual applications, the names of the fields can be replaced with other names.

[0146] In implementation A1, the TWT element includes an OBSS indication field.

[0147] The information carried by the OBSS indication field is used to indicate whether the TWT indicated by the TWT information in the TWT element is a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. For example, if the value carried by the OBSS indication field is 1, it means that the TWT indicated by the TWT information in the TWT element is a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. If the value carried by the OBSS indication field is 0, it means that the TWT indicated by the TWT information in the TWT element is not a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP, but a TWT established between an AP in the BSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. The value carried by the OBSS indication field in this example is an example. In actual applications, the value carried by this field can be flexibly set.

[0148] In the embodiment of the present application, the first TWT information may include first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS of the first AP and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. The first non-AP STA determines, based on the first indication information, that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP.

[0149] The first TWT information may be carried in the first TWT element. The first indication information may be understood as information carried by bits in the OBSS indication field in the first TWT element. For example, the first indication information may be equivalent to the value 1 carried by the OBSS indication field in the above example.

[0150] In another possible implementation, the second TWT information includes second indication information. The second indication information is used to indicate that the TWT indicated by the second TWT information is a TWT established between the first AP and the non-AP STA associated with the first AP. Since the second TWT information includes the second indication information, the first non-AP STA can identify whether the TWT indicated by the received TWT information is established between the AP in the BSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP, and then the first non-AP STA can communicate with the first AP based on the TWT established between the identified AP in the BSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP. For example, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP using the first channel as the main channel within the SP of the second TWT.

[0151] In a possible implementation, the second TWT information is carried in a second TWT element. The second indication information can be understood as information carried by the bits in the OBSS indication field in the second TWT element. For example, the second indication information may be equivalent to the value 0 carried by the OBSS indication field in the above example. The second TWT element and the first TWT element may be carried in the same beacon frame. Or the second TWT element and the first TWT element may be carried in two different beacon frames respectively.

[0152] In one possible implementation, the bits in the OBSS indication field may be bits in the reserved field B7 in the control field in the TWT element. For example, the first indication information is carried in the reserved field B7 in the control field in the first TWT element. For another example, the second indication information is carried in the reserved field B7 in the control field in the second TWT element. In this solution, the information carried by the OBSS indication field (which can also be understood as the first indication information) uses the reserved bits in the existing TWT elements. This solution can be better compatible with existing technologies and will not bring about large additional resource overhead.

[0153] Figure 4 A structural diagram of TWT information sent by a first AP is exemplified.

[0154] See also Figure 4 , TWT information can be carried in a TWT element (or a TWT element field). The control field of the TWT element can include an OBSS indication field.

[0155] The OBSS indication field may occupy the reserved bits in the control field in the beacon frame. After the bits in the reserved field are appropriated, the field may have a new name, such as the OBSS indication field in the embodiment of the present application, or may have other names, which are not limited by the embodiment of the present application. The information carried in the OBSS indication field is referred to in the foregoing content and will not be repeated here.

[0156] like Figure 4 As shown, the TWT element includes the following fields: element identification (Element ID), length (Length), control (Control) and TWT parameter information (TWT Parameter Information).

[0157] Among them, the control field can also include the following contents: no data frame paging indication (NDP Paging Indicator), responder energy management indication (Responder PM Mode), negotiation type (Negotiation Type), TWT information frame disabled (TWT Information Frame Disabled), wake-up duration unit (Wake Duration Unit), and link identification bitmap presence indication (Link ID Bitmap Present). Figure 4 For the specific meaning of the information shown, please refer to the description in the IEEE 802.11 series protocols.

[0158] Implementation A2, the TWT element includes a forced switching field.

[0159] The information carried by the forced switching field is used to indicate whether the main channel must be switched during the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT element. For example, if the value carried by the forced switching field is 1, it means that the main channel must be switched during the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT element. For another example, if the value carried by the forced switching field is 0, it means that the main channel does not have to be switched during the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT element. The value carried by the forced switching field in this example is an example. In actual applications, the value carried by this field can be flexibly set.

[0160] For example, when the value carried by the forced switching field is 0, the first non-AP STA can detect the current main channel and determine whether to switch the main channel according to the state of the current main channel (such as busy state or idle state). For example, when the current main channel is in a busy state, the first non-AP STA and the first AP switch the main channel in the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT element. For another example, when the current main channel is in an idle state, the first non-AP STA and the first AP do not switch the main channel in the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT element. In the embodiment of the present application, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP. If the first non-AP STA switches the main channel, the first AP will also switch the main channel.

[0161] In the embodiment of the present application, the first TWT information may include third indication information or fourth indication information. The third indication information is used to instruct the first non-AP STA to communicate with the first AP via the switched main channel. In this way, when the first non-AP STA determines that the third indication information exists in the first TWT information, regardless of whether the first channel originally serving as the main channel is idle or busy, the first non-AP STA will switch the main channel, such as switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicating with the first AP via the second channel as the main channel. The third indication information can enable the first non-AP STA to determine the conditions for switching the main channel, thereby enabling the first AP and the first non-AP STA to make the same choice based on the same conditions, thereby achieving the effect of both switching the main channel.

[0162] The fourth indication information is used to indicate that: when the state of the first channel is busy, the first non-APSTA communicates with the first AP using the switched main channel. The fourth indication information is also used to indicate that: when the state of the first channel is idle, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP using the first channel as the main channel. In this way, when the first non-AP STA determines that the fourth indication information exists in the first TWT information, the first non-AP STA will first detect the first channel that was originally the main channel. If the first channel is idle, the first non-AP STA does not need to switch the main channel. If the first channel is busy, the first non-AP STA switches the main channel, such as switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicating with the first AP using the second channel as the main channel. The fourth indication information enables the first non-AP STA to determine the conditions for switching the main channel, so that the first AP and the first non-AP STA can make the same choice based on the same conditions, thereby achieving the effect of both switching or not switching the main channel.

[0163] The first TWT information can be carried in the first TWT element. The third indication information and the fourth indication information can be understood as information carried by the bits in the forced switching field in the first TWT element. For example, the third indication information can be equivalent to the value 1 carried by the forced switching field in the above example. For another example, the fourth indication information can be equivalent to the value 0 carried by the forced switching field in the above example.

[0164] In another possible implementation, the information carried by the OBSS indication field can be used to indicate whether the TWT information includes a forced switching field. Alternatively, the information carried by the OBSS indication field is used to indicate whether the forced switching field of the TWT information carries a valid value.

[0165] For example, if the information carried by the OBSS indication field indicates that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP (i.e., the first TWT information includes the first indication information), then the first TWT information includes the third indication information or the fourth indication information. It can also be understood that the first indication information is used to indicate that the first TWT information contains the third indication information or the fourth indication information.

[0166] For another example, if the information carried by the OBSS indication field indicates that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in the BSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP, then the TWT information carrying the OBSS indication field does not include the third indication information and the fourth indication information.

[0167] In a possible implementation, the bits in the forced switching field may be a TWT parameter information field in a TWT element. The forced switching field may be a newly added field in the TWT parameter information field in a TWT element. It may also be understood that: the third indication information or the fourth indication information is carried in the TWT parameter information field in the first TWT element. In this scheme, the information carried by the forced switching field (which may also be understood as the third indication information or the fourth indication information) is located in the TWT parameter information field, and this scheme may be better compatible with existing technologies.

[0168] Figure 5 A structural diagram of TWT information sent by a first AP is exemplified.

[0169] See also Figure 5 , TWT information can be carried in TWT elements (or TWT element fields). Figure 5 The example in which the control field of the TWT element may include an OBSS indication field is used to illustrate this.

[0170] like Figure 5As shown, the TWT parameter information may include one or more broadcast TWT parameter sets (Broadcast TWTParameter Set) (e.g. Figure 4 Broadcast TWT parameter set 1 and broadcast TWT parameter set 2 in the text file). One (or each) broadcast TWT parameter set includes the following contents: request type (Request Type), target wake time (Target Wake Time), minimum TWT wake duration (Nominal Minimum TWT Wake Duration), TWT wake interval mantissa (TWT WakeInterval Mantissa), broadcast TWT information (Broadcast TWT Info) and restricted TWT traffic information (optional) (Restricted TWT Traffic Info (optional)) and OBSS information field (OBSS info), OBSS information is an optional field. In the embodiment of the present application, info is an abbreviation of information (information, info).

[0171] The OBSS information field can be carried in the broadcast TWT parameter set in the TWT parameter information and can be a newly added field.

[0172] The OBSS information field may include a mandatory switch field. The information carried by the mandatory switch field may be used to indicate whether the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT parameter set must switch the main channel. For related content, please refer to the aforementioned description of the information carried in the mandatory switch field.

[0173] The OBSS information may also include a reserved field, which may be reserved for future or other information that needs to be transmitted.

[0174] Figure 5 For the specific meaning of the information shown, you can also refer to Figure 4 and described in the IEEE 802.11 family of protocols.

[0175] In the embodiment of the present application, the first non-AP STA can perform some operations based on the first TWT information, which is exemplarily introduced below through implementation mode B1 and implementation mode B2. In implementation mode B1, the first non-AP STA switches the main channel according to the first TWT information. In implementation mode B2, the first non-AP STA determines whether to switch the main channel according to the first TWT information and the state of the current main channel.

[0176] In implementation mode B1, the first non-AP STA switches the main channel according to the first TWT information.

[0177] In implementation mode B1, the first non-AP STA switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel according to the first TWT information (such as the information of the SP of the TWT indicated by the first TWT information, and the first indication information), and communicates with the first AP using the second channel as the main channel. The first AP switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel according to the first TWT information (such as the information of the SP of the TWT indicated by the first TWT information, and the first indication information), and communicates with the first non-AP STA using the second channel as the main channel.

[0178] For example, the first non-AP STA (and / or the first AP) determines, based on the first indication information in the first TWT information, that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is the TWT established between the AP and the non-AP STA in the OBSS, and then determines, based on the SP information of the TWT indicated by the first TWT information, the start time of switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel, and switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel at the start time.

[0179] In the embodiment of the present application, the first non-AP STA and the first AP can switch the main channel. For example, the main channel before the switching between the first non-AP STA and the first AP is the first channel, and the main channel after the switching is the second channel. In the embodiment of the present application, the main channel after the switching can also be called an anchor channel, an anchor channel, or a backup main channel.

[0180] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP in the second TWT, and the main channel is the first channel. During the non-second TWT time, the first non-AP STA needs to use a conventional scheme to communicate with the first AP, that is, the first non-AP STA monitors the main channel (first channel). When the first channel is busy, backoff is performed, and when the first channel is idle, the first channel is used as the main channel to communicate with the first AP. However, the first channel may also be the main channel of the second AP in the OBSS. The second AP establishes a first TWT with its associated non-AP STA. There is a high possibility that the first channel is busy during the SP period of the first TWT, which results in low communication efficiency of the first non-AP STA during the first TWT time.

[0181] In the above example, the first non-AP STA switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel within the SP time of the first TWT, thereby reducing the probability of the main channel being busy. Then the first non-AP STA uses the second channel as the main channel for transmission within the SP of the first TWT, and the communication efficiency can be improved.

[0182] In a possible implementation, the start time of the main channel switching from the first channel to the second channel is located at the SP start time of the first TWT. Or the start time of the main channel switching from the first channel to the second channel is located before the SP start time of the first TWT.

[0183] In another possible implementation, the completion time of the main channel switching from the first channel to the second channel is located at the SP start time of the first TWT. Or the completion time of the main channel switching from the first channel to the second channel is located before the SP start time of the first TWT. Or, the completion time of the main channel switching from the first channel to the second channel is located within a preset time period after the SP start time of the first TWT.

[0184] By limiting the start time and / or completion time of switching the main channel to the second channel, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can complete the switching of the main channel as much as possible within a short period of time before or after the SP start time of the first TWT, so that the first AP and the first non-AP STA can communicate based on the switched main channel for a longer period of time during the SP of the first TWT, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0185] In implementation mode B2, the first non-AP STA determines whether to switch the main channel according to the first TWT information and the state of the current main channel.

[0186] In implementation B2, the first non-AP STA (and / or the first AP) may detect the current main channel and determine whether the main channel needs to be switched based on the detection result. For example, when the current main channel is busy, the first non-AP STA and the first AP switch the main channel in the SP phase of the first TWT. For example, the first non-AP STA switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicates with the first AP using the second channel as the main channel. Correspondingly, the first AP switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicates with the first non-AP STA using the second channel as the main channel.

[0187] For another example, when the current main channel is in an idle state, the first non-AP STA and the first AP do not switch the main channel in the SP phase of the first TWT. For example, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP using the first channel as the main channel. Correspondingly, the first AP communicates with the first non-AP STA using the first channel as the main channel.

[0188] In a possible implementation manner, the start time of the channel detection is located at the SP start time of the first TWT, or the start time of the channel detection is located before the SP start time of the first TWT.

[0189] In another possible implementation, the completion time of the channel detection is located at the SP start time of the first TWT. Or the completion time of the channel detection is located before the SP start time of the first TWT. Or, the completion time of the channel detection is located within a preset time period after the SP start time of the first TWT.

[0190] By limiting the start time and / or completion time of the channel detection as mentioned above, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can complete the detection of the main channel as much as possible before the SP start time of the first TWT or within a short period of time after the start time, and then it can be determined earlier whether it is necessary to switch the main channel. Furthermore, if it is necessary to switch the main channel, the main channel can be switched as early as possible, so that the first AP and the first non-AP STA can communicate based on the switched main channel for a longer period of time during the SP of the first TWT, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0191] The first non-AP STA (and / or the first AP) detects the main channel. The start time of the channel detection may be before the start time of the main channel switching, and the completion time of the channel detection may be before the start time of the main channel switching. For example, if the start time of the channel detection is at the SP start time of the first TWT, the start time of the main channel switching is likely to be after the SP start time of the first TWT.

[0192] In a possible implementation, the first non-AP STA may start the switching of the main channel within a preset duration of determining that the current main channel is busy. The preset duration may be understood as the duration from the completion time of the channel detection to the start time of the main channel switching. The preset duration may be a shorter value so that the first AP and the first non-APSTA complete the switching as soon as possible, thereby further improving the communication efficiency.

[0193] Implementation methods B1 and B2 of the present application may not be combined with implementation method A2. For example, the above implementation methods B1 and B2 may be rules pre-agreed by the first AP and the first non-AP STA, and the first AP and the first non-AP STA may perform corresponding operations of implementation method B1 or implementation method B2 according to the pre-agreed rules. Implementation methods B1 and B2 may also be combined with implementation method A2. For example, the first non-AP STA may choose to use implementation method B1 or implementation method B2 according to the forced switching field in the scheme provided by implementation method A2.

[0194] Implementation methods B1 and B2 of the present application may be combined with implementation method A1 or not. For example, the first AP and the first non-AP STA may identify in other ways whether the TWT indicated by the TWT information is a TWT established between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP.

[0195] In one possible implementation, when the above-mentioned implementation B1 or implementation B2 is adopted, when the first non-APSTA switches the main channel from the first channel to the second channel according to the first TWT information, and communicates with the first AP using the second channel as the main channel, the first non-AP STA switches the main channel from the second channel to the first channel, and communicates with the first AP using the first channel as the main channel.

[0196] In a possible implementation manner, the start time of switching the main channel from the second channel to the first channel is at the SP end time of the first TWT, or is after the SP end time of the first TWT.

[0197] In another possible implementation, the completion time of switching the main channel from the second channel to the first channel is located at the SP end time of the first TWT, or is located after the SP end time of the first TWT.

[0198] By limiting the start time and / or completion time of the main channel switching back to the first channel, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can try to return to the original main channel within a short period of time before or after the SP end time of the first TWT, so that the first AP and the first non-AP STA can communicate using the originally configured main channel. It can be seen that in the embodiment of the present application, the main channel is temporarily switched between the first AP and the first non-AP STA, and the time for communication using the switched main channel may not be too long, so many main channel related parameters may not be changed, which can reduce the complexity of the solution.

[0199] based on Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The embodiments shown and the other contents described above, Figure 6 A possible flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application is exemplified. Figure 6 For the description of the first non-AP STA, the first AP and the second AP involved in Figure 3 The content will not be repeated here.

[0200] like Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0201] Step 601: The first AP sends indication information of the second channel.

[0202] Correspondingly, the first non-AP STA receives the indication information of the second channel.

[0203] Step 602: The first non-AP STA switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel.

[0204] Step 603: The first AP switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel.

[0205] Step 604: The first AP communicates with the first non-AP STA using the second channel as a primary channel.

[0206] In this implementation, the first AP may send indication information of the second channel so that the first non-AP STA may learn the backup main channel (ie, the second main channel), and then the first AP and the first non-AP STA may switch to the backup main channel for communication.

[0207] Figure 6 The embodiments shown can be performed independently or in combination with the above Figure 3 For example, the first AP can Figure 6 The provided solution sends indication information of the second channel to the first non-AP STA, and then when the first non-AP STA determines that the main channel needs to be switched, the first non-AP STA switches the main channel to the second channel according to the indication information of the second channel. Figure 3 The embodiments may also not be related to Figure 6 In combination with the embodiment, in this case, the first non-AP STA can obtain the indication information of the second channel through other means, such as through pre-configuration, or receiving the indication information of the second channel from other devices (devices other than the first AP).

[0208] In a possible implementation, the indication information of the second channel may include an identifier of the second channel, or an index of the second channel. Alternatively, the indication information of the second channel includes a first value and a second value. The first value corresponds to the position of the first channel. The relationship between the first value and the second value is used to indicate: a relative position relationship between the first channel and the second channel.

[0209] For example, the identifier of a subchannel (such as a subchannel with a bandwidth of 20 MHz) can be indicated by a value in [0, 15], and the first value can be any value in [0, 15]. The first value corresponds to the position of the first channel. The first AP and the first non-AP STA pre-agree on the main channel (i.e., the first channel), for example, the first channel can be pre-agreement as the main 20 MHz subchannel. For example, the first value is 3, and the second value is 5. Since the difference between the second value and the first value is 2, it can be determined that the second subchannel corresponding to the second value is the second subchannel with a bandwidth of 20 MHz located at the high frequency of the first subchannel corresponding to the first value.

[0210] On the other hand, workstations with different bandwidths may have different numbers for the main channels. The embodiment of the present application does not rely on the absolute number of the channels, but relies on the relative position to indicate the channels in use, thereby avoiding ambiguity and simplifying implementation.

[0211] For example, a 160MHz BSS is associated with a 20MHz workstation, an 80MHz workstation, and a 160MHz workstation. The 20MHz workstation only uses the main channel and does not need to number the main channel. The 80MHz workstation numbers the main channel in the range of 0 to 3 (because the channel is divided in units of 20MHz, 4 sub-channels can be divided, and the main channel is one of them. The 160MHz workstation numbers the main channel in the range of 0 to 15. If the indication information of the second channel is a sub-channel index with an absolute number of 10, since the 10th sub-channel does not exist in both 20MHz and 80MHz, the two workstations cannot understand this information. In an embodiment of the present application, if the first value is 2 and the second value is 10, both the 20MHz site and the 80MHz site can understand the information and find the second main channel based on this.

[0212] In another possible implementation, the frame for carrying the indication information of the second channel also includes: information for indicating whether the indication information of the second channel exists in the frame. For example, the frame for carrying the indication information of the second channel includes: information for indicating that the indication information of the second channel exists in the frame. Then the first non-AP STA continues to parse the indication information field for carrying the second channel in the frame. For another example, the frame for carrying the indication information of the second channel includes information for indicating that the indication information of the second channel does not exist in the frame, then the first non-AP STA no longer parses the indication information field for carrying the second channel in the frame, thereby reducing the workload of the first non-AP STA and reducing the power consumption of the first non-AP STA.

[0213] Figure 7 A possible schematic diagram of a frame structure for carrying indication information of a second channel is exemplified.

[0214] See also Figure 7 , the frame is an action frame or a management frame.

[0215] like Figure 7 As shown, the frame includes fields such as category, dialog token, control and anchor channel (AnCH) information (Info).

[0216] The category may be assigned a new category value. The dialog token field may be used to identify the process to which the frame corresponds (e.g., a negotiation process). The value carried by the dialog token field of frames in the same process may be the same value, so that the first AP and the first non-AP STA can determine to which process each frame belongs. The control field is used to carry control information.

[0217] Among them, the control field may include anchor channel information present (AnCH Info present). This field may carry information used to indicate whether there is indication information of the second channel in the frame. For example, if the bit value carried by this field is 1, it means that there is indication information of the second channel in the frame. For another example, if the bit value carried by this field is 0, it means that there is no indication information of the second channel in the frame. In the embodiment of the present application, the control field may also include other fields, and may also include a reserved field, which can be set as needed in actual applications.

[0218] The anchor channel information (AnCH Info) field can carry the indication information of the second channel. For example, the anchor channel information (AnCH Info) field includes the primary channel (primary) and the anchor channel (AnCH) field. Among them, the primary channel (primary) field carries the first value, and the anchor channel (AnCH) field carries the second value. This setting is more reasonable and more compatible with the existing technology.

[0219] Figure 7 For the specific meaning of the information shown, please refer to the description in the IEEE 802.11 series protocols.

[0220] Figure 8 Another possible schematic diagram of a frame structure for carrying indication information of a second channel is exemplarily shown.

[0221] Figure 8 The element fields in an action frame or a management frame are shown.

[0222] like Figure 8 As shown, the element includes fields such as element ID, length, element ID extension, control and anchor channel information (AnCH Info).

[0223] The element ID field and the element ID extension field jointly indicate the current element domain. The values ​​carried by the element ID field and the element ID extension field can be newly defined values. The length indicates the length of the current element domain.

[0224] like Figure 6 The embodiment shown is similar to the Figure 3 Used in combination with the embodiments, Figure 3 In one possible implementation, since the first non-AP STA can automatically switch the main channel, the scheme executed by the first non-AP STA may also be referred to as an automatic subchannel selection (ASS) scheme. The element domain may also be referred to as an ASS element domain. In this case, the element ID field and the element ID extension field jointly indicate that the current element domain is an ASS element domain.

[0225] For control and anchor channel information (AnCH Info), please refer to the above Figure 7 The relevant description will not be repeated here. Figure 8 For the specific meaning of the information shown, please refer to the description in the IEEE 802.11 series protocols.

[0226] The fields involved in the embodiments of the present application (such as the anchor channel information field, the OBSS information field, etc.) can be designed as optional fields or non-fixed fields. That is, the sender of the frame can determine whether to include these fields in the sent frame according to actual conditions, which can improve the flexibility of the solution and reduce the bit overhead in the frame payload.

[0227] based on Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The embodiments shown and the other contents described above, Fig. 9 A possible flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application is exemplified. Fig. 9 For the description of the first non-AP STA, the first AP and the second AP involved in Figure 3 The content will not be repeated here.

[0228] like Fig. 9 As shown, the method includes:

[0229] Step 901: A first non-AP STA and a first AP transmit information indicating a request to enter a first mode.

[0230] Step 902: The first non-AP STA and the first AP transmit information indicating successful entry into the first mode.

[0231] A first mode is defined in the embodiment of the present application, and the first mode may also be referred to as an ASS mode.

[0232] It can also be understood that the first mode includes some rules, and the non-AP STA and / or AP entering the first mode needs to comply with the rules of the first mode. The rules of the first mode may include: allowing the non-AP STA and / or AP to switch the primary channel when it is necessary to switch the primary channel.

[0233] For example, the first mode indicates that the non-AP STA and / or AP entering the first mode is allowed to switch the main channel. That is, if the first non-AP STA and the first AP successfully enter the first mode through signaling negotiation, the first non-APSTA is allowed to switch the main channel when it is determined that the main channel needs to be switched, such as switching the main channel according to the first TWT information. The scheme for the first non-APSTA to determine whether the main channel needs to be switched can be referred to the aforementioned related implementation methods and will not be repeated here.

[0234] Fig. 9 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 The embodiments shown can be implemented separately or in combination. Fig. 9 and Figure 3 In combination with the implementation method Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown, the solution for determining whether the primary channel needs to be switched after the first AP and the first non-AP STA enter the first mode can be referred to in the aforementioned Figure 3 The contents shown are not repeated here. For examples of related combinations, see Fig. 9 Part of the description.

[0235] In step 901, multiple implementation methods may be included, such as the following implementation methods C1 and C2. In implementation method C1, the first AP sends information indicating a request to enter the first mode. Correspondingly, the first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode. In implementation method C2, the first non-AP STA sends information to the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode. In step 902, the first non-AP STA sends information to the first AP indicating successful entry into the first mode. The first AP may also send information indicating successful entry into the first mode. Correspondingly, the first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating successful entry into the first mode. The following is a detailed introduction through implementation methods C1 and C2.

[0236] In implementation mode C1, the first AP sends information indicating a request to enter the first mode.

[0237] In implementation C1, by Fig.10 A possible flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application is exemplified. Fig.10 For the description of the first non-AP STA, the first AP and the second AP involved in Figure 3 The content will not be repeated here.

[0238] like Fig.10 As shown, the method includes:

[0239] Step 1001: A first AP sends a first frame.

[0240] Correspondingly, the first non-AP STA receives the first frame.

[0241] The first frame may include information indicating a request to enter the first mode.

[0242] The first frame may also have other names, such as an ASS initiation frame. The ASS initiation frame may include parameters required by the first mode (such as all parameters).

[0243] Fig. 9 The embodiments provided can also be combined with the aforementioned Figure 6 In this case, the ASS initiation frame (such as the first frame) may include the indication information of the second channel. The parameters required by the first mode may include the indication information of the second channel. The parameters required by the first mode may be carried in the above Figure 7 or Figure 8 In a possible implementation manner, the indication information of the second channel can be understood as all parameters required by the first mode.

[0244] Step 1002: Whether the first non-AP STA agrees to enter the first mode;

[0245] If agreed, execute step 1003;

[0246] If not agreed, execute step 1004.

[0247] Step 1003: The first non-AP STA sends a second frame.

[0248] Correspondingly, the first AP receives the second frame. The information in the second frame may indicate that the first non-AP STA enters the first mode, or indicates that the first non-AP STA successfully enters the first mode, or indicates that the first non-AP STA agrees to enter (or successfully enters) the first mode based on the parameters in the first frame.

[0249] The second frame may also have other names, such as an ASS follow-up frame.

[0250] Step 1004: The first non-AP STA sends a third frame.

[0251] Correspondingly, the first AP receives the third frame. The information in the third frame may indicate that the first non-AP STA refuses to enter the first mode, or indicates that the first non-AP STA fails to enter the first mode, or indicates that the first non-AP STA does not agree to enter the first mode based on the parameters in the first frame.

[0252] The third frame may also have other names, for example, it may also be called an ASS follow-up frame.

[0253] In implementation mode C2, the first non-AP STA sends information indicating a request to enter the first mode to the first AP.

[0254] In implementation C2, by Fig.11 A possible flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application is exemplified. Fig.11 For the description of the first non-AP STA, the first AP and the second AP involved in Figure 3 The content will not be repeated here.

[0255] like Fig.11 As shown, the method includes:

[0256] Step 1101: The first non-AP STA sends a fourth frame.

[0257] Correspondingly, the first AP receives the fourth frame.

[0258] The fourth frame may include information for indicating a request to enter the first mode.

[0259] The fourth frame may also have other names, such as an ASS initiation frame. The ASS initiation frame may include parameters required by the first mode (such as all parameters, such as indication information of the second channel). The relevant content of the fourth frame can be referred to in the introduction of the first frame, and will not be repeated here.

[0260] Step 1102: Whether the first AP agrees to enter the first mode;

[0261] If yes, execute step 1103;

[0262] If not agreed, execute step 1104.

[0263] Step 1103: The first AP sends the fifth frame.

[0264] Correspondingly, the first non-AP STA receives the fifth frame. The information in the fifth frame may indicate that the first AP enters the first mode, or indicates that the first AP successfully enters the first mode, or indicates that the first AP agrees to enter (or successfully enters) the first mode based on the parameters in the first frame.

[0265] The fifth frame may also have other names, such as an ASS follow-up frame.

[0266] Step 1104: The first AP sends a sixth frame.

[0267] Correspondingly, the first AP receives the sixth frame. The information in the sixth frame may indicate that the first AP does not agree to enter the first mode based on the parameters in the fourth frame.

[0268] The sixth frame may also have other names, for example, it may also be called an ASS follow-up frame.

[0269] In another possible implementation, the sixth frame also includes parameters required by the first mode recommended by the first AP (such as information about the anchor channel). Fig.11 The flowchart shown may also include the following steps:

[0270] Step 1105: whether the first non-AP STA agrees to enter the first mode based on the parameters required by the first mode in the sixth frame;

[0271] If yes, execute step 1106;

[0272] If not agreed, execute step 1107.

[0273] Step 1106: The first non-AP STA sends the seventh frame.

[0274] Correspondingly, the first AP receives the seventh frame. The information in the seventh frame may indicate that the first non-AP STA enters the first mode, or indicates that the first non-AP STA successfully enters the first mode, or indicates that the first non-AP STA agrees to enter (or successfully enters) the first mode based on the parameters in the sixth frame.

[0275] The seventh frame may also have other names, such as an ASS follow-up frame.

[0276] Step 1107: The first non-AP STA sends an eighth frame.

[0277] Correspondingly, the first AP receives the eighth frame. The information in the eighth frame may indicate that the first non-AP STA refuses to enter the first mode, or indicates that the first non-AP STA fails to enter the first mode, or indicates that the first non-AP STA does not agree to enter the first mode based on the parameters in the sixth frame.

[0278] The eighth frame may also have other names, for example, it may also be called an ASS follow-up frame.

[0279] After step 902, the first AP and the first non-AP STA successfully enter the first mode. After successfully entering the first mode, the first AP can send (e.g., broadcast) information (e.g., first TWT information) of a TWT established between an AP in one or more OBSSs and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. The first non-AP STA can process the received information (e.g., first TWT information) of a TWT established between an AP in the OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. For example, the first non-AP STA and the first AP can determine whether the SP phase of the TWT established between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP is based on the switched main channel for communication. This implementation can be referred to in the aforementioned Figure 3 The first TWT information can be sent after the first AP and the first non-AP STA successfully enter the first mode, or before entering the first mode.

[0280] In another possible implementation, the first AP and the first non-AP STA may switch the main channel back to the first channel at the SP end time or a period of time before and after the end time of the TWT established between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP.

[0281] For example, the first AP broadcasts TWT#1 of OBSS#1 and TWT#2 of OBSS#2. SP#1 of TWT#1 is before SP#2 of TWT#2. The first non-AP STA and the first AP can switch the main channel from the first channel to the second channel at the SP start time of TWT#1 of OBSS#1 or a period of time before and after the start time, and communicate with the second channel as the main channel. The first AP and the first non-AP STA switch the main channel back to the first channel at the SP end time of TWT#1 of OBSS#1 or a period of time before and after the end time. Afterwards, the first non-AP STA and the first AP can switch the main channel from the first channel to the second channel at the SP start time of TWT#2 of OBSS#2 or a period of time before and after the start time, and communicate with the second channel as the main channel. The first AP and the first non-AP STA switch the main channel back to the first channel at the SP end time of TWT#2 of OBSS#2 or a period of time before and after the end time.

[0282] In a possible implementation manner, after the first AP and the first non-AP STA successfully enter the first mode, they may also update the parameters required for the first mode (such as anchor channel information). For example, after the first AP and the first non-AP STA enter the first mode, the anchor channel may be updated to the third channel. After that, when the first non-AP STA determines that the main channel needs to be switched, it needs to switch the main channel from the first channel to the third channel. The frames used to update the parameters required for the first mode may include an ASS initiation frame and an ASS follow-up frame. The ASS initiation frame may include the updated parameters required for the first mode, and the ASS follow-up frame may indicate whether to agree to perform the subsequent main channel switching process based on the updated parameters required for the first mode. The ASS initiation frame may be sent by the first AP or the first non-AP STA, and correspondingly, the ASS follow-up frame may be fed back by the first non-AP STA or the first AP based on the ASS initiation frame. The parameter update process may also refer to the aforementioned Fig.10 and Fig.11 The contents shown will not be repeated here.

[0283] Step 903: Information indicating the end of the first mode is transmitted between the first non-AP STA and the first AP.

[0284] In step 903, when either the first AP or the first non-AP STA needs to exit the first mode, information indicating the end of the first mode may be sent. The information indicating the end of the first mode may be carried in a frame, which may be an ASS teardown frame.

[0285] For example, the first non-AP STA sends information to the first AP for indicating the end of the first mode. Correspondingly, the first AP receives information from the first non-AP STA for indicating the end of the first mode. The first AP may also send an acknowledgement (ACK) frame to indicate that the first AP confirms the exit from the first mode.

[0286] For another example, the first AP may send information for indicating the end of the first mode. Correspondingly, the first non-APSTA receives information for indicating the end of the first mode from the first AP. The first non-AP STA may also send a confirmation frame to indicate that the first non-AP STA confirms the exit from the first mode.

[0287] After the first non-AP STA and the first AP exit the first mode, that is, the two are not in the first mode, the two may not be bound by the rules of the first mode. For example, when the first non-AP STA and the first AP are not in the first mode, even in the SP phase of the TWT established between the AP in the OBSS of the first AP and the non-AP STA associated with the AP, the first non-AP STA will not switch the main channel, and still communicate with the first AP using the first channel as the main channel.

[0288] Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown, all steps may be executed, or some steps may be executed, for example, any one or more of the above steps 901, 902 or 903 may not be executed. For example, step 903 may not be executed, so that the two may be assumed not to exit the first mode, or the existence time of the first mode may be set. For another example, step 902 may be executed, and the device receiving the information in step 901 may enter the first mode by default. For another example, step 901 may not be executed, so that the two may be assumed to enter the first mode.

[0289] Used to carry the embodiment of this application Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 The message format of the information involved (such as at least one of information used to indicate a request to enter the first mode, information used to indicate successful entry into the first mode, or information used to indicate the end of the first mode) has multiple structures, such as an action frame or a management frame.

[0290] In one possible implementation, Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 The information involved can be carried in the ASS initiation frame, the ASS follow-up frame and the ASS teardown frame. Fig.12 and Fig.13 Several possible schematic diagrams of frame formats are shown as examples.

[0291] See also Fig.12 , the frame is an action frame or a management frame.

[0292] like Fig.12 As shown, the frame includes fields such as category, dialog token, control, and anchor channel information (AnCH Info).

[0293] Among them, the category (category) can be assigned a new category (category) value. The dialog token field can be used to identify the process to which the frame corresponds (for example, it can be a negotiation process). The value carried by the dialog token field of the frames in the same process can be the same value, for example, the value carried by the dialog token in the ASS initiation frame, ASS follow-up frame and ASS teardown frame in a process is the same value. In this way, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can determine which process each frame belongs to. The control field is used to carry control information.

[0294] The control field may include teardown, initiation, success, and AnCH ​​Info present.

[0295] The value carried in the Initiation field in the frame is used to indicate whether the frame is an Initiation frame. The value carried in the Success field in the frame is used to indicate whether the frame is a Success frame. The value carried in the Teardown field in the frame is used to indicate whether the frame is a Teardown frame.

[0296] For example, if the frame is an initiation frame, the value carried in the initiation field in the frame can be set to 1. The success field can be regarded as a reserved field, and the receiving end does not care about the value carried in it. The teardown field can be set to 0.

[0297] For another example, if the frame is an ASS follow-up frame, and the frame is used to indicate successful entry into the first mode, the value carried in the success field in the frame may be set to 1. The values ​​carried in the teardown field and the initiation field may be set to 0. The anchor channel information (AnCH Info present) field may be set to 0 or 1. Whether the anchor channel information (AnCH Info) field exists depends on the anchor channel information (AnCH Info present) field. For example, when the anchor channel information (AnCH Info present) field is 0, the anchor channel information (AnCH Info) field may not appear in the frame. For example, when the anchor channel information (AnCH Info present) field is 1, the anchor channel information (AnCH Info) field may appear in the frame.

[0298] For another example, if the frame is a teardown frame, the value carried in the teardown field in the frame can be set to 1. The success field and the initiation field can be regarded as reserved bits, and the receiving end does not care about the value carried in the field. In this example, the remaining subfields of the control field can be reserved, and the anchor channel information (AnCH Info) field may not appear in the frame. The dialog token field can also be reserved.

[0299] The content of the AnCH ​​Info present field can be found in the previous Figure 7 The relevant content will not be repeated here. Fig.12 For the specific meaning of the information shown, please refer to the description in the IEEE 802.11 series protocols.

[0300] Fig.13 The element fields in an action frame or a management frame are shown.

[0301] like Fig.13As shown, the element includes fields such as element ID, length, element ID extension, control and anchor channel information (AnCH Info).

[0302] For control and anchor channel information (AnCH Info), please refer to the above Fig.12 The relevant description will not be repeated here. Fig.13 For the specific meaning of the information shown, please refer to the above Figure 8 and described in the IEEE 802.11 family of protocols.

[0303] It is understandable that, in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the first AP and the first non-AP STA include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0304] Fig.14 and Fig.15 Schematic diagram of the structure of possible communication devices provided for embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first non-AP STA or the first AP in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be as follows Figure 1 The non-APSTA shown can also be Figure 1 The AP shown may also be a module (such as a chip) applied to a non-AP STA or an AP.

[0305] like Fig.14 As shown, the communication device 1300 includes a processing unit 1310 and a transceiver unit 1320. The communication device 1300 is used to implement the above Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 or Fig.11 The method embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a function of a first non-AP STA or a first AP.

[0306] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 3 In the method embodiment shown, the functions of the first non-AP STA are:

[0307] The processing unit 1310 is used to: receive the first TWT information from the first AP through the transceiver unit 1320, and determine, based on the first indication information, that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is the TWT established between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP.

[0308] In a possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 3 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first non-AP STA is: the processing unit 1310 is used to receive the second TWT information from the first AP through the transceiver unit 1320.

[0309] In a possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 3 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first non-AP STA is: the processing unit 1310 is used to: switch the main channel from the first channel to the second channel according to the first TWT information, and communicate with the first AP using the second channel as the main channel.

[0310] In a possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 3 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first non-AP STA is: the processing unit 1310 is used to: switch the main channel from the second channel to the first channel, and communicate with the first AP using the first channel as the main channel.

[0311] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 6 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first non-AP STA is: the processing unit 1310 is used to: receive the indication information of the second channel through the transceiver unit 1320, switch the main channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicate with the first AP using the second channel as the main channel.

[0312] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Fig. 9 , Fig.10 or Fig.11 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first non-AP STA is: the processing unit 1310 is used to send information indicating a request to enter the first mode to the first AP through the transceiver unit 1320; or, receive information from the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode.

[0313] In a possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is used to implement Fig. 9 , Fig.10 or Fig.11In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first non-AP STA is: the processing unit 1310 is used to send information indicating successful entry into the first mode to the first AP through the transceiver unit 1320; or, receive information from the first AP indicating successful entry into the first mode.

[0314] In a possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is used to implement Fig. 9 , Fig.10 or Fig.11 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first non-AP STA is: the processing unit 1310 is used to send information indicating the end of the first mode to the first AP through the transceiver unit 1320; or, receive information from the first AP indicating the end of the first mode.

[0315] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 3 The function of the first AP in the method embodiment shown is: the processing unit 1310 is used to: obtain the first TWT information, and send the first TWT information through the transceiver unit 1320.

[0316] In a possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 3 The function of the first AP in the method embodiment shown is: the processing unit 1310 is used to send the second TWT information through the transceiver unit 1320.

[0317] In a possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 3 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first AP is: the processing unit 1310 is used to: switch the main channel from the first channel to the second channel according to the first TWT information, and communicate with the first non-AP STA using the second channel as the main channel.

[0318] In a possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 3 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first AP is: the processing unit 1310 is used to: switch the main channel from the second channel to the first channel, and communicate with the first non-AP STA using the first channel as the main channel.

[0319] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Figure 6 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first AP is: the processing unit 1310 is used to: send indication information of the second channel through the transceiver unit 1320, switch the main channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicate with the first non-AP STA using the second channel as the main channel.

[0320] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement Fig. 9 , Fig.10 or Fig.11 The function of the first AP in the method embodiment shown is: the processing unit 1310 is used to send information indicating a request to enter the first mode through the transceiver unit 1320; or, receive information indicating a request to enter the first mode.

[0321] In a possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is used to implement Fig. 9 , Fig.10 or Fig.11 The function of the first AP in the method embodiment shown is: the processing unit 1310 is used to send information indicating successful entry into the first mode through the transceiver unit 1320; or, receive information indicating successful entry into the first mode.

[0322] In a possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is used to implement Fig. 9 , Fig.10 or Fig.11 The function of the first AP in the method embodiment shown is: the processing unit 1310 is used to send information for indicating the end of the first mode through the transceiver unit 1320; or, receive information for indicating the end of the first mode.

[0323] For more detailed description of the processing unit 1310 and the transceiver unit 1320, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 or Fig.11 The method embodiment shown is described in detail.

[0324] like Fig.15 As shown, the communication device 1400 includes a processor 1410 and an interface circuit 1420. The processor 1410 and the interface circuit 1420 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1420 can be a transceiver or an input-output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may also include a memory 1430 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1410 or storing input data required by the processor 1410 to execute instructions or storing data generated after the processor 1410 executes instructions.

[0325] When the communication device 1400 is used to implement Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 or Fig.11 When the method is shown, the processor 1410 is used to implement the function of the above-mentioned processing unit 1310, and the interface circuit 1420 is used to implement the function of the above-mentioned transceiver unit 1320.

[0326] When the above-mentioned communication device is a chip applied to the first non-AP STA, the first non-AP STA chip implements the function of the first non-AP STA device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The first non-AP STA chip receives information from the first AP, which can be understood as the information is first received by other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the first non-AP STA, and then sent to the first non-AP STA chip by these modules. The first non-AP STA chip sends information to the first AP, which can be understood as the information is first sent to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the first non-AP STA, and then sent to the first AP by these modules.

[0327] When the above-mentioned communication device is a chip applied to the first AP, the first AP chip implements the function of the network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The first AP chip receives information from the first non-AP STA, which can be understood as the information is first received by other modules in the first AP (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and then sent to the first AP chip by these modules. The first AP chip sends information to the first non-AP STA, which can be understood as the information is sent to other modules in the first AP (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and then sent to the first non-AP STA by these modules.

[0328] In the present application, when entity A sends information to entity B, it may be that A sends it directly to B, or that A sends it indirectly to B through other entities. Similarly, when entity B receives information from entity A, it may be that entity B directly receives the information sent by entity A, or that entity B indirectly receives the information sent by entity A through other entities. Here, entities A and B may be the first AP or the first non-AP STA, or modules inside the first AP or the first non-AP STA. The sending and receiving of information may be information interaction between the first AP and the first non-AP STA, for example, information interaction between the first AP and the first non-APSTA; the sending and receiving of information may also be information interaction between two first APs, for example, information interaction between a CU and a DU; the sending and receiving of information may also be information interaction between different modules inside a device, for example, information interaction between a first non-AP STA chip and other modules of the first non-AP STA, or information interaction between a first AP chip and other modules in the first AP.

[0329] It is understandable that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0330] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions that can be executed by a processor. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, mobile hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a first AP or a first non-AP STA. The processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the first AP or the first non-AP STA.

[0331] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When a computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function of the embodiment of the present application is executed in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device or other programmable device. The computer program or instruction can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer program or instruction can be transmitted from one website site, computer, server or data center to another website site, computer, server or data center by wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video disc; it can also be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state hard disk. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0332] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or provided for in any logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the different embodiments are consistent and may be referenced to each other, and the technical features in the different embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0333] In the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the text description of the present application, the character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship; in the formula of the present application, the character " / " indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in a "division" relationship. "Including at least one of A, B and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B and C.

[0334] It is understood that the various numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application (such as the digital numbers "first" and "second", and the letter numbers "parameter A", "parameter B", "parameter C", etc.) are only distinguished for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the sequence number of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: A first non-access point station non-AP STA receives first target wake-up time TWT information from a first access point AP, the first non-AP STA is associated with the first AP, the first TWT information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in an overlapping basic service set OBSS of the first AP and a non-AP STA associated with the AP; The first non-AP STA determines, based on the first indication information, that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT established between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first TWT information is carried in a first TWT element, and the first indication information is carried in a reserved field B7 in a control field in the first TWT element.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first TWT information also includes third indication information; The third indication information is used to instruct the first non-AP STA to communicate with the first AP using the switched primary channel.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first TWT information is carried in a first TWT element, and the third indication information is carried in a TWT parameter information field in the first TWT element.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first TWT information also includes fourth indication information; The fourth indication information is used to indicate that, when the state of the first channel includes a busy state, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP using the switched primary channel.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The first TWT information is carried in a first TWT element; The fourth indication information is carried in the TWT parameter information field in the first TWT element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first non-AP STA switches a main channel from a first channel to a second channel according to the first TWT information, and communicates with the first AP using the second channel as a main channel; Wherein, the start time of switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel is located at the SP start time of the first TWT, or is located before the SP start time of the first TWT; and / or; The completion time of switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel is located at the SP start time of the first TWT, or is located before the SP start time of the first TWT.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that After the first non-AP STA switches a main channel from a first channel to a second channel according to the first TWT information and communicates with the first AP using the second channel as the main channel, the method further includes: The first non-AP STA switches a main channel from the second channel to the first channel, and communicates with the first AP using the first channel as the main channel; Wherein, the start time of switching the main channel from the second channel to the first channel is located at the SP end time of the first TWT, or is located after the SP end time of the first TWT; and / or, The completion time of switching the main channel from the second channel to the first channel is located at the SP end time of the first TWT, or is located after the SP end time of the first TWT.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first non-AP STA obtains indication information of the second channel.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first non-AP STA sends information indicating a request to enter the first mode to the first AP; or, The first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode; The first mode indicates that the non-AP STA and / or AP entering the first mode is allowed to switch the main channel according to the first TWT information.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first non-AP STA sends information indicating successful entry into the first mode to the first AP; or, The first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating successful entry into the first mode.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first non-AP STA sends information for indicating to end the first mode to the first AP; or, The first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating that the first mode is to be ended.

13. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first access point AP obtains first target wake-up time TWT information, a first non-access point station non-AP STA is associated with the first AP, the first TWT information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT established between an AP in an overlapping basic service set OBSS of the first AP and a non-APSTA associated with the AP; The first AP sends the first TWT information.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The first TWT information is carried in the first TWT element, The first indication information is carried in the reserved field B7 in the control field in the first TWT element.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The first TWT information also includes third indication information; The third indication information is used to instruct the first AP to communicate with the first non-AP STA using the switched primary channel.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The first TWT information is carried in the first TWT element, The third indication information is carried in the TWT parameter information field in the first TWT element.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that: The first TWT information also includes fourth indication information; The fourth indication information is used to indicate that: when the state of the first channel includes a busy state, the first AP communicates with the first non-AP STA using the switched primary channel.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The first TWT information is carried in a first TWT element; The fourth indication information is carried in the TWT parameter information field in the first TWT element.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first AP switches a main channel from a first channel to a second channel according to the first TWT information, and communicates with the first non-AP STA using the second channel as the main channel; Wherein, the start time of switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel is located at the SP start time of the first TWT, or is located before the SP start time of the first TWT; and / or; The completion time of switching the main channel from the first channel to the second channel is located at the SP start time of the first TWT, or is located before the SP start time of the first TWT.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: After the first AP switches a main channel from a first channel to a second channel according to the first TWT information and communicates with the first non-AP STA using the second channel as the main channel, the method further includes: The first AP switches a main channel from the second channel to the first channel, and communicates with the first non-AP STA using the first channel as the main channel; Wherein, the start time of switching the main channel from the second channel to the first channel is located at the SP end time of the first TWT, or is located after the SP end time of the first TWT; and / or, The completion time of switching the main channel from the second channel to the first channel is located at the SP end time of the first TWT, or is located after the SP end time of the first TWT.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first AP sends indication information of the second channel.

22. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first AP sends information indicating a request to enter the first mode; or, The first AP receives information indicating a request to enter the first mode; The first mode indicates that the non-AP STA and / or AP entering the first mode is allowed to switch the main channel according to the first TWT information.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: The method further comprises: The first AP sends information indicating successful entry into the first mode; or, The first AP receives information indicating successful entry into the first mode.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first AP sends information for indicating the end of the first mode; or, The first AP receives information indicating the end of the first mode.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a module for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, or comprises a module for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 24 through a logic circuit or executing code instructions.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The storage medium stores a computer program or an instruction. When the computer program or the instruction is executed by the communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 24 is implemented.

28. A chip system, characterized in that: The chip system includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit and the at least one processor are interconnected via lines, and the processor executes the method described in any one of claims 1 to 12 or any one of claims 13 to 24 by running instructions.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product stores a computer program, wherein the computer program includes program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed by a computer, the computer executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 24.

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