Contention access method, device and equipment of secondary channel and medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a competitive access method and device for a secondary channel, equipment and a medium, and relates to the field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: after receiving channel occupation information interacted by second wireless equipment on a main channel, competitively accessing a secondary channel in an idle state based on a secondary channel access mode; wherein the primary channel and the secondary channel are a group of channels which are bound with each other. In the embodiment of the invention, the first wireless equipment can still compete to access the secondary channel in the idle state under the condition that the channel occupation information is interacted on the primary channel, so that the waste of secondary channel resources is avoided, and the secondary channel access mode based on which the first wireless equipment is based defines how to perform channel competition access.

Description

Secondary channel contention access method, device, equipment and medium Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a method, apparatus, device, and medium for competitive access to a secondary channel. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, when the primary channel is busy, the wireless device cannot use the secondary channel alone for wireless transmission, resulting in serious waste of secondary channel frequency domain resources.

[0003] How to utilize the frequency domain resources of the secondary channel for transmission when the primary channel is busy is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a method, apparatus, device, and medium for contention access to a secondary channel. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] According to one aspect of the present application, a contention access method for a secondary channel is provided, the method being performed by a first wireless device, the method including:

[0007] After receiving the channel occupancy information exchanged by the second wireless device on the primary channel, contending for access to the secondary channel in an idle state based on the secondary channel access mode;

[0008] The primary channel and the secondary channel are a group of channels bound to each other.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present application, a contention access method for a secondary channel is provided, the method being performed by a second wireless device, the method comprising:

[0010] A management frame is sent to the first wireless device, wherein the management frame is used to indicate and / or change a secondary channel access mode.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present application, a contention access device for a secondary channel is provided, the device comprising:

[0012] A first receiving module is configured to, after receiving channel occupancy information exchanged by a second wireless device on a primary channel, compete for access to the secondary channel in an idle state based on a secondary channel access mode;

[0013] The primary channel and the secondary channel are a group of channels bound to each other.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present application, a contention access device for a secondary channel is provided, the device comprising:

[0015] The first sending module is configured to send a management frame to the first wireless device, where the management frame is used to indicate / or change a secondary channel access mode.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present application, a wireless device is provided, comprising: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the contention access method for the secondary channel as described in the above aspect.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which executable instructions are stored. The executable instructions are loaded and executed by a processor to implement the contention access method for the secondary channel as described in the above aspect.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer program product is provided, which includes computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions are stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and a processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes to implement the secondary channel contention access method as described in the above aspect.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present application, a chip is provided, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions, and when the chip is running, is used to implement the contention access method for the secondary channel as described in the above aspect.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present application, a computer program is provided, which includes computer instructions. A processor of a computer device executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes the secondary channel contention access method as described in the above aspect.

[0021] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application include at least the following beneficial effects:

[0022] When the second wireless device exchanges channel occupancy information on the primary channel, the first wireless device can still compete for access to the idle secondary channel, avoiding waste of secondary channel resources. In addition, the secondary channel access mode based on it clarifies how to conduct channel contention access. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0024] FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of an EDCA method in the related art;

[0025] FIG2 shows a schematic diagram of an EDCA method in the related art;

[0026] FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of an OBO method in the related art;

[0027] FIG4 shows a schematic diagram of an RTS / CTE interaction in the related art;

[0028] FIG5 shows a schematic diagram of a Wi-Fi system provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0029] FIG6 shows a flow chart of a method for contention access to a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0030] FIG7 shows a flow chart of a method for contention access to a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0031] FIG8 is a schematic diagram showing contention access of a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0032] FIG9 shows a schematic diagram of contention access to a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0033] FIG10 is a schematic diagram showing contention access of a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0034] FIG11 is a schematic diagram showing contention access of a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0035] FIG12 is a schematic diagram showing contention access of a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0036] FIG13 is a schematic diagram showing contention access of a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0037] FIG14 shows a flow chart of a method for contention access to a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0038] FIG15 is a schematic diagram showing a format of a secondary channel access mode indication element provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0039] FIG16 shows a structural block diagram of a contention access device for a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0040] FIG17 shows a structural block diagram of a contention access device for a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application;

[0041] FIG18 shows a schematic structural diagram of a wireless communication device provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application more clear, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present application, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0043] The terms used in this disclosure are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining."

[0045] First, the relevant technologies involved in the embodiments of this application are introduced:

[0046] (1) Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA)

[0047] As Internet services become more diverse and complex, the demands on network performance are also increasing. To provide a certain degree of Quality of Service (QoS) support for Internet service transmission at the Medium-Access Control (MAC) layer, EDCA is used in related technologies to provide priority support and avoid channel access conflicts. EDCA can provide prioritized channel access and transmission services for different services, providing different channel access priorities for different services.

[0048] Figure 1 shows the basic channel access method related to EDCA. When a station (STA) detects that the channel has transitioned from busy to idle during the Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) process, it continues to check whether the channel remains idle within the Distributed Coordination Function Interframe Space (DIFS). If the channel remains idle within the DIFS, the station can backoff. To enter the backoff process, the station first selects a random number from the Contention Window (CW), called the Random Backoff Counter. During the backoff process, the station checks the channel in each time slot. If the channel is idle, the corresponding Random Backoff Counter is decremented by 1. If the current Random Backoff Counter is 0, the station has gained channel access, immediately transmits, and resets the Random Backoff Counter. If the current random backoff counter value is not 0, the station will continue to check whether the channel remains idle until the random backoff counter value of the station becomes 0. The station obtains channel access, immediately transmits, and resets the random backoff counter value. If during the backoff process, other stations compete for the channel first, that is, the random backoff counter value of other stations is reduced to 0 first, then the random backoff counter value of the station that did not compete for the channel remains unchanged. The next time the CCA detects that the channel changes from busy to idle, the random backoff counter value of the station that did not compete for the channel will be reduced by 1 from the previous value until it becomes 0. This design is intended to ensure fairness in network transmission.

[0049] Furthermore, the improved channel access method associated with EDCA, in simple terms, provides prioritized channel access transmission services for different services. Specifically, each station determines the corresponding CW[AC] based on the access category (AC) of the service to be transmitted. The initial value of CW[AC] is the corresponding CWmin[AC] value. EDCA defines four access categories for services, ranked from highest to lowest priority: voice (AC_VO), video (AC_VI), best effort (AC_BE), and background traffic (AC_BK). Each access category uses an improved EDCA to compete for transmission opportunities. Frames with the highest priority access category have the smallest CW value and are therefore more likely to be transmitted.

[0050] For example, as shown in Figure 2, station A's transmission on the channel is about to end. Stations B, C, and D need to transmit data, and the CCA detects that the channel has changed from busy to idle. Stations B, C, and D continue to check whether the channel remains idle for a period of DIFS. The detection result indicates that the channel is idle for the period of DIFS. Stations B, C, and D each randomly select a random backoff counter value: station B's random backoff counter value is 4, station C's random backoff counter value is 1, and station D's random backoff counter value is 2. During the backoff process, stations B, C, and D check whether the channel is idle in time slots. If the first time slot is idle, the random backoff counter values ​​of stations B, C, and D are decremented by 1: station B's random backoff counter value is 3, station C's random backoff counter value is 0, and station D's random backoff counter value is 1. If station C's random backoff counter value is 0, station C obtains channel access, immediately transmits data, and resets the random backoff counter value (not shown in the figure). When sites B and D learn that site C has won the channel, they keep the random backoff counter value unchanged. Site C's transmission on the channel is about to end, and sites B, D, and E need to transmit data. The CCA detects that the channel has changed from busy to idle. Sites B, D, and E continue to check whether the channel remains idle for the DIFS period. The detection result indicates that the channel is idle for the DIFS period. Sites B and D use the previous random backoff counter value. That is, site B's random backoff counter value remains 3, site D's random backoff counter value remains 1, and site E randomly selects a random backoff counter value of 2. During the backoff process, sites B, D, and E check for channel idleness in time slots. If the first time slot is idle, the random backoff counter values ​​of sites B, D, and E are decremented by 1, with site B's random backoff counter value becoming 2, site D's random backoff counter value becoming 0, and site E's random backoff counter value becoming 1. If the random backoff counter value of site D is 0, site D gains channel access, immediately transmits data, and resets the random backoff counter value (not shown). Sites B and E learn that site D has won the channel and keep the random backoff counter value unchanged. The next time CCA detects that the channel changes from busy to idle, the backoff process repeats until site E and site B both win the channel.

[0051] (2) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access Contention Window (OFDMA Contention Window, OCW) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access Random Access Backoff (OFDMA Backoff, OBO)

[0052] The access point (AP) uses OFDMA technology to divide the channel into multiple resource units (RUs). Different stations can occupy different RUs, enabling parallel multi-user transmission. Stations can compete for these RUs through the uplink OFDMA random access (UORA) mechanism. During the UORA process, OBO technology is used to implement frequency domain backoff.

[0053] Before OBO starts, the access point indicates the OCW range of non-AP stations in the UORA parameter set element so that the random access mechanism can be started after the access point sends a trigger frame.

[0054] The AP shall indicate the range of OFDMA contention window(OCW) in the UORA Parameter Set element for non-AP STAs to initiate random access following the Trigger frame transmission.

[0055] Each non-AP High Efficiency (HE) station maintains an internal OCW value and an internal OBO counter. The OCW value is an integer in the range of OCWmin to OCWmax.

[0056] A non-AP HE STA shall maintain an internal OCW and an internal OBO counter.OCW is an integer in the range OCWmin to OCWmax.

[0057] The size of all random access RUs (RA-RUs) in the UORA parameter set is the same as the size of the RA-RU indicated by the RU allocation subfield in the user information field (User Info Field). The non-AP HE site shall determine the total number of eligible RA-RUs in the continuous set based on the number of RA-RU subfields in the user information field corresponding to the eligible RA-RUs, which does not include RA-RUs that are not within the working bandwidth of the non-AP HE site. The continuous set refers to the continuous RA-RU set indicated by the special user information field in the RU partitioning scheme, such as the continuous RA-RU set indicated by the RU Allocation field.

[0058] The size of all RA-RUs in the set shall be the same and equal to the size of the RA-RU indicated by the RU Allocation subfield in the User Info field.

[0059] If a HE station has a waiting frame until it receives a trigger frame from the access point containing at least one eligible RA-RU, and if the OBO counter of the HE station is not greater than the number of eligible RA-RUs contained in the trigger frame from the access point, the HE station shall set its OBO counter to zero and randomly select a qualified RA-RU for transmission consideration. Otherwise, the HE station shall decrement its OBO counter based on the number of qualified RA-RUs in the trigger frame.

[0060] If an HE STA has a pending frame for the AP upon the reception of a Trigger frame containing at least one eligible RA-RU and if the OBO counter of an HE STA is not greater than the number of eligible RA-RUs in a Trigger frame from that AP, then the HE STA shall set its OBO counter to zero and randomly select one of the eligible RA-RUs to be considered for transmission. Otherwise, the HE STA decrements its OBO counter by the number of eligible RA-RUs in the Trigger frame.

[0061] For example, the specific process of OBO is shown in FIG3 .

[0062] The Basic Service Set (BSS) is the basic topology of a wireless local area network. The communication devices that make up the BSS include an access point and several stations. After joining the wireless domain of the access point, each station establishes an association (Associated) with the access point, and the stations exchange data through the access point. The access point assigns an associated identifier (Associated IDentity, AID) to each station that joins the BSS. An AID value of 0 indicates that the device is an access point. As shown in Figure 3, there are 4 stations in total. Station 1, Station 2, and Station 4 are members of the same BSS and each has an AID. Station 3 has not joined the BSS, is not associated with the access point, is marked as Unassociated, and does not have an AID.

[0063] The access point sends a trigger frame (Trigger Frame), which is used to trigger an OBO random access and contains the number of RUs that can be allocated. The user information field in the trigger frame contains an AID field, which indicates the site corresponding to the user information field. In particular, if the AID indication of the user information field is 0, it means that the one or more consecutive RUs indicated by the user information field are used for random access to one or more associated sites (for example, site 1, site 2 and site 4 in Figure 3 are associated). In particular, if the AID indication of the user information field is 2045, it means that the one or more consecutive RUs indicated by the user information field can be used for random access to one or more non-associated sites (for example, site 3 in Figure 3 is non-associated).

[0064] Then, among the six RUs (RU1 to RU6) that can be allocated indicated by trigger frame 1 in Figure 3, RU1 to RU3 can be randomly accessed by associated sites (i.e., sites 1, 2, and 4 are allowed to compete for access), RU4 and RU5 can be randomly accessed by non-associated sites (i.e., site 3 is allowed to compete for access), and RU6 is allocated to a specific site, i.e., the site with AID 3.

[0065] The access point will indicate an OCW range (i.e., the range determined by OCWmin and OCWmax), and each station selects OCWmin as the initial OCW value within the OCW range. Each station randomly selects an initial OBO counter (i.e., the initial OBO value) within the range of 0 to OCW. Each time OBO random access begins, each station decays the OBO counter. If the value of the station's OBO counter is less than or equal to the number of available RUs (i.e., the RUs that can be contested) in this round (i.e., the station's OBO counter value minus the number of available RUs in this round is less than or equal to 0), then the station successfully competes in this round and randomly selects an available RU to occupy. If the station's OBO counter is greater than the number of available RUs in this round, then the station's OBO counter value minus the number of available RUs in this round remains unchanged, and waits for the next round of OBO to start, and then the OBO counter decays again until the OBO counter reaches 0, which means the competition is successful.

[0066] In Figure 3, after receiving trigger frame 1, the four stations each begin OBO random access contention. Since station 4 has already been allocated RU6, it does not participate in this round of contention and directly uses RU6 for data transmission. The OBO counter remains unchanged, i.e., the value of station 4's OBO counter (hereinafter referred to as the OBO value) remains at the initial OBO counter value (hereinafter referred to as the initial OBO value) of 2. Stations 1 and 2 compete for RU1 to RU3, meaning that the number of RUs that stations 1 and 2 can compete for is 3. Station 1's OBO counter = initial OBO value - number of contestable RUs = 3 - 3 = 0. Station 1 successfully competes for this round and randomly selects an RU from RU1 to RU3 for data transmission. For example, station 1 selects RU2 to transmit the HE trigger-based (TB) physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). It also selects a new OBO value within the OCW range, such as 4 for station 1. Site 2's OBO counter = initial OBO value - number of RUs that can be contested = 5 - 3 = 2. Site 2 fails this round of contention, and its OBO counter remains at 2 until it receives the next trigger frame and starts a new round of OBO random access contention, at which point the OBO value continues to decay. Site 3 competes for RU4 and RU5, meaning that the number of RUs that Site 3 can contend for is 2. Site 3's OBO counter = initial OBO value - number of RUs that can be contested = 4 - 2 = 2. Site 3 fails this round of contention, and its OBO counter remains at 2 until it receives the next trigger frame and starts a new round of OBO random access contention, at which point the OBO value continues to decay. After receiving the uplink TB PPDUs from the multiple sites mentioned above, the access point sends block acknowledgments (BlockAcks) to the multiple sites in response to the received uplink TB PPDUs.

[0067] After each of the four stations receives trigger frame 2, a new round of OBO random access contention begins. Of the six available RUs (RU1-RU6) indicated by trigger frame 2, RU1 and RU2 are randomly accessible to associated stations (i.e., stations 1, 2, and 4 are allowed to contend for access). RU3 and RU4 are randomly accessible to unassociated stations (i.e., station 3 is allowed to contend for access). RU5 and RU6 are allocated to specific stations, namely, stations with AIDs 6 and 12. Since there are no stations with AIDs 6 or 12 in Figure 3, RU5 and RU6 will not be contended for in this round of contention. Stations 1, 2, and 4 contend for RU1 and RU2, meaning the number of RUs that stations 1, 2, and 4 can contend for is 2. Station 1's OBO counter = new OBO value - number of contended RUs = 4 - 2 = 2. Station 1 loses this round of contention, and its OBO counter remains at 2 until the next trigger frame is received and a new round of OBO random access contention begins, at which point the OBO value continues to decay. Site 2's OBO counter = Current OBO value - Number of contestable RUs = 2 - 2 = 0. Site 2 successfully competes for this round and randomly selects an RU from RU1 and RU2 for data transmission. For example, Site 2 selects RU2 to transmit the HE TB PPDU. It also selects a new OBO value within the OCW range for the next OBO random access competition. Site 4's OBO counter = Current OBO value - Number of contestable RUs = 2 - 2 = 0. Site 4 successfully competes for this round and randomly selects an RU from RU1 and RU2 for data transmission. For example, Site 4 selects RU1 to transmit the HE TB PPDU. It also selects a new OBO value within the OCW range for the next OBO random access competition. Site 3 competes for RU3 and RU4, meaning that the number of RUs Site 3 can compete for is 2. The OBO counter of site 3 = current OBO value - number of RUs that can be contested = 2 - 2 = 0. Then site 3 succeeds in this round of competition and randomly selects an RU from RU3 and RU4 for data transmission. For example, site 3 selects RU4 to transmit the HE TB PPDU and selects a new OBO value within the OCW range for the next OBO random access competition.

[0068] (3) Request-to-Send (RTS) / Clear-to-Send (CTS) / Clear-to-Self (CTS-to-Self)

[0069] To join a BSS, a station must be able to communicate with an access point. This is straightforward and logical, but a potential problem can arise: a station can communicate with the access point but cannot hear or be heard by other stations. To avoid collisions, a listening station sets a Network Allocation Vector (NAV) timer for each transmission (think of it as virtual carrier sensing) and listens to the RF channel (think of it as physical carrier sensing) when it hears another station's transmission. If a station cannot hear or be heard by other stations, the probability of a collision increases. The RTS / CTS mechanism helps avoid collisions by implementing NAV distribution, which reserves the medium for a data frame before transmission begins.

[0070] Each time a station using the RTS / CTS mechanism prepares to send a frame, it must perform an RTS / CTS exchange before normal data transmission. Before transmitting a data frame, the sender first sends an RTS frame; all listening stations reset their NAV timers based on the duration of this RTS frame and wait for the CTS frame, data frame, and acknowledgment frame to complete transmission. The receiver then sends a CTS frame, also used for NAV distribution; all listening stations reset their NAV timers based on the duration of this CTS frame and wait for the data frame and acknowledgment frame to complete transmission.

[0071] For example, the duration value of the RTS frame (in microseconds) represents the time required to complete the exchange of the CTS frame, data frame, and confirmation frame, plus 3 short interframe spaces (SIFS); the duration value of the CTS frame (in microseconds) represents the time required to complete the exchange of data frames and confirmation frames, plus 2 SIFS. Even if the station does not hear the RTS frame, it should be able to hear the CTS frame. Regardless of which frame is heard, the terminal will set the NAV timer according to the provided value. At this point, all stations in the BSS have set the NAV timer and are waiting for the entire data exchange to be completed. This implements a protection mechanism to avoid collisions.

[0072] CTS-to-self is also used to avoid collisions when different technologies are present in the same BSS. The advantage of using CTS-to-self as a collision avoidance protection mechanism over RTS / CTS is that fewer frames are sent, resulting in improved throughput. When a station or access point using CTS-to-self is ready to transmit data, it performs NAV distribution by sending a CTS frame with its own address as the recipient (called a CTS-to-self frame). The CTS frame notifies all other stations that they must wait for the data frame and acknowledgment frame exchange to complete. All stations that hear the CTS frame set the NAV timer based on the value provided in the CTS frame.

[0073] Simply put, when the RTS / CTS interaction or CTS-to-self frame is the first frame transmitted, the Duration field of the RTS frame, CTS frame, and CTS-to-self frame indicates the total duration of the transmission, which is also used to set the NAV value to protect the channel.

[0074] In EDCA, you can set single protection or multiple protection for a channel. When setting single protection, the duration field or ID field in the RTS frame, CTS frame, or CTS-to-self frame can be set as follows:

[0075] In RTS frames that are not part of a dual CTS or Bidirectional Transmission Opportunity (BDT) exchange, the Duration / ID field is set to the estimated time, in microseconds, that includes the time to transmit the pending frame and the CTS frame, as well as the ACK or Block ACK frame if required, and any Null Data PPDU (NDP). If explicit feedback is required, the appropriate Interframe Space (IFS) must also be included.

[0076] In EDCA, in all CTS frames sent as the first frame of an exchange, if the Receiver Address (RA) matches the MAC address of the sending station (that is, the aforementioned CTS-to-self frame), the Duration / ID field is set to one of the following:

[0077] i) If there is a response frame, the above estimated time includes the time to transmit the pending frame, one SIFS, the response frame (acknowledgement frame or block acknowledgment frame), any requested NDPs, and an additional SIFS if explicit feedback is required.

[0078] ii) If there is no response frame, the above estimated time is the time required to transmit the pending frame and one SIFS.

[0079] EDCA下的单保护和多保护设置:

[0080] 持续时间 / ID字段设置如下:(单保护设置)

[0081] 在不属于双清除发送(CTS)交换且不属于BDT交换的RTS帧中,持续时间 / ID字段设置为传输待处理帧所需的估计时间(以微秒为单位),加上一个CTS帧,加上一个Ack或BlockAck帧(如果需要),加上所需的任何NDP,加上所需的显式反馈,加上适用的IFS。

[0082] 在STA作为EDCA下交换中的第一个帧发送的所有CTS帧中,且接收方地址(RA)与发送STA的MAC地址匹配时,持续时间 / ID字段设置为以下之一:

[0083] i)If there is a response frame, the estimated time required to transmit the pending frame, plus one SIFS, plus the response frame (Ack or BlockAck), plus any NDPs required, plus explicit feedback if required, plus an additional SIFS.

[0084] ii)If there is no response frame, the time required to transmit the pending frame, plus one SIFS.

[0085] The value of the duration / ID field in the frame transmitted by the QoS station can refer to the relevant content of Section 9.2.5.2 (Setting single protection or multiple protection in EDCA) to Section 9.2.5.8 (Setting for other response frames) in the IEEE standard protocol.

[0086] The value in the Duration / ID field in a frame transmitted by a QoS STA is defined in 9.2.5.2(Setting for single and multiple protection under enhanced distributed channel access(EDCA)) to 9.2.5.8(Setting for other response frames).

[0087] In the case of transmission by a non-QoS station, if the CTS frame is the first frame of the exchange and pending data or management frames require acknowledgment, the duration field is the time required to transmit the pending data or management frame, plus two SIFSs ​​and the time for one acknowledgment frame.

[0088] In the case of transmission by a non-QoS station, if the CTS frame is the first frame of the exchange and the pending data or management frame does not require immediate confirmation, the duration field is the sum of the time required to transmit the pending data or management frame and one SIFS time.

[0089] For other CTS frame transmissions through a QoS station, the setting of the duration field may refer to Section 9.2.5 (Duration / ID Field (QoS Station)) of the IEEE standard protocol.

[0090] At a non-QoS STA, if the CTS frame is the first frame in the exchange and the pending Data or Management frame requires acknowledgment, the Duration field is the time, in microseconds, required to transmit the pending Data or Management frame, plus two SIFSs ​​plus one Ack frame.

[0091] At a non-QoS STA, if the CTS frame is the first frame in the exchange and the pending Data or Management frame does not require immediate acknowledgment, the Duration field is the time, in microseconds, required to transmit the pending Data or Management frame, plus one SIFS.

[0092] For other CTS frame transmissions by a QoS STA, the Duration field is set as defined in 9.2.5(Duration / ID field(QoS STA)).

[0093] When a node needs to distribute NAV information, for example, to reserve the medium for a non-basic rate frame (which may not be heard by other nodes in the BSS), if the node is a non-directional multi-gigabit (non-DMG) station, or non-millimeter wave station, it can first transmit a CTS frame with an RA field equal to the node's MAC address (i.e., a CTS-to-self frame). Alternatively, if the node is a DMG station, it can transmit a DMG CTS frame with an RA field equal to the node's MAC address and a TA field equal to the MAC address of the peer station, so that if the node is a DMG station, the frame it is about to transmit is directed (i.e., a DMG CTS-to-self frame). The duration value in the frame protects the pending transmission and a possible acknowledgment frame.

[0094] When a node needs to distribute NAV information,for instance,to reserve the medium for a transmission of a nonbasic rate frame(that might not be heard by other nodes in the BSS),the node may first transmit a CTS frame with the RA field equal to its own MAC address(CTS-to-self)if the node is a non-DMG STA,or it may transmit a DMG CTS frame with the RA field equal to its own MAC address and the TA field equal to the MAC address of the peer STA for which the forthcoming transmission of the node is intended(DMG CTS-to self)if the node is a DMG STA.A duration value in the frame protects the pending transmission,plus possibly an Ack frame.

[0095] Exemplarily, the settings of RTS frame, CTS frame, data, confirmation frame and NAV are shown in Figure 4. Before sending data, the sender waits for the channel to change from busy to idle, and then waits for a DIFS before sending an RTS frame to the receiver. The duration field in the RTS frame is equivalent to indicating a NAV value. After receiving the RTS frame, the receiver agrees to the sender to send data, and waits for a SIFS before returning a CTS frame to the sender. The duration field in the CTS frame is equivalent to indicating a NAV value. The sender waits for a SIFS before sending data to the receiver. After receiving the data, the receiver waits for a SIFS before returning a confirmation frame to the sender. Other stations intercept the RTS frame sent by the sender and / or the CTS frame sent by the receiver, delay access based on the NAV value, and after detecting that the channel is idle within the DIFS time, start channel contention access and start the backoff process according to the contention window.

[0096] (4)NAV

[0097] A non-AP station should maintain two NAV values, and an HE access point can maintain two NAV values. These two NAV values ​​are the intra-BSS NAV value and the basic NAV value.

[0098] An intra-BSS NAV value is updated by an intra-BSS PPDU.

[0099] A base NAV value is updated by an inter-BSS PPDU, or by a PPDU that cannot be classified as either intra-BSS or inter-BSS.

[0100] For a HE station that maintains two NAV values, if both NAV timers are 0, the virtual Carrier Sense (CS) indicates that the medium is idle; if at least one of the two NAV timers is non-zero, the virtual CS indicates that the medium is busy.

[0101] A non-AP HE STA shall maintain two NAVs, and an HE AP may maintain two NAVs: an intra-BSS NAV and a basic NAV.

[0102] ·The intra-BSS NAV is updated by an intra-BSS PPDU.

[0103] ·The basic NAV is updated by an inter-BSS PPDU or a PPDU that cannot be classified as intra-BSS or inter-BSS.

[0104] For an HE STA maintaining two NAVs, if both the NAV timers are 0, the virtual CS indication is that the medium is idle; if at least one of the two NAV timers is nonzero, the virtual CS indication is that the medium is busy.

[0105] That is, after receiving a PPDU, the station will update the corresponding NAV value according to the PPDU to facilitate subsequent channel contention access.

[0106] (5) Secondary channel usage rules in related technologies

[0107] In related technologies, when the primary channel CCA detection indicates an idle state, the secondary channel is checked for CCA results within the Priority Interframe Space (PIFS). If the secondary channel is also idle within the PIFS, the secondary channel can be used alongside the primary channel. However, if the primary channel CCA detection indicates a busy state, the secondary channel cannot be used independently, wasting its transmission opportunities and frequency domain resources.

[0108] (6) Subchannel Selective Transmission (SST) in Related Art

[0109] SST operation means that the station selects the best sub-channel among 1MHz, 2MHz, 4MHz, 8MHz, and 16MHz channels and communicates with the sub-1GHz access point (S1G AP) on the best sub-channel to avoid the negative impact of fading channels. The following are the differences between HE SST and SST in related technologies:

[0110] The HE station and the HE access point establish SST operation by negotiating a trigger-enabled target wake time (TWT).

[0111] The HE station and the HE access point follow the rules of the Individual TWT Agreements during the service period (SP) of the triggered enabled TWT.

[0112] Based on SST operation, although HE stations can work independently on secondary channels, they are restricted to trigger-enabled TWT SPs.

[0113] (7) Secondary channel usage scheme in related technologies

[0114] When the primary channel is busy, the station performs CCA on other channels in the working bandwidth and transmits on the channel on which the complete CCA is successfully performed.

[0115] Option 1: After determining that the primary channel is busy, a device starts performing a full CCA on another channel.

[0116] For example, suitable for devices that do not support performing full CCA on multiple channels in parallel.

[0117] This sequential CCAs delays gaining access to idle non-primary channels.

[0118] Option 2: A device performs full CCA in parallel on multiple channels in the operating bandwidth, including the primary channel. If the primary channel is busy, it continues to perform CCA on other channels.

[0119] This applies to devices that support performing full CCA on multiple channels in parallel.

[0120] Reduce access latency to non-primary channels.

[0121] For either option, when the primary channel is busy, the device performs a full CCA on any non-primary channel:

[0122] If the channel set on which full CCA has been completed is part of an 802.11 bonded channel set, PIFS CCA is performed on the remaining channels and transmission is performed on channels that are idle within the PIFS time.

[0123] If the set of channels on which a full CCAs have been completed is not part of an 802.11 bonded channel set, then only transmit on channels on which a full CCAs have been completed at or about the same time (eg, using self-delay aligned channels for transmission).

[0124] Transmissions on any non-primary channel should end at the same time as the busy state on the primary channel. This is possible when the PPDU length and / or NAV information is known for the sub-channels of the busy primary channel.

[0125] When the duration of the busy state of the primary channel is unknown:

[0126] For example, in a busy state based on Energy Detection (ED), such as in non-802.11 technologies, there is no NAV value and no physical layer length.

[0127] Sites participating in this program may do the following:

[0128] Use non-primary channels whenever possible.

[0129] Transmit short bursts of data on non-primary channels while periodically polling the primary channel.

[0130] While the primary is BUSY, the STA performs CCA on other channels in its operating bandwidth and transmits on the channels where CCA completes successfully.

[0131] Option 1:A device starts full CCA on other channels after it determines the primary is busy.

[0132] ·Egsuitable for devices which cannot perform full CCA in parallel on multiple channels.

[0133] ·Such sequential CCA can delay gaining access on the idle non-primary channels.

[0134] Option 2:A device performs full CCA in parallel on multiple channels in its operating bandwidth, including the primary. If the primary is BUSY,CCA continues on other channels.

[0135] ·This is suitable for devices that can perform full CCA in parallel on multiple channels.

[0136] ·Reduces the delay in gaining access to non-primary channels.

[0137] For either option,when a device completes full CCA on any non-primary channel while the primary channel is BUSY:

[0138] If the set of channels for which full CCA has completed is part of an 802.11bonded channel set,perform PIFS CCA on the remaining channels and transmit on those that are found to be IDLE.

[0139] If the set of channels for which full CCA has completed is not part of an 802.11bonded channel set,transmit only on those that complete full CCA together or at about the same time(e.g.using self-defer to align transmissions on the channels).

[0140] Transmissions on any non-primary channels should end at the same time as the BUSY of the primary channel. This is possible when PPDU length and / or NAV information is known for the BUSY primary subchannel.

[0141] When primary channel BUSY duration information is not available:

[0142] ·EgED based BUSY,egnon-802.11technology,no NAV,no PHY LENGTH.

[0143] Participating STA may:

[0144] ·Utilize non-Primary channels anyway.

[0145] ·Transmit short bursts on the non-primary channels while periodically polling the primary channel.

[0146] Simply put, if a station does not support parallel full CCA on multiple channels, then once it determines that the primary channel is busy, it must initiate full CCA (i.e., perform EDCA) on one or more secondary channels in sequence. This approach will result in access delays. If the CCA result indicates that one or more secondary channels are idle, transmission will proceed on the idle secondary channel or channels.

[0147] If a station supports parallel full CCA on multiple channels, then after determining that the primary channel is busy, the EDCA process on the secondary channel continues independently (that is, it is not affected by the primary channel status). This approach requires higher equipment capabilities. If the CCA results indicate that one or more secondary channels are idle, transmission is performed on the idle secondary channel or channels.

[0148] If the idle sub-channel on which the complete CCA has been executed belongs to a predefined bound sub-channel group, the sub-channel in the sub-channel group on which the complete CCA has not been executed is detected to see whether it is in an idle state within the PIFS time. If it is in an idle state, transmission can also be performed on the sub-channel on which the complete CCA has not been executed.

[0149] Furthermore, the secondary channel usage time must end at the same time as the primary channel's busy time. Otherwise, the following problems may occur: It may affect other stations' use of the secondary channel. For example, if a station occupies the secondary channel for a long time when the primary channel is busy, other stations will be unaware of the secondary channel usage, resulting in:

[0150] • Reduces the chance that other stations will use the larger bandwidth that includes the secondary channel.

[0151] Occupies the channel access opportunity of other Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) stations that use the secondary channel as the primary channel.

[0152] Based on the above-mentioned problems, for example: the secondary channel usage rules mentioned in (5) related technology indicate that when the main channel is busy, the device cannot use the secondary channel for transmission, resulting in a serious waste of secondary channel frequency domain resources; the SST mentioned in (6) related technology indicates that although the site supports transmission on the secondary channel, it is limited by the trigger-enabled TWT SP; the secondary channel usage scheme mentioned in (7) related technology indicates that when the main channel is busy, if the secondary channel is idle, the idle secondary channel can be used for data transmission, but this will either cause a delay in the secondary channel access time or require higher device capabilities. In addition, although the above content describes a scheme in which multiple sites compete to obtain one or more secondary channels for transmission, it does not specify how multiple sites compete to obtain different secondary channels for simultaneous transmission, nor does it specify how to divide multiple secondary channels. Therefore, it is urgent to determine a secondary channel competition access method that helps solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0153] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a Wi-Fi system provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The Wi-Fi system includes terminal devices, terminal devices, network devices, or APs and STAs, though this application does not limit this. This application uses the example of a Wi-Fi system including AP 510 and STA 520 for illustration.

[0154] In some scenarios, an AP can be referred to as an AP STA, meaning that in a sense, an AP is also a type of STA. In some scenarios, a STA can be referred to as a non-AP STA.

[0155] In some embodiments, STAs may include AP STAs and non-AP STAs.

[0156] Communication in a Wi-Fi system can be between an AP and a non-AP STA, between a non-AP STA and a non-AP STA, or between a STA and a peer STA. A peer STA refers to a device that communicates with a STA. For example, a peer STA may be an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0157] An AP acts as a bridge between a wired network and a wireless network. Its primary function is to connect wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. An AP device can be a terminal device or a network device equipped with a Wi-Fi chip.

[0158] It should be understood that the role of STA in the communication system is not absolute. For example, in some scenarios, when a mobile phone is connected to a router, the mobile phone is a non-AP STA. When the mobile phone serves as a hotspot for other mobile phones, the mobile phone plays the role of AP.

[0159] APs and non-AP STAs can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles, IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0160] In some embodiments, a non-AP STA may support the 802.11be standard. A non-AP STA may also support various current and future 802.11 family WLAN standards, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. A non-AP STA may also be used in a network environment that supports a next-generation WLAN system. The next-generation WLAN system is a WLAN system that has evolved from the 802.11ax system and is backward compatible with the 802.11ax system. The next-generation Wi-Fi communication is any new generation of Wi-Fi communication after Wi-Fi 7 based on the IEEE 802.11be specification, such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR) communication. For example, a non-AP STA is a UHR STA.

[0161] In some embodiments, the AP may be a device supporting the 802.11be standard. The AP may also be a device supporting various current and future 802.11 family WLAN standards, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. The AP may also be used in a network environment supporting a next-generation WLAN system, which is a WLAN system evolved from the 802.11ax system and can meet backward compatibility with the 802.11ax system. Next-generation Wi-Fi communication refers to any new generation of Wi-Fi communication after Wi-Fi 7 based on the IEEE 802.11be specification, such as UHR communication.

[0162] In the embodiment of the present application, the STA may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, an e-book reader, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a television, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a mixed reality (MR) device, an extended reality (XR) device, a baffle reality (BR) device, a cinematic reality (CR) device, a deceived reality (DR) device, a wireless device in industrial control, a set-top box, a wireless device in self-driving, an in-vehicle communication device, a wireless device in remote medical care, a wireless device in smart grid, a wireless device in transportation safety, a wireless device in smart city or a wireless device in smart home, a wireless communication chip, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a wireless communication chip. Circuit, ASIC), System on Chip (SoC), etc.

[0163] The Wi-Fi system in the embodiment of the present application can support frequency bands including but not limited to: low frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) and high frequency bands (45 GHz, 60 GHz).

[0164] There are one or more links between the STA and the AP.

[0165] In some embodiments, STAs and APs support multi-band communication, for example, simultaneously communicating on the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 45 GHz, and 60 GHz frequency bands, or simultaneously communicating on different channels within the same frequency band (or different frequency bands), thereby improving the communication throughput and / or reliability between devices. Such devices are typically referred to as multi-band devices, or multi-link devices (MLDs), and are sometimes also referred to as multi-link entities or multi-band entities. A multi-link device can be either an AP or a STA. If the multi-link device is an AP, it includes one or more APs; if the multi-link device is a STA, it includes one or more non-AP STAs.

[0166] A multi-link device including one or more APs is called an AP, and a multi-link device including one or more non-AP STAs is called a Non-AP. In the embodiment of the application, the Non-AP can be called a STA.

[0167] In some embodiments, STAs exist in the form of one or more Basic Service Sets (BSSs), which are a collection of STAs that can successfully synchronize to communicate with each other. A BSS may or may not include an AP.

[0168] In some embodiments, the AP may include multiple APs, the Non-AP may include multiple STAs, multiple links may be formed between the APs in the AP and the STAs in the Non-AP, and the APs in the AP and the corresponding STAs in the Non-AP may communicate through the corresponding links.

[0169] In some embodiments, an AP is a device deployed in a WLAN / Wi-Fi system to provide wireless communication capabilities for STAs. STAs may be: User Equipment (UE), Access Terminal, Subscriber Unit, Subscriber Station, Mobile Station, Mobile Station, Remote Station, Remote Terminal, Mobile Device, Wireless Communication Device, User Agent, or User Equipment. STAs may also be cellular phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted devices, or wearable devices, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0170] In some embodiments, both the AP and the STA support the IEEE 802.11 standard, but are not limited to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0171] FIG6 shows a flow chart of a contention access method for a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. Taking the method executed by the first wireless device as an example, the method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0172] Step 620: After receiving the channel occupancy information exchanged by the second wireless device on the primary channel, compete for access to the idle secondary channel based on the secondary channel access mode.

[0173] The primary channel and the secondary channel are a group of channels that are bound to each other. The secondary channel can also be called a non-primary channel or a secondary channel.

[0174] That is, after the first wireless device receives the relevant information about the second wireless device occupying the primary channel, the first wireless device competes for access to the idle secondary channel based on the secondary channel access mode.

[0175] To sum up, the method provided by the present application enables the first wireless device to compete for access to the idle secondary channel when exchanging channel occupancy information on the main channel, thereby avoiding waste of secondary channel resources. In addition, the secondary channel access mode based on the method clarifies how to compete for channel access.

[0176] FIG7 shows a flow chart of a contention access method for a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. Taking the method executed by the first wireless device as an example, the method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0177] Step 720: Indicate supported secondary channel access modes;

[0178] The first wireless device indicates the secondary channel access mode supported by itself through capability information, which is carried in a Probe Request frame, and / or an Association Request frame, and / or a ReAssociation Request frame.

[0179] The first wireless device is STA 520 as shown in FIG. 5 .

[0180] The secondary channel access modes provided in this application include at least one of the following four types:

[0181] First mode:

[0182] When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel meets the first condition, competing to access the secondary channel using the first channel access method;

[0183] When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel meets the second condition, competing to access the secondary channel through the second channel access method;

[0184] Second mode: accessing the secondary channel by competing with the first channel access method.

[0185] The third mode: accessing the secondary channel by competing with the second channel access method.

[0186] The fourth mode: accessing a group of secondary channels through contention using the second channel access method, the group of secondary channels including at least two secondary channels.

[0187] In some embodiments, the channel occupancy information includes at least one of the following:

[0188] CTS-to-self frames;

[0189] RTS frame;

[0190] CTS frame.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0192] The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is less than the first threshold;

[0193] The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is equal to the first threshold.

[0194] In some embodiments, the second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0195] The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is greater than the second threshold;

[0196] The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is equal to the second threshold.

[0197] The first threshold is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first threshold is predefined, or preconfigured, or indicated by an access point; the second threshold is predefined, or preconfigured, or indicated by an access point.

[0199] In some embodiments, the channel occupancy time is expressed using NAV.

[0200] In some embodiments, the NAV is set based on a Duration field carried in the channel occupancy information.

[0201] In some embodiments, the access time required by the first channel access method is less than the access time required by the second channel access method. Alternatively, it can be understood that the first channel access method accesses the channel faster than the second channel access method.

[0202] In some embodiments, the second channel access method has a higher conflict avoidance capability than the first channel access method. Alternatively, the second channel access method includes more channel detection steps than the first channel access method. Alternatively, the second channel access method has a lower probability of causing a channel conflict than the first channel access method.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first channel access method comprises OBO.

[0204] In some embodiments, the second channel access method includes at least one of EDCA, distributed coordination function (DCF), and hybrid coordination function (HCF).

[0205] In some embodiments, the secondary channel for contention access in the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode is a secondary channel.

[0206] In some embodiments, the priority of the first mode > the priority of the third mode > the priority of the second mode > the priority of the fourth mode.

[0207] In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the secondary channel is a fixed value BWr, and the number of secondary channels is determined based on at least one of the total operating bandwidth BW of the access point, the bandwidth BWp of the primary channel, and the fixed value BWr.

[0208] In some embodiments, the number of secondary channels = (BW - BWp) / BWr.

[0209] In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the secondary channel is a dynamic value BWi, which is determined based on at least one of the total operating bandwidth BW of the access point, the bandwidth BWp of the primary channel, and the number Nsta of first wireless devices.

[0210] In some embodiments, the number of first wireless devices Nsta is broadcast by the access point.

[0211] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode is a secondary channel access mode supported by the first wireless device and / or the second wireless device.

[0212] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode includes at least one of the following:

[0213] The default secondary channel access mode of the access point;

[0214] The secondary channel access mode indicated by the access point;

[0215] • The access point changes the secondary channel access mode.

[0216] Step 740: Receive a management frame sent by the access point;

[0217] In some embodiments, the management frame is used to enable, and / or disable, and / or disable, and / or indicate, and / or change a secondary channel access mode.

[0218] In some embodiments, the management frame is used to indicate and / or change the first threshold, and the management frame is used to indicate and / or change the second threshold.

[0219] Step 760: After receiving the channel occupancy information exchanged by the second wireless device on the primary channel, compete for access to the idle secondary channel based on the secondary channel access mode.

[0220] Among them, the primary channel and the secondary channel are a group of channels bound to each other.

[0221] The second wireless device is the AP 510 or the STA 520 as shown in FIG. 5 .

[0222] That is, after the first wireless device receives information about the second wireless device occupying the primary channel, the first wireless device contends for access to the idle secondary channel based on the secondary channel access mode.

[0223] After the first wireless device successfully contends for access to the secondary channel, the first wireless device's transmission duration on the secondary channel is less than or equal to the second wireless device's transmission duration on the primary channel. In other words, the first wireless device's transmission on the secondary channel ends earlier than or equal to the second wireless device's transmission on the primary channel.

[0224] In summary, the method provided by this application enables the first wireless device to compete for access to an idle secondary channel even when exchanging channel occupancy information on the primary channel, thereby avoiding waste of secondary channel resources. Furthermore, the secondary channel access mode based on which the device is based clarifies how to compete for channel access. Under different circumstances or requirements, different secondary channel access modes can be used to compete for access to the secondary channel, thereby improving the flexibility of accessing the secondary channel. Furthermore, a method for dividing secondary channels is provided, which supports the use of different methods to divide the bandwidth and number of secondary channels in different scenarios, further improving the flexibility of accessing the secondary channel.

[0225] Next, the secondary channel contention access process in the first mode is described. A schematic illustration is given by taking the channel occupancy time represented by NAV, the first channel access method being OBO, and the second channel access method being EDCA as an example.

[0226] A first wireless device receives channel occupancy information exchanged on a primary channel by a second wireless device, for example, the channel occupancy information is a CTS-to-self frame, an RTS frame, or a CTS frame. The first wireless device contends for access to a secondary channel based on a first mode. At most one first wireless device successfully transmits on a secondary channel. The transmission duration of the first wireless device on the secondary channel is less than or equal to the transmission duration of the second wireless device on the primary channel.

[0227] In some embodiments, the data sent by the first wireless device requires the receiver to feed back an acknowledgment frame, so that the first wireless device can determine whether its own transmission is successful.

[0228] In some embodiments, data sent by a first wireless device does not require a receiver to send back an acknowledgment frame. This may result in a situation where the first wireless device fails transmission but is unaware of it, meaning that the first wireless device always believes the transmission is successful. A situation where the first wireless device believes its transmission is successful but actually fails does not constitute an actual successful transmission.

[0229] The first wireless device is STA 520 as shown in FIG5 , taking the first wireless device as a UHR STA as an example. The second wireless device is AP 510 or STA 520 as shown in FIG5 , taking the second wireless device as a STA as an example.

[0230] When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel meets the first condition, that is, when the NAV of the primary channel is less than or equal to the first threshold, the first wireless device competes for access to the secondary channel through OBO. After the first wireless device obtains access to a secondary channel through OBO, it prepares to send data and performs CCA on the secondary channel within the SIFS time to detect whether the secondary channel is idle within the SIFS time. If the secondary channel remains idle within the SIFS time, the first wireless device transmits data after the SIFS time, for example, the data is an uplink PPDU. If the secondary channel is busy within the SIFS time, the first wireless device does not transmit data. If the first wireless device does not obtain access to any secondary channel through OBO, the first wireless device does not transmit data.

[0231] The first threshold is predefined, preconfigured, or indicated by the access point. For example, the first threshold is indicated by the variable dot11SCAOBODurationThreshold in the Management Information Base (MIB). For access points and stations, the value of this variable is predefined by the communication protocol. For example, the value of this variable in the access point is pre-set by a network administrator. The access point carries the value of this variable in a management frame (such as a beacon frame) (for example, indicated in the SCA OBO Duration Threshold field). The station sets its own value of the variable dot11SCAOBODurationThreshold based on the received management frame.

[0232] If the channel occupancy time of the primary channel meets the second condition (i.e., the NAV of the primary channel is greater than or equal to the second threshold), EDCA contention is used to access the secondary channel. The specific EDCA process is described in the previous introduction. After the first wireless device obtains access to a secondary channel through EDCA contention, it prepares and transmits data, for example, an uplink PPDU.

[0233] The second threshold is predefined, preconfigured, or indicated by the access point. For example, the second threshold is indicated by the variable dot11SCAOBODurationThreshold in the MIB. For access points and stations, the value of this variable is predefined by the communication protocol. For example, the value of this variable in the access point is pre-set by a network administrator. The access point carries the value of this variable in management frames (such as beacon frames) (for example, indicated in the SCA OBO Duration Threshold field). The station sets its own value of the variable dot11SCAOBODurationThreshold based on the received management frames.

[0234] In some embodiments, a preamble of a PPDU sent by the first wireless device on a secondary channel indicates a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) to be used when transmitting a data field in the PPDU. For example, the first wireless device sends an uplink PPDU on the secondary channel, and the uplink PPDU uses a multi-user (MU) PPDU format.

[0235] In some embodiments, the NAV value is set based on a duration field in the channel occupancy information. For example, when a first wireless device receives a CTS-to-self frame exchanged (i.e., sent or received) by a second wireless device on a primary channel, the first wireless device determines the NAV value of the primary channel based on the value indicated by the duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. In other words, a NAV timer maintained by the first wireless device is updated based on the duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. For example, when the first wireless device receives an RTS frame exchanged on the primary channel by a second wireless device, the first wireless device determines the NAV value of the primary channel based on the value indicated by the duration field in the RTS frame. In other words, a NAV timer maintained by the first wireless device is updated based on the duration field in the RTS frame. For example, when the first wireless device receives a CTS frame exchanged on the primary channel by a second wireless device, the first wireless device determines the NAV value of the primary channel based on the value indicated by the duration field in the CTS frame. In other words, a NAV timer maintained by the first wireless device is updated based on the duration field in the CTS frame.

[0236] In this application, the secondary channel division methods include at least the following two methods:

[0237] Method 1: The bandwidth of the secondary channel is fixed;

[0238] Method 2: The bandwidth of the secondary channel is a dynamic value.

[0239] In method one, the bandwidth of the secondary channel is a fixed value, denoted by BWr. BWr includes at least one of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz. The number of secondary channels is determined based on at least one of the access point's total operating bandwidth (BW), the primary channel's bandwidth (BWp), and the fixed value (BWr). The access point's total operating bandwidth (BW) can also be understood as the total operating bandwidth of the BSS in which the first wireless device or access point is located.

[0240] In some embodiments, the currently occupied channel is a primary channel, that is, the first wireless device only receives channel occupancy information exchanged on the primary channel, and the number of secondary channels = (BW-BWp) / BWr.

[0241] In some embodiments, the currently occupied channels include other channels (such as some secondary channels) in addition to the main channel. That is, the first wireless device receives both the channel occupancy information exchanged on the main channel and the channel occupancy information exchanged on other channels. Then the number of secondary channels = (BW-BWp-BWo) / BWr, where BWo represents the bandwidth of other channels.

[0242] For example, assuming BWr is 20 MHz, and the total operating bandwidth of the current access point is 160 MHz, and the currently occupied channel is the primary channel, and the bandwidth of the primary channel is 40 MHz, then the number of secondary channels = (160 - 40) / 20 = 6. Therefore, after receiving the channel occupancy information on the primary channel, the first wireless device can contend for 6 secondary channels.

[0243] In method two, the bandwidth of the secondary channel is a dynamic value, denoted by BWi. BWi includes at least one of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, and 160MHz. The bandwidth of the secondary channel is determined based on at least one of the total working bandwidth BW of the access point, the bandwidth BWp of the primary channel, and the number Nsta of first wireless devices. The number of secondary channels is determined based on at least one of the total working bandwidth BW of the access point, the bandwidth BWp of the primary channel, and the bandwidth of the secondary channel. The total working bandwidth BW of the access point can also be understood as the total working bandwidth of the first wireless device or the BSS where the access point is located, and the number Nsta of the first wireless devices can also be understood as the number of STAs in the BSS where the first wireless device or the access point is located that support the current secondary channel access mode.

[0244] In some embodiments, the number of first wireless devices Nsta is broadcast by the access point.

[0245] In some embodiments, the number Nsta of first wireless devices is broadcast by the access point via a management frame, such as a beacon frame.

[0246] In some embodiments, the currently occupied channel is a primary channel, that is, the first wireless device only receives channel occupancy information exchanged on the primary channel, and the bandwidth of the secondary channel is determined based on (BW-BWp) / Nsta.

[0247] In some embodiments, the currently occupied channels include other channels (such as some secondary channels) in addition to the main channel. That is, the first wireless device receives both the channel occupancy information exchanged on the main channel and the channel occupancy information exchanged on other channels. Then, the bandwidth of the secondary channel is determined based on (BW-BWp-BWo) / Nsta, where BWo represents the bandwidth of other channels.

[0248] For example, taking the currently occupied channel as the main channel, if (BW-BWp) / Nsta≥160, the bandwidth of each secondary channel is 160MHz, and the number of secondary channels is (BW-BWp) / 160 rounded down; if (BW-BWp) / Nsta≥80, the bandwidth of each secondary channel is 80MHz, and the number of secondary channels is (BW-BWp) / 80 rounded down; if (BW-BWp) / Nsta≥40, the bandwidth of each secondary channel is 40MHz, and the number of secondary channels is (BW-BWp) / 40 rounded down; if (BW-BWp) / Nsta<40, the bandwidth of each secondary channel is 20MHz, and the number of secondary channels is (BW-BWp) / 20 rounded down.

[0249] The specific process of OBO in this application is as follows:

[0250] A station supporting the first mode maintains an OCW and a sub-channel OBO counter. The OCW may be the same as or different from the OCW for UORA described in the related art (2). The sub-channel OBO counter may be the same as or different from the OBO counter for UORA described in the related art (2). The following is a schematic explanation using the example where the OCW is the same as the OCW for UORA described in the related art (2), and the sub-channel OBO counter is different from the OBO counter for UORA described in the related art (2).

[0251] For example, the station supporting the first mode is a first wireless device. The initial OCW value maintained by the first wireless device is OCWmin. The OCWmin value is predefined, preconfigured, or indicated by the access point. For example, the OCWmin value is broadcast by the access point via a management frame (e.g., a beacon frame).

[0252] In some embodiments, the first wireless device may further determine its OCWmin[AC] value based on the access category (AC) of the service to be transmitted and thereby set its OCW[AC]. For example, OCWmin[AC_BK] for the background traffic class (AC_BK) and OCWmin[AC_BE] for the best effort class (AC_BE) are equal to predefined OCWmin values, OCWmin[AC_VI] for the voice class (AC_VO) is equal to (OCWmin+1) / 2-1, and OCWmin[AC_VO] for the video class (AC_VI) is equal to (OCWmin+1) / 4-1.

[0253] In some embodiments, the access point adjusts OCWmin based on the total operating bandwidth BW and the number of first wireless devices Nsta. For example, if the total operating bandwidth of the access point is 80 MHz and the number of first wireless devices Nsta is 3, the access point sets OCWmin to 5 to maximize secondary channel utilization while avoiding contention conflicts.

[0254] The initial value of the secondary channel OBO counter maintained by the first wireless device is an integer value between 0 and OCW, and the integer value is randomly selected by the first wireless device based on a uniform distribution between 0 and the initial value of OCW.

[0255] The first wireless device receives a CTS-to-self frame, an RTS frame, or a CTS frame exchanged by the second wireless device on the primary channel.

[0256] If the following two conditions are met, the first wireless device is considered to have successfully contended for access to a secondary channel. Condition 1: The first wireless device has data to send, such as buffered data, when it receives the CTS-to-self frame, RTS frame, or CTS frame. Condition 2: When the first device calculates, according to the aforementioned secondary channel division method 1 or 2, that there is at least one available secondary channel (e.g., 3), or when the number of idle secondary channels is greater than or equal to 1, and the secondary channel OBO counter value of the first wireless device (e.g., 2) is less than or equal to the calculated number of available secondary channels, the first wireless device sets the maintained secondary channel OBO counter value to 0 and randomly selects a secondary channel from the calculated available secondary channels. After contending for access to a secondary channel, the first wireless device sets the maintained secondary channel OBO counter value to an integer value between 0 and the OCW. This integer value is a randomly selected integer value between 0 and the initial OCW value by the first wireless device.

[0257] If the first device calculates that there is at least one available secondary channel (for example, 3) according to the above-mentioned secondary channel division method 1 or method 2, or in other words, calculates that the number of secondary channels in the idle state is greater than or equal to 1, the secondary channel OBO counter value of the first wireless device (for example, 5) is greater than the calculated number of available secondary channels, then the first wireless device will maintain the secondary channel OBO counter value minus the calculated number of available secondary channels (for example, 5-3=2) and keep it unchanged until the next OBO competition starts.

[0258] If a first wireless device that competes for access to a secondary channel fails to transmit, for example, due to multiple first wireless devices simultaneously competing for the same secondary channel, that is, multiple first wireless devices simultaneously randomly selecting the same secondary channel and transmitting data, the first wireless device that failed to transmit will update its maintained OCW to 2×OCW+1, where the value of 2×OCW+1 is less than or equal to OCWmax. The OCWmax value is predefined, preconfigured, or indicated by the access point. For example, OCWmax is broadcast by the access point via a management frame (such as a beacon frame). When the OCW maintained by the first wireless device reaches OCWmax, it must remain at OCWmax until it competes for access to the secondary channel and successfully transmits. At this point, the maintained OCW is updated to OCWmin. The OCWmin value is predefined, preconfigured, or indicated by the access point. For example, OCWmin is broadcast by the access point via a management frame (such as a beacon frame). The updated OCWmin may be the same as or different from the previously updated OCWmin.

[0259] In some embodiments, data sent by the first wireless device requires an acknowledgment frame, or does not require an acknowledgment frame.

[0260] In some embodiments, after a first wireless device transmits data on a secondary channel for which it has contention for access, if it does not receive an acknowledgment frame (ACK frame or BlockAck frame) from the access point within a target time, the first wireless device deems the transmission a failure. The target time is predefined, preconfigured, instructed by the access point, or determined autonomously by the first wireless device.

[0261] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the OBO competitive access channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. In Figure 8, the total working bandwidth BW of the access point is 80MHz, and the channel occupancy information sent by STA1 (equivalent to the second wireless device, such as a traditional site) on the main 40MHz channel is a CTS-to-self frame. The main 40MHz channel includes a 20MHz main channel P20 and a 20MHz secondary channel S20-1. After waiting for another SIFS, STA 1 sends a PPDU to the access point. This PPDU carries a frame that does not require confirmation, which means that the recipient of this PPDU does not need to feed back a confirmation frame (such as an Ack frame or a BlockAck frame) for the PPDU. STA2, STA3, and STA4 (all equivalent to the first wireless device, such as a UHR STA) receive the channel occupancy information exchanged on the main 40MHz channel and start OBO competitive access. STA2, STA3, and STA4 calculate that the secondary channel bandwidth is a dynamic value of 20 MHz or determines that the secondary channel bandwidth is a fixed value of 20 MHz, and based on (80-20-20) / 20=2, calculate the number of available secondary channels to be 2, that is, the number of secondary channels that can be accessed by competition is 2.

[0262] Assume that STA 1 does not maintain a secondary channel OBO counter, and the current values ​​of the secondary channel OBO counters maintained by STA 2, STA 3, and STA 4 are 2, 1, and 5, respectively, as shown in Table 1.

[0263] For STA2, the current secondary channel OBO value equals the number of available secondary channels. STA2 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 0 and randomly selects one of the two available secondary channels. Assuming that the secondary channel randomly selected by STA2 is S20-2, STA2 is considered to have competed for access to channel S20-2. This means that STA2 has successfully competed for access to channel S20-2 through OBO. After STA2 has competed for access to the secondary channel, it sets the secondary channel OBO counter to an integer between 0 and the OCW value. This integer is a randomly selected integer value by STA2. For example, if this integer value is 4, STA2 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 4 and maintains it until the next OBO access competition begins.

[0264] For STA3, if the current secondary channel OBO value is less than the number of available secondary channels, STA3 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 0 and randomly selects a secondary channel from the two available channels. Assuming that the secondary channel randomly selected by STA3 is S20-3, STA3 is considered to have competed for access to channel S20-3. In other words, STA3 successfully competed for access to channel S20-3 through OBO. After STA3 competes for access to the secondary channel, it sets the secondary channel OBO counter to an integer between 0 and the OCW value. This integer is a randomly selected integer value by STA3. For example, if this integer value is 2, STA3 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 2 and maintains it until the next OBO access competition begins.

[0265] For STA4, the current secondary channel OBO value is greater than the number of available secondary channels. STA4 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to (current secondary channel OBO value - number of available secondary channels) = 5 - 2 = 3, indicating that STA4 has failed to compete for access to the secondary channel. This means that STA4 has failed to compete for access to the secondary channel through OBO. STA4 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 3 and maintains this value until the next OBO access competition begins.

[0266] Table 1 Site OBO competition access situation

[0267]

[0268] Referring to Figure 8 , after receiving channel occupancy information exchanged on the primary 40 MHz channel, STA2 and STA3 successfully compete for access to the secondary channel through OBO and perform CCA on the secondary channel they have access to within the SIFS period. Specifically, STA2 performs CCA on S20-2 within the SIFS period, and STA3 performs CCA on S20-3 within the SIFS period. If the CCA result indicates that the secondary channel remains idle within the SIFS period, data transmission proceeds according to the channel occupancy time indicated by the channel occupancy information. Specifically, STA2 and STA3 perform data transmission according to the NAV value indicated by the Duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. The time STA2 transmits on S20-2 is less than or equal to the time STA1 currently occupies the primary 40 MHz channel (including P20 and S20-1) via the CTS-to-self frame. The time STA3 transmits on S20-3 is less than or equal to the time STA1 currently occupies the primary 40 MHz channel (including P20 and S20-1) via the CTS-to-self frame.

[0269] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the OBO competitive access channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. In Figure 9, the total working bandwidth BW of the access point is 80MHz, and the channel occupancy information sent by STA1 (equivalent to the second wireless device, such as a traditional site) on the main 40MHz channel is a CTS-to-self frame. The main 40MHz channel includes a 20MHz main channel P20 and a 20MHz secondary channel S20-1. After STA 1 waits for another SIFS, it sends a PPDU to the access point. This PPDU carries a frame that needs to be confirmed, which means that the receiver of this PPDU needs to feedback a confirmation frame of the PPDU (such as an Ack frame, a BlockAck frame). STA2, STA3, and STA4 (all equivalent to the first wireless device, such as a UHR STA) receive the channel occupancy information exchanged on the main 40MHz channel and start OBO competitive access. STA2, STA3, and STA4 calculate that the secondary channel bandwidth is a dynamic value of 20 MHz or determines that the secondary channel bandwidth is a fixed value of 20 MHz, and based on (80-20-20) / 20=2, calculate the number of available secondary channels to be 2, that is, the number of secondary channels that can be accessed by competition is 2.

[0270] Assume that STA 1 does not maintain a secondary channel OBO counter, and the current values ​​of the secondary channel OBO counters maintained by STA 2, STA 3, and STA 4 are 4, 2, and 3, respectively, as shown in Table 2.

[0271] For STA2, the current secondary channel OBO value is greater than the number of available secondary channels. STA2 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to (current secondary channel OBO value - number of available secondary channels) = 4 - 2 = 2, indicating that STA2 has not competed for access to the secondary channel. This means that STA2 has failed to access the secondary channel through OBO competition. STA2 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 2 and maintains this value until the next OBO competition begins.

[0272] For STA3, the current secondary channel OBO value equals the number of available secondary channels. STA3 then sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 0 and randomly selects one of the two available secondary channels. Assuming STA3 randomly selects S20-2, this is considered STA3 competing for access to channel S20-2. This means that STA3 successfully competes for access to channel S20-2 through OBO. After STA3 competes for access to the secondary channel, it sets the secondary channel OBO counter to an integer between 0 and the OCW value. This integer is a randomly selected integer value by STA3. For example, if this integer value is 3, STA3 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 3 and maintains it until the next OBO access competition begins.

[0273] For STA4, the current secondary channel OBO value is greater than the number of available secondary channels. STA4 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to (current secondary channel OBO value - number of available secondary channels) = 3 - 2 = 1, indicating that STA4 has failed to access the secondary channel through OBO competition. STA4 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 1 and remains unchanged until the next OBO access competition begins.

[0274] Table 2 Site OBO competition access situation

[0275]

[0276] Referring to Figure 9, after receiving the channel occupancy information exchanged on the primary 40 MHz channel, STA3 successfully competes for access to the secondary channel through OBO and performs a CCA on the secondary channel within the SIFS period. Specifically, STA3 performs a CCA on S20-2 within the SIFS period. If the CCA result indicates that the secondary channel remains idle for the SIFS period, data transmission proceeds according to the channel occupancy time indicated by the channel occupancy information. Specifically, STA3 transmits data according to the NAV value indicated by the Duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. Because the PPDU sent by STA1 to the access point requires an acknowledgment frame, the NAV value set by STA3 in the CTS-to-self frame includes the PPDU transmission time, plus one SIFS, and then the acknowledgment frame time. The transmission time of STA3 on S20-2 is less than or equal to the time STA1 occupied the primary 40 MHz channel (including P20 and S20-1) via the CTS-to-self frame (i.e., the PPDU transmission time + SIFS + the ACK frame transmission time).

[0277] In some embodiments, the transmission bandwidth of the CTS frame is less than or equal to the transmission bandwidth of the RTS frame.

[0278] In some embodiments, the transmission channel of the CTS frame is the same as the transmission channel of the RTS frame.

[0279] In some embodiments, the CTS frame is used to instruct the receiver of the CTS frame to send data. The receiver of the CTS frame is also the sender of the RTS frame. This CTS frame is applicable to both the first channel access method and the second channel access method.

[0280] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of OBO competitive access channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. In Figure 10, the total working bandwidth BW of the access point is 80MHz. STA1 (equivalent to the second wireless device, such as a traditional station) sends an RTS frame on the main 40MHz channel, and the access point returns a CTS frame to STA1 on the main 40MHz channel. The channel occupancy information exchanged by STA1 is an RTS frame / CTS frame. The main 40MHz channel includes a 20MHz main channel P20 and a 20MHz secondary channel S20-1. After receiving the CTS, STA1 waits for a SIFS and sends a PPDU to the access point. This PPDU carries a frame that needs to be confirmed, which means that the recipient of this PPDU needs to feedback an acknowledgment frame (such as an Ack frame or a BlockAck frame) for the PPDU. STA2, STA3, and STA4 (all equivalent to the first wireless device, such as a UHR STA) receive the channel occupancy information exchanged on the main 40MHz channel and start OBO competitive access. STA2, STA3, and STA4 calculate that the secondary channel bandwidth is a dynamic value of 20 MHz or determines that the secondary channel bandwidth is a fixed value of 20 MHz, and based on (80-20-20) / 20=2, calculate the number of available secondary channels to be 2, that is, the number of secondary channels that can be accessed by competition is 2.

[0281] Assume that STA 1 does not maintain a secondary channel OBO counter, and the current values ​​of the secondary channel OBO counters maintained by STA 2, STA 3, and STA 4 are 2, 3, and 1, respectively, as shown in Table 3.

[0282] For STA2, the current secondary channel OBO value equals the number of available secondary channels. STA2 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 0 and randomly selects one of the two available secondary channels. Assuming that the secondary channel randomly selected by STA2 is S20-2, STA2 is considered to have competed for access to channel S20-2. This means that STA2 has successfully competed for access to channel S20-2 through OBO. After STA2 has competed for access to the secondary channel, it sets the secondary channel OBO counter to an integer between 0 and the OCW value. This integer is a randomly selected integer value by STA2. For example, if this integer value is 3, STA2 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 3 and maintains it until the next OBO access competition begins.

[0283] For STA3, the current secondary channel OBO value is greater than the number of available secondary channels. STA3 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to (current secondary channel OBO value - number of available secondary channels) = 3 - 2 = 1, indicating that STA3 has failed to compete for access to the secondary channel. This means that STA3 has failed to compete for access to the secondary channel through OBO. STA3 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 1 and remains unchanged until the next OBO access competition begins.

[0284] For STA4, if the current secondary channel OBO value is less than the number of available secondary channels, STA4 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 0 and randomly selects a secondary channel from the two available channels. Assuming that STA4 randomly selects S20-3, this is considered as STA4 competing for access to channel S20-3. In other words, STA4 successfully competes for access to channel S20-3 through OBO. After STA4 competes for access to the secondary channel, it sets the secondary channel OBO counter to an integer between 0 and the OCW value. This integer is a randomly selected integer value by STA4. For example, if this integer value is 4, STA4 sets the secondary channel OBO counter to 4 and maintains it until the next OBO access competition begins.

[0285] Table 3 Site OBO competition access situation

[0286]

[0287] Referring to Figure 10, after STA2 and STA4 receive the channel occupancy information exchanged on the primary 40MHz channel, they successfully compete for access to the secondary channel through OBO and perform CCA on the secondary channel for which they have access within the SIFS period. That is, STA2 performs CCA on S20-2 within the SIFS period, and STA4 performs CCA on S20-3 within the SIFS period. If the CCA result indicates that the secondary channel remains idle within the SIFS period, data transmission is performed according to the channel occupancy time indicated by the channel occupancy information. That is, STA2 and STA4 perform data transmission according to the NAV value indicated by the duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. Since the PPDU sent by STA1 to the access point this time requires a feedback confirmation frame, the NAV value set by STA2 and STA4 based on the CTS-to-self frame includes the time to transmit the PPDU, plus one SIFS, and then the time for an confirmation frame. The time STA2 transmits on S20-2 is less than or equal to the time STA1 uses CTS-to-self frames on the primary 40 MHz channel (including P20 and S20-1) (i.e., PPDU transmission time + SIFS + ACK frame transmission time). The time STA4 transmits on S20-3 is less than or equal to the time STA1 uses CTS-to-self frames on the primary 40 MHz channel (including P20 and S20-1) (i.e., PPDU transmission time + SIFS + ACK frame transmission time).

[0288] In some embodiments, the transmission bandwidth of the CTS frame is greater than the transmission bandwidth of the RTS frame.

[0289] In some embodiments, the transmission channel of the CTS frame is different from the transmission channel of the RTS frame.

[0290] In some embodiments, a CTS frame not only instructs the receiver of the CTS frame to send data but also indicates that information is reserved for secondary channel access. The receiver of the CTS frame is also the sender of the RTS frame. The information reserved for the secondary channel includes at least one of the following: channel information and transmission time. Reserving information for secondary channel access can also be understood as reserving information for possible subsequent secondary channel access and does not restrict the wireless devices that may subsequently access the secondary channel. This CTS frame is applicable to both the first channel access method and the second channel access method.

[0291] In some embodiments, the first wireless device receives an RTS frame and a CTS frame that is "not only used to indicate that the recipient of the CTS frame sends data, but also used to indicate that information is reserved for secondary channel access". The first wireless device no longer performs CCA on the secondary channel for which it successfully competes for access, that is, the first wireless device does not perform CCA on the secondary channel for which it successfully competes for access within the SIFS time after receiving the CTS frame.

[0292] FIG11 illustrates a schematic diagram of OBO contention for access channels provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. In FIG11 , the access point's total operating bandwidth (BW) is 80 MHz. STA1 (equivalent to a second wireless device, such as a traditional station) sends an RTS frame on the primary 40 MHz channel, which includes a 20 MHz primary channel P20 and a 20 MHz secondary channel S20-1. After receiving the RTS frame, the access point returns a CTS frame to STA1 on all idle channels within the total operating bandwidth (e.g., the total 80 MHz channels corresponding to P20, S20-1, S20-2, and S20-3). The CTS frame sent on the primary 40 MHz channel indicates that STA1 can transmit data, while the CTS frame sent on the secondary 40 MHz channels (S20-2 and S20-3) indicates that information is reserved for secondary channel access. The channel occupancy information exchanged by STA1 is an RTS / CTS frame. The information reserved for secondary channel access is channel information and transmission time. After receiving the CTS, STA1 waits for a SIFS and then sends a PPDU to the access point on the primary 40 MHz channel. This PPDU carries a frame that requires confirmation, which means that the receiver of this PPDU needs to feedback an confirmation frame for the PPDU (such as an Ack frame or a BlockAck frame). STA2, STA3, and STA4 (all equivalent to the first wireless device, such as a UHR STA) receive the channel occupancy information exchanged on the primary 40 MHz channel and the secondary channel access reservation information indicated by the AP, and start OBO contention access.

[0293] Because the CTS frame sent on the secondary 40 MHz channel (S20-2 and S20-3) reserves the channel and transmission time for secondary channel access, STA2 and STA4 do not need to continue performing CCA after successfully competing for OBO access. In other words, STA2 does not need to perform CCA for S20-2 within the SIFS time, and STA4 does not need to perform CCA for S20-3 within the SIFS time. The remaining steps or contents refer to the embodiment shown in Figure 10 and are not repeated here.

[0294] Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the OBO competitive access channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. In Figure 12, the total working bandwidth BW of the access point is 160MHz, and the channel occupancy information sent by STA1 (equivalent to the second wireless device, such as a traditional site) on the main 40MHz channel is a CTS-to-self frame. The main 40MHz channel includes a 20MHz main channel P20 and a 20MHz secondary channel S20-1. After waiting for another SIFS, STA1 sends a PPDU to the access point. This PPDU carries a frame that needs to be confirmed, which means that the recipient of this PPDU needs to feedback a confirmation frame of the PPDU (such as an Ack frame, a BlockAck frame). STA2, STA3, STA4, STA5, and STA6 (all equivalent to the first wireless device, such as a UHR STA) receive the channel occupancy information exchanged on the main 40MHz channel and start OBO competitive access. STA2, STA3, STA4, STA5, and STA6 calculate that the secondary channel bandwidth is a dynamic value of 20 MHz or determines that the secondary channel bandwidth is a fixed value of 20 MHz, and based on (160-20-20) / 20=6, calculate the number of available secondary channels to be 6, that is, the number of secondary channels that can be accessed by competition is 6.

[0295] Assume that STA 1 does not maintain a secondary channel OBO counter, and the current values ​​of the secondary channel OBO counters maintained by STA 2, STA 3, STA 4, STA 5, and STA 6, respectively, are 3, 1, 7, 4, and 6. Then, through the same contention process as the above OBO contention access method, as shown in Table 4, STA 2, STA 3, STA 5, and STA 6 compete for access to the secondary channel.

[0296] Table 4 OBO competition access status of sites

[0297]

[0298]

[0299] Referring to Figure 12, after receiving the channel occupancy information exchanged on the primary 40MHz channel, STA2, STA3, STA5, and STA6 successfully compete for access to the secondary channel through OBO and perform CCA on the secondary channel for which they have access within the SIFS period. That is, STA2 performs CCA on S20-3 within the SIFS period, STA3 performs CCA on S20-3 within the SIFS period, STA5 performs CCA on S20-7 within the SIFS period, and STA6 performs CCA on S20-4 within the SIFS period. If the CCA result indicates that the secondary channel remains idle within the SIFS period, data transmission is performed according to the channel occupancy time indicated by the channel occupancy information. In other words, STA2, STA3, STA5, and STA6 perform data transmission according to the NAV value indicated by the duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. The time that STA2, STA3, STA5, and STA6 transmit on the secondary channels for which they compete for access is less than or equal to the time that STA1 occupies on the primary 40 MHz channel (including P20 and S20-1) through the CTS-to-self frame (that is, the PPDU transmission time + SIFS + ACK frame transmission time).

[0300] Assume that the data transmitted by STA2 and STA3 on the secondary channel for which they competed for access requires a feedback acknowledgment frame. Since both STA2 and STA3 competed for the secondary channel S20-3, simultaneous data transmission on S20-3 would result in transmission failure for both STA2 and STA3. After STA2 and STA3 determine that their transmission has failed, they update their maintained OCW to 2×OCW+1. This 2×OCW+1 value is less than or equal to OCWmax. The OCWmax value is predefined, preconfigured, or indicated by the access point. For example, OCWmax is broadcast by the access point through a management frame (such as a beacon frame). When the OCW maintained by STA2 and STA3 reaches OCWmax, it must remain at OCWmax until the next time they compete for access to the secondary channel and successfully transmit. At this point, the maintained OCW is updated to OCWmin. The OCWmin value is predefined, preconfigured, or indicated by the access point. For example, OCWmin is broadcast by the access point through a management frame (such as a beacon frame).

[0301] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of the OBO competitive access channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. In Figure 13, the total working bandwidth BW of the access point is 320MHz, and the channel occupancy information sent by STA1 (equivalent to the second wireless device, such as a traditional site) on the main 40MHz channel is a CTS-to-self frame. The main 40MHz channel includes a 40MHz main channel P40. After waiting for another SIFS, STA1 sends a PPDU to the access point. This PPDU carries a frame that needs to be confirmed, which means that the receiver of this PPDU needs to feedback a confirmation frame of the PPDU (such as an Ack frame, a BlockAck frame). STA2, STA3, STA4, STA5, and STA6 (all equivalent to the first wireless device, such as a UHR STA) receive the channel occupancy information exchanged on the main 40MHz channel and start OBO competitive access. STA2, STA3, STA4, STA5, and STA6 calculate that the secondary channel bandwidth is a dynamic value of 40 MHz or determines that the secondary channel bandwidth is a fixed value of 40 MHz, and based on (320-40) / 40=7, calculate the number of available secondary channels to be 7, that is, the number of secondary channels that can be accessed by competition is 7.

[0302] Assume that STA 1 does not maintain a secondary channel OBO counter, and the current values ​​of the secondary channel OBO counters maintained by STA 2, STA 3, STA 4, STA 5, and STA 6, respectively, are 5, 4, 9, 6, and 3. Then, through the same contention process as the above OBO contention access method, as shown in Table 5, STA 2, STA 3, STA 5, and STA 6 compete for access to the secondary channel.

[0303] Table 5 Site OBO competition access situation

[0304]

[0305] Referring to Figure 13, after receiving the channel occupancy information exchanged on the primary 40MHz channel, STA2, STA3, STA5, and STA6 successfully compete for access to the secondary channel through OBO and perform CCA on the secondary channel for which they have access within the SIFS period. That is, STA2 performs CCA on S40-1 within the SIFS period, STA3 performs CCA on S40-3 within the SIFS period, STA5 performs CCA on S40-7 within the SIFS period, and STA6 performs CCA on S40-4 within the SIFS period. If the CCA result indicates that the secondary channel remains idle within the SIFS period, data transmission is performed according to the channel occupancy time indicated by the channel occupancy information. In other words, STA2, STA3, STA5, and STA6 perform data transmission according to the NAV value indicated by the duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. The time that STA2, STA3, STA5, and STA6 transmit on the secondary channels for which they compete for access is less than or equal to the time that STA1 occupies on the primary 40 MHz channel (including P40) through the CTS-to-self frame (that is, the PPDU transmission time + SIFS + ACK frame transmission time).

[0306] The specific process of EDCA in this application is shown in Figures 1 and 2 and will not be repeated here.

[0307] Next, the secondary channel contention access process in the second mode is described. A schematic illustration is given by taking the case where the channel occupancy time is represented by NAV and the first channel access method is OBO.

[0308] A first wireless device receives channel occupancy information exchanged on a primary channel by a second wireless device, for example, the channel occupancy information is a CTS-to-self frame, an RTS frame, or a CTS frame. The first wireless device contends for access to a secondary channel based on a first mode. At most one first wireless device successfully transmits on a secondary channel. The transmission duration of the first wireless device on the secondary channel is less than or equal to the transmission duration of the second wireless device on the primary channel.

[0309] The first wireless device is STA 520 as shown in FIG5 , taking the first wireless device as a UHR STA as an example. The second wireless device is AP 510 or STA 520 as shown in FIG5 , taking the second wireless device as a STA as an example.

[0310] A first wireless device competes for access to a secondary channel through OBO. After gaining access to a secondary channel through OBO, the first wireless device prepares to send data and performs CCA on the secondary channel within the SIFS time period to check whether the secondary channel is idle within the SIFS time period. If the secondary channel remains idle within the SIFS time period, the first wireless device transmits data after the SIFS time period, for example, the data is an uplink PPDU. If the secondary channel is busy within the SIFS time period, the first wireless device does not transmit data. If the first wireless device does not gain access to any secondary channel through OBO, the first wireless device does not transmit data.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first wireless device indicates in a preamble of a PPDU sent on a secondary channel the MCS to be used when transmitting the data field of the PPDU. For example, the first wireless device sends an uplink PPDU on a secondary channel, and the uplink PPDU uses the MU PPDU format.

[0312] In some embodiments, the NAV value is set based on a duration field in the channel occupancy information. For example, when a first wireless device receives a CTS-to-self frame exchanged (i.e., sent or received) by a second wireless device on a primary channel, the first wireless device determines the NAV value of the primary channel based on the value indicated by the duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. In other words, a NAV timer maintained by the first wireless device is updated based on the duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. For example, when the first wireless device receives an RTS frame exchanged on the primary channel by a second wireless device, the first wireless device determines the NAV value of the primary channel based on the value indicated by the duration field in the RTS frame. In other words, a NAV timer maintained by the first wireless device is updated based on the duration field in the RTS frame. For example, when the first wireless device receives a CTS frame exchanged on the primary channel by a second wireless device, the first wireless device determines the NAV value of the primary channel based on the value indicated by the duration field in the CTS frame. In other words, a NAV timer maintained by the first wireless device is updated based on the duration field in the CTS frame.

[0313] The method of dividing the secondary channels and the specific process of OBO refer to the relevant content in the first mode and will not be repeated here.

[0314] Next, the secondary channel contention access process in the third mode is described. This is illustrated by taking the case where the channel occupancy time is represented by NAV and the second channel access method is EDCA.

[0315] A first wireless device receives channel occupancy information exchanged on a primary channel by a second wireless device, for example, the channel occupancy information is a CTS-to-self frame, an RTS frame, or a CTS frame. The first wireless device contends for access to a secondary channel based on a first mode. At most one first wireless device successfully transmits on a secondary channel. The transmission duration of the first wireless device on the secondary channel is less than or equal to the transmission duration of the second wireless device on the primary channel.

[0316] The first wireless device is STA 520 as shown in FIG5 , taking the first wireless device as a UHR STA as an example. The second wireless device is AP 510 or STA 520 as shown in FIG5 , taking the second wireless device as a STA as an example.

[0317] The first wireless device competes for access to a secondary channel through EDCA. The specific EDCA process is described in the previous introduction. After the first wireless device competes for access to a secondary channel through EDCA, it prepares and sends data, for example, an uplink PPDU.

[0318] In some embodiments, the first wireless device indicates in a preamble of a PPDU sent on a secondary channel the MCS to be used when transmitting the data field of the PPDU. For example, the first wireless device sends an uplink PPDU on a secondary channel, and the uplink PPDU uses the MU PPDU format.

[0319] In some embodiments, the NAV value is set based on a duration field in the channel occupancy information. For example, when a first wireless device receives a CTS-to-self frame exchanged (i.e., sent or received) by a second wireless device on a primary channel, the first wireless device determines the NAV value of the primary channel based on the value indicated by the duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. In other words, a NAV timer maintained by the first wireless device is updated based on the duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. For example, when the first wireless device receives an RTS frame exchanged on the primary channel by a second wireless device, the first wireless device determines the NAV value of the primary channel based on the value indicated by the duration field in the RTS frame. In other words, a NAV timer maintained by the first wireless device is updated based on the duration field in the RTS frame. For example, when the first wireless device receives a CTS frame exchanged on the primary channel by a second wireless device, the first wireless device determines the NAV value of the primary channel based on the value indicated by the duration field in the CTS frame. In other words, a NAV timer maintained by the first wireless device is updated based on the duration field in the CTS frame.

[0320] The method for dividing the secondary channels and the specific process of EDCA refer to the relevant content in the first mode and will not be repeated here.

[0321] Next, the secondary channel contention access process in the fourth mode is described. An example is given where the channel occupancy time is represented by NAV and the second channel access method is EDCA.

[0322] The first wireless device receives channel occupancy information exchanged by the second wireless device on the primary channel, such as the channel occupancy information being a CTS-to-self frame, an RTS frame, or a CTS frame. The first wireless device competes for access to a secondary channel group based on the fourth mode. The secondary channel group is a group of secondary channels, including at least two secondary channels. That is, in the fourth mode, the concept of a secondary channel group exists, and the first wireless device regards at least two secondary channels as a whole and competes using EDCA. At most one first wireless device successfully transmits on a secondary channel group. The transmission duration of the first wireless device on the secondary channel group is less than or equal to the transmission duration of the second wireless device on the primary channel.

[0323] Simply put, the fourth mode uses the second channel access method to compete for access to the secondary channel group, while the third mode also uses the second channel access method to compete for access to the secondary channel. Therefore, the fourth mode is a variation of the third mode and can actually be understood as the third mode, the difference being that the objects of the competition are different.

[0324] The division of the secondary channel groups is predefined, or preconfigured, or indicated by an access point, or determined autonomously by the first wireless device.

[0325] The first wireless device is STA 520 as shown in FIG5 , taking the first wireless device as a UHR STA as an example. The second wireless device is AP 510 or STA 520 as shown in FIG5 , taking the second wireless device as a STA as an example.

[0326] The first wireless device competes for access to a secondary channel through EDCA. The specific EDCA process is described in the previous introduction. After the first wireless device competes for access to a secondary channel through EDCA, it prepares and sends data, for example, an uplink PPDU.

[0327] In some embodiments, the first wireless device indicates in a preamble of a PPDU sent on a secondary channel the MCS to be used when transmitting the data field of the PPDU. For example, the first wireless device sends an uplink PPDU on a secondary channel, and the uplink PPDU uses the MU PPDU format.

[0328] In some embodiments, the NAV value is set based on a duration field in the channel occupancy information. For example, when a first wireless device receives a CTS-to-self frame exchanged (i.e., sent or received) by a second wireless device on a primary channel, the first wireless device determines the NAV value of the primary channel based on the value indicated by the duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. In other words, a NAV timer maintained by the first wireless device is updated based on the duration field in the CTS-to-self frame. For example, when the first wireless device receives an RTS frame exchanged on the primary channel by a second wireless device, the first wireless device determines the NAV value of the primary channel based on the value indicated by the duration field in the RTS frame. In other words, a NAV timer maintained by the first wireless device is updated based on the duration field in the RTS frame. For example, when the first wireless device receives a CTS frame exchanged on the primary channel by a second wireless device, the first wireless device determines the NAV value of the primary channel based on the value indicated by the duration field in the CTS frame. In other words, a NAV timer maintained by the first wireless device is updated based on the duration field in the CTS frame.

[0329] The method for dividing secondary channel groups is similar to the related content in the first mode, except that a secondary channel group includes at least two secondary channels, and the multiple secondary channels in the secondary channel group can be adjacent secondary channels or non-adjacent secondary channels (for example, S20-1 and S20-2 are two adjacent secondary channels in the frequency domain, while S20-1 and S20-3 are two non-adjacent secondary channels in the frequency domain). The specific process of EDCA is referred to the related content in the first mode and is not repeated here.

[0330] FIG14 is a flow chart showing a method for contention access to a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. Taking the method executed by an access point as an example, the method includes at least some of the following steps:

[0331] Step 142: Indicate supported secondary channel access modes;

[0332] An access point indicates the secondary channel access modes it supports through capability information. This capability information is sent in management frames, which include at least one of the following: a Probe Response frame, an Association Response frame, a Reassociation Response frame, a Beacon frame, and an Action frame.

[0333] The access point is STA 520 as shown in FIG5 .

[0334] The secondary channel access modes provided in this application include at least one of the following four types:

[0335] First mode:

[0336] When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel meets the first condition, competing to access the secondary channel using the first channel access method;

[0337] When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel meets the second condition, competing to access the secondary channel through the second channel access method;

[0338] Second mode: accessing the secondary channel by competing with the first channel access method.

[0339] The third mode: accessing the secondary channel by competing with the second channel access method.

[0340] The fourth mode: accessing a group of secondary channels through contention using the second channel access method, the group of secondary channels including at least two secondary channels.

[0341] In some embodiments, the channel occupancy information includes at least one of the following:

[0342] CTS-to-self frames;

[0343] RTS frame;

[0344] CTS frame.

[0345] In some embodiments, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0346] The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is less than the first threshold;

[0347] The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is equal to the first threshold.

[0348] In some embodiments, the second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0349] The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is greater than the second threshold;

[0350] The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is equal to the second threshold.

[0351] The first threshold is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0352] In some embodiments, the first threshold is predefined, or preconfigured, or indicated by an access point; the second threshold is predefined, or preconfigured, or indicated by an access point.

[0353] In some embodiments, the channel occupancy time is expressed using NAV.

[0354] In some embodiments, the NAV is set based on a duration field carried in the channel occupancy information.

[0355] In some embodiments, the access time required by the first channel access method is less than the access time required by the second channel access method. Alternatively, it can be understood that the first channel access method accesses the channel faster than the second channel access method.

[0356] In some embodiments, the second channel access method has a higher conflict avoidance capability than the first channel access method. Alternatively, the second channel access method includes more channel detection steps than the first channel access method. Alternatively, the second channel access method has a lower probability of causing a channel conflict than the first channel access method.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first channel access method comprises OBO.

[0358] In some embodiments, the second channel access method includes at least one of EDCA, distributed coordination function (DCF), and hybrid coordination function (HCF).

[0359] In some embodiments, the secondary channel for contention access in the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode is a secondary channel.

[0360] In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the secondary channel is a fixed value BWr, and the number of secondary channels is determined based on at least one of the total operating bandwidth BW of the access point, the bandwidth BWp of the primary channel, and the fixed value BWr.

[0361] In some embodiments, the number of secondary channels = (BW - BWp) / BWr.

[0362] In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the secondary channel is a dynamic value BWi, which is determined based on at least one of the total operating bandwidth BW of the access point, the bandwidth BWp of the primary channel, and the number Nsta of first wireless devices.

[0363] In some embodiments, the number of first wireless devices Nsta is broadcast by the access point.

[0364] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode is a secondary channel access mode supported by the first wireless device and / or the second wireless device.

[0365] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode includes at least one of the following:

[0366] The default secondary channel access mode of the access point;

[0367] The secondary channel access mode indicated by the access point;

[0368] • The access point changes the secondary channel access mode.

[0369] Step 144: Indicate whether to enable or disable the secondary channel access function;

[0370] The access point indicates that the secondary channel access function is enabled by sending a management frame, which means that the first wireless device is allowed to access the secondary channel through the secondary channel access mode. The management frame includes at least one of a probe response frame, an association response frame, a reassociation response frame, a beacon frame, and an action frame.

[0371] When an access point indicates that a secondary channel access function is enabled, a secondary channel access mode is used by default. The access point indicates, via a management frame, that the BSS in which the access point is located currently uses the default secondary channel access mode. Exemplarily, the access point enables the secondary channel access function, uses a first mode by default, and sends a beacon frame to a first wireless device, instructing the first wireless device to compete for access to the secondary channel using the first mode. Management frames include at least one of a probe response frame, an association response frame, a reassociation response frame, a beacon frame, and an action frame.

[0372] The access point indicates that the secondary channel access function is not enabled by sending a management frame, which means that the first wireless device is not allowed to access the secondary channel through the secondary channel access mode. The management frame includes at least one of a probe response frame, an association response frame, a reassociation response frame, a beacon frame, and an action frame.

[0373] Step 146: Indicate the secondary channel access mode currently used;

[0374] The access point indicates the secondary channel access mode to be adopted by sending a management frame. The management frame includes at least one of a probe response frame, an association response frame, a reassociation response frame, a beacon frame, and an action frame.

[0375] In some embodiments, indicating the currently adopted secondary channel access mode may also be understood as changing the currently adopted secondary channel access mode.

[0376] In some embodiments, the access point changes the currently used secondary channel access mode through a management frame based on the total working bandwidth BW of the BSS where it is located, and / or the number of first wireless devices (i.e., stations supporting different secondary channel access modes) in the BSS where the access point is located.

[0377] Exemplarily, if the total operating bandwidth (BW) of the BSS where the access point is located is 160 MHz and the number of first wireless devices supporting the third mode in the BSS is greater than the number of first wireless devices supporting the first mode, the access point indicates through a management frame that the currently used secondary channel access mode is the third mode. When the total operating bandwidth (BW) of the BSS where the access point is located changes and / or the number of first wireless devices (i.e., stations supporting different secondary channel access modes) in the BSS where the access point is located changes, for example, if the total operating bandwidth (BW) of the BSS where the access point is located becomes 40 MHz and the number of first wireless devices supporting the second mode in the BSS is greater than the number of first wireless devices supporting the third mode, the access point changes the currently used secondary channel access mode from the third mode to the second mode through a management frame.

[0378] In summary, the method provided by the present application, when exchanging channel occupancy information on the primary channel, still supports the first wireless device to compete for access to the secondary channel in an idle state, thereby avoiding the waste of secondary channel resources. In addition, the secondary channel access mode based on which it is based clarifies how to compete for channel access. Under different circumstances or different needs, different secondary channel access modes can be used to compete for access to the secondary channel, thereby improving the flexibility of accessing the secondary channel. In addition, a method for dividing the secondary channel is provided, which supports the use of different methods to divide the bandwidth and number of secondary channels in different scenarios, further improving the flexibility of competing for access to the secondary channel. Moreover, the access point can indicate or change the secondary channel mode based on the working bandwidth and the number of first wireless devices, further improving the flexibility of using the secondary channel, further avoiding the waste of secondary channel resources in different scenarios, and meeting the transmission needs of the first wireless device in different scenarios.

[0379] 15 shows a schematic diagram of the format of a secondary channel access mode indication element provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. The secondary channel access mode indication element may be referred to as a secondary channel access parameter element.

[0380] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access parameter element is sent by the first wireless device and is carried by the first wireless device in a probe request frame, an association request frame, and / or a reassociation request frame.

[0381] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access parameter element is sent by the second wireless device, and the second wireless device carries the secondary channel access parameter element in a probe request frame, and / or an association request frame, and / or a reassociation request frame, and / or a probe response frame, and / or an association response frame, and / or a reassociation response frame, and / or a beacon frame, and / or an action frame.

[0382] The "Whether to Support Mode 1" field indicates whether the station or access point supports the aforementioned first mode. In some embodiments, when the "Whether to Support Mode 1" field is set to a first value, it indicates support for the first mode; when the "Whether to Support Mode 1" field is set to a second value, it indicates that the first mode is not supported. Exemplarily, when the "Whether to Support Mode 1" field is set to "1", it indicates support for the first mode; when the "Whether to Support Mode 1" field is set to "0", it indicates that the first mode is not supported.

[0383] "Mode 2 Support" field: Indicates whether the station or access point supports the aforementioned second mode. In some embodiments, when the "Mode 2 Support" field is set to a first value, it indicates support for the second mode; when the "Mode 1 Support" field is set to a second value, it indicates non-support for the second mode. For example, when the "Mode 2 Support" field is set to "1," it indicates support for the second mode; when the "Mode 2 Support" field is set to "0," it indicates non-support for the second mode.

[0384] "Mode 3 Support" field: Indicates whether the station or access point supports the aforementioned third mode. In some embodiments, when the "Mode 3 Support" field is set to a first value, it indicates support for the third mode; when the "Mode 3 Support" field is set to a second value, it indicates non-support for the third mode. For example, when the "Mode 3 Support" field is set to "1," it indicates support for the third mode; when the "Mode 3 Support" field is set to "0," it indicates non-support for the third mode.

[0385] "Mode 4 Support" field: Indicates whether the station or access point supports the aforementioned fourth mode. In some embodiments, when the "Mode 4 Support" field is set to a first value, it indicates support for the fourth mode; when the "Mode 4 Support" field is set to a second value, it indicates non-support for the fourth mode. For example, when the "Mode 4 Support" field is set to "1," it indicates support for the fourth mode; when the "Mode 4 Support" field is set to "0," it indicates non-support for the fourth mode.

[0386] It should be understood that when the secondary channel access modes exist in addition to the first, second, third, and fourth modes described above in this application, the fields in the secondary channel access parameter element may also be adjusted accordingly. For example, when the fifth mode exists, a field indicating whether "mode 5 is supported" may be added to the secondary channel access parameter element. The format of the secondary channel access parameter element provided in this application is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the format of the secondary channel access mode indication element.

[0387] "Current Secondary Channel Access Mode" field: Indicates the secondary channel access mode currently used by the BSS in which the first wireless device and / or the second wireless device resides. In some embodiments, when the "Current Secondary Channel Access Mode" field is set to a first value, it indicates that the secondary channel access function is disabled or turned off; when the "Current Secondary Channel Access Mode" field is set to a second value, it indicates that the secondary channel access function is enabled or turned on; and when the "Current Secondary Channel Access Mode" field is set to a third value, it indicates that the field is reserved.

[0388] For example, when the "Current Secondary Channel Access Mode" field is set to "0", it means that the secondary channel access function is not enabled or the secondary channel access function is turned off; when the "Current Secondary Channel Access Mode" field is set to "1" or "2" or "3" or "4", it means that the secondary channel access function is enabled or the secondary channel access function is turned on, and "1" means that the first mode is enabled or supported, "2" means that the second mode is enabled or supported, "3" means that the third mode is enabled or supported, and "4" means that the fourth mode is enabled or supported; when the "Current Secondary Channel Access Mode" field is set to "5" or "6" or "7", it indicates that the field is a reserved field.

[0389] For example, when the "Current Secondary Channel Access Mode" field is set to "7", it means that the secondary channel access function is not enabled or the secondary channel access function is turned off; when the "Current Secondary Channel Access Mode" field is set to "0" or "1" or "2" or "3", it means that the secondary channel access function is enabled or the secondary channel access function is turned on, and "0" means that the first mode is enabled or supported, "1" means that the second mode is enabled or supported, "2" means that the third mode is enabled or supported, and "3" means that the fourth mode is enabled or supported; when the "Current Secondary Channel Access Mode" field is set to "4" or "5" or "6", it indicates that the field is a reserved field.

[0390] "EOCWmin" field: indicates the minimum value OCWmin of the secondary channel access OCW. OCWmin=2 EOCWmin -1.

[0391] "EOCWmax" field: indicates the maximum value OCWmax of the secondary channel access OCW. OCWmax=2 EOCWmax -1.

[0392] "Nsta" field: indicates the number of first wireless devices supporting the current secondary channel access mode in the BSS where the first wireless device and / or the second wireless device is located, that is, the number of stations supporting the current secondary channel access mode.

[0393] "Secondary Channel OBO Duration Threshold" field: that is, the SCA OBO Duration Threshold field, indicates the upper limit of the transmission duration for the first wireless device to compete for access to the secondary channel using the first channel access method, in microseconds.

[0394] In some embodiments, the access point carries the secondary channel access parameter element in a probe response frame, and / or an association response frame, and / or a reassociation response frame, and / or a beacon frame, and / or an action frame and sends it, and the value of the "secondary channel OBO duration threshold" field is the value of the access point's dot11SCAOBODurationThreshold variable.

[0395] In some embodiments, when the secondary channel access parameter element is sent by a station, the "Secondary Channel OBO Duration Threshold" field is a reserved field.

[0396] In some embodiments, the station sets the value of its own dot11SCAOBODurationThreshold variable based on the value of the "Secondary Channel OBO Duration Threshold" field in the received secondary channel access parameter element.

[0397] The numbers below the fields in FIG15 indicate the number of bytes or bits occupied by the field, where bytes are represented by octets according to the Internet standard.

[0398] Figure 16 shows a block diagram of a contention access device for a secondary channel provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. The device includes at least some of the following modules: a first receiving module 1620, a first processing module 1640, and a first sending module 1660:

[0399] The first receiving module 1620 is configured to receive channel occupancy information exchanged by the second wireless device on the primary channel.

[0400] The first processing module 1640 is configured to, after receiving the channel occupancy information exchanged by the second wireless device on the primary channel, contend for access to the secondary channel in an idle state based on the secondary channel access mode;

[0401] The primary channel and the secondary channel are a group of channels bound to each other.

[0402] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode comprises a first mode;

[0403] The first mode includes:

[0404] When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel meets a first condition, competing to access the secondary channel using a first channel access method;

[0405] When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel satisfies a second condition, competing to access the secondary channel using a second channel access method;

[0406] The access time required by the first channel access method is less than the access time required by the second channel access method.

[0407] In some embodiments, the ability of the second channel access method to avoid collisions is higher than the ability of the first channel access method to avoid collisions.

[0408] In some embodiments, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0409] The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is less than a first threshold; the channel occupancy time of the primary channel is equal to the first threshold;

[0410] The second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0411] The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is greater than a second threshold; the channel occupancy time of the primary channel is equal to the second threshold;

[0412] The first threshold is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0413] In some embodiments, the first threshold is predefined, or preconfigured, or indicated by an access point;

[0414] The second threshold is predefined, or preconfigured, or indicated by the access point.

[0415] In some embodiments, the channel occupancy time is indicated by a duration field carried in NAV or the channel occupancy information.

[0416] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode comprises a second mode;

[0417] The second mode includes:

[0418] Accessing the secondary channel is performed through contention using a first channel access method.

[0419] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode includes a third mode;

[0420] The third mode includes:

[0421] Access to the secondary channel is performed through contention using a second channel access method.

[0422] In some embodiments, the secondary channel is one secondary channel.

[0423] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode includes a fourth mode, the fourth mode including:

[0424] A group of secondary channels is accessed through contention using a second channel access method, the group of secondary channels including at least two secondary channels.

[0425] In some embodiments, the first channel access method is Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access Random Access with Back-off OBO.

[0426] In some embodiments, the second channel access method is at least one of Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA), DCF, and HCF.

[0427] In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the secondary channel is a fixed value BWr, and the number of the secondary channels is determined based on at least one of the total operating bandwidth BW of the access point, the bandwidth BWp of the primary channel, and the fixed value BWr.

[0428] In some embodiments, the number of secondary channels = (BW-BWp) / BWr.

[0429] In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the secondary channel is a dynamic value BWi, and the dynamic value BWi is determined based on at least one of the total working bandwidth BW of the access point, the bandwidth BWp of the primary channel, and the number Nsta of the first wireless devices.

[0430] In some embodiments, the number Nsta of the first wireless devices is broadcast by the access point.

[0431] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode is a secondary channel access mode supported by the first wireless device and / or the second wireless device.

[0432] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode includes at least one of the following:

[0433] The default secondary channel access mode of the access point;

[0434] a secondary channel access mode indicated by the access point;

[0435] The access point changes the secondary channel access mode.

[0436] In some embodiments, the first receiving module 1620 is further configured to receive a management frame sent by the access point, where the management frame is used to indicate and / or change the secondary channel access mode.

[0437] In some embodiments, the channel occupancy information includes at least one of the following:

[0438] CTS-to-self frame;

[0439] RTS frame;

[0440] CTS frame.

[0441] In some embodiments, the first sending module 1660 is configured to indicate supported secondary channel access modes.

[0442] In some embodiments, the first sending module 1660 is further configured to transmit data on a secondary channel for competitive access.

[0443] In some embodiments, the first sending module 1660 is further configured to send a probe request frame, and / or an association request frame, and / or a reassociation request frame.

[0444] In some embodiments, the first receiving module 1620 is further configured to receive a confirmation frame from an access point.

[0445] In some embodiments, the first processing module 1640 determines whether the transmission is successful or failed based on the confirmation frame received or not received.

[0446] In some embodiments, the first processing module 1640 is configured to calculate the bandwidth of the secondary channel and / or the number of the secondary channels.

[0447] In some embodiments, the second wireless device comprises an access point or station.

[0448] In summary, the device provided in this embodiment can still compete for access to an idle secondary channel while exchanging channel occupancy information on the primary channel, thereby avoiding waste of secondary channel resources. In addition, the secondary channel access mode on which it is based clarifies how to perform channel competition access.

[0449] FIG17 shows a block diagram of a secondary channel contention access apparatus provided by some exemplary embodiments of the present application. The apparatus includes at least some of the following modules: a second sending module 1720, a second processing module 1740, and a second receiving module 1760:

[0450] The second sending module 1720 is configured to send a management frame to the first wireless device, where the management frame is used to indicate / or change a secondary channel access mode.

[0451] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode comprises a first mode;

[0452] The first mode includes:

[0453] When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel meets the first condition, competing to access the secondary channel using the first channel access method;

[0454] When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel satisfies a second condition, competing to access the secondary channel using a second channel access method;

[0455] The access time required by the first channel access method is less than the access time required by the second channel access method.

[0456] In some embodiments, the ability of the second channel access method to avoid collisions is higher than the ability of the first channel access method to avoid collisions.

[0457] In some embodiments, the first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0458] The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is less than a first threshold; the channel occupancy time of the primary channel is equal to the first threshold;

[0459] The second condition includes at least one of the following:

[0460] The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is greater than a second threshold; the channel occupancy time of the primary channel is equal to the second threshold;

[0461] The first threshold is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0462] In some embodiments, the second sending module 1720 is further configured to send a management frame to the first wireless device, where the management frame is configured to indicate the first threshold and / or the second threshold.

[0463] In some embodiments, the channel occupancy time is indicated by a duration field carried in NAV or the channel occupancy information of the primary channel.

[0464] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode comprises a second mode;

[0465] The second mode includes:

[0466] Accessing the secondary channel is performed through contention using a first channel access method.

[0467] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode includes a third mode;

[0468] The third mode includes:

[0469] Access to the secondary channel is performed through contention using a second channel access method.

[0470] In some embodiments, the secondary channel is one secondary channel.

[0471] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode includes a fourth mode, the fourth mode including:

[0472] A group of secondary channels is accessed through contention using a second channel access method, the group of secondary channels including at least two secondary channels.

[0473] In some embodiments, the first channel access method includes OBO.

[0474] In some embodiments, the second channel access method includes at least one of EDCA, DCF, and HCF.

[0475] In some embodiments, the second sending module 1720 is further configured to broadcast the number Nsta of the first wireless devices and / or the secondary channel groups.

[0476] In some embodiments, the secondary channel access mode is a secondary channel access mode supported by the first wireless device and / or the second wireless device.

[0477] In some embodiments, the second receiving module 1760 is configured to receive channel occupancy information and / or data on the primary channel.

[0478] In some embodiments, the second sending module 1720 is further configured to send channel occupancy information and / or data and / or confirmation frames on the primary channel.

[0479] In some embodiments, the channel occupancy information includes at least one of the following:

[0480] CTS-to-self frame;

[0481] RTS frame;

[0482] CTS frame.

[0483] In some embodiments, the second processing module 1740 is configured to enable or disable or disable or determine or change the secondary channel access mode.

[0484] In some embodiments, the second processing module 1740 is configured to determine or change the current secondary channel access mode based on the operating bandwidth of the BSS and the number of first wireless devices.

[0485] In some embodiments, the second sending module 1720 is further configured to send a probe response frame, and / or an association response frame, and / or a reassociation response frame, and / or a management frame.

[0486] In some embodiments, the second processing module 1740 is configured to divide the number of sub-channels and / or the bandwidth of sub-channels and / or sub-channel groups.

[0487] In summary, the device provided by the present application, when exchanging channel occupancy information on the primary channel, still supports the first wireless device to compete for access to the secondary channel in an idle state, thereby avoiding the waste of secondary channel resources. In addition, the secondary channel access mode based on it clarifies how to compete for channel access. Under different circumstances or different needs, different secondary channel access modes can be used to compete for access to the secondary channel, thereby improving the flexibility of accessing the secondary channel. In addition, the division of secondary channels is provided, supporting the use of different methods to divide the bandwidth and number of secondary channels in different scenarios, further improving the flexibility of competing for access to secondary channels. Moreover, the secondary channel mode can be indicated or changed based on the working bandwidth and the number of first wireless devices, further improving the flexibility of using secondary channels, further avoiding the waste of secondary channel resources in different scenarios, and meeting the transmission needs of the first wireless device in different scenarios.

[0488] It should be noted that the device provided in the above embodiment is only illustrated by the division of the above functional modules. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0489] Regarding the device in this embodiment, the specific manner in which each module performs operations has been described in detail in the embodiment of the method and will not be elaborated here.

[0490] Figure 18 shows a schematic structural diagram of a wireless communication device (AP or STA) provided in some exemplary embodiments of the present application. The wireless communication device 1800 includes: a processor 1801, a receiver 1802, a transmitter 1803, a memory 1804 and a bus 1805.

[0491] The processor 1801 includes one or more processing cores. The processor 1801 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules. In some embodiments, the processor 1801 can be used to implement the functions and steps of the first processing module 1640 and / or the second processing module 1740 described above.

[0492] Receiver 1802 and transmitter 1803 can be implemented as a communication component, which can be a communication chip. In some embodiments, receiver 1802 can be used to implement the functions and steps of first receiving module 1620 and / or second receiving module 1760 described above. In some embodiments, transmitter 1803 can be used to implement the functions and steps of first transmitting module 1660 and / or second transmitting module 1720 described above.

[0493] The memory 1804 is connected to the processor 1801 via a bus 1805. The memory 1804 may be used to store at least one instruction, and the processor 1801 may be used to execute the at least one instruction to implement each step in the above method embodiment.

[0494] In addition, the memory 1804 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof. Volatile or non-volatile storage devices include but are not limited to: magnetic disks or optical disks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), static random-access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory (PROM).

[0495] In some embodiments, the receiver 1802 receives signals / data independently, or the processor 1801 controls the receiver 1802 to receive signals / data, or the processor 1801 requests the receiver 1802 to receive signals / data, or the processor 1801 cooperates with the receiver 1802 to receive signals / data.

[0496] In some embodiments, the transmitter 1803 independently sends signals / data, or the processor 1801 controls the transmitter 1803 to send signals / data, or the processor 1801 requests the transmitter 1803 to send signals / data, or the processor 1801 cooperates with the transmitter 1803 to send signals / data.

[0497] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, in which at least one program is stored. The at least one program is loaded and executed by a processor, and the computer-readable storage medium is used to implement the secondary channel competition access method provided by the above-mentioned various method embodiments.

[0498] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a chip is also provided, which includes a programmable logic circuit and / or program instructions. When the chip runs on a communication device, it is used to implement the secondary channel contention access method provided by the above-mentioned various method embodiments.

[0499] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a computer program product is further provided. When the computer program product is executed on a processor of a computer device, the computer device executes the aforementioned contention access method for a secondary channel.

[0500] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a computer program is further provided. The computer program includes computer instructions. A processor of a computer device executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes the above-mentioned contention access method for the secondary channel.

[0501] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in one or more of the above examples, the functions described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any media that facilitates the transmission of computer programs from one place to another. The storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0502] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A contention access method for a secondary channel, characterized in that: The method is performed by a first wireless device, and includes: After receiving the channel occupancy information exchanged by the second wireless device on the primary channel, contending for access to the secondary channel in an idle state based on the secondary channel access mode; The primary channel and the secondary channel are a group of channels bound to each other.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The secondary channel access mode includes a first mode; The first mode includes: When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel meets a first condition, competing to access the secondary channel using a first channel access method; When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel satisfies a second condition, competing to access the secondary channel using a second channel access method; The access time required by the first channel access method is less than the access time required by the second channel access method.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The ability of the second channel access method to avoid collisions is higher than the ability of the first channel access method to avoid collisions.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first condition includes at least one of the following: The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is less than a first threshold; the channel occupancy time of the primary channel is equal to the first threshold; The second condition includes at least one of the following: The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is greater than a second threshold; the channel occupancy time of the primary channel is equal to the second threshold; The first threshold is less than or equal to the second threshold.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first threshold is predefined, or preconfigured, or indicated by an access point; The second threshold is predefined, or preconfigured, or indicated by the access point.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The channel occupation time is represented by a network allocation vector NAV.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The secondary channel access mode includes a second mode; The second mode includes: Accessing the secondary channel is performed through contention using a first channel access method.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The secondary channel access mode includes a third mode; The third mode includes: Access to the secondary channel is performed through contention using a second channel access method.

9. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that: The secondary channel is a secondary channel.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The secondary channel access mode includes a fourth mode, and the fourth mode includes: A group of secondary channels is accessed through contention using a second channel access method, the group of secondary channels including at least two secondary channels.

11. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that: The first channel access method includes Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access Random Access Back-off OBO.

12. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that: The second channel access method includes at least one of enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA), distributed coordinated access (DCF), and hybrid coordinated access (HCF).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The bandwidth of the secondary channel is a fixed value BWr, and the number of the secondary channels is determined based on at least one of the total working bandwidth BW of the access point, the bandwidth BWp of the primary channel, and the fixed value BWr.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The number of secondary channels = (BW - BWp) / BWr.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The bandwidth of the secondary channel is a dynamic value BWi, and the dynamic value BWi is determined based on at least one of the total working bandwidth BW of the access point, the bandwidth BWp of the primary channel, and the number Nsta of the first wireless devices.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The number Nsta of the first wireless devices is broadcast by the access point.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that: The secondary channel access mode is a secondary channel access mode supported by the first wireless device and / or the second wireless device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that: The secondary channel access mode includes at least one of the following: The default secondary channel access mode of the access point; a secondary channel access mode indicated by the access point; The access point changes the secondary channel access mode.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: A management frame sent by the access point is received, where the management frame is used to indicate and / or change the secondary channel access mode.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that The channel occupancy information includes at least one of the following: CTS-to-self frame; RTS frame; CTS frame.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that The second wireless device comprises an access point or a station.

22. A contention access method for a secondary channel, characterized in that: The method is performed by an access point, and includes: A management frame is sent to the first wireless device, wherein the management frame is used to indicate and / or change a secondary channel access mode.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The secondary channel access mode includes a first mode; The first mode includes: When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel meets the first condition, competing to access the secondary channel using the first channel access method; When the channel occupancy time of the primary channel satisfies a second condition, competing to access the secondary channel using a second channel access method; The access time required by the first channel access method is less than the access time required by the second channel access method.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The ability of the second channel access method to avoid collisions is higher than the ability of the first channel access method to avoid collisions.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The first condition includes at least one of the following: The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is less than a first threshold; the channel occupancy time of the primary channel is equal to the first threshold; The second condition includes at least one of the following: The channel occupancy time of the primary channel is greater than a second threshold; the channel occupancy time of the primary channel is equal to the second threshold; The first threshold is less than or equal to the second threshold.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that The method further comprises: A management frame is sent to the first wireless device, where the management frame is used to indicate the first threshold and / or the second threshold.

27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that The channel occupation time is represented by a network allocation vector NAV.

28. The method according to claim 22, wherein The secondary channel access mode includes a second mode; The second mode includes: Accessing the secondary channel is performed through contention using a first channel access method.

29. The method according to claim 22, wherein The secondary channel access mode includes a third mode; The third mode includes: Access to the secondary channel is performed through contention using a second channel access method.

30. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that The secondary channel is a secondary channel.

31. The method according to claim 22, wherein The secondary channel access mode includes a fourth mode, and the fourth mode includes: A group of secondary channels is accessed through contention using a second channel access method, the group of secondary channels including at least two secondary channels.

32. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 31, characterized in that The first channel access method includes Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access Random Access Back-off OBO.

33. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 32, characterized in that The second channel access method includes at least one of enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA), distributed coordinated access (DCF), and hybrid coordinated access (HCF).

34. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 33, characterized in that The method further comprises: Broadcast the number Nsta of the first wireless devices.

35. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 34, characterized in that The secondary channel access mode is a secondary channel access mode supported by the first wireless device and / or the second wireless device.

36. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 35, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive or send channel occupancy information on the primary channel.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein The channel occupancy information includes at least one of the following: CTS-to-self frame; RTS frame; CTS frame.

38. A contention access device for a secondary channel, characterized in that: The device comprises: A first receiving module is configured to, after receiving channel occupancy information exchanged by a second wireless device on a primary channel, compete for access to the secondary channel in an idle state based on a secondary channel access mode; The primary channel and the secondary channel are a group of channels bound to each other.

39. A contention access device for a secondary channel, characterized in that: The device comprises: The first sending module is configured to send a management frame to the first wireless device, where the management frame is used to indicate / or change a secondary channel access mode.

40. A wireless device, characterized in that The wireless device comprises: processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; a memory for storing executable instructions for the processor; The processor is configured to load and execute the executable instructions to implement the contention access method for the secondary channel as described in any one of claims 1 to 21 or claims 22 to 37.

41. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The readable storage medium stores executable instructions, which are loaded and executed by a processor to implement the contention access method for the secondary channel according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or claims 22 to 37.

42. A chip, characterized in that: The chip includes a programmable logic circuit or a program, and the chip is used to implement the contention access method for the secondary channel as described in any one of claims 1 to 21 or claims 22 to 37.

43. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product includes computer instructions, which are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device performs the secondary channel contention access method as described in any one of claims 1 to 21 or claims 22 to 37.

44. A computer program, characterized in that The computer program includes computer instructions, and a processor of a computer device executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device performs the contention access method for the secondary channel according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or claims 22 to 37.

Images