Normal packet filling value indicating method, nominal packet filling value determining method and communication device

Abstract

The invention provides a nominal packet filling value indication method, a nominal packet filling value determination method and a communication device, which are used for reducing the overhead of a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The indication method comprises: a first device generating a PPDU and sending the PPDU to a second device, a physical layer packet extension threshold information field included in the PPDU comprising a plurality of packet extension threshold sub-field sets corresponding to different nominal packet filling values, each packet extension threshold sub-field set being used for indicating a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with an NSS of n and a serial number of b, when the value of the RU index mask field of the RU with the serial number of y is 0, the value range of b does not include y; in the packet extension threshold sub-field set corresponding to the same nominal packet filling value, the value of the RU index mask field of the RU with the serial number being y is 0 and is used for indicating that NSS is n, the modulation threshold of the RU with the serial number being y is the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with the serial number being m1, and NSTS is n.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application, the original application number is 202110031666.3, the original application date is January 11, 2021, and the entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless fidelity technology, in particular to a method for indicating nominal packet padding value, a method for determining nominal packet padding value and a communication device. BACKGROUND

[0003] In order to ensure that the receiver has enough processing time to receive the data packet from the transmitter, the receiver can indicate a modulation threshold corresponding to a certain number of spatial and time streams (NSTS) / number of spatial and time streams (NSTS) and a certain resource unit (RU) size. The transmitter can determine the nominal packet padding value to be used according to the modulation threshold. Then the transmitter determines the actual padding value according to the nominal packet padding value, so as to fill the packet extension that the data packet sent to the receiver may include according to the actual padding value. The data in the packet extension is not needed by the receiver, so other data can be processed in the processing time of the packet extension, thereby ensuring that the receiver has enough processing time.

[0004] The number of NSTS, the size of RU and the modulation mode used by the transmitting end are different, and the minimum processing time required by the receiving end is also different, that is, the corresponding nominal packet padding value may be different. At present, the nominal packet padding values corresponding to each NSTS, RU and modulation threshold are given exhaustively or iteratively. With the increase of the number of NSTS supported by the device and the size of RU, it is costly to give the nominal packet padding values corresponding to each NSTS, RU and modulation threshold exhaustively or iteratively. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a method for indicating nominal packet padding value, a method for determining nominal packet padding value and a communication device, which are used to reduce the cost of indicating nominal packet padding value and can more flexibly indicate the nominal packet padding values corresponding to each NSTS and each RU size.

[0006] In a first aspect, a method for indicating nominal packet padding value is provided, which can be executed by a first communication device. The first communication device can be a communication device or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required by the communication device to implement the method, such as a chip system. Hereinafter, the communication device is taken as an example of a first device, and the first device can be an AP. The method comprises:

[0007] The first device generates a physical protocol data unit (PPDU), and sends the PPDU to the second device, the PPDU comprising a physical layer packet extension threshold present subfield, a physical layer packet extension threshold field, the physical layer packet extension threshold present subfield having a value of 1, the physical layer packet extension threshold field comprising a RU index mask subfield, a NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field; the physical layer packet extension threshold information field comprising a plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values, each packet extension threshold subfield set being used to indicate a modulation threshold corresponding to a RU with an order number of b and a NSS of n, the modulation threshold being used to determine a nominal packet padding value used by the second device when a modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold, wherein a value range of n is a subset of [1, …, N], N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, a value range of b is a subset of [m, …, M], m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0, and when a value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with the order number of y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0008] In the packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to the same nominal packet padding value, the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with the order number of y being 0 is used to indicate that the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with the order number of y and a NSS of n is the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with an order number of m1 and a NSS of n, wherein the m1 is the smallest order number greater than the y corresponding to a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield, or the m1 is the largest order number smaller than the y corresponding to a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield.

[0009] In the scheme, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with the order number of y and a NSS of n can be the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with an order number of m1 and a NSS of n. That is, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with the order number of y and a NSS of n can be indicated by the packet extension threshold subfield used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with the order number of m1 and a NSS of n. Therefore, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field can omit the packet extension threshold subfield used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with the order number of y and a NSS of n, and still be able to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with the order number of y and a NSS of n by the packet extension threshold subfield used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with the order number of m1 and a NSS of n. That is, without traversing all the RUs with different sizes, the modulation threshold corresponding to a certain RU can also be indicated. Thus, the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field is saved.

[0010] Secondly, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. This method can be executed by a second communication device, which can be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. The following description uses the communication equipment as an example of the second device, wherein the second device can be a STA (Standard Instrumentation System). The method includes:

[0011] The second device receives a PPDU from the first device. This PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields indicates the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold. Here, n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0; when the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0012] The second device determines the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number y based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number m1 indicated by the physical layer packet extension threshold field. Here, m1 is the smallest sequence number greater than y among the sequence numbers corresponding to bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield, or m1 is the largest sequence number less than y among the sequence numbers corresponding to bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield.

[0013] Corresponding to the solution provided in the first aspect, although the PPDU sent by the first device to the second device does not include the set of packet extended threshold subfields used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y, the second device can still determine the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y. For example, the second device can determine the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number m1 based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number m1. Here, m1 needs to satisfy the following conditions: m1 is the smallest sequence number greater than y among the sequence numbers with a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield, or m1 is the largest sequence number less than y among the sequence numbers with a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield. That is, if the second device determines that there is an m1 that satisfies the condition, it can determine the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first and second aspects, the value of the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the sequence number less than y includes 1. Since there may be multiple corresponding RUs when the value of the RU index mask field is 0, that is, there are multiple sequence numbers less than y. Based on this situation, the scheme further restricts the condition that y needs to satisfy, that is, when the value of the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the sequence number less than y includes 1, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y is the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number m1. That is, if there is no y that satisfies this condition, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y can be other possible values, such as a fixed value. In this case, the second device can directly determine the nominal packet filling value to be used as a fixed value, instead of determining the nominal packet filling value to be used based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number m1, which is simpler.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, if the sequence numbers corresponding to bits 1 in the RU index mask subfield are all no greater than y, then the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, indicating that the NSS is n, and the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 20 microseconds. Correspondingly, in one possible implementation of the second aspect, if the sequence numbers corresponding to bits 1 in the RU index mask subfield are all no greater than y, the second device determines that the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 20 microseconds. This scheme means that if there is no m1 that satisfies the condition, then the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y can be a fixed value, such as 20 microseconds.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, if the second device uses dual carrier modulation (DCM), the second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y+1, where sequence number y corresponds to multiple RUs of different sizes.

[0017] This scheme considers that multiple RUs (combinations of RUs and MRUs) correspond to one RU allocation index, i.e., one sequence number. Because multiple RUs are merged, the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field can be reduced. In this case, the second device does not need to determine the nominal packet padding value to use based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y. For example, the second device can determine the nominal packet padding value to use based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y+1.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, if the second device uses DCM, the second device determines the nominal packet filling value based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y, wherein sequence number y corresponds to multiple RUs, and the multiple RUs include at least one multi-resource unit (MRU), and the RU used by the second device is not the largest RU among the multiple RUs.

[0019] Similarly, to reduce the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field, multiple RUs can be combined. That is, multiple RUs (a combination of RU and MRU) correspond to a single RU allocation index, i.e., a single sequence number. In this case, if the RU used by the second device to send data is not the largest RU among these multiple RUs, then even if the second device uses DCM, it can still determine the nominal packet padding value to use based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y, instead of determining the nominal packet padding value based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y+1.

[0020] Thirdly, a method for indicating a nominal packet filling value is provided. This method can be executed by a first communication device, which may be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the communication equipment to implement the method, such as a chip system. The following description uses the communication equipment as an example of the first device, wherein the first device may be an access point (AP). The method includes:

[0021] The first device generates a PPDU and sends the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0022] Wherein, n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0, when the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, the physical layer packet extension threshold field indicates that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0 microseconds, and the value range of b does not include y.

[0023] Similar to the first approach, this approach can also omit the packet extension threshold sub-field used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y in the physical layer packet extension threshold field. Although the packet extension threshold sub-field corresponding to the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y is omitted, it still indicates that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0 microseconds, thereby saving the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0024] Fourthly, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. This method can be executed by a second communication device, which can be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. The following description uses the communication equipment as an example of the second device, wherein the second device can be a STA (Standard Instrumentation System). The method includes:

[0025] The second device receives a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold. Here, the value of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. The value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0. The value of b does not include y.

[0026] The second device determines the nominal packet padding value of 0 microseconds corresponding to the RU with sequence number y based on the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0027] Corresponding to the third aspect of the scheme, the PPDU sent by the first device to the second device does not include the packet extension threshold subfield used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y. However, the second device can determine that if the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, then the second device can determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is 0 microseconds, which is simpler.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the third and fourth aspects, the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the sequence number less than y does not include 1. Since there may be multiple corresponding RUs when the value of the RU index mask field is 0, that is, there are multiple sequence numbers less than y. Based on this situation, the scheme further restricts the condition that y needs to satisfy, that is, when the value of the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the sequence number less than y does not include 1, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y is 0 microseconds.

[0029] Fifthly, a method for indicating a nominal packet filling value is provided. This method can be executed by a first communication device, which may be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the communication equipment to implement the method, such as a chip system. The following description uses the communication equipment as an example of the first device, wherein the first device may be an access point (AP). The method includes:

[0030] The first device generates a PPDU and sends the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0031] Wherein, n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0; the RU with sequence number y corresponds to the bit set to 0 in the RU index mask field; the range of b does not include y; and the physical layer packet extension threshold field is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y as 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0032] Similar to the third approach, this approach can also omit the packet extension threshold sub-field, which indicates the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y, in the physical layer packet extension threshold field. For the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y that is omitted, the corresponding nominal packet padding value can be specified as a fixed value, such as 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds. That is, although the packet extension threshold sub-field corresponding to the modulation threshold of the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y is omitted, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is still indicated, thus saving the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0033] Sixthly, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. This method can be executed by a second communication device, which can be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. The following description uses the communication equipment as an example of the second device, where the second device can be a STA (Standard Integrated Circuit) or a STA-based system. The method includes:

[0034] The second device receives a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold. Here, the value of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. The RU with sequence number y corresponds to the bit set to 0 in the RU index mask field. The value of b does not include y.

[0035] The second device determines the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y as 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds based on the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0036] Corresponding to the fifth aspect of the scheme, the PPDU sent by the first device to the second device does not include the packet extension threshold subfield used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y. However, the second device can determine that if the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, then the second device can determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is a fixed value. It does not need to refer to the modulation threshold corresponding to other RUs to determine the nominal packet padding value to be used, which is simpler.

[0037] In one possible implementation of the fifth or sixth aspect, there must be at least one 1 bit preceding the bit set to 0. Since there may be multiple RUs when the value of the RU index mask field is 0, i.e., multiple indices less than y, this scheme further restricts the requirement that there must be at least one 1 bit preceding the bit set to 0. This further restricts the condition that y must satisfy: only when there is at least one 1 bit preceding the bit set to 0 in the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the indices of y, will the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with the indices of y be a fixed value.

[0038] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the physical layer packet extension threshold field is used to indicate a nominal packet padding value of 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds used by the second device if the adopted NSS is greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield. Correspondingly, in one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, if the second device adopts an NSS greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the second device can determine that the nominal packet padding value to be used is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0039] In this scheme, it is not necessary to traverse the NSS. That is, if the NSS used by the second device is greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield, then the nominal packet padding value to be used by the second device can be specified as a fixed value, such as 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds. This can further save the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0040] In one possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the physical layer packet extension threshold field is used to indicate that the second device, whose adopted NSS is greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield, determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with sequence number y in the NSS adopted by the second device. Correspondingly, in one possible implementation of the sixth aspect, where the second device adopts an NSS greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield, the second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with sequence number y in the NSS adopted by the second device.

[0041] This scheme also does not require traversing the NSS. That is, if the NSS used by the second device is greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield, then the second device can be specified to determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with sequence number y according to the NSS used by the second device, which can further save the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0042] In a seventh aspect, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. This method can be executed by a first communication device, which may be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. The following description uses the communication equipment as an example of the first device, wherein the first device may be an access point (AP). The method includes:

[0043] The first device generates a PPDU and sends the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a Spatial Stream Number (NSS) index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields includes multiple packet extension threshold subfields indicating the NSS value n. The packet extension threshold subfields are used to indicate to the second device the packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated Resource Unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS value used by the second device is n. The packet extension threshold subfields are used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value of n is in the range [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8.

[0044] Eighthly, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. This method can be executed by a second communication device, which may be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. The following description uses the communication equipment as an example of the second device, wherein the second device may be a STA (Standard Instrumentation System). The method includes:

[0045] The second device receives a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a Spatial Stream Number (NSS) index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields includes multiple packet extension threshold subfields for indicating the NSS value n. The packet extension threshold subfields are used to indicate to the second device the packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated Resource Unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS value used by the second device is n. The packet extension threshold subfields are used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value of n is in the range [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8.

[0046] The second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used when using NSS j based on the physical layer packet extension threshold information field and the first value, where j is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0047] In the seventh aspect of the solution, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field indicates the packet extension threshold when the number of equivalent encoded RU blocks of the resource unit RU allocated by the second device is a first value, and the NSS is n, through a set of multiple packet extension threshold sub-fields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. This allows the second device to determine the nominal packet padding value to use based on the packet extension threshold sub-fields corresponding to its own NSS and the first value. That is, the packet extension threshold corresponding to the first value when the NSS is n and the number of equivalent encoded RU blocks of the allocated resource unit RU is n is used instead of the modulation threshold corresponding to the NSS and RU size to indicate the nominal packet padding value. This reduces the dimensionality of the physical layer packet extension threshold information field, thereby simplifying it and saving its overhead.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first value satisfies the following formula:

[0049] N CBPRU =N RU242 *N BPSCS ;

[0050] Where, N CBPRU For the first value, N RU242 N is the maximum number of RUs that the RU can include (242). BPSCS The number of encoded bits carried by each subcarrier on a single space-time stream.

[0051] The first value can be considered to be related to the RU allocated to the second device, and is actually a quantification of the RU allocated to the second device. This scheme provides an exemplary way to determine the first value, and the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific way to determine the first value.

[0052] It should be understood that the number of nominal packet padding values ​​indicated by multiple packet extension threshold subfield sets may differ, and the second device may determine the nominal packet padding values ​​to be used in different ways, including the following situations.

[0053] In scenario one, the set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields includes a set of first packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to the first nominal packet padding value. One of the first packet extension threshold subfields in this set is used to indicate to the second device that the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit (RU) is a first value, and the second device uses an NSS of n. This first packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, which is 20 microseconds. Correspondingly, when NSS is j, N... CBPRUThe nominal packet padding value used by the second device when determining that the NSS is j is greater than or equal to the first nominal packet padding value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield of the NSS being j is the first nominal packet padding value.

[0054] In scenario two, the set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields further includes a set of second packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to the second nominal padding value. One of the second packet extension threshold subfields in this set is used to indicate to the second device the second packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value, and the NSS used by the second device is n. This second packet extension threshold indicates the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold. The second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds. Correspondingly, when NSS is j, N... CBPRU If the second nominal packet padding value is greater than or equal to the second nominal packet padding value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield of NSS j, and less than the first nominal packet padding value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield of NSS j, then the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when determining to adopt NSS j is the second nominal packet padding value.

[0055] Scenario 3: The set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields further includes a set of third packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to the third nominal packet padding value. One of the third packet extension threshold subfields in this set is used to indicate to the second device the third packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value, and the NSS used by the second device is n. This third packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, which is 8 microseconds. Correspondingly, when NSS is j, N... CBPRU The nominal packet filling value used by the second device when determining to adopt the NSS of j is the third nominal packet filling value if it is greater than or equal to the third nominal packet filling value corresponding to the third packet extension threshold subfield of NSTS for j, and less than the second nominal packet filling value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield of NSTS for j.

[0056] In one possible implementation of the seventh aspect, the NSS index mask subfield occupies at least 8 bits, the i-th bit of the NSS index mask subfield is 0, and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not include the set of packet extension threshold subfields for NSS i. In this scheme, the NSS index mask subfield can be used to indicate omissionable packet extension threshold subfields, thereby further saving the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold information field.

[0057] In one possible implementation of the eighth aspect, the NSS used by the second device is greater than the NSS corresponding to the highest non-zero bit of the NSS index mask subfield. When the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device is 20 microseconds. In this scheme, a fixed value, such as 20 microseconds, can be defined to be used when specific conditions are met, for example, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device is fixed when the NSS used by the second device is greater than the NSS corresponding to the highest non-zero bit of the NSS index mask subfield. This way, the second device does not need to compare the NSS with multiple packet extension threshold subfield sets one by one when determining the nominal packet padding value to use, making it more direct and simpler.

[0058] Ninthly, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. This method can be executed by a first communication device, which may be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. The following description uses the communication equipment as an example of the first device, wherein the first device may be an access point (AP). The method includes:

[0059] The first device generates a PPDU and sends the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes an NSS subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the packet extension threshold. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value of n is in the range of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8. The second value is related to the NSS used by the second device and the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit RU.

[0060] The difference from the solution in aspect seven is that in this solution, the physical packet extension threshold information field no longer indicates the packet extension threshold for NSS separately. That is, one packet extension threshold field can indicate the packet extension threshold corresponding to multiple NSSs, which can further simplify the physical layer packet extension threshold information field and save the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold information field.

[0061] Tenthly, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. This method can be executed by a second communication device, which may be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. The following description uses the communication equipment as an example of the second device, wherein the second device may be a STA (Standard Instrumentation System). The method includes:

[0062] The second device receives a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a Spatial Stream Number (NSS) subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field includes a Packet Extension Threshold subfield corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. The Packet Extension Threshold subfield is used to indicate the packet extension threshold. The Packet Extension Threshold subfield is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value of n is in the range of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8. The second value is related to the NSS used by the second device and the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated Resource Unit (RU).

[0063] The second device determines the second value based on the adopted NSS and the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit RU, and determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the second value and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field.

[0064] In this scheme, the second value can be considered as a value related to the NSS adopted by the second device and the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding of the allocated resource units RU. For example, the second value can be determined based on the adopted NSS and the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding of the allocated resource units RU. Before determining the nominal packet padding value to be used, the second device can first determine the second value, and then determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the second value and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field.

[0065] In one possible implementation of the tenth aspect, the second device determines the second value based on the adopted NSS and the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource units RU, including: the second device determines the second value according to the following relationship:

[0066] Wherein, NSS is the NSS corresponding to the RU allocated to the second device, N CBPRU The number of RU blocks (equivalent to RU blocks) allocated to the second device satisfies the following relationship:

[0067] N CBPRU =N RU242 *N BPSCS ;

[0068] N RU242N is the maximum number of RUs that the RU can include (242). BPSCS The number of encoded bits carried by each subcarrier on a single space-time stream.

[0069] It should be understood that the number of nominal packet padding values ​​indicated by multiple packet extension threshold subfields may differ, and the second device may determine the nominal packet padding values ​​to be used in different ways, including the following situations.

[0070] In one possible implementation of the ninth or tenth aspect, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a first packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. This first packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate a first packet extension threshold to the second device. The first packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, where the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds. Accordingly, when the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value used is the first nominal packet padding value.

[0071] In one possible implementation of the ninth or tenth aspect, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a second packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value. This second packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate a second packet extension threshold to the second device. The second packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold is the second nominal packet padding value, which is 16 microseconds. Accordingly, when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold and the second value is less than the first packet extension threshold, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value to be used is the second nominal packet padding value.

[0072] In one possible implementation of the ninth or tenth aspect, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a third packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. This third packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate a third packet extension threshold to the second device. The third packet extension threshold indicates that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, which is 8 microseconds. Accordingly, when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold and the second value is less than the second packet extension threshold, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value to be used is the third nominal packet padding value.

[0073] Eleventhly, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. This method can be executed by a first communication device, which may be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. The following description uses the communication equipment as an example of the first device, wherein the first device may be an access point (AP). The method includes:

[0074] The first device generates a PPDU and sends the PPDU and a first packet extension threshold range to the second device. The first packet extension threshold range is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device to send data to the first device when the third value is within the first packet extension threshold range. Different nominal packet padding values ​​correspond to different packet extension threshold ranges.

[0075] In a twelfth aspect, a method for determining a nominal packet padding value is provided. This method can be executed by a second communication device, which may be a communication equipment or a communication device capable of supporting the functions required for the method to be implemented, such as a chip system. The following description uses the communication equipment as an example of the second device, wherein the first device may be a STA (Standard Instrumentation System). The method includes:

[0076] The second device receives a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) and a first threshold range from the first device. The first threshold range is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device to send data to the first device when the third value is within the first packet extension threshold range. Different nominal packet padding values ​​correspond to different packet extension threshold ranges. The third value is related to one or more parameters among the Spatial Stream Number (NSS), RU size, and modulation scheme used by the second device.

[0077] If the third value is within the range of the first packet expansion threshold, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value to be used is the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the range of the first packet expansion threshold.

[0078] Unlike the solutions in the seventh or ninth aspects mentioned above, this solution allows for the definition of multiple packet expansion threshold ranges, each corresponding to a different nominal packet padding value. The first device can indicate a packet expansion threshold range to the second device. The second device can determine a quantization value based on one or more factors influencing the nominal packet padding value, such as the NSS, RU, and modulation order used by the second device. This quantization value is then compared with the first packet expansion threshold range sent by the first device to determine the nominal packet padding value. This approach further reduces the overhead of the physical layer packet expansion threshold field because the first packet expansion threshold range can be indicated without it being indicated through the physical layer packet expansion threshold field. Even if indicated through the physical layer packet expansion threshold field, indicating only one range instead of multiple ranges further reduces the overhead of the physical layer packet expansion threshold field.

[0079] In one possible implementation of aspect eleven or twelfth, the third value satisfies the following relationship:

[0080] x = f(NSTS, RU, Modulation)

[0081] Where x is the third value, NSS is the NSS used by the second device, RU is the RU size used by the second device, and Modulation is the order of the modulation method used by the second device.

[0082] This scheme illustrates one way to determine the third value, which refers to the third value being related to one or more of the NSS, RU, and modulation order of the second device. The specific determination method is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0083] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, such as the first device as described above or a device disposed within the first device. The communication device can be used to perform the methods in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, such as a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. Exemplarily, the communication device is the aforementioned first device.

[0084] The processing module is used to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module is used to send the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes multiple packet extension threshold subfield sets corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0085] Where n is a subset of [1, ..., N], N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, b is a subset of [m, ..., M], m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0, when the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with the sequence number y is 0, the value range of b does not include y;

[0086] In the set of packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to the same nominal packet padding value, the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0 to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y, and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number m1. Here, m1 is the smallest sequence number greater than y among the sequence numbers corresponding to bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield, or m1 is the largest sequence number less than y among the sequence numbers corresponding to bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the value of the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the sequence number less than y includes 1.

[0088] In one possible implementation, if the sequence number corresponding to a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield is not greater than y, then the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, which is used to indicate that the NSS is n, and the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 20 microseconds.

[0089] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, such as a second device as described above or a device disposed within a second device. The communication device can be used to perform the methods in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, such as a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. Exemplarily, the communication device is the aforementioned second device.

[0090] The transceiver module is used to receive Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) from the first device. The PPDU includes a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence subfield has a value of 1. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field includes a Resource Unit (RU) Index Mask subfield, a Spatial Stream Count (NSS) subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. A set of packet extension threshold subfields is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold. Here, the value of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the value of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. When the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0091] The processing module is used to determine the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number y based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number m1 indicated by the physical layer packet extension threshold field. The m1 is the smallest sequence number greater than y among the sequence numbers with bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield, or the m1 is the largest sequence number less than y among the sequence numbers with bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the value of the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the sequence number less than y includes 1.

[0093] In one possible implementation, the sequence number corresponding to a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield is not greater than y, and the processing module is used to determine that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number x is 20 microseconds.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the communication device uses a DCM, and the processing module is used to determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y+1, where sequence number y corresponds to multiple RUs of different sizes. Alternatively, the processing module is used to determine the nominal packet padding value based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y, where sequence number y corresponds to multiple RUs of different sizes, and the RU used by the communication device is not the largest RU among the multiple RUs of different sizes.

[0095] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, such as the first device as described above or a device disposed within the first device. The communication device can be used to perform the methods in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, such as a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. Exemplarily, the communication device is the aforementioned first device.

[0096] The processing module is used to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module is used to send the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes a resource unit (RU) index mask subfield, a spatial stream number (NSS) subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields indicates the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0097] Wherein, n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0, when the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, in the physical layer packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to the same nominal packet padding value, the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, indicating that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0 microseconds, and the value range of b does not include y.

[0098] In one possible implementation, the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to an index less than x does not include 1.

[0099] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, such as a second device as described above or a device disposed within a second device. The communication device can be used to perform the methods in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, such as a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. Exemplarily, the communication device is the aforementioned second device.

[0100] The transceiver module is used to receive PPDUs from the first device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes a resource unit (RU) index mask subfield, a spatial stream number (NSS) subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold. Here, the value of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. The value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0. The value of b does not include y.

[0101] The processing module is used to determine the nominal packet filling value of 0 microseconds corresponding to the RU with sequence number y based on the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the sequence number less than y does not include 1.

[0103] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication device is provided, such as a first device as described above or a device disposed within a first device. The communication device can be used to perform the methods in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the fifth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, such as a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. Exemplarily, the communication device is the aforementioned first device.

[0104] The processing module is used to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module is used to send the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields indicates the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0105] Wherein, n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0; the RU with sequence number y corresponds to the bit set to 0 in the RU index mask field; the range of b does not include y; and the physical layer packet extension threshold field is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y as 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0106] In one possible implementation, at least one bit is preceding the bit set to 0.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold field is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the adopted NSS is greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds; or, the physical layer packet extension threshold field is used to indicate that the second device when the adopted NSS is greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the adopted NSS and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with sequence number y.

[0108] Eighteenthly, a communication device is provided, such as a second device as described above or a device disposed within a second device. The communication device can be used to perform the methods in the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the sixth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, such as a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. Exemplarily, the communication device is the aforementioned second device.

[0109] The transceiver module is used to receive PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold presence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold. Wherein, the value of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. The RU with sequence number y corresponds to the bit set to 0 in the RU index mask field. The value of b does not include y.

[0110] The processing module is used to determine the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y as 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds based on the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0111] In one possible implementation, at least one bit is preceding the bit set to 0.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the communication device uses an NSS greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield, and the processing module is further configured to determine that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds; or...

[0113] The communication device uses an NSS that is greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield. The processing module is also used to determine the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y based on the NSS used and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with sequence number y.

[0114] In a nineteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, such as a first device as described above or a device disposed within a first device. The communication device can be used to perform the methods in the seventh aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the seventh aspect or any possible implementation thereof, such as a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. Exemplarily, the communication device is the aforementioned first device.

[0115] The processing module is used to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module is used to send the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a Spatial Stream Number (NSS) index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields includes multiple packet extension threshold subfields for indicating the NSS value n. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate to the second device the packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated Resource Unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value of n is in the range [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the first value satisfies the following formula:

[0117] N CBPRU =N RU242 *N BPSCS ;

[0118] Where, N CBPRU For the first value, N RU242 N is the maximum number of RUs that the RU can include (242). BPSCS The number of encoded bits carried by each subcarrier on a single space-time stream.

[0119] In one possible implementation, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets include a first packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. One of the first packet extension threshold subfields in the first packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate to the second device the first packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The first packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets further includes a second packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to the second nominal padding value. One of the second packet extension threshold subfields in the second packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate to the second device the second packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The second packet extension threshold is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold. The second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0121] In one possible implementation, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets further includes a third packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. One of the third packet extension threshold subfields in the third packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate to the second device the third packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The third packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0122] In one possible implementation, the NSS index mask subfield occupies at least 8 bits, the i-th bit of the NSS index mask subfield is 0, and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not include the set of packet extension threshold subfields for NSS i.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field is used to indicate that when the NSS used by the second device is greater than the NSS corresponding to the highest bit of the non-zero bit of the NSS index mask subfield, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold is 20 microseconds.

[0124] In a twentieth aspect, a communication device is provided, such as a second device as described above or a device disposed within a second device. The communication device can be used to perform the methods in the eighth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the eighth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, such as a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. Exemplarily, the communication device is the aforementioned second device.

[0125] The transceiver module is used to receive Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) from the first device. The PPDU includes a Spatial Stream Number (NSS) index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields includes multiple packet extension threshold subfields for indicating the NSS value n. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate to the communication device the packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated Resource Unit (RU) is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value of n is in the range [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8.

[0126] The processing module is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used when using NSS j based on the physical layer packet extension threshold information field and the first value, where j is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0127] In one possible implementation, the first value satisfies the following formula:

[0128] N CBPRU =N RU242 *N BPSCS ;

[0129] Where, N CBPRU For the first value, N RU242 N is the maximum number of RUs that the RU can include (242). BPSCS The number of encoded bits carried by each subcarrier on a single space-time stream.

[0130] In one possible implementation, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets include a first packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. One of the first packet extension threshold subfields in the first packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate to the communication device that the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value, and the NSS used by the second device is n, which corresponds to a first packet extension threshold. The first packet extension threshold is used to indicate the first nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold. The first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0131] When NSS is j, N CBPRU The nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when determining that the NSS is j is greater than or equal to the first nominal packet padding value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield of the NSS being j is the first nominal packet padding value.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets further includes a second packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to the second nominal packet padding value. One of the second packet extension threshold subfields in the second packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate to the communication device the second packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The second packet extension threshold is used to indicate the second nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold. The second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0133] When NSS is j, N CBPRU If the nominal packet filling value is greater than or equal to the second nominal packet filling value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield of NSS j, and less than the first nominal packet filling value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield of NSS j, the nominal packet filling value used by the communication device when determining that NSS j is used is the second nominal packet filling value.

[0134] In one possible implementation, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets further includes a third packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. One of the third packet extension threshold subfields in the third packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate to the communication device the third packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The third packet extension threshold is used to indicate the third nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold. The third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0135] When NSS is j, N CBPRU If the nominal packet filling value used by the communication device when determining that the NSS of j is greater than or equal to the third nominal packet filling value corresponding to the third packet extension threshold subfield of NSTS is j, and less than the second nominal packet filling value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield of NSTS is j, then the nominal packet filling value used is the third nominal packet filling value.

[0136] In one possible implementation, the NSS index mask subfield occupies at least 8 bits, the i-th bit of the NSS index mask subfield is 0, and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not include the set of subfields for NSS i.

[0137] In one possible implementation, the communication device uses an NSS greater than the NSS corresponding to the highest bit of the non-zero bits of the NSS index mask subfield, and the processing module is further configured to use a nominal packet padding value of 20 microseconds when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold.

[0138] In a twenty-first aspect, a communication device is provided, such as a first device as described above or a device disposed within a first device. The communication device can be used to perform the methods in the ninth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the ninth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, such as a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. Exemplarily, the communication device is the aforementioned first device.

[0139] The processing module is used to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module is used to send the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a spatial stream number (NSS) subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the packet extension threshold. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value of n is in the range of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8. The second value is related to the NSS used by the second device and the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated RU.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a first packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. The first packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the first packet extension threshold. The first packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0141] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a second packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value. The second packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the second packet extension threshold. The second packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold is the second nominal packet padding value, which is 16 microseconds.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a third packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. The third packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate a third packet extension threshold. The third packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0143] In a twenty-second aspect, a communication device is provided, such as a second device as described above or a device disposed within a second device. The communication device can be used to perform the methods in the tenth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the tenth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, such as a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. Exemplarily, the communication device is the aforementioned second device.

[0144] The transceiver module is used to receive PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes a spatial stream number (NSS) subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the packet extension threshold. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the second value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value of n is in the range of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8. The second value is related to the NSS used by the second device and the number of RU blocks after the RU is equivalently encoded.

[0145] The processing module determines the second value based on the adopted NSS and the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit RU, and determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the second value and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field.

[0146] In one possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to determine the second value based on the following relationship:

[0147] Wherein, NSS is the NSS corresponding to the RU allocated by the communication device, N CBPRU The number of RU blocks (equivalent encoded to RU) allocated to the communication device satisfies the following relationship:

[0148] N CBPRU =N RU242 *N BPSCS ;

[0149] N RU242 N is the maximum number of RUs that the RU can include (242). BPSCS The number of encoded bits carried by each subcarrier on a single space-time stream.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a first packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. The first packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the first packet extension threshold. The first packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0151] The processing module determines that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device is the first nominal packet padding value if the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet expansion threshold.

[0152] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a second packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value. The second packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the second packet extension threshold. The second packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold is the second nominal packet padding value, and the second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0153] The processing module determines that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device is the second nominal packet padding value when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet expansion threshold and the second value is less than the first packet expansion threshold.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a third packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. The third packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate a third packet extension threshold. The third packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0155] The processing module determines that the nominal packet filling value used by the communication device is the third nominal packet filling value when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet expansion threshold and the second value is less than the second packet expansion threshold.

[0156] In a twenty-third aspect, a communication device is provided, such as the first device as described above or a device disposed within the first device. The communication device can be used to perform the method in the eleventh aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the communication device may include modules for performing the method in the eleventh aspect or any possible implementation thereof, such as a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. Exemplarily, the communication device is the aforementioned first device.

[0157] The processing module is used to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module is used to send the PPDU and a first packet extension threshold range. The first packet extension threshold range is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device to send data to the first device when the third value is within the first packet extension threshold range. Different nominal packet padding values ​​correspond to different packet extension threshold ranges.

[0158] In one possible implementation, the third value satisfies the following relationship:

[0159] x = f(NSTS, RU, Modulation)

[0160] Where x is the third value, NSS is the NSS used by the communication device, RU is the RU size used by the communication device, and Modulation is the order of the modulation scheme used by the communication device.

[0161] In a twenty-fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, such as a second device as described above or a device disposed within a second device. The communication device can be used to perform the methods in the twelfth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Specifically, the communication device may include modules for performing the methods in the twelfth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, such as a processing module and a transceiver module coupled together. Exemplarily, the communication device is the aforementioned second device.

[0162] The transceiver module is used to receive PPDU and a first packet extension threshold range from the first device. The first packet extension threshold range is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device to send data to the first device when the third value is within the first packet extension threshold range. Different nominal packet padding values ​​correspond to different packet extension threshold ranges. The third value is related to one or more parameters among the spatial stream number (NSS), RU size, and modulation scheme used by the communication device.

[0163] If the third value is within the range of the first packet expansion threshold, the processing module determines that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device is the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the range of the first packet expansion threshold.

[0164] In one possible implementation, the third value satisfies the following relationship:

[0165] x = f(NSTS, RU, Modulation)

[0166] Where x is the third value, NSS is the NSS used by the communication device, RU is the RU size used by the communication device, and Modulation is the order of the modulation scheme used by the communication device.

[0167] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which may be a communication device according to any of aspects thirteen to twenty-four above, or a chip disposed in a communication device according to any of aspects thirteen to twenty-four. The communication device includes a communication interface and a processor, and optionally, a memory. The memory stores computer programs, instructions, or data. The processor is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. When the processor reads the computer program, instructions, or data, it causes the communication device to execute the method performed by the first device or the second device in any of the method embodiments of aspects one to twelfth above.

[0168] It should be understood that the communication interface can be implemented through an antenna, feeder, and codec in the communication device. Alternatively, if the communication device is a chip located in the first or second device, the communication interface can be the chip's input / output interface, such as input / output pins. The communication device may also include a transceiver for communicating with other devices. For example, when the communication device is the first device, the other device is the second device; or, when the communication device is the second device, the other device is the first device.

[0169] In a twenty-sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip system including a processor and further including a memory for implementing the methods executed by the communication apparatus in any one of the first to twelfth aspects. In one possible implementation, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions and / or data. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0170] In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system comprising the communication devices described in aspects thirteen and fourteen; or, the communication system comprising the communication devices described in aspects fifteen and sixteen; or, the communication system comprising the communication devices described in aspects seventeen and eighteen; or, the communication system comprising the communication devices described in aspects nineteen and twenty; or, the communication system comprising the communication devices described in aspects twenty-one and twenty-two; or, the communication system comprising the communication devices described in aspects twenty-three and twenty-four.

[0171] In a twentieth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when run, implements the methods executed by the first device in the foregoing aspects; or implements the methods executed by the second device in the foregoing aspects.

[0172] In a twenty-ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: computer program code, which, when executed, causes the method executed by the first device in the above aspects to be executed, or causes the method executed by the second device in the above aspects to be executed.

[0173] The beneficial effects of aspects thirteen through twenty-nine and their implementation methods can be found in the description of the beneficial effects of the methods and their implementation methods in aspects one through twelfth. Attached Figure Description

[0174] Figure 1 This is a network architecture diagram of a WLAN applicable to embodiments of this application;

[0175] Figure 2 The process of filling PPDU bits in the last encoded symbol;

[0176] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a PPDU provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0177] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the HE physical layer capability information field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0178] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the HE capability element provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0179] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the physical layer packet extended threshold field provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0180] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a structure for extending the threshold information field of an existing physical layer packet;

[0181] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a physical layer packet extended threshold information field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0182] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the first method for indicating nominal packet filling values ​​provided in this application embodiment;

[0183] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating a second method for indicating nominal packet filling values ​​provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0184] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a physical layer packet extended threshold information field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0185] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating the third method for indicating nominal packet filling values ​​provided in this application embodiment;

[0186] Figure 13 A schematic diagram illustrating the structure of another physical layer packet extended threshold information field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0187] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating the fourth method for indicating nominal packet filling values ​​provided in this application embodiment;

[0188] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0189] Figure 16 This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0190] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0191] The embodiments of this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios, and can be applied to IEEE 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, or their next generation, such as 802.11be or even later. Alternatively, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to WLAN systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Of course, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other possible communication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, and future 5G communication systems, etc.

[0192] The following examples illustrate the application of this application to WLAN scenarios. It should be understood that WLAN standards, starting with 802.11a / g, have evolved through 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and the currently discussed 802.11be. 802.11n can also be called high throughput (HT); 802.11ac can also be called very high throughput (VHT); 802.11ax can also be called high efficient (HE) or Wi-Fi 6; 802.11be can also be called extremely high throughput (EHT) or (Wi-Fi 7). Standards prior to HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, are collectively referred to as non-high throughput (Non-HT).

[0193] Please see Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a network architecture diagram of a WLAN to which embodiments of this application apply. Figure 1Taking a WLAN comprising one access point (AP) and two stations (STAs) as an example, the STA associated with the AP can receive and send wireless frames to the AP. Furthermore, this embodiment also applies to communication between APs; for example, APs can communicate with each other through a distributed system (DS). This embodiment also applies to communication between STAs. It should be understood that... Figure 1 The number of APs and STAs listed is just an example; there could be more or fewer.

[0194] The STA involved in the embodiments of this application can be various user terminals, user equipment, access devices, subscriber stations, subscriber units, mobile stations, user agents, user equipment, or other names with wireless communication functions. The user terminal can include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication functions, as well as various forms of user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), terminal, terminal equipment, portable communication devices, handheld devices, portable computing devices, entertainment devices, gaming devices or systems, global positioning system devices, or any other suitable device configured for network communication via wireless media. For example, the STA can be a router, switch, and bridge, etc. Here, for ease of description, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as a site or STA.

[0195] The AP and STA involved in the embodiments of this application can be APs and STAs that comply with the IEEE 802.11 system standard. An AP is a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STAs. The AP can serve as the hub of the communication system and is typically a network-side product that supports the MAC and PHY of the 802.11 system standard. Examples include base stations, routers, gateways, repeaters, communication servers, switches, or bridges. The base station can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeater stations, etc. For ease of description, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as APs. STAs are typically terminal products that support the media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) of the 802.11 system standard, such as mobile phones and laptops.

[0196] 802.11ax specifies that pre-forward error correction (FEC) padding, post-FEC padding, and packet extension can be added to the PPDU. Pre-FEC padding and excess information occupy approximately one-quarter (e.g., one-quarter, two-quarter, three-quarter, and all) of the subcarriers in the last coded symbol, while the remaining subcarriers can be used to carry post-FEC padding. Decoding the last coded symbol of the PPDU only requires decoding the subcarriers occupied by the pre-FEC padding and excess information, rather than decoding the entire coded symbol, thus saving decoding time and reserving more processing time for the PPDU.

[0197] To facilitate understanding, the following will be combined with... Figure 2 This needs to be explained.

[0198] Figure 2 The filling process for the PPDU bits in the last encoded symbol is shown. Figure 2 In this context, 'a' indicates that the spreading information bits and pre-correction code padding bits, after scrambling and coding, occupy approximately one-quarter to 'a' times the subcarrier size within a symbol. For example... Figure 2 In this context, a = 1 indicates that the spreading information bits and pre-error correction code padding bits occupy approximately one-quarter of the subcarriers within a symbol after scrambling and coding. Similarly, a = 2 indicates that the spreading information bits and pre-error correction code padding bits occupy approximately two-quarters of the subcarriers within a symbol after scrambling and coding; a = 3 indicates that the spreading information bits and pre-error correction code padding bits occupy approximately three-quarters of the subcarriers within a symbol after scrambling and coding; and a = 3 indicates that the spreading information bits and pre-error correction code padding bits occupy all the subcarriers within a symbol after scrambling and coding.

[0199] like Figure 2 As shown, post-FEC padding fills the remaining subcarriers within a symbol, making the number of bits occupied by the data reach N. CBPS bits, where N CBPSThis indicates the number of coded bits per symbol. It should be understood that since pre-FEC padding bits and excess information bits are explicitly specified to occupy approximately one-quarter of the subcarrier in the last coded symbol, when the receiver receives the PPDU, decoding the last coded symbol of the PPDU only requires decoding this one-quarter of the subcarrier, rather than decoding the entire coded symbol. This saves decoding time and allows more processing time for the PPDU.

[0200] However, due to the uncertainty of the post-FEC padding duration and the limitation of the total duration, the extra processing time reserved for the PPDU may not meet the minimum time required by the receiver. In order to ensure that the extra processing time reserved for the PPDU meets the minimum time required by the receiver (such as 8μs and 16μs), a field that may need to be added is introduced into the last symbol of the PPDU, namely the packet extension (PE) field.

[0201] Please see Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a PPDU. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The duration of the PE field in the PPDU is calculated when a=1, a=2, a=3, and a=4. The duration of the PE field can also be called the nominal packet extension time (nominalT). PE The nominal packet extension time is related to the nominal packet padding value included in the PPDU. From Figure 3 It can be seen that the nominal packet expansion time is related to the value of 'a' and the nominal packet padding value. Please refer to Table 1 for details.

[0202] Table 1 Nominal Packet Extension Time Values ​​(nominal T) PE value)

[0203]

[0204] The second row in Table 1 represents the nominal packet padding value, which can be 0 μs, 8 μs, or 16 μs. It should be understood that post-FEC padding can also provide additional processing time; the processing time provided by post-FEC padding combined with the nominal packet expansion time equals the actual packet expansion time (T). PE As can be seen from Table 1, the packet spread time is not necessarily equal to the minimum time required by the receiver (e.g., 0 μs, 8 μs, or 16 μs). For example, the nominal packet fill value is equal to 16 μs, and the nominal T...PE It can be 4μs, 8μs, 12μs, or 16μs. That is, T... PE Greater than or equal to nominal T PE T PE The value of is the minimum value that satisfies the requirements.

[0205] At the two ends of the communication, such as a first device and a second device, to ensure that the first device has sufficient processing time to receive data packets from the second device, the first device can indicate a modulation threshold corresponding to a certain NSTS and a certain RU size. The second device can then determine the nominal packet padding value to be used based on this modulation threshold. Subsequently, the second device determines the duration of the PE field based on this nominal packet padding value and the aforementioned 'a', and then pads the PE field that may be included in the PPDU sent to the first device according to the duration of the PE field. The second device generates a PPDU according to the duration of the PE field and sends it to the first device, ensuring that the first device has sufficient processing time, i.e., meeting the minimum processing time requirement of the first device. It is understood that in this embodiment, the first device can indicate the nominal packet padding value to be used by the second device; here, "to use" refers to the second device determining the duration of the PE field based on the nominal packet padding value and the aforementioned 'a'.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first device may directly indicate the nominal packet padding value to be used by the second device. As an example, the first device may indicate the nominal packet padding value using a nominal packet padding subfield. For instance, the first device may send a PPDU carrying the nominal packet padding subfield to the second device.

[0207] In other embodiments, the first device may indirectly indicate the nominal packet padding value to be used by the second device. As an example, the first device may indirectly indicate the nominal packet padding value by using a modulation threshold associated with it. For instance, the first device may send a PPDU to the second device carrying a packet extension threshold subfield indicating the modulation threshold.

[0208] This paper refers to the method of indicating the nominal packet padding value used by the second device through the nominal packet padding subfield as the direct indication method, and the method of indirectly indicating the nominal packet padding value used by the second device through the packet extension threshold subfield indicating the modulation threshold as the indirect indication method. The PPDU includes a nominal packet padding subfield and a packet extension threshold subfield indicating the modulation threshold. To distinguish when to use either the nominal packet padding subfield or the packet extension threshold subfield indicating the modulation threshold to indicate the nominal packet padding value, the PPDU also includes a physical packet extension (PPE) thresholds present subfield. When the physical packet extension thresholds present subfield is 0, the nominal packet padding subfield is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value. When the physical packet extension thresholds present subfield is 1, the packet extension threshold subfield indicating the modulation threshold is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value.

[0209] The following sections introduce the direct and indirect methods of indicating the nominal packet filling value.

[0210] Direct instruction method:

[0211] like Figure 4 As shown, the Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence Subfield and the Nominal Packet Filling Subfield are carried in the HE PHY Capabilities Information field. The HE PHY Capabilities Information field is included in the HE Capabilities element, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The HE capability element may include an element field, a length field, an element ID extension field, HE (medium access control, MAC) capabilities information, HE PHY capabilities information, supported HE-MCS and NSSSet fields, and may also include a Physical Layer Packet Extension Thresholds field. This application embodiment does not limit the number of bits occupied by each field or subfield included in the HE capability element. For example...Figure 5 As shown, the element field occupies 1 bit, the length field occupies 1 bit, the element identifier extension field occupies 1 bit, the HE media access control capability information field occupies 6 bits, the HE physical layer capability information field occupies 11 bits, and the number of bits occupied by the physical layer packet extension threshold field is variable. Furthermore, the physical layer packet extension threshold field is optional, meaning it is not mandatory.

[0212] When the physical layer packet extension threshold has a subfield value of 0, the nominal packet padding value indicated by the nominal packet padding subfield can be found in Table 2.

[0213] Table 2 Nominal packet padding subfield

[0214]

[0215]

[0216] As the number of streams supported per device increased from 8 to 16, the supported modulation scheme changed from 1K quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) to 4KQAM, and the supported bandwidth increased from 160MHz to 320MHz, the receiver required more processing time in these cases. Based on this, a nominal packet stuffing value greater than 16μs was proposed, for example, a nominal packet stuffing value of 20μs was proposed.

[0217] Following Table 2, an indication of value 3 can be added to the nominal packet padding subfield. For example, if the STA supports constellations <= 1024, NSTS <= 8, and the assigned RU <= 996*2 modes, the nominal packet padding value is 16μs, then the nominal packet padding subfield is set to 3; the nominal packet padding value for other modes is 20μs. In other words, when the nominal packet padding subfield value is 3, the nominal packet padding value is 16μs when the modulation scheme is less than or equal to 1KQAM, NSTS is less than or equal to 8, and the RU size is less than or equal to 2*996; otherwise, the nominal packet padding value is 20μs.

[0218] As one example, the nominal packet stuffing field in the HE physical layer capability information field can be reused, and the number of bits occupied by the nominal packet stuffing field can be increased to indicate the nominal packet stuffing value. As another example, a field indicating the nominal packet stuffing value can be set in a newly defined EHT capability element.

[0219] Indirect instruction method:

[0220] The nominal packet padding value can be indirectly indicated through the Physical Layer Packet Extension Thresholds (PPE) field and the PPE thresholds subfield in the PPDU. For example, if the PPE thresholds subfield is set to 1, then the PPE thresholds field indicates that the NSTS is n and the RU is the modulation threshold corresponding to a certain RU. The second device can then determine the nominal packet padding value based on this modulation threshold. This method allows for more flexibility in indicating different nominal packet padding values ​​based on different NSTS, RU sizes, and modulation schemes.

[0221] For example, please see Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field includes the NSTS subfield, the RU Index Bitmask subfield, the Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field, and the Physical Layer Packet Extension Padding (PPE padding) field.

[0222] The NSTS subfield indicates the number of space-time streams used for data transmission. For example, the NSTS subfield occupies 3 bits, with values ​​from 0 to 7, indicating streams 1 through 8 respectively. In other words, one value of these 3 bits corresponds to one space-time stream number. The RU Index Bitmask subfield indicates the size of the RU. The relationship between the RU Index Bitmask subfield and the RU size is shown in Table 3.

[0223] Table 3

[0224] RU allocation index RU allocation size 0 (bitmap 1000) 242 1 (bitmap 0100) 484 2 (bitmap 0010) 996 3 (bitmap 0001) 2*996

[0225] The RU Index Bitmask subfield is a bitmap. In Table 3, the RU allocationindex indicates which bit in the bitmap it is. For example, Table 3 uses a RU Index Bitmask occupying 4 bits. The first row of Table 3 indicates that the first bit of the RU Index Bitmask is set to 1. Figure 6 The middle line indicates that the corresponding RU is 242; similarly, the second line indicates that the second bit of the RU Index Bitmask is set to 1, then...Figure 6 The instruction indicates that the corresponding RU is 484, and so on. The RU allocation index can also be called the RU number; the smaller the number, the smaller the corresponding RU size. In this paper, the RU size is expressed in subcarrier granularity; for example, 242 refers to 242 subcarriers, 484 refers to 484 subcarriers, and so on.

[0226] It should be understood that different NSTS, RU sizes, and modulation schemes used at the transmitting end will result in different minimum processing times required by the receiving end, i.e., the corresponding nominal packet stuffing values ​​may differ. In one implementation, the NSTS from the first stream to the Nth stream is given exhaustively or ergonomically, along with the modulation thresholds corresponding to different RU sizes indicated starting from the smallest granularity. The value of N can be the maximum value of the bits used in the NSTS subfield plus 1; for example, if the NSTS subfield uses 3 bits and its maximum value is 7, then the maximum number of streams that the NSTS subfield can indicate is 8 streams (7+1=8); for example, if the NSTS subfield uses 6 bits and its maximum value is 15, then the maximum number of streams that the NSTS subfield can indicate is 16 streams (15+1=16). In this paper, the set of values ​​for the NSTS subfield can be denoted as [1, ..., NSTN+1]. Then the Nth stream is the (NSTS+1)th stream, i.e., NSTS equals N. In this paper, NSTS can be equivalently replaced by NSS, and the NSTS subfield can be equivalently replaced by the NSS subfield.

[0227] As an example, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of packet extension threshold subfields indicating the modulation threshold corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. In other words, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes multiple sets of packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields includes multiple packet extension threshold subfields, and each packet extension threshold subfield indicates the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. It should be understood that the value range of n is [1, ..., N]. Here, the sequence number b can be considered as the RU allocation index, used to indicate the RU size. For example, the value range of b is [m, ..., M], where [m, ..., M] is a list of bits sequentially formed by all bits set to 1 in the RU index mask subfield, and m is the least significant bit in this list. Taking Table 3 as an example, the value range of b is [0, ..., 3], that is, m equals 0 and M equals 3.

[0228] For example, please see Figure 7The diagram illustrates that the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a set of packet expansion threshold subfields indicating multiple packet expansion thresholds corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 8 μs and a set of packet expansion threshold subfields indicating multiple packet expansion thresholds corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 16 μs. In this paper, the set of packet expansion threshold subfields indicating multiple packet expansion thresholds corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 8 μs is referred to as PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfields. Any subfield in PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfields is called a PPET8NSTSn RUb subfield, used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSTS of n and sequence number b. For example, if a PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield occupies 3 bits, then PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfields can be used to indicate 8 modulation thresholds. Similarly, the set of packet expansion threshold subfields corresponding to multiple packet expansion thresholds with a nominal packet padding value of 16μs can be called PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfields. Any subfield in PPET16NSTSn RUb subfields is called a PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield, used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSTS of n and sequence number b. Alternatively, for simplicity, PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield can be simply referred to as PPET8, meaning PPET8 represents a PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield. Similarly, PPET16NSTSn RUb subfield can be simply referred to as PPET16.

[0229] Figure 7 This illustrates the exhaustive or ergodic indication of the RU size from the first stream to the Nth stream, and the exhaustive or ergodic indication of the RU size starting from the smallest granularity. We can assume that n takes values ​​from 1 to N, i.e., n is some element in [1, ..., N], and b takes values ​​from m to M. That is, the PPET16 NSTSn RUb and PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfields are present for all values ​​of n and b where 1 ≤ n ≤ (N) and where b = [m, ..., M] is the set of integers equal to the ordered list of bit positions of all bits that are set to 1 in the RU Index Bitmask subfield, with m being the lowest value.

[0230] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield / PPET16 NSTSnRUb subfield indicates the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSTS n and sequence number b. Alternatively, it can be considered that PPET8 NSTSnRUb subfield / PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield indicates the RU with NSTS n and sequence number b, as well as the modulation threshold. It should be understood that the modulation threshold can be used to indicate the modulation method; that is, the modulation threshold indicated by PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield / PPET16 NSTSnRUb subfield can indicate the modulation method.

[0231] For example, the correspondence between PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield / PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield and modulation scheme is shown in Table 4. The modulation threshold indicated by PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield / PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield is similar to the constellation index in Table 4, thus indirectly indicating the modulation scheme.

[0232] Table 4 Constellation Index

[0233]

[0234]

[0235] The structure of the extended threshold field in the physical layer packet sent from the first device to the second device is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the second device obtains the physical layer packet extension threshold field from the first device, and determines the nominal packet padding value to be used through a combination of PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield and PPET16NSTSn RUb subfield. Specifically, the second device can determine the nominal packet padding value according to Table 5. That is, if the comparison result between the modulation scheme adopted by the second device and the modulation threshold indicated by PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfields, and the comparison result between the modulation scheme adopted by the second device and the modulation threshold indicated by PPET16NSTSn RUb subfields, satisfies the condition of a certain row in Table 5, then the nominal packet padding value is the value corresponding to that row.

[0236] Table 5. PPE thresholds per PPET8 and PPET16

[0237]

[0238] It should be noted that the modulation scheme in Table 5 refers to the modulation scheme corresponding to DCM, which is one level higher than the modulation scheme corresponding to RUB. "None" in Table 5 can be understood as ignoring the corresponding conditions. For example, if the PPET8 subfield is set to None, the determination of the nominal packet filling value will not refer to the indication of the PPET8 subfield.

[0239] As shown in Table 5, the comparison result between the modulation method used by the second device and the modulation threshold indicated by PPET8 satisfies condition one, and the comparison result between the modulation method used by the second device and the modulation threshold indicated by PPET16 satisfies condition two. Therefore, the nominal packet filling value is the value corresponding to condition one and condition two.

[0240] If the constellation index x corresponding to the modulation scheme used by the second device is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold indicated by PPET8, and the constellation index x corresponding to the modulation scheme used by the second device is less than the modulation threshold indicated by PPET16 or PPET16 is set to empty, the nominal packet filling value is 8 μs. If the constellation index x corresponding to the modulation scheme used by the second device is greater than the modulation threshold indicated by PPET8 or PPET8 is set to empty, and the constellation index x corresponding to the modulation scheme used by the second device is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold indicated by PPET16, the nominal packet filling value is 16 μs. In other words, if conditions one and two of a certain row in Table 5 are satisfied, then the nominal packet filling value is the value in that row.

[0241] As the number of streams supported by each device increased from 8 to 16, the supported modulation scheme changed from 1K quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) to 4KQAM, and the supported bandwidth increased from 160MHz to 320MHz, the receiver required more processing time in these cases and needed to indicate a larger nominal packet fill value, such as 20μs or other possible nominal packet fill values.

[0242] For example, it can be used Figure 7 The structure shown is in Figure 7 Add a field to the physical layer packet extension threshold information field to indicate the nominal packet padding value of 20 μs. For example, in Figure 7The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field shown includes a set of packet expansion threshold subfields indicating multiple packet expansion thresholds corresponding to a nominal packet fill value of 20 μs. This set of subfields can be used to indicate modulation thresholds corresponding to different NSTSs and different RU sizes, but the nominal packet fill value determined by the second device based on this modulation threshold can be greater than 16 μs, for example, 20 μs. Similar to PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfields, for ease of description, this set of subfields can be referred to as PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfields, such as... Figure 8 As shown, each PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield in the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfields can be used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSTS n and sequence number b.

[0243] Similar to PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfields, in PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfields, the range of n is [1, ..., N], and the range of b is [m, ..., M]. The difference lies in... Figure 8 The length of the NSTS subfield in the middle is greater than Figure 7 The NSTS subfield in the code is longer; for example, the NSTS subfield can occupy 4 bits. Therefore, the range of n is [1, ..., N], where N equals 16.

[0244] Similarly, Figure 8 The length of the RU Index Bitmask subfield can be compared to Figure 7 The RU Index Bitmask subfield is longer, i.e. Figure 8 The RU Index Bitmask subfield occupies more bits, for example, 5 bits. In this case, the maximum granularity of the RU indicated by the RU Index Bitmask subfield is 3*996. Alternatively, the RU Index Bitmask subfield can occupy 6 bits, in which case the maximum granularity of the RU indicated by the RU Index Bitmask subfield is 4*996. Of course, the RU Index Bitmask subfield can occupy even more bits, with RU sizes of 242+484, 484+996, 242+484+996, 2*996+484, 2*996+996, or 3*996+484, etc. Therefore, the value range of b is [m, ..., M], where M can be greater than or equal to 5.

[0245] Similarly, considering the emergence of higher modulation schemes, the Constellation Index corresponding to any PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield in the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfields corresponds to more bits, such as 4 bits, which can indicate 16 modulation thresholds. It should be noted that this application embodiment does not limit the number of bits occupied by the NSTS subfield, the number of bits occupied by the RU Index Bitmask field, or the number of bits corresponding to the Constellation Index of the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield.

[0246] It should be understood that the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield, PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield, and PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield are used to indicate a modulation threshold corresponding to an RU with NSTS n and sequence number b. For ease of description, the modulation threshold indicated by the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield will be referred to as the first modulation threshold, the modulation threshold indicated by the PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield as the second modulation threshold, and the modulation threshold indicated by the PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfields as the third modulation threshold. For ease of description, the PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfield, PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfield, and PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfield can be referred to as the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSTSn RUb subfield in this document. PPET20 NSTSn RUb subfields, PPET16 NSTSn RUb subfields and PPET8 NSTSn RUb subfields may be referred to as PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSTSn RUb subfields in this document.

[0247] The second device determines the nominal packet fill value to use by combining the subfields of PPET8 NSTSn RUb, PPET16 NSTSn RUb, and PPET20 NSTSn RUb. That is, the second device determines the nominal packet fill value based on comparisons between the adopted modulation scheme and the first, second, and third modulation thresholds. Specifically, the second device can determine the nominal packet fill value according to Table 6. If conditions one, two, and three of a row in Table 6 are met, then the second device can determine that the nominal packet fill value to use is the value corresponding to that row. In other words, if the second device determines that a certain row of conditions in Table 6 is met, then the second device determines that the nominal packet fill value to use is the value indicated in that row.

[0248] Table 6. PPE Threshold Table for PPET8, PPET16, and PPET20

[0249]

[0250]

[0251] As shown in Table 6, if conditions 1, 2, and 3 in row 1 are met, the nominal packet filling value is 8 μs; if conditions 1, 2, and 3 in row 2 are met, the nominal packet filling value is 16 μs; and if conditions 1, 2, and 3 in row 3 are met, the nominal packet filling value is 20 μs.

[0252] from Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be seen, with the increase in the number of streams and the variety of RU sizes, the overhead is relatively large when exhaustively or ergonomically indicating the modulation thresholds corresponding to various RU sizes from the first stream to the Nth stream, and then indirectly indicating the nominal packet padding value through the modulation thresholds. In particular, the introduction of more different RUs in 802.11be makes the overhead of the PPE thresholds field even greater.

[0253] To reduce the overhead of the PPE thresholds field, some MRUs or RUs can be merged, meaning multiple RUs of different sizes can share the same index. This is achieved by expanding upon Table 3, resulting in the relationship between the RU Index Bitmasksubfield and RU size shown in Table 7.

[0254] Table 7

[0255] RU allocation index RU allocation size 0 (bitmap 100000) 242 1 (bitmap 01000) 484 2 (bitmap 001000) 242+484 / 996 3 (bitmap 000100) 996+484 / 2*996 / 242+484+996 4 (bitmap 000010) 2*996+484 / 3*996 5 (bitmap 000001) 3*996+484 / 4*996

[0256] In Table 7, multiple RUs of different sizes share the same index, meaning that multiple RUs of different sizes can correspond to a single PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSTSn RUb subfield, thereby reducing the overhead of the PPE thresholds field. However, as shown in Table 7, while having multiple RUs of different sizes corresponding to the same index reduces the overhead of the PPE thresholds field, it is not flexible.

[0257] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a method for indicating nominal packet padding values, reducing the overhead of the PPEthresholds field and providing more flexible indication of the nominal packet padding values ​​corresponding to each NSTS and each RU size. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, NSTS in the embodiments of this application can be replaced with NSS; NSS will be used as an example below.

[0258] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, taking the receiver as the first device and the transmitter as the second device as an example, it is explained how the first device indicates the nominal packet padding value used by the second device to the second device. Please refer to... Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the method for indicating the nominal packet filling value provided in this application embodiment. The flowchart is described as follows:

[0259] S901. The first device generates a PPDU, which includes a physical layer packet extension threshold existence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold existence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an NSS subfield, an RU index mask subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold. The value of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. When the value of the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0260] S902, the first device sends a PPDU to the second device, and the second device receives the PPDU.

[0261] S903, the second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number m1 indicated by the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0262] The embodiments of this application aim to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to a certain RU without traversing all RUs of different sizes. For example, the PPE Thresholds field can omit the PPET20 NSSn RUy subfield, PPET16 NSSn RUy subfield, and PPET8 NSSn RUy subfield corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number y, but the PPE Thresholds field can still indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number y. That is, the value of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, the value of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0, and the value of b does not include y. In other words, the PPE Thresholds field does not include the PPET20 NSSn RUy subfield, PPET16 NSSn RUy subfield, and PPET8 NSSn RUy subfield.

[0263] In one possible implementation (referred to herein as Implementation 1), the embodiments of this application may redefine some bits in the RUIndex Bitmask subfield that are set to 0. For example, the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0 may still be indexed (i.e., sequence number), but the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0 in the RU Index Bitmask subfield may not be indicated. It should be understood that, according to 802.11ax, the PPE Thresholds field will omit the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0. However, since the embodiments of this application still configure the index for the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0, it can be considered that even if the PPE Thresholds field omits the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0, it can still indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0. The second device may determine the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU corresponding to the bit set to 0 based on the modulation threshold.

[0264] In other words, assuming the RU corresponding to the 0 bit is index y, meaning the RU index mask subfield corresponding to RU with index y has a value of 0, the range of values ​​for b does not include y. That is, the PPE Thresholds field does not have a PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUy subfield corresponding to the RU with NSS n and index y, but the PPE Thresholds field can still implicitly indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and index y. Because the PPE Thresholds field omits the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUy subfield, the overhead of the PPE Thresholds field can be reduced. Furthermore, the omitted PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUy subfield actually has a corresponding constellation index. It can be considered that the corresponding constellation index is redefined for the RU corresponding to the omitted PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUy subfield (i.e., the RU with sequence number y). Therefore, even if multiple RUs exist, different types of RUs can correspond to different constellation indices, which is more flexible than multiple RUs corresponding to the same constellation index. Of course, in this embodiment, multiple RUs can also correspond to the same constellation index.

[0265] The following describes how to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number y when the PPE Thresholds field is omitted for the RU with NSS n and sequence number y. Examples include the following cases.

[0266] In scenario one, it can be stipulated that within the set of packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to the same nominal packet padding value, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number y is equal to the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number m1. That is, for the same NSS, a value of 0 in the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y can be used to indicate that the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number y is the same as the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number m1. For example, m1 is the smallest sequence number greater than y among the sequences with a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield. In other words, for the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number y to be equal to the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number m1, condition one must be satisfied: the bit position in the RUIndex Bitmask corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, and m1 is the smallest sequence number greater than y among the sequences with a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield.

[0267] For easier understanding, please refer to Table 8, which shows the correspondence between RU Index Bitmask, RU Allocation Index, RU size, and nominal packet padding value.

[0268] Table 8

[0269]

[0270] It should be noted that "custom" in Table 8 refers to the nominal packet padding value corresponding to a certain RU being determined by the RU itself. Table 8 uses six types of RU / MRU as an example. For ease of description, these six types of RU / MRU are referred to as RU0, RU1, RU2, RU3, RU4 and RU5 in Table 8.

[0271] In this embodiment, some bits in the RU Index Bitmask subfield are redefined to be 0. For example, the bits set to 0 in the RU Index Bitmask subfield corresponding to RU3 and RU4 in Table 8 are redefined, meaning that RU3 and RU4 still have corresponding constellation indices, instead of directly specifying that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to RU3 and RU4 is 0.

[0272] Since the values ​​of the RU Index Bitmask subfield corresponding to RU3 and RU4 are 0, the PPE Thresholdsfield can omit the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to RU3 or RU4. It should be understood that b = 3 or 4. To specify the modulation thresholds corresponding to RU3 and RU4, embodiments of this application may stipulate that the modulation thresholds corresponding to RU3 and RU4 are the same as the modulation thresholds corresponding to other RUs. For example, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y may be specified as equal to the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number m1, where m1 is the smallest sequence number greater than y among the sequence numbers corresponding to a bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield.

[0273] Taking RU3 as an example (y=3), as shown in Table 8, m1=5. This means the modulation threshold corresponding to RU3 is the same as the modulation threshold corresponding to RU5. Similarly, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU4 is the same as the modulation threshold corresponding to RU5. Taking RU1 as another example (y=1), as shown in Table 8, y=1, m1=2. This means the modulation threshold corresponding to RU1 is the same as the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2. It can be seen that even though the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to RU with index y is omitted from the PPE Thresholdsfield, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU with index y can still be determined through the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to other RUs.

[0274] Of course, if there is no m1 that satisfies condition one, that is, if the sequence number corresponding to a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield is not greater than y, and the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, used to indicate that the NSS is n, then the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is a fixed value, such as 20 microseconds or other possible values. That is, if there is no column for RU5 in Table 8, then the protocol can specify a certain value for the nominal packet padding value, such as 20 microseconds, and the second device can determine that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 20 microseconds.

[0275] As an alternative solution, this application embodiment may specify that: the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y is equal to the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number m1, which must satisfy condition two. Condition two is: the bit position in the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, m1 is the smallest sequence number greater than y among the sequence numbers with a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield, and at least one bit in the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to the RU with a sequence number less than y is set to 1.

[0276] Please refer to Table 8, taking RU3 as an example, i.e., y = 3. When y = 3, m1 = 5, and the RUs with a sequence number less than 3 include RU0, RU1, and RU2, where RU2 has a set bit in its RU Index Bitmask, satisfying condition two. In this case, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU3 is equal to the modulation threshold corresponding to RU5. Taking RU2 as an example, i.e., y = 1. When y = 1, m1 = 2, and the RUs with a sequence number less than 2 include RU0 and RU1, where neither RU0 nor RU1 has a set bit in its RU Index Bitmask, dissatisfying condition two. In this case, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU1 may not be determined according to the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2. For example, in Table 8, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the modulation threshold of RU1 is 0 microseconds.

[0277] That is, as shown in Table 8, if all the sequences greater than y corresponding to a bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield are 0, then the nominal packet filling value usable by the second device is 0 microseconds; if y is the smallest sequence greater than y corresponding to a bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield, and the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to RUs with sequences less than y has a bit set to 1, and the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to RUs with sequences greater than y has a bit set to 1, then the nominal packet filling value used by the second device is determined according to the modulation threshold corresponding to the nearest RU with a sequence greater than y, where the sequence number of the nearest RU refers to the sequence number with the smallest difference from y; if y is the smallest sequence greater than y corresponding to a bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield, but the bits in the RU index mask subfield of all RUs with sequences less than y are set to 0, then the nominal packet filling value usable by the second device is 20 microseconds.

[0278] As an alternative, m1 can be the largest sequence number less than y among the sequence numbers corresponding to a bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield. In other words, the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number y is the same as the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number m1, which must satisfy condition three. Condition three is: the bit position in the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, and m1 can be the largest sequence number less than y among the sequence numbers less than y corresponding to a bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield.

[0279] For easier understanding, please refer to Table 9, which shows the correspondence between RU Index Bitmask, RU Allocation Index, RU size, and nominal packet padding value.

[0280] Table 9

[0281]

[0282] It should be noted that "custom" in Table 9 refers to the nominal packet padding value corresponding to a certain RU being determined by the RU itself. Table 9 uses six types of RU / MRU as an example. For ease of description, these six types of RU / MRU are referred to as RU0, RU1, RU2, RU3, RU4 and RU5 in Table 9.

[0283] Similar to Table 8, since the RU Index Bitmask subfield values ​​for RU3 and RU5 are 0, the PPEThresholds field can omit the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield for RU3 or RU5. It should be understood that b = 3 or 5. To specify the modulation thresholds for RU3 and RU5, embodiments of this application may stipulate that the modulation thresholds for RU3 or RU5 are the same as those for other RUs. For example, it may be stipulated that, under condition three, the modulation threshold for the RU with NSS n and sequence number y is the same as the modulation threshold for the RU with NSS n and sequence number m1.

[0284] Taking RU3 as an example, i.e., y = 3. Since the index m1 of RU2 is 2, which is less than 3, and m1 is the largest index among the indices of bit 1 in the RU IndexBitmask corresponding to RU, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU with NSS of n and index 3 (i.e., RU3) is equal to the modulation threshold corresponding to RU with NSS of n and index 2 (RU2). Similarly, taking RU5 in Table 9 as an example, i.e., y = 5. The largest index among the indices of bit 1 in the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to RU is the index corresponding to RU4, and the index corresponding to RU is 4, which is less than the index corresponding to RU5. Therefore, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU with NSS of n and index 5 (i.e., RU5) is equal to the modulation threshold corresponding to RU with NSS of n and index 4 (RU4). It can be seen that even though the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfields corresponding to RU3 and RU5 are omitted from the PPE Thresholds field, the modulation thresholds corresponding to RU3 and RU5 can still be determined through the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfields corresponding to RU2 and RU4.

[0285] Of course, if there is no m1 that satisfies condition three, meaning that the sequence number corresponding to a bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield is not less than y, and the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0 (indicating NSS is n), then the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is a fixed value, such as 0 microseconds or other possible values. For example, for RU3, if there is no column for RU2 in Table 9, then the protocol can specify a certain value for the nominal packet padding value, such as 0 microseconds. Or, for example, for RU5, if there is no column for RU4 in Table 9, then the protocol can specify a certain value for the nominal packet padding value, such as 0 microseconds.

[0286] As an alternative solution, this application embodiment may specify that: the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y is the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number m1, which must satisfy condition four. Condition four may be: the bit position in the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, m1 is the largest sequence number less than y among the sequence numbers with a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield, and at least one bit in the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to the RU with a sequence number less than y is set to 1.

[0287] Using the examples from Table 9, let's take RU3 as an example, where y = 3. When y = 3, m1 = 2, and the RUs with serial numbers less than 3 include RU0, RU1, and RU2, RU2 has a 1 bit in its corresponding RU Index Bitmask, thus satisfying condition four. In this case, the modulation threshold of RU3 is equal to the modulation threshold of RU2. Let's take RU5 as an example, where y = 5. When y = 5, m1 = 4, and the RUs with serial numbers less than 5 include RU0, RU1, RU2, RU3, and RU4, RU2 and RU4 have a 1 bit in their corresponding RU Index Bitmasks, thus satisfying condition four. In this case, the modulation threshold of RU5 is equal to the modulation threshold of RU4. Let's take RU2 as an example, where y = 2. When y = 2, m1 = 1, and the RUs with serial numbers less than 1 include RU0, RU0 does not have a 1 bit in its corresponding RU Index Bitmask, thus not satisfying condition four. In this case, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2 does not need to be determined according to the modulation threshold corresponding to RU1. For example, in Table 9, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the modulation threshold of RU2 can be fixed at 0 microseconds.

[0288] That is, as shown in Table 9, if all the sequence numbers less than y corresponding to a bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield are 0, then the nominal packet filling value usable by the second device is 0 microseconds; if y is the largest sequence number less than y corresponding to a bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield, and the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to a sequence number greater than y has a bit set to 1, and the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to a sequence number less than y has a bit set to 1, then the nominal packet filling value used by the second device is determined according to the modulation threshold corresponding to the nearest RU with a sequence number smaller than y, where the difference between the sequence number of the nearest RU and y is the smallest; if y is the largest sequence number less than y corresponding to a bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield, but the bits in the RU index mask subfield of all RUs with a sequence number greater than y are set to 0, then the nominal packet filling value usable by the second device is 20 microseconds.

[0289] It should be noted that if the value of the RU Index Bitmask for sequence number y is 0, but the RU used by the second device is less than or equal to 2*996, the number of streams is less than or equal to 8, and the modulation method is less than or equal to 1KQAM, and the nominal packet padding value used by the second device is greater than 16 microseconds, for example, 20 microseconds, as shown in Table 8 or Table 9, then the nominal packet padding value used by the second device can be assumed to be 16 microseconds to better comply with the existing 802.11ax specifications.

[0290] The above-described scenario one can be considered as follows: All RU index mask subfields preceding the RU index mask subfield set to 0 have a value of 0, so the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU with a value of 1 can be 0 microseconds; if the RU index mask subfield set to 0 is located between two RU index mask subfields set to 1, then the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with a value of 0 is determined based on the modulation threshold of the RU closest to the RU with a value of 0. The difference between the sequence number of the closest RU and the sequence number of the RU corresponding to the RU with a value of 0 is minimized; all RU index mask subfields following the RU index mask subfield set to 0 have a value of 0, so the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU with a value of 0 can be 20 microseconds.

[0291] For easier understanding, please refer to Table 10, which shows the correspondence between RU Index Bitmask, RU Allocation Index, RU size, and nominal packet padding value.

[0292] Table 10

[0293]

[0294]

[0295] Taking RU2 in Table 10 as an example, RU2's RU Index Bitmask is 0, located between RU1 (where RU Index Bitmask is 1) and RU4 (where RU Index Bitmask is 1). Therefore, the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2 can be determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to RU4. Taking RU0 as an example, RU0's RU Index Bitmask is 0, and RU0 is located before RU1-RU5. RU1's RU Index Bitmask is 1, so RU0's nominal packet padding value is 0 microseconds. Taking RU5 as an example, RU5's RU Index Bitmask is 0, and RU5 is located after RU0-RU4. Therefore, RU5's nominal packet padding value can be 20 microseconds.

[0296] In scenario two, the bit position in the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to the RU with sequence number y can be set to 0, the NSS is n, and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is a fixed value. For example, the bit position in the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, the NSS is n, and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0 microseconds. Unlike scenario one, in this case, the second device can directly determine the nominal packet padding value used to send data packets to the first device, which is simpler.

[0297] As an alternative to scenario two, it can be stipulated that the bit position in the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, and the value of the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to sequence numbers less than y does not include 1. The nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y and NSS of n is a fixed value, for example, 0 microseconds. Taking RU3 in Table 9 as an example, i.e., y = 3, the RUs corresponding to sequence numbers less than 3 include RU0, RU1, and RU2. Since the value of the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to RU2 includes 1, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to RU3 can be determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the other RUs. Taking RU2 in Table 9 as an example, i.e., y = 2, the RUs corresponding to sequence numbers less than 2 include RU0 and RU1. Since the value of the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to RU0 and RU1 does not include 1, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to RU2 is a fixed value.

[0298] It should be noted that in Tables 8 and 9 above, the correspondence of one serial number (i.e., RU Allocation Index) to multiple RUs of different sizes is merely an example. For example, in Table 9, the RU with size 242+484 and the RU with size 996 both correspond to an RU Allocation Index of 2. This application does not limit the number of RU types corresponding to one RU Allocation Index. For example, one RU can correspond to one RU Allocation Index. That is, the correspondence shown in Table 11 also applies to this application. It should also be understood that among the RUs of different sizes mentioned above, an RU can be a single RU, such as an RU with size 996 subcarriers (shown as 996 in the table), or an MRU, such as an MRU composed of two RUs with size 996 subcarriers and two RUs with size 484 subcarriers (shown as 996+484 in the table), or an MRU composed of two RUs with size 996 subcarriers (shown as 2×996 in the table).

[0299] Table 11

[0300]

[0301] Unlike implementation method one, in possible implementation method two, the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU corresponding to the 0 bit in the RU IndexBitmask subfield can be defined as a fixed value, which is more direct.

[0302] For example, if the RU with sequence number y corresponds to a bit set to 0 in the RU Index Bitmask subfield, then the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y is a fixed value. For instance, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y can be 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0303] In another example, if the RU with sequence number y corresponds to a bit set to 0 in the RU Index Bitmask subfield, and there is at least one bit with a value of 1 before the bit set to 0, then the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y is a fixed value. For example, the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y can be 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0304] In implementation method two, the PPE Thresholds field can omit the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to the RU with index y, and can also omit the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to other index RUs, which saves more overhead.

[0305] In a possible implementation of the third method, the embodiments of this application can assist the second device in determining the nominal packet padding value used when sending data by using the NSS range indicated by the NSS subfield in the PPE Thresholds field.

[0306] For example, the NSS used by the second device can be defined to be greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield in the PPE Thresholds field. The nominal packet padding value that the second device can use is a fixed value, such as 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds. In this way, except that the PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RUb subfield corresponding to the RU with sequence number y can be omitted, the second device only needs to focus on the value indicated by the NSS subfield, which is simpler.

[0307] For example, if the NSS subfield in the PPE Thresholds field indicates a value of 9, and the second device uses an NSS of 12, then the second device does not need to refer to the RU indication in the PPE Thresholds field and can directly determine that the nominal packet padding value used is a fixed value, such as 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0308] In another example, the NSS used by the second device can be defined to be greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield in the PPE Thresholds field. The nominal packet padding value that the second device can use is determined based on the value indicated by the NSS subfield and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with sequence number y. For example, if the value indicated by the NSS subfield in the PPE Thresholds field is 9, and the NSS used by the second device is 12 streams, then when the second device determines that the RU to be used is y, the nominal packet padding value used is determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of 9 and sequence number y.

[0309] This application's embodiments are applicable to scenarios where one sequence number corresponds to one type of RU, and also to scenarios where one sequence number corresponds to multiple RUs of different sizes. In a scenario where one sequence number corresponds to multiple RUs of different sizes, if the second device uses a DCM, then the sequence number y may correspond to multiple RUs of different sizes. To address this situation, this application's embodiments also provide a corresponding nominal packet filling value indication method, which may include the following two indication methods.

[0310] In instruction method one, the bit position in the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to RU with sequence number y can be specified as 0. When the second device uses DCM, the nominal packet stuffing value corresponding to RU with sequence number y is determined according to the modulation threshold corresponding to RU with sequence number y+1. That is, if the second device uses DCM, it can determine the nominal packet stuffing value according to the modulation threshold corresponding to PPET20 / 16 / 8 NSSn RU(y+1)subfield. For example, taking RU2 in Table 9 as an example, i.e., y=2. If the second device uses DCM, it can determine that the nominal packet stuffing value corresponding to RU2 is determined according to the modulation threshold corresponding to RU3.

[0311] Instruction Method Two: When the RU selected by the second device is not the largest RU among multiple RUs of different sizes corresponding to the sequence number y, the bit position in the RU Index Bitmask corresponding to the RU with sequence number y can be set to 0. When the second device uses DCM, the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with sequence number y when the NSS is n. For example, taking RU2 in Table 9 as an example, i.e., y = 2. If the second device uses DCM, then the second device can determine that the nominal packet filling value corresponding to RU2 is still determined based on the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2, rather than based on the modulation threshold of RU3. It should be understood that the RU selected by the second device is not the largest RU among multiple RUs of different sizes corresponding to the sequence number y. For example, if the RU allocated by the second device is RU2 (242+484), and the second device uses DCM, then the second device determines the nominal packet filling value based on the modulation threshold corresponding to RU2. If the RU allocated by the second device is RU2 (996), then the second device can determine the nominal packet filling value based on the modulation threshold corresponding to RU3.

[0312] It should be understood that when the second device sends data to the first device, the purpose of nominal packet padding is to allow the first device sufficient processing time. Typically, the processing time of the received data by the first device is mainly concentrated in its multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) demodulation module and FEC decoding module. The complexity of MIMO demodulation is positively correlated with the NSS, and the complexity of FEC decoding is positively correlated with the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding allocated by the second device. Based on this, the nominal packet padding value can be determined by the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding, or by the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding and the NSS. That is, a packet expansion threshold corresponding to the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding is set to indicate the nominal packet padding value, or a packet expansion threshold corresponding to the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding and the NSS is set to indicate the nominal packet padding value. Compared to indicating the nominal packet padding value by using the modulation threshold corresponding to the NSS and RU size, the embodiments of this application can simplify the PPE Thresholds field and save the overhead of the PPE Thresholds field.

[0313] The following sections introduce schemes for determining nominal packet padding values ​​by using the number of RU blocks after RU equivalent encoding, and schemes for determining nominal packet padding values ​​by using the number of RU blocks after RU equivalent encoding and NSS.

[0314] Please see Figure 10 This application provides another method for indicating nominal packet padding values, namely, using the number of RU blocks after RU equivalent encoding to indicate the nominal packet padding value. The process of this method is described as follows:

[0315] S1001. The first device generates a PPDU, which includes an NSS index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields includes a packet extension threshold subfield for indicating the NSS as n. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate to the second device the packet extension threshold when it uses NSS as n and the number of RU blocks after the allocated RU equivalent encoding is a first value. The packet extension threshold is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8.

[0316] S1002, the first device sends a PPDU to the second device, and the second device receives the PPDU.

[0317] S1003. The second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used when NSS is i based on the physical layer packet extension threshold information field and the first value.

[0318] As an example, the first value is related to the maximum number of RU242 that the RU allocated to the second device can include, and the number of coded bits carried by each subcarrier on a single space-time stream. For example, the first value can satisfy the following relationship:

[0319] N CBPRU =N RU242 *N BPSCS ;

[0320] Where, N CBPRU For the first value, N RU242 The maximum number of RU242s that can be included in the RU allocated to the second device. For example, if the second device is allocated RU996, RU996 can contain 4 RU242s, so N RU242 =4. It should be understood that, given a bandwidth not exceeding 320MHz, N RU242 The value of N ranges from 0 to 16. BPSCS This refers to the number of encoded bits carried by each subcarrier on a single space-time stream. For example, in the case of Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) modulation, N... BPSCS =1; Modulation mode is 64QAM, N BPSCS =6; modulation mode is 4096QAM, N BPSCS =12, etc. It should be understood that if the second device uses DCM modulation, N RU242It is twice that of the second device when DCM modulation is not used.

[0321] Each NSS can correspond to multiple package extension thresholds. For an example, please refer to [link to example]. Figure 11 This application provides a novel structure for a physical packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes multiple sets of packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields includes multiple packet extension threshold subfields indicating the packet extension threshold corresponding to an NSS of n. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet expansion threshold subfields indicating a nominal packet padding value of 20 μs. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field also includes a set of multiple packet expansion threshold subfields indicating a nominal packet padding value of 16 μs. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field also includes a set of multiple packet expansion threshold subfields indicating a nominal packet padding value of 8 μs. For ease of description, in this paper, the set of multiple packet expansion threshold subfields indicating a nominal packet padding value of 20 μs is referred to as the first subfield set, the set of multiple packet expansion threshold subfields indicating a nominal packet padding value of 16 μs is referred to as the second subfield set, and the set of multiple packet expansion threshold subfields indicating a nominal packet padding value of 8 μs is referred to as the third subfield set.

[0322] Specifically, one of the first subfields in the first subfield set is used to indicate a first packet expansion threshold corresponding to NSS n. This first packet expansion threshold is used to indicate a first nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the first packet expansion threshold; for example, the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds. Figure 11 The first subfield can be denoted as PPET20. NSS＝n , where n takes values ​​in the range [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 8.

[0323] Similarly, a second subfield in the second subfield set is used to indicate a second packet extension threshold corresponding to NSS n. This second packet extension threshold indicates the second nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold; for example, the second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds. Figure 11 The second subfield can be denoted as PPET16. NSS＝n Where n ranges from [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 8. A third subfield in the third subfield set indicates a third packet expansion threshold corresponding to NSS n. This third packet expansion threshold indicates the third nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the third packet expansion threshold; for example, the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.Figure 11 The third subfield can be denoted as PPET8. NSS＝n , where n takes values ​​in the range [1, ..., N], and N is an integer greater than or equal to 8.

[0324] When the second device sends data to the first device, it can be based on PPET20. NSS＝n PPET16 NSS＝n and PPET8 NSS＝n The combination of these factors determines the nominal packet padding value to use. In other words, for a given NSS, the second device determines the nominal packet padding value based on N. CBPRU The nominal packet fill value is determined by comparing it with the first packet expansion threshold, the second packet expansion threshold, and the third packet expansion threshold, respectively. Specifically, the second device can determine the nominal packet fill value according to Table 12. If conditions one, two, and three of a certain row in Table 12 are met, then the second device can determine that the nominal packet fill value to be used is the value corresponding to that row. That is, if the second device determines that a certain row of conditions in Table 12 is met, then the second device determines that the nominal packet fill value to be used is the value indicated in that row. Among them, in Table 12, PPET20 NSS＝n This represents the first packet expansion threshold when NSS is n, PPET16 NSS＝n This represents the second packet expansion threshold when NSS is n, PPET8 NSS＝n This represents the third packet extension threshold when NSS is n.

[0325] Table 12

[0326]

[0327]

[0328] For example, the second device uses NSS i, when N CBPRU If the first packet extension threshold corresponding to the first subfield of NSS is greater than or equal to i, the second device can determine that the nominal packet padding value used is 20 microseconds. CBPRU If the second packet expansion threshold corresponding to the second subfield of NSS is greater than or equal to that of NSS i, and less than the first packet expansion threshold corresponding to the first subfield of NSS i, the second device can determine that the nominal packet padding value used is 16 microseconds. When NSS is i, N CBPRU If the nominal packet filling value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold corresponding to the third subfield of NSS i, and less than the second packet extension threshold corresponding to the second subfield of NSS i, the second device can determine that the nominal packet filling value used is 8 microseconds.

[0329] Furthermore, in order to reduce the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold information field, embodiments of this application may omit some of the first, second, and third subfields corresponding to the NSS.

[0330] As an example, the NSS index mask subfield can occupy at least 8 bits. Through bit mapping, it can indicate that a packet extension threshold corresponding to a certain NSS does not exist; that is, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not include the first, second, and third subfields corresponding to that NSS. For example, if the j-th bit of the NSS index mask subfield is 0, then the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not include the first, second, and third subfields of NSS j. It should be understood that j is located in [1, ..., N]. Correspondingly, if the j-th bit of the NSS index mask subfield is 1, then the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes the first, second, and third subfields of NSS j. Or, if the j-th bit of the NSS index mask subfield is 1, then the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not include the first, second, and third subfields of NSS n. Correspondingly, if the j-th bit of the NSS index mask subfield is 0, then the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes the first, second, and third subfields of NSS j.

[0331] As another example, the NSS used by the second device can be defined to be greater than the NSS corresponding to the highest non-zero bit in the NSS index mask subfield, and the nominal packet padding value used by the second device can be a fixed value, such as 20 microseconds, which is simpler.

[0332] Please see Figure 12 This application provides another method for indicating nominal packet padding values, which uses the number of RU blocks after RU equivalent encoding and the packet extension threshold corresponding to the NSS to indicate the nominal packet padding value. The process of this method is described as follows:

[0333] S1201. The first device generates a PPDU, which includes an NSS subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. The packet extension threshold field is used to indicate a packet extension threshold to the second device. The packet extension threshold is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used when a second value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The second value is related to the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the resource units (RUs) allocated by the second device and the NSS used by the second device. The NSS value ranges from [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8. It should be noted that the packet extension threshold field is used to indicate that the packet extension threshold can be considered as the packet extension threshold corresponding to the second device when the packet extension threshold field indicates to the second device that it uses an NSS of n and the second value obtained after quantifying (equivalently) the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource units (RUs).

[0334] S1202, the first device sends a PPDU to the second device, and the second device receives the PPDU.

[0335] S1203. The second device determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the physical layer packet extension threshold information field and the second value.

[0336] In this embodiment, the second value is related to the number of RU blocks (equivalent to RU blocks) allocated by the second device and the NSS used by the second device. For example, the second value satisfies the following relationship:

[0337]

[0338] Among them, P index The second value is NSS, which is the number of space-time streams corresponding to the RU allocated to the second device. CBPRU The number of RU blocks after RU equivalent encoding allocated to the second device.

[0339] It should be noted that, Indicate P index The value can be obtained through NSTS and N CBPRU It can be determined, or it can be determined through other possible parameters. NSTS and N CBPRU Determine P index There is no single way to do this. As an example, P... index =NSTS×N CBPRU .

[0340] The embodiments of this application are similar to those described above. Figure 10 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the physical packet extension threshold information field no longer separately indicates the packet extension threshold for the NSS, which can further simplify the physical layer packet extension threshold information field and save the overhead of the physical layer packet extension threshold information field.

[0341] For example, please see Figure 13 This application provides a novel structure for a physical packet expansion threshold information field. The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes packet expansion threshold sub-fields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. For example, the physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a packet expansion threshold sub-field corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 20 μs (referred to as the fourth sub-field in this application embodiment). The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a packet expansion threshold sub-field corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 16 μs (referred to as the fifth sub-field in this application embodiment). The physical layer packet expansion threshold information field includes a packet expansion threshold sub-field corresponding to a nominal packet padding value of 8 μs (referred to as the sixth sub-field in this application embodiment). Figure 13The fourth subfield can be denoted as PPET20, which indicates the fourth package extension threshold; the fifth subfield can be denoted as PPET16, which indicates the fifth package extension threshold; and the sixth subfield can be denoted as PPET8, which indicates the sixth package extension threshold.

[0342] When the second device sends data to the first device, it can determine the nominal packet padding value to use based on the combination of PPET20, PPET16, and PPET8. That is, the second device first determines a second value based on the NSS used and the RU allocated to it, and then compares this second value with the fourth, fifth, and sixth packet extension thresholds respectively, determining the nominal packet padding value based on the final comparison result. Specifically, the second device can determine the nominal packet padding value according to Table 13. If conditions one, two, and three of a row in Table 13 are met, then the second device can determine that the nominal packet padding value to use is the value corresponding to that row. In other words, if the second device determines that a certain row of conditions in Table 13 is met, then the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value to use is the value indicated in that row. In Table 13, PPET20 corresponds to the fourth packet extension threshold, PPET16 corresponds to the fifth packet extension threshold, and PPET8 corresponds to the sixth packet extension threshold.

[0343] Table 13

[0344]

[0345] Specifically, when the second value is greater than the fourth packet expansion threshold, the second device can determine that the nominal packet fill value is 20 microseconds. When the second value is greater than or equal to the fifth packet expansion threshold and less than the fourth packet expansion threshold, the second device can determine that the nominal packet fill value is 16 microseconds. When the second value is greater than or equal to the sixth packet expansion threshold and less than the fifth packet expansion threshold, the second device can determine that the nominal packet fill value is 8 microseconds.

[0346] It should be understood that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device may differ depending on one or more of the NSS, RU size, and modulation scheme used. The foregoing embodiments use a combination of NSS, RU size, and modulation scheme to indicate the nominal packet padding value. To further reduce overhead, this application also provides a method for indicating the nominal packet padding value. In this method, the first device can inform the second device of a packet expansion threshold range. The second device can determine a third value affecting the nominal packet padding value based on one or more parameters such as the NSS, RU, and modulation scheme order, and then determine the nominal packet padding value to use based on the third value and the packet expansion threshold range sent by the first device. In this method, since the first device sends a packet expansion threshold range, the overhead of the physical layer packet expansion threshold field can be reduced.

[0347] Please see Figure 14This application provides another method for indicating nominal packet padding values, which uses the number of RU blocks after RU equivalent encoding and the packet extension threshold corresponding to the NSS to indicate the nominal packet padding value. The process of this method is described as follows:

[0348] S1401, The first device generates a PPDU.

[0349] S1402, the first device sends a PPDU and a first packet extension threshold range to the second device, and the second device receives the PPDU and the first packet extension threshold range. The first packet extension threshold range is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device to send data to the first device when the third value is within the first packet extension threshold range. Different nominal packet padding values ​​correspond to different packet extension threshold ranges.

[0350] S1403, the second device determines the nominal packet filling value to be used by the second device based on the received first packet extension threshold range and the third value.

[0351] In this embodiment, the third value is related to one or more factors affecting the nominal packet filling value used by the second device. For example, the third value is related to one or more parameters among the NSS, RU size, and modulation method used by the second device. For instance, the third value satisfies the following relationship:

[0352] x = f(NSTS, RU, Modulation)

[0353] Where x is the third value, NSS is the NSS used by the second device, RU is the RU size used by the second device, and Modulation is the order of the modulation method used by the second device.

[0354] It should be noted that, This illustration only shows the relationship between x and the size of NSS, RU and modulation method. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific correspondence between x and the size of NSS, RU and modulation method.

[0355] For example, when NSS = a, the corresponding packet expansion threshold is b; when NSS = c, the corresponding packet expansion threshold is d; and when NSS = e, the corresponding packet expansion threshold is f. x can be considered a function related to b, d, and f, for example, x = b + d + f; or x = b * (d + f).

[0356] Multiple packet expansion threshold ranges can be predefined, and different packet expansion threshold ranges correspond to different nominal packet padding values. For example, the first packet expansion threshold range is [0, p1], and the corresponding nominal packet padding value is 0 microseconds; the second packet expansion threshold range is (p1, p2], and the corresponding nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds; the third packet expansion threshold range is (p2, p3], and the corresponding nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0357] When the second device sends data to the first device, it can calculate a third value based on the NSS, RU size, and Modulation used. This third value is then compared with the packet extension threshold range sent by the first device to determine the nominal packet padding value to use. If the third value falls within the packet extension threshold range, the second device determines that the nominal packet padding value to use is the nominal packet padding value corresponding to that packet extension threshold range.

[0358] Unlike the aforementioned method where the first device informs the second device of a packet expansion threshold range, and the second device determines a third value, in determining the nominal packet filling value, as an alternative approach, the first device can inform the second device of the influence range of various parameters on the nominal packet filling value. The second device can then determine the nominal packet filling value to use based on the various parameters used in transmitting data and their respective influence ranges. This method individually indicates the influence of NSS, RU size, and modulation scheme on the nominal packet filling value, eliminating the need to combine these factors to indicate the nominal packet filling value. For example, if NSS has 16 influence results, RU has 6, and modulation scheme has 8, then the first device can provide the second device with 16+6+8 influence results. Therefore, compared to exhaustively or ergonomically providing the nominal packet filling values ​​corresponding to each NSS, RU, and modulation threshold, the nominal packet filling value indication method provided in this application further reduces overhead.

[0359] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described from the perspective of the interaction between the first device and the second device. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the first device and the second device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0360] The communication device used to implement the above method in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the content above can be used in subsequent embodiments, and repeated content will not be described again.

[0361] Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1500 can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the first device or the second device in the various method embodiments described above. The communication device may include a processing module 1510 and a transceiver module 1520. Optionally, it may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing module 1510 and the transceiver module 1520 can be coupled to the storage unit. For example, the processing unit 1510 can read instructions (code or program) and / or data from the storage unit to implement the corresponding method. The aforementioned units can be set independently, or partially or completely integrated.

[0362] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1500 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the first device in the above method embodiments.

[0363] In Example 1, processing module 1510 is used to generate a PPDU, and transceiver module 1520 is used to send the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold existence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold existence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0364] Where n is a subset of [1, ..., N], N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, b is a subset of [m, ..., M], m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0, when the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with the sequence number y is 0, the value range of b does not include y;

[0365] In the set of packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to the same nominal packet filling value, the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, which is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y, and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number m1. Here, m1 is the smallest sequence number greater than y among the sequence numbers corresponding to bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield, or m1 is the largest sequence number less than y among the sequence numbers corresponding to bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield.

[0366] In one possible implementation, the value of the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the sequence number less than y includes 1.

[0367] In one possible implementation, if the sequence number corresponding to a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield is not greater than y, then the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, which is used to indicate that the NSS is n, and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 20 microseconds.

[0368] In Example 2, processing module 1510 is used to generate a PPDU, and transceiver module 1520 is used to send the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold existence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold existence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes a resource unit (RU) index mask subfield, a spatial stream number (NSS) subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0369] Wherein, n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0, when the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, in the physical layer packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to the same nominal packet filling value, the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, indicating that the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0 microseconds, and the value range of b does not include y.

[0370] In one possible implementation of Example 2, the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the ordinal number less than x does not include 1.

[0371] In Example 3, processing module 1510 is used to generate a PPDU, and transceiver module 1520 is used to send the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes a physical layer packet extension threshold existence subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold field. The physical layer packet extension threshold existence subfield has a value of 1. The physical layer packet extension threshold field includes an RU index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold.

[0372] Wherein, n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0; the RU with sequence number y corresponds to the bit set to 0 in the RU index mask field; the range of b does not include y; and the physical layer packet extension threshold field is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y as 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds.

[0373] In one possible implementation, at least one bit is preceding the bit set to 0.

[0374] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold field is used to indicate that a communication device using an NSS greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield uses a nominal packet padding value of 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds; or, the physical layer packet extension threshold field is used to indicate that a communication device using an NSS greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield determines the nominal packet padding value to use based on the NSS used and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with sequence number y.

[0375] In Example 4, processing module 1510 is used to generate PPDU, and transceiver module 1520 is used to send the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes an NSS index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields includes multiple packet extension threshold subfields for indicating the NSS as n. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after RU equivalent encoding allocated to the second device is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8.

[0376] In one possible implementation, the first value satisfies the following formula:

[0377] N CBPRU =N RU242 *N BPSCS ;

[0378] Where, N CBPRU For the first value, N RU242 N is the maximum number of RUs that the RU can include (242). BPSCS The number of encoded bits carried by each subcarrier on a single space-time stream.

[0379] In one possible implementation, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets include a first packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. One of the first packet extension threshold subfields in the first packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate to the second device the first packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The first packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0380] In one possible implementation, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets further includes a second packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to the second nominal padding value. One of the second packet extension threshold subfields in the second packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate to the second device the second packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The second packet extension threshold is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold. The second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0381] In one possible implementation, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets further includes a third packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. One of the third packet extension threshold subfields in the third packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate to the second device the third packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value and the NSS used by the second device is n. The third packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0382] In one possible implementation, the NSS index mask subfield occupies at least 8 bits, the i-th bit of the NSS index mask subfield is 0, and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not include the set of packet extension threshold subfields for NSS i.

[0383] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field is used to indicate that when the NSS used by the second device is greater than the NSS corresponding to the highest bit of the non-zero bit of the NSS index mask subfield, the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold is 20 microseconds.

[0384] In Example 5, processing module 1510 is used to generate a PPDU, and transceiver module 1520 is used to send the PPDU to the second device. The PPDU includes an NSS subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the packet extension threshold. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value of n is in the range of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8. The second value is related to the NSS used by the second device and the number of RU blocks after the RU is allocated and equivalently encoded.

[0385] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a first packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. The first packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the first packet extension threshold. The first packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0386] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a second packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a second nominal packet padding value. The second packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the second packet extension threshold. The second packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold is the second nominal packet padding value, which is 16 microseconds.

[0387] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a third packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. The third packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate a third packet extension threshold. The third packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the second device when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0388] In Example 6, the processing module 1510 is used to generate a PPDU, and the transceiver module 1520 is used to send the PPDU and a first packet extension threshold range. The first packet extension threshold range is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 to send data to the first device when the third value is within the first packet extension threshold range. Different nominal packet padding values ​​correspond to different packet extension threshold ranges.

[0389] In one possible implementation, the third value satisfies the following relationship:

[0390] x = f(NSTS, RU, Modulation)

[0391] Where x is the third value, NSS is the NSS used by the communication device 1500, RU is the RU size used by the communication device 1500, and Modulation is the order of the modulation method used by the communication device 1500.

[0392] It should be understood that the processing module 1610 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and the transceiver module 1620 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components or a communication interface.

[0393] In some possible implementations, the communication device 1500 can correspondingly implement the behavior and functions of the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0394] In Example 1, the transceiver module 1520 is used to receive Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) from the first device. The PPDU includes a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence subfield has a value of 1. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field includes a Resource Unit (RU) Index Mask subfield, a Spatial Stream Count (NSS) subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold. Here, the value of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the value of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. When the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0, the value range of b does not include y.

[0395] The processing module 1510 is used to determine the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number y according to the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS n and sequence number m1 indicated by the physical layer packet extension threshold field. The m1 is the smallest sequence number greater than y among the sequence numbers with bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield, or the m1 is the largest sequence number less than y among the sequence numbers with bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield.

[0396] In one possible implementation, the value of the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the sequence number less than y includes 1.

[0397] In one possible implementation, the sequence number corresponding to a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield is not greater than y, and the processing module 1510 is used to determine that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number x is 20 microseconds.

[0398] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1500 uses a DCM, and the processing module 1510 is used to determine the nominal packet filling value to be used based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y+1, where sequence number y corresponds to multiple RUs of different sizes. Alternatively, the processing module 1510 is used to determine the nominal packet filling value based on the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number y, where sequence number y corresponds to multiple RUs of different sizes, and the RU used by the communication device 1500 is not the largest RU among the multiple RUs of different sizes.

[0399] In Example 2, the transceiver module 1520 is used to receive a PPDU from the first device. This PPDU includes a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence subfield has a value of 1. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field includes a Resource Unit (RU) Index Mask subfield, a Spatial Stream Count (NSS) subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. The packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold. Here, the value of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. The value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the RU with sequence number y is 0. The value range of b does not include y.

[0400] Processing module 1510 is used to determine the nominal packet filling value of 0 microseconds corresponding to the RU with sequence number y based on the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0401] In one possible implementation, the value of the RU index mask field corresponding to the sequence number less than y does not include 1.

[0402] In Example 3, the transceiver module 1520 is used to receive a PPDU from the first device. This PPDU includes a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence subfield has a value of 1. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field includes a Resource Unit (RU) Index Mask subfield, a Spatial Stream Count (NSS) subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each packet... The extended threshold subfield set is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 when the modulation mode is greater than or equal to the modulation threshold. Here, the value of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The value of b is a subset of [m, ..., M], where m and M are integers greater than or equal to 0. The RU with sequence number y corresponds to the bit set to 0 in the RU index mask field. The value range of b does not include y.

[0403] Processing module 1510 is used to determine the nominal packet filling value corresponding to RU with sequence number y as 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds or 20 microseconds according to the physical layer packet extension threshold field.

[0404] In one possible implementation, at least one bit is preceding the bit set to 0.

[0405] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1500 uses an NSS greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield, and the processing module 1510 is further configured to determine the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y as 8 microseconds, 16 microseconds, or 20 microseconds; or...

[0406] The communication device 1500 uses an NSS that is greater than the value indicated by the NSS subfield. The processing module 1510 is also used to determine the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the RU with sequence number y based on the NSS used and the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU with sequence number y.

[0407] In Example 4, the transceiver module 1520 is used to receive a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes an NSS index mask subfield, an NSS subfield, and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a set of multiple packet extension threshold subfields corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. Each set of packet extension threshold subfields includes multiple packet extension threshold subfields for indicating the NSS as n. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate to the communication device 1500 the packet extension threshold when the NSS is n and the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 when the first value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value range of n is [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8.

[0408] The processing module 1510 is used to determine the nominal packet padding value used when using NSS j based on the physical layer packet extension threshold information field and the first value, where j is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0409] In one possible implementation, the first value satisfies the following formula:

[0410] N CBPRU =N RU242 *N BPSCS ;

[0411] Where, N CBPRU For the first value, N RU242 N is the maximum number of RUs that the RU can include (242). BPSCS The number of encoded bits carried by each subcarrier on a single space-time stream.

[0412] In one possible implementation, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets include a first packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. One of the first packet extension threshold subfields in the first packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate to the communication device 1500 the first packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value and the NSS used by the communication device 1500 is n. The first packet extension threshold is used to indicate the first nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold. The first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0413] When NSS is j, N CBPRUIf the first nominal packet padding value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield of NSS j is greater than or equal to the first nominal packet padding value, the communication device 1500 determines that the nominal packet padding value used when adopting NSS j is the first nominal packet padding value.

[0414] In one possible implementation, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets further includes a second packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to the second nominal packet padding value. One of the second packet extension threshold subfields in the second packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate to the communication device 1500 the second packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value and the NSS used by the communication device 1500 is n. The second packet extension threshold is used to indicate the second nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold. The second nominal packet padding value is 16 microseconds.

[0415] When NSS is j, N CBPRU If the second nominal packet filling value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield of NSS j is greater than or equal to the second nominal packet filling value, and less than the first nominal packet filling value corresponding to the first packet extension threshold subfield of NSS j, the communication device 1500 determines that the nominal packet filling value used when adopting NSS j is the second nominal packet filling value.

[0416] In one possible implementation, the plurality of packet extension threshold subfield sets further includes a third packet extension threshold subfield set corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. One of the third packet extension threshold subfields in the third packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate to the communication device 1500 the third packet extension threshold when the number of RU blocks after equivalent coding of the allocated resource unit RU is a first value and the NSS used by the communication device 1500 is n. The third packet extension threshold is used to indicate the third nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold. The third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0417] When NSS is j, N CBPRU If the nominal packet filling value is greater than or equal to the third nominal packet filling value corresponding to the third packet extension threshold subfield of NSTS for j, and less than the second nominal packet filling value corresponding to the second packet extension threshold subfield of NSTS for j, the communication device 1500 determines that the nominal packet filling value used when adopting NSS for j is the third nominal packet filling value.

[0418] In one possible implementation, the NSS index mask subfield occupies at least 8 bits, the i-th bit of the NSS index mask subfield is 0, and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field does not include the set of subfields for NSS i.

[0419] In one possible implementation, the communication device 1500 uses an NSS greater than the NSS corresponding to the highest bit of the non-zero bits of the NSS index mask subfield, and the processing module 1510 is further configured to use a nominal packet padding value of 20 microseconds when the first value corresponding to the allocated RU is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold.

[0420] In Example 5, the transceiver module 1520 is used to receive a PPDU from the first device. The PPDU includes an NSS subfield and a physical layer packet extension threshold information field. The physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to different nominal packet padding values. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the packet extension threshold. The packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 when the second value is greater than or equal to the packet extension threshold. The value of n is in the range of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than 8. The second value is related to the NSS used by the second device and the number of RU blocks after the RU is equivalently encoded.

[0421] The processing module 1510 determines the second value based on the adopted NSS and the number of RU blocks after equivalent encoding of the allocated resource unit RU, and determines the nominal packet padding value to be used based on the second value and the physical layer packet extension threshold information field.

[0422] In one possible implementation, the processing module 1510 is specifically configured to determine the second value based on the following relationship:

[0423] Wherein, NSS is the NSS corresponding to the RU allocated by the communication device 1500, N CBPRU The number of RU blocks (equivalent coded to RU) allocated to the communication device 1500 satisfies the following relationship:

[0424] N CBPRU =N RU242 *N BPSCS ;

[0425] N RU242 N is the maximum number of RUs that the RU can include (242). BPSCS The number of encoded bits carried by each subcarrier on a single space-time stream.

[0426] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a first packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a first nominal packet padding value. The first packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the first packet extension threshold. The first packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 when the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet extension threshold is the first nominal packet padding value, and the first nominal packet padding value is 20 microseconds.

[0427] When the second value is greater than or equal to the first packet expansion threshold, the processing module 1510 determines that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 is the first nominal packet padding value.

[0428] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a second packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to the second nominal packet padding value. The second packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate the second packet extension threshold. The second packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet extension threshold is the second nominal packet padding value, which is 16 microseconds.

[0429] The processing module 1510 determines that the nominal packet filling value used by the communication device 1500 is the second nominal packet filling value when the second value is greater than or equal to the second packet expansion threshold and the second value is less than the first packet expansion threshold.

[0430] In one possible implementation, the physical layer packet extension threshold information field includes a third packet extension threshold subfield corresponding to a third nominal packet padding value. The third packet extension threshold subfield is used to indicate a third packet extension threshold. The third packet extension threshold is used to indicate that the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet extension threshold is the third nominal packet padding value, and the third nominal packet padding value is 8 microseconds.

[0431] The processing module 1510 determines that the nominal packet filling value used by the communication device 1500 is the third nominal packet filling value when the second value is greater than or equal to the third packet expansion threshold and the second value is less than the second packet expansion threshold.

[0432] In Example 6, the transceiver module 1520 is used to receive a PPDU and a first packet expansion threshold range from the first device. The first packet expansion threshold range is used to indicate the nominal packet padding value used by the communication device 1500 to send data to the first device when the third value is within the first packet expansion threshold range. Different nominal packet padding values ​​correspond to different packet expansion threshold ranges. The third value is related to one or more parameters among the NSS, RU size and modulation scheme used by the communication device 1500.

[0433] If the third value is within the range of the first packet expansion threshold, the processing module 1510 determines that the nominal packet filling value used by the communication device 1500 is the nominal packet filling value corresponding to the range of the first packet expansion threshold.

[0434] In one possible implementation, the third value satisfies the following relationship:

[0435] x = f(NSTS, RU, Modulation)

[0436] Where x is the third value, NSS is the NSS used by the communication device 1500, RU is the RU size used by the communication device 1500, and Modulation is the order of the modulation method used by the communication device 1500.

[0437] It should be understood that the processing module 1610 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components, and the transceiver module 1620 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuit components or a communication interface.

[0438] like Figure 16 The diagram shows a communication device 1600 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1600 can be an AP or STA, capable of implementing the functions of the first device or the second device in the method provided in this application. The communication device 1600 can also be a device capable of supporting the first device in implementing the corresponding functions in the method provided in this application, or a device capable of supporting the second device in implementing the corresponding functions in the method provided in this application. The communication device 1600 can be a chip or a chip system. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0439] The communication device 1600 includes at least one processor 1620 for implementing or supporting the communication device 1600 in implementing the functions of the first or second device in the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, such as generating the aforementioned PPDU. The communication device 1600 may also include at least one memory 1630 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1630 and the processor 1620 are coupled. The coupling in the embodiments of this application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information interaction between devices, units, or modules. The processor 1620 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1630. The processor 1620 may execute the program instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1630 to cause the communication device 1600 to implement the corresponding method. At least one of the at least one memory may be located within the processor.

[0440] The communication device 1600 may further include a transceiver 1610 for communicating with other devices via a transmission medium, thereby enabling devices in the communication device 1600 to communicate with other devices. For example, when the communication device is a terminal, the other device is a network device; or, when the communication device is a network device, the other device is a terminal. The processor 1620 may use the transceiver 1610 to send and receive data. Specifically, the transceiver 1610 may be a transceiver unit. The communication device 1600 may also include a radio frequency (RF) unit, which may be independent of or integrated within the communication device 1600. Of course, the transceiver 1610 may also include an antenna, such as a remote antenna independent of the communication device 1600, or an antenna integrated within the communication device 1600. In hardware implementation, the transceiver module 1520 may be the transceiver 1610.

[0441] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 1610, processor 1620, and memory 1630. This application embodiment... Figure 16 The memory 1630, processor 1620, and transceiver 1610 are connected via a bus 1640. Figure 16 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 16 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0442] In the embodiments of this application, the processor 1620 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0443] In this embodiment, the memory 1630 can be non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). Memory is any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in this embodiment can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data.

[0444] It should be noted that the communication device in the above embodiments can be a terminal, a circuit, a chip used in a terminal, or other combined devices or components with the aforementioned terminal functions. When the communication device is a terminal, the transceiver module can be a transceiver, which may include an antenna and radio frequency circuits, etc., and the processing module can be a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). When the communication device is a component with the aforementioned terminal functions, the transceiver module can be a radio frequency unit, and the processing module can be a processor. When the communication device is a chip or a chip system, the transceiver module can be the input / output interface of the chip or chip system, and the processing module can be the processor of the chip or chip system.

[0445] As a possible product form, the AP and STA described in the embodiments of this application can also be implemented using one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described throughout this application.

[0446] The first device in this application embodiment can be either an AP or a STA. The second device can be either an AP or a STA. It should be understood that the APs of the various product forms described above have any of the functions of the APs in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here; the STAs of the various product forms described above have any of the functions of the STAs in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0447] This application also provides a communication system, specifically, the communication system includes a second device and a first device, or may further include more first devices and second devices. Exemplarily, the communication system includes components for implementing the above... Figure 9 or Figure 10 or Figure 12 or Figure 14 The second and first devices with related functions.

[0448] The first device is used to implement the above. Figure 9 or Figure 10 or Figure 12 or Figure 14 The functions of the first device are described above. The second device is used to implement the above. Figure 9 or Figure 10 or Figure 12 or Figure 14 The functions of the related second device. For example, the first device can perform... Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, S901-S902, the second device can perform, for example... Figure 9 S902-S903 in the illustrated embodiment; for example, the first device can perform Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, S1001-S1002, the second device can perform, for example... Figure 10 S1002-S1003 in the illustrated embodiment; the first device can perform Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, S1001-S1002, the second device can perform, for example... Figure 10 S1202-S1203 in the illustrated embodiment; the first device can perform Figure 14 In the illustrated embodiment, S1401-S1402, the second device can perform, for example... Figure 14 S1402-S1403 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0449] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform... Figure 9 or Figure 10 or Figure 12 or Figure 14 The method executed by the first or second device.

[0450] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer program code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute... Figure 9 or Figure 10 or Figure 12 or Figure 14 The method executed by the first or second device.

[0451] This application provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory, for implementing the functions of the first or second device in the aforementioned method. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0452] This application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface; the processor is configured to execute the nominal packet filling value indication method described in any of the above method embodiments; or, the processor is configured to execute the nominal packet filling value determination method described in any of the above method embodiments.

[0453] It should be understood that the aforementioned communication device can be a chip, and the processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in a memory. The memory can be integrated into the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0454] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application can be used interchangeably. "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0455] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects. For example, the first packet expansion threshold and the second packet expansion threshold are only used to distinguish different packet expansion thresholds, and do not indicate a difference in the priority or importance of these two packet expansion thresholds.

[0456] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0457] Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, the term "exemplary" is used to indicate an example or illustration. Any embodiment or implementation summarized in the embodiments of this application as an "example" should not be construed as being superior to other embodiments or implementations. That is, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a specific manner.

[0458] The methods provided in this application can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, they can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this invention are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical media (e.g., digital video disc (DVD)), or semiconductor media (e.g., SSD), etc.

[0459] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for indicating a nominal packet fill value, characterized in that, include: The second device receives a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) from the first device. The PPDU includes a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence subfield has a value of 1. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field includes a Resource Unit (RU) Index Mask subfield, a Spatial Stream Count (NSS) subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field. The NSS subfield indicates the Spatial Stream Count (N), and the Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field includes multiple sets of packet extension threshold subfields. Each packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU or MRU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value to be used, wherein the value of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, the value of b is a subset of [0, ..., M], where M is an integer greater than 0, and the value of b does not include y. The value of the bit position in the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number y is 0. In one packet extension threshold subfield set, a bit position of 0 in the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number y indicates that the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU or MRU with NSS n and sequence number y is the same as the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU or MRU with NSS n and sequence number m1, wherein m1 is the sequence number corresponding to a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield that is less than the largest sequence number in the sequence number of y; or... The bit position value of the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number y is 0 to indicate that the NSS is n. The nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number y is 0 microseconds. The bit position value of the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number less than y does not include 1.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the sequence number corresponding to a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield is not greater than y, then the value of the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number y is 0, which is used to indicate that the NSS is n, and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number y is 20 microseconds.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple RUs or MRUs of different sizes correspond to the same RU allocation index.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Each of the multiple packet extension threshold subfield sets corresponds to a different nominal packet padding value.

5. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processing module and a transceiver module, among which, The processing module is used to receive Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) from the first device. The PPDU includes a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence subfield and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Existence subfield has a value of 1. The Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold field includes a Resource Unit (RU) Index Mask subfield, a Spatial Stream Count (NSS) subfield, and a Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field. The NSS subfield indicates the Spatial Stream Count (N), and the Physical Layer Packet Extension Threshold Information field includes multiple packet extension threshold subwords. The segment set, each packet extension threshold subfield set is used to indicate the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU or MRU with NSS of n and sequence number b. The modulation threshold is used to determine the nominal packet padding value to be used, wherein the value of n is a subset of [1, ..., N], where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, the value of b is a subset of [0, ..., M], where M is an integer greater than 0, and the value of b does not include y. The value of the bit position in the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number y is 0. In the packet expansion threshold subfield set corresponding to a nominal packet padding value, a bit position of 0 in the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number y indicates that the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU or MRU with NSS n and sequence number y is the same as the modulation threshold corresponding to the RU or MRU with NSS n and sequence number m1, wherein the sequence number corresponding to bit 1 in the RU index mask subfield is less than the largest sequence number in the sequence number of y; or, a bit position of 0 in the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number y indicates that the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU or MRU with NSS n and sequence number y is 0 microseconds, wherein the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number less than y is 0 microseconds. The values ​​at bit positions in the mask subfield do not include 1.

6. The communication device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, If the sequence number corresponding to a bit of 1 in the RU index mask subfield is not greater than y, then the value of the RU index mask subfield corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number y is 0, which is used to indicate that the NSS is n, and the nominal packet padding value corresponding to the RU or MRU with sequence number y is 20 microseconds.

7. The communication device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Multiple RUs or MRUs of different sizes correspond to the same RU allocation index.

8. The communication device according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, Each of the multiple packet extension threshold subfield sets corresponds to a different nominal packet padding value.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer programs. The computer program includes program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

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