Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication method and device. The communication method is applied to a first device, and comprises: generating a first message frame, the first message frame comprising channel switching information, the channel switching information comprising an element identifier, a length, a channel switching mode, a new channel number, a new channel bandwidth and a switching timestamp; sending the first message frame; and switching to a new channel based on the channel switching information.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of wireless network technology, WiFi technology has been widely applied. In a scenario where wireless devices are dense, the WiFi network is subject to relatively large interference. In addition, due to the large number of WiFi devices, the competition is fierce, which leads to less opportunity for WiFi devices to send data and thus reduces the throughput. For example, in a WiFi audio device, it may cause stuttering.

[0003] Generally, the above problems can be solved by actively switching the working channel. An access point device can send a channel switching announcement to inform a station device to switch the working channel. However, in the current communication mode, the frame transmission time is long. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned defects in the prior art and provides a communication method and apparatus.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a communication method applied to a first device, comprising: generating a first message frame, the first message frame comprising channel switching information, the channel switching information comprising an element identifier, a length, a channel switching mode, a new channel number, a new channel bandwidth, and a switching timestamp; sending the first message frame; and switching to a new channel based on the channel switching information.

[0006] In some embodiments, switching to the new channel based on the channel switching message comprises switching to the new channel based on the switching timestamp.

[0007] In some embodiments, the channel switching information further comprises a channel switching count.

[0008] In some embodiments, the channel switching count is derived from a ratio of a difference between the switching timestamp and a time at which the first message frame is generated and an interval of a beacon frame.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first message frame further comprises an information element indicating support for an extended capability.

[0010] In some embodiments, the switching timestamp is represented by a 32-bit unsigned fixed-point number.

[0011] In some embodiments, a time difference between the switching timestamp and a current time is less than or equal to a product of an interval of a beacon frame and 255.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first message frame is a beacon frame.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first message frame is a probe response frame or an action frame.

[0014] In some embodiments, the channel switch mode includes information indicating whether the channel switch information includes the new channel bandwidth and the switch timestamp.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method applied to a second device is provided, including: receiving a first message frame, the first message frame including channel switch information, the channel switch information including an element identifier, a length, a channel switch mode, a new channel number, a new channel bandwidth, and a switch timestamp; parsing the first message frame; and switching to a new channel based on the channel switch message.

[0016] In some embodiments, switching to the new channel based on the channel switch message includes switching to the new channel based on the switch timestamp.

[0017] In some embodiments, the channel switch information further includes a channel switch count.

[0018] In some embodiments, switching to the new channel based on the channel switch message includes switching to the new channel based on the channel switch count.

[0019] In some embodiments, the channel switch count is derived from a ratio of a difference between the switch timestamp and a time at which the first message frame is generated and an interval of a beacon frame.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first message frame further includes an information element indicating support for extended capabilities.

[0021] In some embodiments, transmitting capability verification information is included, the capability verification information including the information element indicating support for extended capabilities.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided, including: at least one processor; and a memory for storing computer executable instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform the communication method according to the first aspect described above, or perform the communication method according to the second aspect described above.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon computer executable instructions for performing the communication method according to the first aspect described above, or performing the communication method according to the second aspect described above is provided.

[0024] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product tangibly stored on a computer readable storage medium and comprising computer executable instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the communication method according to the first aspect described above, or to perform the communication method according to the second aspect described above.

[0025] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication system comprising a first device and a second device, the first device being configured to perform the communication method according to the first aspect described above, or to perform the communication method according to the second aspect described above.

[0026] According to the communication method and apparatus of the present disclosure, in the case of needing to switch channels, the new channel is switched according to the channel switching information in the first message frame. The channel switching information includes element identification, length, channel switching mode, new channel number, new channel bandwidth, and switching time stamp, etc. fields, so that the channel bandwidth and switching time stamp are combined into the same information element, which can save transmission bytes, thereby saving frame transmission time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present application will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary communication scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 4a And Figure 4b A timing diagram illustrating exemplary channel switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 5a And Figure 5b A timing diagram illustrating exemplary channel switching according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] For those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present disclosure, the present disclosure will be described in further detail below in combination with the drawings and specific embodiments, but not as a limitation to the present disclosure.

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to WLAN, such as any one of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.11 series of protocols currently adopted by WLAN. Among them, the WLAN can include one or more basic service sets (BSS), and the network nodes in the basic service set include access points (AP) and stations (STA).

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary communication scenario of an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 The WLAN scenario is taken as an example including one access point AP and three stations STA. The access point AP is a device with wireless communication function, which can provide wireless communication service for the STA and support the 802.11 series of protocols. The access point AP can be a communication server, a router, a switch, a mobile phone, etc. communication device entity, or a chip and processing system installed in these devices.

[0037] The station STA can be any communication device that allows the user to communicate with the access point AP and then communicate with the WLAN, or a chip or processing system installed in these devices. The station STA can be a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a smart home device, etc. that can be connected to the network, or a chip and processing system installed in these devices. Figure 1 In the example, the station STA 1 is a mobile phone, the station STA 2 is a wearable smart glasses, and the station STA 3 is a wireless Bluetooth headset.

[0038] The access point AP and the stations STA1, STA2, and STA3 can transmit wireless frames to each other through the channel. The access point AP will monitor the channel in real time. When it is monitored that the current channel is congested, it will switch to other relatively idle channels to ensure the transmission rate of the network. According to the provisions of the 802.11 protocol, the access point AP sends the channel switch announcement (CSA) information to the station STA before switching the channel to inform the station STA of the channel switching.

[0039] After the access point AP informs the station STA by using the CSA, the station STA will perform channel switching at the agreed time after receiving the CSA, so as to continue to maintain the WiFi connection. The definitions of the channel switch announcement (CSA) and the extended channel switch announcement (ECSA) in the existing standard are shown in Table 1 and Table 2.

[0040] Table 1 Channel switching announcement (CSA)

[0041] In Table 1, the element identification represents the element identification number of the CSA, which is usually 37. The length represents the overall length of the CSA element. The channel switching mode indicates the behavior of the device after switching, i.e., whether the device can send data during switching by setting different values. The new channel number represents the number of the channel to be switched to. The channel switching count represents the number of periods in the beacon interval. When the channel switching count is 0, it means that the frame containing the CSA is sent immediately after switching. When the channel switching count is an integer N, it means that switching occurs after N beacon intervals.

[0042] Compared with the CSA in Table 1, the eCSA in Table 2 adds a field of a new operation class, which defines the frequency band and bandwidth of the new channel. In some examples, the eCSA can also include information indicating the location of the auxiliary channel.

[0043] Table 2 Extended channel switching announcement (eCSA)

[0044] When the bandwidth of the new channel is 20M, the access point AP can only send the CSA. When the bandwidth of the new channel is greater than or equal to 40M, the access point AP can send the CSA and the eCSA at the same time. At present, there are many information elements in the channel switching announcement sent by the access point AP, especially for the case where the bandwidth of the new channel is greater than 20M, which will result in a longer length of the information elements combined together, and further a longer frame transmission time.

[0045] To solve the above problems, the present disclosure provides a communication method and device. Figure 2 A flow chart of an exemplary communication method 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method 200 can be applicable to a first device. The first device can be an access point AP or a chip and chip system within the access point AP, and can be implemented by a communication device 600. Figure 1 The first device can be an access point AP or a chip and chip system within the access point AP, and can be implemented by a communication device 600. Figure 6 The method 200 includes steps S210-S230.

[0046] In S210, a first message frame is generated, and the first message frame includes channel switching information, which includes an element identification, a length, a channel switching mode, a new channel number, a new channel bandwidth, and a switching timestamp.

[0047] When signal interference or current channel load imbalance is detected, the access point AP acquires other channels with less load and determines a new channel based on the communication capability of the access point AP, and then determines the parameters of the new channel. The parameters can include channel number and / or channel bandwidth. The channel number can include primary channel number and secondary channel number.

[0048] The first message frame can be determined based on the parameters of the new channel. The first message frame can be any one of a Beacon frame, a Probe Response frame, and an Action frame broadcasted by the access point AP. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the first message frame can also be any other type of frame.

[0049] The first message frame includes channel switch information. The channel switch information of the present disclosure redefines the CSA of Table 1 or the eCSA of Table 2. Table 3 shows an example of the channel switch message of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Table 3 Channel Switch Information 1

[0051] The channel switch information 1 in Table 3 includes multiple CSA elements, such as Element ID, Length, and new channel number. In some examples, the Element ID in Table 3 can use the reserved ID in the 802.11 protocol, for example, 218-219. In other examples, an Element ID Extension information element can be added, for example, the Element ID in Table 3 is 255, and an Element ID Extension field with a value of 94-255 is additionally added.

[0052] The channel switch information 1 also includes channel switch mode, which is an extension of the existing channel switch mode. The channel switch information 1 also includes new channel bandwidth and switch timestamp. The channel switch mode field can include information indicating whether the channel switch information includes new channel bandwidth and switch timestamp. In other words, the channel switch mode field can reflect whether the new channel bandwidth field and the switch timestamp field are carried.

[0053] Table 4 shows the field meaning of the channel switch mode of an embodiment of the present disclosure. The value of the field can determine whether the subsequent information element carries the fields of new channel bandwidth and switch timestamp. The station STA can parse accordingly after receiving the first message frame.

[0054] Table 4 Field meaning of channel switch mode Bit2 Bit1 Bit0 Decimal value Meaning 0 0 0 0 No data transmission during handover. 0 0 1 1 Allow data transmission during handover. 0 1 0 2 New channel bandwidth carried on the basis of value 0 0 1 1 3 New channel bandwidth carried on the basis of value 1 1 0 0 4 Handover timestamp carried on the basis of value 0 1 0 1 5 Handover timestamp carried on the basis of value 1 1 1 0 6 Handover timestamp carried on the basis of value 2 1 1 1 7 Handover timestamp carried on the basis of value 3

[0055] The channel switching mode values of bits 0-2 (decimal values 0-7) are listed in Table 4. Bit 0 is compatible with the existing channel switching announcement, which indicates whether data can be transmitted during the channel switching process. When bit 0 is 0 (decimal value 0), it can indicate that the station STA is not allowed to send data to the access point AP during the switching period; when bit 0 is 1 (decimal value 1), it can indicate that the station STA is allowed to send data to the access point AP during the switching period.

[0056] Bit 1 indicates whether the bandwidth of the new channel is carried in the subsequent information element. When bit 1 is 1, it can indicate that the bandwidth of the new channel is carried; when bit 1 is 0, it can indicate that the bandwidth of the new channel is not carried. When bit 1 is 1 and bit 0 is 0 (decimal value 2), it indicates that the bandwidth of the new channel is carried on the basis of the decimal value 0; when bit 1 is 1 and bit 0 is 1 (decimal value 3), it indicates that the bandwidth of the new channel is carried on the basis of the decimal value 1.

[0057] Bit 2 indicates whether the timestamp of the channel switching is carried in the subsequent information element. When bit 2 is 1, it can indicate that the switching timestamp is carried; when bit 2 is 0, it can indicate that the switching timestamp is not carried. When bit 2 is 1, bit 1 and bit 0 are both 0 (decimal value 4), it indicates that the switching timestamp is carried on the basis of the decimal value 0; when bit 2 is 1, bit 1 is 0 and bit 0 is 1 (decimal value 5), it indicates that the switching timestamp is carried on the basis of the decimal value 1. When bit 2 is 1, bit 1 is 1 and bit 0 is 0 (decimal value 6), it indicates that the switching timestamp is carried on the basis of the decimal value 2; when bit 2, bit 1 and bit 0 are all 1 (decimal value 6), it indicates that the switching timestamp is carried on the basis of the decimal value 3.

[0058] It can be understood that the field meanings of the channel switching mode in Table 4 are only examples, and the definition method of the fields in the channel switching mode of the present disclosure can also be other forms. By setting multiple forms of the fields of the channel switching mode, different modes of the channel can be expanded.

[0059] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides the field meanings of the new channel bandwidth in Table 3, see Table 5.

[0060] When the decimal value of the new channel bandwidth field is 2 in Table 5, it indicates that the new channel bandwidth is 20M. When the decimal value of the new channel bandwidth field is 3 or 4, it indicates that the new channel bandwidth is 40M and 80M respectively. In Table 5, the decimal value of the new channel bandwidth field is 0 or 1, which indicates that the new channel bandwidth is 5M and 10M respectively. These two bandwidths can be used as special bandwidths for special purposes. In addition, the decimal value of the new channel bandwidth field is 5-255, which can be used as a reservation.

[0061] Table 5 Field meaning of new channel bandwidth Decimal value Meaning 0 5M 1 10M 2 20M 3 40M 4 80M 5-255 Reserved

[0062] Now back to Table 3, the field of switching time stamp in Table 3 indicates the time of switching channel. When the station STA receives and parses the first message frame, it can switch the channel according to the switching time stamp in the channel switching information, so that the access point AP and the station STA are synchronized to switch.

[0063] In some examples, the switching time stamp can be represented by a 64-bit unsigned fixed-point number to represent the switching time. In some examples, since the time span of the switching time stamp is not long and 32 bits are enough to represent a longer time, the lower 32 bits of the 64-bit switching time stamp can be used to represent the switching time without carrying the full 64 bits. In some examples, the difference between the set value of the switching time stamp and the current timestamp time of the access point AP is not greater than 255*BCN frame interval, that is, the time difference between the set value of the switching time stamp and the current timestamp time of the access point AP is less than or equal to the product of the beacon frame interval and 255. In this way, it can be ensured that the calculated channel switching count does not exceed the upper limit of 255.

[0064] Table 6 shows an example of a channel switching message according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Table 6 Channel switching information 2

[0066] Compared with the channel switching information 1 in Table 3, the channel switching information 2 in Table 6 has a channel switching count field. This field is similar to the same field in Tables 1 and 2. When the station STA does not support the channel switching information 1 in Table 3, the channel switching time can be determined according to the channel switching count field in Table 6. For example, the value of the element identifier in Table 6 can be 37, which is consistent with the element identifier in the example of Table 2. The channel switching information 2 in Table 6 is an extension of the information element based on the traditional CSA, which can be compatible with the existing station STA and realize backward compatibility. As long as the station STA can support the basic channel switching function, it can switch smoothly.

[0067] In some examples, the channel switch count in Table 6 is derived from the difference between the switch timestamp and the current time of the access point AP divided by the interval of the beacon frame. That is, channel switch count = (switch timestamp - current time) / BCN frame interval. If the result is not an integer, then it is rounded down. In this way, the access point AP fills in the switch timestamp in the channel switch information field with the result, ensuring that stations STA that do not support the extension will also switch around the target time, avoiding disconnection. The current time of the access point AP can be the time when the first message frame is generated.

[0068] In some examples, an information element indicating the extension capability can be included in the first message frame. For example, in the protocol, the reserved bits of the extend capability element are 88-n. One of the reserved bits, for example, bit 100, can be taken and set to 1 to indicate that the device supports the extended CSA capability, or set to 0 to indicate that the device does not support the extended CSA capability. When the first device and the second device exchange capability information, it can be determined whether to use the extended CSA method for channel switching based on the value of the bit.

[0069] In S220, the first message frame is sent.

[0070] The access point AP can send the first message frame containing the channel switch information to the station STA to inform the station STA to switch channels.

[0071] In some examples, the access point AP can send the first message frame containing the channel switch information to all associated stations STA in a broadcast manner to make the stations STA switch to the new channel.

[0072] In some examples, the first message frame can be a beacon frame. The access point AP periodically broadcasts the beacon frame to inform the station STA of the channel switch information. The station STA can listen to the channel switch information in the beacon frame.

[0073] In some examples, the first message frame can be a probe response frame. When the station STA scans the network, the access point AP notifies in advance of the upcoming channel switching event. In some examples, the first message frame can be an action frame. When an emergency event occurs that requires immediate channel switching, the access point AP actively sends an action frame containing the channel switch message. It can be understood that in other examples, the first message frame can also be other frames, such as an association response frame, etc.

[0074] In S230, the new channel is switched based on the channel switch information.

[0075] The access point AP switches to the new channel based on the information element in the channel switch information. In some examples, the access point AP switches to the new channel based on the switch timestamp in the channel switch information. For example, when the channel switch information is channel switch information 1 in Table 3, the access point AP switches to the new channel at the switch timestamp. For another example, when the channel switch information is channel switch information 2 in Table 6, the access point AP switches to the new channel at the switch timestamp or when the channel switch count is 0.

[0076] Figure 3 A flow chart illustrating an example communication method 300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The method 300 can be applicable to a second device. The second device can be a station STA or a chip and chip system within the station STA, and can be implemented by the communication apparatus 600 of Figure 1 Figure 6 The method 300 includes steps S310-S330.

[0077] In S310, a first message frame is received, the first message frame including channel switch information, the channel switch information including an element identification, a length, a channel switch mode, a new channel number, a new channel bandwidth, and a switch timestamp.

[0078] The channel switch information in the first message frame can refer to the examples in Table 3 and Table 6 in the present disclosure.

[0079] In S320, the first message frame is parsed.

[0080] The station STA parses the channel switch message newly defined in the present disclosure, from which the channel switch mode, the new channel number, and the switch time, etc. are determined.

[0081] In S330, the new channel is switched to based on the channel switch message.

[0082] In some examples, the second device switching to the new channel based on the channel switch message includes switching to the new channel based on the switch timestamp. In this example, the second device supports the information element of the switch timestamp extended in the channel switch message in the first message frame, so that the switch time is determined according to the switch timestamp.

[0083] In some examples, the second device switching to the new channel based on the channel switch message includes switching to the new channel based on the channel switch count. In this example, the second device is a legacy station, which does not support the information element of the switch timestamp extended in the channel switch message, so that the switch time is determined according to the channel switch count.

[0084] ​The communication methods 200 and 300 switch to a new channel according to channel switching information in a first message frame when a channel needs to be switched. The channel switching information includes element identification, length, channel switching mode, new channel number, new channel bandwidth, and switching time stamp, etc. fields, so that the channel bandwidth and switching time stamp are combined into the same information element, transmission bytes are saved, and frame transmission time is saved.

[0085] In some examples, the method 300 further includes sending capability verification information including the information element indicating support of extended capability. For example, the access point AP sets the 100th bit of the extended capability element to 1 in a beacon frame, probe response frame, etc. to indicate support of extended CSA capability. The station STA sets the 100th bit in the information element to 1 in an association response frame to indicate support of extended CSA capability. In this way, both sides can perform channel switching in the extended CSA manner.

[0086] Figures 4a-4b A channel switching timing diagram in one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The access point AP 10 and stations STA 11, STA 12 are included in a basic service set BSS1. In Figure 4a The access point AP 10 broadcasts and sends a beacon frame once every beacon frame interval. The beacon frame carries channel switching information indicating that a channel is about to be switched. The first message frame is the beacon frame. The channel switching information can be channel switching information 1 in Table 3, which defines channel switching mode, new channel number, new channel bandwidth, and switching time stamp. In the channel switching information, bit 2 of the channel switching mode is 1, indicating that the switching time stamp is carried in the subsequent field. The channel switching information 1 is an extension of the channel switching announcement CSA in Tables 1-2. The stations STA 11 and STA 12 both support the extended CSA capability.

[0087] The switching time stamp field in the channel switching information 1 indicates switching at time T1. The stations STA 11 and STA 12 obtain the channel switching information 1 in the process of listening to the beacon frame. The stations STA 11 and STA 12 respectively analyze the channel switching information 1, learn from the channel switching mode field that there is a switching time stamp field in the subsequent field, and obtain the switching time stamp T1 and timing therefrom. Figure 4a In the example, the AP 10 and the stations STA 11 and STA 12 all implement channel switching at time T1.

[0088] In Figure 4bIn the example, the AP 10 and the stations STA11, STA12 all implement channel switching at time T1. Figure 4b In the example, the AP 10 and the stations STA11, STA12 all implement channel switching at time T1.

[0089] It can be understood that when the first message frame is a probe response frame, the channel switching timing diagram of each device in the basic service set BSS1 and Figure 4b the example is similar, and thus is not described herein again.

[0090] Figures 5a-5b A channel switching timing diagram in one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The basic service set BSS2 includes an access point AP20 and stations STA21, STA22. In Figure 5a In the example, the AP 20 broadcasts a beacon frame once every beacon frame interval. The beacon frame carries channel switching information, indicating that the channel is about to be switched. Here, the first message frame is a beacon frame. The channel switching information can be channel switching information 2 in Table 6, which defines a channel switching mode, a new channel number, a channel switching count, a new channel bandwidth, and a switching timestamp. The channel switching information 2 is an extension of the channel switching announcement (CSA) in Tables 1-2. Because Table 6 further includes the channel switching count and other fields, it is also compatible with old stations. The channel switching count is obtained by the access point AP by rounding down the difference between the switching timestamp and the current time of the access point AP to the ratio of the interval of the beacon frame. In this way, it can be ensured that a station that does not support the CSA capability can switch the channel at the time of the previous beacon frame close to the target time.

[0091] In the example, the station STA21 supports the capability of the extended CSA, and the station STA22 is an old station that does not support the capability of the extended CSA. Figures 5a-5b

[0092] ​The switching timestamp field in the channel switching information 2 indicates the switching at time T1. In addition, stations STA21 and STA22 obtain the channel switching information 2 in the process of monitoring the beacon frame. Station STA21 parses the channel switching information 2 and learns from the channel switching mode field that there is a switching timestamp field in the subsequent field, and obtains the switching timestamp T1 and sets the timing. Figure 5a In the example shown in FIG, AP20 and station STA21 implement channel switching at time T1.

[0093] Station STA22 parses the channel switching information 2. Since it does not support the extended CSA capability, it only parses it according to the traditional CSA information element. Station STA22 determines the CSA count from the channel switching count field. After each beacon frame, the count is reduced by one. When the CSA count is 0, the channel is switched. Figure 5a In the example shown in FIG, station STA22 switches channels at time T0. Time T0 is earlier than time T1.

[0094] exist Figure 5b In the , access point AP20 unicasts action frames to stations STA21 and STA22 in succession. The action frame includes channel switching information, indicating that the channel is about to be switched. The first message frame here is the action frame. The channel switching information can be channel switching information 2 in Table 6, which defines the channel switching mode, new channel number, channel switching count, new channel bandwidth and switching timestamp. Among them, bit2 of the channel switching mode in the channel switching message is 1, indicating that the subsequent field carries a switching timestamp. The switching timestamp field in the channel switching information 1 indicates switching at time T1. Stations STA21 and STA22 obtain channel switching information 2 after receiving the action frame. Station STA21 parses channel switching information 2, and learns from the channel switching mode field that there is a switching timestamp field in the subsequent field, and obtains the switching timestamp T1 from it and times it. In Figure 5b In the example shown in FIG, AP20 and station STA21 implement channel switching at time T1.

[0095] Station STA22 parses the channel switching information 2. Since it does not support the extended CSA capability, it only parses it according to the traditional CSA information element. Station STA22 determines the CSA count from the channel switching count field. After each beacon frame, the count is reduced by one. When the CSA count is 0, the channel is switched. Figure 5b In the example shown in FIG, station STA22 switches channels at time T0. Time T0 is earlier than time T1.

[0096] It can be understood that when the first message frame is a detection response frame, the channel switching timing diagram of each device in the service set BSS2 is the same as Figure 5b The example is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0097] By means of the timestamp, the access point and the station can switch the channel within 100 ms. That is, the time difference from the switching indication of the access point to the time when the access point and the station are all switched can be less than 100 ms. In some examples, the switching is performed at the beacon scheduled transmission time (TBTT) of the beacon frame, which requires more than 100 ms. When the audio device is included in the basic service set (BSS), the switching time is indicated by means of the timestamp, so that the switching can be completed more quickly. In the case of strong interference, the access point (AP) and the station (STA) can switch to the new channel more quickly, so as to avoid staying in the original channel for too long and causing the audio to be damaged. In addition, the access point (AP) and the station (STA) can switch at the same time, so as to avoid the case that the access point (AP) has switched to the new channel while the station (STA) still stays in the original channel, or the station (STA) has switched to the new channel while the access point (AP) still stays in the original channel. These cases can cause a small period of time of non-communication, and can cause the audio to be damaged.

[0098] The above describes the method of the present disclosure in detail. In order to better implement the above method of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a corresponding device.

[0099] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an exemplary communication device 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The device 600 includes at least one processor 610 and a memory 620 coupled to the at least one processor 610. The memory 620 is configured to store computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor 610 to perform the method in the above embodiments (e.g., any one or more steps of the aforementioned method 200, 300).

[0100] The processor 610 is the control center of the communication device, and can connect various parts of the communication device by means of various interfaces and lines, and perform resource setting by running or executing the instructions stored in the memory 620 and calling the data stored in the memory 620.

[0101] Optionally, the processor 610 can include one or more processing units. In some examples, the processor 610 and the memory 620 can be implemented on the same chip, and in some embodiments, they can also be implemented on separate chips respectively.

[0102] The processor 610 can be a general processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, and can implement or execute the methods, steps and logical block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The general processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present disclosure can be directly embodied as hardware processor execution or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0103] The memory 620, as a non-volatile computer readable storage medium, can be used to store non-volatile software programs, non-volatile computer executable programs and modules. The memory 620 can include at least one type of storage medium, such as flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card, card type memory, random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), programmable read only memory (PROM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc. The memory 620 is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and capable of being accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 620 in the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be a circuit or any other device capable of realizing a storage function, used to store program instructions and / or data.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication device 600 can be the first device (such as an access point AP) or a circuit or chip therein, such as a WiFi chip, shown above. That is Figure 6 The communication device shown can be used to perform the steps performed by the first device in the above method embodiments. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication device 600 can be the second device (such as a station STA) or a circuit or chip therein, such as a WiFi chip, shown above. That is Figure 6 The communication device shown can be used to perform the steps performed by the second device in the above method embodiments

[0105] Based on the same technical concept, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer executable program. The computer executable program is used to make a computer execute the communication method listed in any of the above manners.

[0106] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer program product, which is tangibly stored on a computer readable storage medium and includes computer executable instructions. When executed by at least one processor, the computer executable instructions make the at least one processor execute the communication method listed in any of the above manners.

[0107] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication system, which includes a first device AP and a second device STA. The first device AP is configured to execute the method 200 or any step therein, and the second device STA is configured to execute the method 300 or any step therein.

[0108] Furthermore, although exemplary embodiments have been described herein, the scope of their protection is limited by the appended claims, which are to be accorded the full breadth that such claims will enjoy based on their plain and ordinary meaning. Therefore, to the extent there are any discrepancies between the description and the claims, the claims will control. In addition, the examples, given only for clearness of explanation, have no intend to limit the scope of the protection of the present disclosure, which is limited solely by the range of the patent claims. The patent claims are intended to cover any and all customized methods falling within the scope of the patent claims and their equivalents.

[0109] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Other examples can be used in addition to those described above, such as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from the above description. Further, in the above detailed description, various features can be grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as a requirement that the claimed disclosure necessarily have more features than are expressly identified in the claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter can have as few as a single ingredient or feature (not rule out a plurality). Thus, the disclosure is not to be limited to the examples given herein and incorporates by reference, disclosure contained in any reference cited herein.

[0110] Accordingly, the claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description as examples or embodiments, in which each claim is independently a separate embodiment, and the embodiments can be combined or arranged in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first device, comprising: Generate a first message frame, the first message frame including channel switching information, the channel switching information including an element identifier, a length, a channel switching mode, a new channel number, a new channel bandwidth, and a switching timestamp; sending the first message frame; and Switching to a new channel is performed based on the channel switching information.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: Switching to a new channel based on the channel switch message includes switching to the new channel based on the switch timestamp.

3. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The channel switching information also includes a channel switching count.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, wherein: The channel switching count is calculated by the ratio of a difference between the switching timestamp and the time when the first message frame is generated to an interval of a beacon frame.

5. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The first message frame further includes an information element indicating support for extended capabilities. The communication method according to claim 1 , wherein: The switching timestamp is represented by a 32-bit unsigned fixed-point number.

7. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The time difference between the switching timestamp and the current time is less than or equal to the product of the beacon frame interval and 255.

8. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The first message frame is a beacon frame.

9. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The first message frame is a probe response frame or an action frame.

10. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The channel switching mode includes information indicating whether the channel switching information includes the new channel bandwidth and the switching timestamp.

11. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to the second device, comprising: Receive a first message frame, where the first message frame includes channel switching information, where the channel switching information includes an element identifier, a length, a channel switching mode, a new channel number, a new channel bandwidth, and a switching timestamp; parsing the first message frame; and Switching to a new channel based on the channel switch message.

12. The communication method according to claim 11, wherein: Switching to a new channel based on the channel switch message includes switching to the new channel based on the switch timestamp.

13. The communication method according to claim 11, wherein: The channel switching information also includes a channel switching count.

14. The communication method according to claim 13, wherein: Switching to a new channel based on the channel switch message includes switching to the new channel based on the channel switch count.

15. The communication method according to claim 13, wherein: The channel switching count is calculated by the ratio of a difference between the switching timestamp and the time when the first message frame is generated to an interval of a beacon frame.

16. The communication method according to claim 11, wherein: The first message frame further includes an information element indicating support for extended capabilities.

17. The communication method according to claim 16, wherein: The method further includes sending capability verification information, where the capability verification information includes the information element indicating support for the extended capability.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: include: at least one processor; as well as A memory for storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, causes the at least one processor to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-10, or to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 11-17.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium has computer-executable instructions stored thereon, and the computer-executable instructions are used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-10, or execute the communication method according to any one of claims 11-17.

20. A computer program product, the computer program product being tangibly stored on a computer-readable storage medium and comprising computer-executable instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1-10, or to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 11-17.

21. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system includes a first device and a second device, the first device being configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-10, and the second device being configured to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 11-17.

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