Communication method and device, storage medium and program product

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and device, a storage medium and a program product, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method is applied to a communication device comprising a plurality of links, one type of communication signals, such as data frames carrying effective data, are transmitted on a first frequency band in a UWB frequency band through a first link, and the other type of communication signals, such as management frames or / and control frames, are transmitted on a second frequency band in a non-UWB frequency band through a second link. Therefore, the working frequency band of the communication equipment can be expanded to the UWB frequency band, and the problems that the channel utilization rate is reduced and / or the signal quality and the coverage range are reduced and the like are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology uses a frequency range of 7163-8812MHz, also known as the 8GHz UWB band. Relevant regulations impose certain requirements on the transmit signal bandwidth, equivalent isotropic radiated power spectral density limits, and out-of-band transmit power limits for communication in the 8GHz UWB band. For example, the transmit signal bandwidth must be no less than 500MHz, and the equivalent isotropic radiated power spectral density limit must not exceed -41dBm / MHz. Currently, by extending the signal bandwidth, existing wireless communication equipment is effectively used to transmit signals that meet the above UWB technology requirements and comply with relevant regulations. However, this results in lower channel utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and program product, thereby improving channel utilization.

[0004] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, applied to a first device, the first device including multiple links, the multiple links including a first link and a second link; the method includes: transmitting a first type of communication signal to a second device using the first link on a first frequency band, and transmitting a second type of communication signal to the second device using the second link on a second frequency band; wherein the first link is used to transmit a signal containing at least one complete Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) signal, the first frequency band is in the UWB frequency band, and the second frequency band is in a non-UWB frequency band.

[0005] In one possible implementation, the second link is used to assist the first link in achieving at least one of the following objectives: transmitting beacon frames, device network access, transmitting low-speed communication frames, time synchronization, interference detection and notification, and roaming.

[0006] In this application, "the second link assisting the first link in achieving its objective" can refer to the act of acquiring, processing, using, transmitting, or sending information to achieve a certain objective or solve a problem.

[0007] Understandably, signals transmitted between the first link and the second device on the first frequency band are transmitted via the second link to the second device on the second frequency band. In other words, the second link assists the first link in transmitting signals to the second device on the first frequency band. This reduces the number of communication frames transmitted on the first link, allowing it to transmit more other communication frames, such as high-speed communication frames, thus improving the channel utilization of the first link.

[0008] In another possible implementation, non-UWB bands include the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, or the 6 GHz band.

[0009] In another possible implementation, the first type of communication signal includes data frames, and the second type of communication signal includes at least one of management frames, control frames, or non-delay-sensitive data frames.

[0010] The communication method provided in this application transmits a type of communication signal, such as a data frame carrying valid data, on a first frequency band within the UWB band using a first link, and transmits another type of communication signal, such as a management frame and / or control frame, on a second frequency band outside the UWB band using a second link. This enables the operating frequency band of the communication device to be extended to the UWB band without causing problems such as reduced channel utilization, signal quality, and coverage. Consequently, it enables the operating frequency band of Wi-Fi devices to be extended to the UWB band without causing problems such as reduced channel utilization, signal quality, and coverage.

[0011] In another possible implementation, the bandwidth of the first type of communication signal is greater than the bandwidth of the second type of communication signal.

[0012] In another possible implementation, the coverage area of ​​the first type of communication signal is smaller than that of the second type of communication signal.

[0013] In another possible implementation, the transmission rate of the first type of communication signal is greater than the transmission rate of the second type of communication signal.

[0014] The coverage area of ​​the signal transmitted using the second link is greater than that of the signal transmitted using the first link, and the power spectral density of the signal transmitted using the second link is greater than that of the signal transmitted using the first link. Therefore, using the second link to transmit the signal enables the signal to travel further, allowing the device to communicate with devices at a distance.

[0015] In another possible implementation, a first type of communication signal is transmitted to a second device on a first frequency band using a first link, and a second type of communication signal is transmitted to the second device on a second frequency band using a second link, including: receiving a Beacon frame from the second device using the second link, the Beacon frame including Basic Service Set (BSS) information of the first link; and establishing a connection with the second device on the second link based on the BSS information.

[0016] Since the coverage area of ​​the signal transmitted using the second link is greater than that of the signal transmitted using the first link, using the second link to scan for network access enables the device to scan for beacon frames as quickly as possible. Therefore, compared with the lower success rate of network access caused by scanning for network access using the first link, using the second link to scan for network access effectively improves the success rate of network access and reduces the power consumption of the device.

[0017] In another possible implementation, a first type of communication signal is transmitted to a second device using a first link on a first frequency band, and a second type of communication signal is transmitted to the second device using a second link on a second frequency band, including: receiving a communication frame from the second device using the second link, the communication frame including transmission time slot information of the first link; performing initial time synchronization with the second device based on the transmission time slot information; receiving a synchronization frame from the second device using the first link; and performing precise time synchronization with the second device based on the synchronization frame.

[0018] Therefore, the device utilizes the second link to transmit coarse time synchronization information, reducing the transmission of low-rate communication frames on the first link and improving the channel utilization of the first link. Furthermore, the coverage area of ​​the signal transmitted via the second link is greater than that transmitted via the first link, and the power spectral density of the signal transmitted via the second link is also greater than that transmitted via the first link. Using the second link allows the signal to travel further, enabling communication with distant devices. The device can receive time synchronization information, improving the accuracy of time synchronization. Additionally, fine time synchronization information is transmitted via the first link, achieving precise time synchronization among multiple devices.

[0019] In another possible implementation, a first type of communication signal is transmitted to a second device via a first link on a first frequency band, including: receiving a time-delay-sensitive data frame from the second device via the first link, the data frame involving at least a complete Wi-Fi signal.

[0020] In another possible implementation, a second type of communication signal is transmitted with the second device on a second frequency band using a second link, including: receiving non-delay-sensitive data frames from the second device using the second link.

[0021] To fully leverage the advantages of the first-link transmission and reduce device power consumption, the device determines the transmission link for a service based on factors such as latency requirements and the distance between communication devices. For example, the first link is used to transmit short-distance, latency-sensitive services, while the second link is used to transmit long-distance, non-latency-sensitive services. This reduces device power consumption and improves data transmission latency.

[0022] In another possible implementation, a second type of communication signal is transmitted to a second device on a second frequency band using a second link, including sending an acknowledgment frame to the second device using the second link.

[0023] When the first device receives a data frame, it sends an acknowledgment frame corresponding to the data frame, so that the second device can know as soon as possible whether the data frame was successfully sent or failed to be sent. If the data frame fails to be sent, it can be retransmitted in a timely manner to ensure successful data transmission.

[0024] In another possible implementation, sending an acknowledgment frame to the second device via the second link includes: after receiving two or more data frames from the second device, sending an acknowledgment frame to the second device via the second link.

[0025] After receiving two or more data frames, the first device sends at least one acknowledgment frame to reduce signaling transmission and improve the channel utilization of the first link.

[0026] In another possible implementation, a first type of communication signal is transmitted to a second device on a first frequency band using a first link, and a second type of communication signal is transmitted to the second device on a second frequency band using a second link, including: receiving communication frames from one or more third devices using the second link; determining interference information of at least one third device to the first device based on the signal strength of the communication frames from the one or more third devices and a predetermined threshold; and sending the interference information to the second device using the second link.

[0027] In another possible implementation, a second link is used to transmit a second type of communication signal to a second device on a second frequency band, including: using the second link to receive interference information from at least one third device to the first device.

[0028] If the coverage area of ​​the signal transmitted via the second link is greater than that of the signal transmitted via the first link, and the power spectral density of the signal transmitted via the second link is greater than that of the signal transmitted via the first link, then the second link can be used to scan for information from other devices, identify interference, and detect devices experiencing interference, enabling the device to communicate with distant devices. This reduces the transmission of low-speed communication frames on the first link, allowing for the transmission of more high-speed communication frames, thus improving the channel utilization of the first link and reducing device power consumption.

[0029] In another possible implementation, a first type of communication signal is transmitted to a second device on a first frequency band using a first link, and a second type of communication signal is transmitted to the second device on a second frequency band using a second link, including: using the second link to obtain information about one or more neighboring devices of the first device; determining a target neighboring device from the one or more neighboring devices based on the information of the one or more neighboring devices; and using the first link to scan communication frames from the target neighboring device in the transmission time slot of the target neighboring device.

[0030] In another possible implementation, information about one or more neighboring devices of the first device is obtained using the second link, including: scanning information about one or more neighboring devices of the first device using the second link.

[0031] In another possible implementation, obtaining information about one or more neighboring devices of the first device using the second link includes: receiving information from one or more neighboring devices of the second device using the second link.

[0032] In another possible implementation, the information of one or more neighboring devices includes: whether one or more neighboring devices support the first frequency band, and / or, the distance between the first device and one or more neighboring devices.

[0033] Since the coverage area of ​​the signal transmitted using the second link is greater than that of the signal transmitted using the first link, scanning the information of neighboring devices using the second link enables the device to obtain the information of neighboring devices as quickly as possible. Therefore, compared with the lower roaming success rate caused by scanning the information of neighboring devices using the first link, scanning the information of neighboring devices using the second link effectively improves the roaming success rate of the device and reduces the power consumption of the device.

[0034] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, applied to a second device, the second device including multiple links, the multiple links including a first link and a second link; the method includes: transmitting a first type of communication signal with the first device using the first link on a first frequency band, and transmitting a second type of communication signal with the first device using the second link on a second frequency band; wherein the first link is used to transmit a signal containing at least one complete Wi-Fi signal, the first frequency band is in the UWB frequency band, and the second frequency band is in a non-UWB frequency band.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the non-UWB bands include the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, or the 6 GHz band.

[0036] In another possible implementation, the first type of communication signal includes data frames, and the second type of communication signal includes at least one of management frames or control frames.

[0037] In another possible implementation, the bandwidth of the first type of communication signal is greater than the bandwidth of the second type of communication signal.

[0038] In another possible implementation, the coverage area of ​​the first type of communication signal is smaller than that of the second type of communication signal.

[0039] In another possible implementation, the transmission rate of the first type of communication signal is greater than the transmission rate of the second type of communication signal.

[0040] In another possible implementation, a first type of communication signal is transmitted to a first device using a first link on a first frequency band, and a second type of communication signal is transmitted to the first device using a second link on a second frequency band, including: sending a Beacon frame to the first device using the second link, the Beacon frame including BSS information of the first link; and establishing a connection with the first device on the second link based on the BSS information.

[0041] In another possible implementation, a first type of communication signal is transmitted to a first device using a first link on a first frequency band, and a second type of communication signal is transmitted to the first device using a second link on a second frequency band, including: sending a communication frame to the first device using the second link, the communication frame including the transmission time slot information of the first link; and sending a synchronization frame to the first device using the first link.

[0042] In another possible implementation, a first type of communication signal is transmitted to a first device on a first frequency band using a first link, including: sending a time-delay-sensitive data frame to the first device using the first link, the data frame involving at least a complete Wi-Fi signal.

[0043] In another possible implementation, a second link is used to transmit a second type of communication signal to the first device on a second frequency band, including: using the second link to send non-delay-sensitive data frames to the first device.

[0044] In another possible implementation, a second type of communication signal is transmitted with the first device on a second frequency band using a second link, including receiving an acknowledgment frame from the first device using the second link.

[0045] In another possible implementation, receiving an acknowledgment frame from the first device via a second link includes: after sending two or more data frames to the second device, receiving an acknowledgment frame from the first device via the second link.

[0046] In another possible implementation, the second link is used to transmit a second type of communication signal to the first device on a second frequency band, including: using the second link to receive interference information from at least one third device sent by the first device to the first device; and using the second link to send the interference information.

[0047] In another possible implementation, the second link is used to transmit a second type of communication signal to the first device on a second frequency band, including: receiving communication frames from one or more third devices using the second link; determining interference information of at least one third device to the first device based on the signal strength of the communication frames from the one or more third devices and a predetermined threshold; and sending the interference information to the first device using the second link.

[0048] In another possible implementation, a second type of communication signal is transmitted to the first device via a second link on a second frequency band, including: scanning information of one or more neighboring devices via the second link; and sending information of one or more neighboring devices to the first device via the second link.

[0049] In another possible implementation, the information of one or more neighboring devices includes: whether one or more neighboring devices support the first frequency band, and / or, the distance between the first device and one or more neighboring devices.

[0050] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which serves as a first device or is applied to a chip within a first device, and can perform the functions executed by the first device in the above-described method. These functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the device includes a processing module and a communication module; the processing unit is configured to support the device in performing the corresponding functions in the above method; the communication module can be used to support the device in communicating with a second device.

[0052] In another possible implementation, the device includes a processor and a transceiver; the processor is configured to support the device in performing the corresponding functions in the methods described above; the transceiver is used to support communication between the device and a second device. Optionally, the device also includes a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the device.

[0053] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which serves as a second device or is applied to a chip within a second device, and can perform the functions executed by the second device in the above-described method. These functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the device includes a processing module and a communication module; the processing unit is configured to support the device in performing the corresponding functions in the above method; the communication module can be used to support the device in communicating with a first device.

[0055] In another possible implementation, the device includes a processor and a transceiver; the processor is configured to support the device in performing the corresponding functions in the methods described above; the transceiver is used to support communication between the device and the first device. Optionally, the device also includes a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the device.

[0056] Fifthly, a chip is provided, the chip comprising: a processing circuit and a transmitter, the processing circuit and the transmitter being configured to support the chip in performing the methods provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or the chip comprising: a processing circuit and a receiver, the processing circuit and the receiver being configured to support the chip in performing the methods provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0057] A sixth aspect provides a communication apparatus comprising a first device and a second device; the first device comprising the means provided in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the first device being configured to perform the method provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; the second device comprising the means provided in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the second device being configured to perform the method provided in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0058] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions which, when executed, implement the methods provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0059] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program or instructions which, when executed, implement the methods provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0060] Ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0061] In a tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0062] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects two through ten can be found in aspect one or in different design methods in aspect one, and will not be repeated here.

[0063] Based on the implementation methods provided in the above aspects, this application can be further combined to provide more implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of a non-AP multi-link device and an AP multi-link device;

[0065] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a dual-frequency dual-transmission device;

[0066] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in this application;

[0067] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in this application;

[0068] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application;

[0069] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a communication method for a network access scenario provided in this application;

[0070] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the transmission of a beacon frame in a network access scenario provided in this application;

[0071] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating network access provided for this application;

[0072] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a communication method for a time synchronization scenario provided in this application;

[0073] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of time synchronization provided for this application;

[0074] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a communication method for a data transmission scenario provided in this application;

[0075] Figure 12 A schematic diagram illustrating data transmission provided in this application;

[0076] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating a communication method for an interference detection scenario provided in this application;

[0077] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating a communication method for a roaming scene provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application;

[0079] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of another communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0080] To facilitate understanding, the main terms used in this application will be explained first.

[0081] Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is a wireless carrier communication technology that can transmit data using nanosecond-level non-sinusoidal narrow pulses, thus occupying a wide spectrum. UWB technology features low system complexity, low transmitted signal power spectral density, insensitivity to channel fading, low interception capability, and high positioning accuracy, making it applicable to short-range high-speed wireless data communication, positioning, ranging, and sensing.

[0082] To meet the low latency and high connection requirements of terminal devices, it is desirable to extend the operating frequency band of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) devices to the Ultra-Wideband (UWB) band to avoid the impact of other devices in unlicensed frequency bands (such as 2.4GHz and 5GHz) on Wi-Fi signal transmission. UWB technology uses a frequency range of 7163-8812MHz, which can also be referred to as the 8GHz UWB band. Currently, relevant regulations have certain requirements for the transmit signal bandwidth, equivalent isotropic radiated power spectral density limits, and out-of-band transmit power limits for communication in the 8GHz UWB band. For example, a power spectral density decrease of -10dB corresponds to a transmit signal bandwidth of no less than 500MHz, and an equivalent isotropic radiated power spectral density limit of no more than -41dBm / MHz. The out-of-band transmit power limits for different frequency ranges are shown in Table 1 below. Table 1 below uses root mean square (RMS) detection as an example for illustration.

[0083] Table 1

[0084]

[0085] However, for Wi-Fi devices to operate in the aforementioned UWB frequency bands, they must comply with UWB radio management regulations. For example, the transmit signal bandwidth should be no less than 500MHz. This necessitates inserting redundant data to extend the Wi-Fi signal bandwidth when transmitting Wi-Fi communication frames (such as control frames, management frames, and data frames), especially when transmitting low-speed Wi-Fi communication frames, requiring even more redundant data insertion, which significantly reduces channel utilization. Furthermore, the in-band power spectral density of the transmitted signal should not exceed -41dBm / MHz, which further reduces the signal quality and coverage of Wi-Fi devices, leading to low time synchronization accuracy among devices within the domain, difficulties in network access for terminal devices, difficulties in detecting interference between devices, and exacerbation of hidden node problems.

[0086] Therefore, this application provides a communication method applied to a communication device comprising multiple links. By utilizing a first link to transmit a type of communication signal, such as a data frame carrying valid data, on a first frequency band within the UWB band, and by utilizing a second link to transmit another type of communication signal, such as management frames and / or control frames, on a second frequency band outside the UWB band, the operating frequency band of the communication device can be extended to the UWB band without causing problems such as reduced channel utilization and / or reduced signal quality and coverage. This also enables the operating frequency band of Wi-Fi devices to be extended to the UWB band without causing problems such as reduced channel utilization and / or reduced signal quality and coverage. In this application, transmission can refer to sending or receiving.

[0087] In this context, the multiple links within a communication device can refer to multiple access circuits, each of which can function as a link. Multiple links can be used to transmit signals of different bandwidths. Access circuits can also be called radio frequency (RF) circuits, RF modules, or RF links, etc.

[0088] For example, the communication device described in this application may be a multi-link device (MLD) or a dual-band dual-concurrent (DBDC) device.

[0089] Multi-link devices (MLDs) are devices with multiple radio frequency (RF) modules, each operating on different frequency bands or channels. If the channels (or frequency bands) operated by two RF modules within a MLD are sufficiently spaced, these modules can operate independently without interference; for example, two RF modules can independently receive or transmit signals. The multiple RF modules within an MLD can establish multiple channels with other devices (such as the MLD itself), enabling data transmission across these channels and increasing data transfer rates.

[0090] In a multi-link device, if any two channels support simultaneous transmit / receive (STR) capability, with one channel transmitting a signal and the other receiving a signal, then these two channels are said to support simultaneous transmit / receive (STR). Otherwise, they are said to be non-simultaneous transmit / receive (non-STR).

[0091] A multi-link device can include multiple stations (STAs). When an MLD acts as an access point (AP), it can be called an AP MLD. In this case, the stations included in the AP MLD can be referred to as APs. When an MLD acts as a non-access point (non-AP), it can be called a non-AP MLD. A non-AP MLD can also be called a STAMLD. In this case, the stations included in the non-AP MLD can be referred to as STAs. That is, the APs included in the AP MLD and the STAs included in the non-AP MLD can be collectively referred to as stations.

[0092] For example, multiple RF modules contained in an MLD can function as a site, multiple RF modules contained in an AP MLD can function as an AP, and multiple RF modules contained in a non-AP MLD can function as a STA. An AP MLD contains multiple APs, and a Non-AP MLD contains multiple STAs.

[0093] Non-AP MLDs can establish associations with multiple links of APMLDs by exchanging multi-link association request / response frames on a single link, carrying information about multiple links. The link where the multi-link association request / response frame exchange takes place is called a transmitted link, and the other links are called non-transmitted links.

[0094] A multi-link device may include one or more subordinate sites, which are logical sites. The subordinate site can be an AP or a STA. For ease of description, this application refers to a multi-link device containing a subordinate AP as a multi-link AP or a multi-link AP device or an AP MLD, and a multi-link device containing a subordinate STA as a multi-link STA or a multi-link STA device or a STA MLD or a non-AP MLD. For ease of description and consistency, "multi-link device including subordinate STA" is briefly described as "multi-link device including STA" in this application embodiment, "multi-link device including subordinate AP" is briefly described as "multi-link device including AP" in this application embodiment, a multi-link device containing a subordinate AP is uniformly referred to as an AP MLD in this application embodiment, and a multi-link device containing a subordinate STA is uniformly referred to as a non-AP MLD in this application embodiment. A multi-link device may include multiple logical sites, each logical site operating on one link.

[0095] Figure 1This application provides a schematic diagram of a non-AP multi-link device and an AP multi-link device. (See attached diagram.) Figure 1 As shown, a non-AP multi-link device includes two STAs, and an AP multi-link device includes two APs. The non-AP multi-link device can send an association request frame on channel 1. This frame carries information about the STAs on channel 1 as well as relevant information about the STAs on channel 2. Channel 1 is referred to as the transmission link, and channel 2 as the non-transmission link. Upon receiving the association request frame, the AP multi-link device sends an association response frame on channel 1 to the non-AP multi-link device. This response frame carries information about the APs on channel 1 as well as relevant information about the APs on channel 2. Thus, STA1 of the non-AP multi-link device establishes an association with AP1 of the AP multi-link device, and STA2 of the non-AP multi-link device establishes an association with AP2 of the AP multi-link device.

[0096] The relevant information for the STA side of channel 2 can be located in the Basic Multi-link element field of the association request frame. The relevant information for the AP side of channel 2 can be located in the Basic Multi-link element field of the association response frame.

[0097] The media access control (MAC) layer of a multi-link device is divided into a lower (MLD) MAC sublayer and an upper (MLD) MAC sublayer. The lower (MLD) MAC sublayer can be simply referred to as the lower MAC sublayer. The upper (MLD) MAC sublayer can be simply referred to as the higher MAC sublayer.

[0098] A multi-link device may include multiple multi-link device lower-layer media access control sublayers. Understandably, the functionality of these multiple multi-link device lower-layer media access control sublayers is implemented by multiple APs or multiple STAs. For example, in an AP MLD, each AP contains a multi-link device lower-layer media access control sublayer. In a non-AP MLD, each STA contains a multi-link device lower-layer media access control sublayer.

[0099] For example, such as Figure 1As shown, AP MLD includes an MLD high MAC sublayer, an MLD low MAC sublayer 1, and an MLD low MAC sublayer 2. MLD low MAC sublayer 1 serves as the MAC layer for AP1, meaning AP1 implements the functionality of MLD low MAC sublayer 1. MLD low MAC sublayer 2 serves as the MAC layer for AP2, meaning AP2 implements the functionality of MLD low MAC sublayer 2. AP1 and AP2 share the MLD high MAC sublayer.

[0100] The non-AP MLD consists of an MLD high MAC sublayer, an MLD low MAC sublayer 1, and an MLD low MAC sublayer 2. MLD low MAC sublayer 1 serves as the MAC layer for STA1, meaning STA1 implements the functionality of MLD low MAC sublayer 1. MLD low MAC sublayer 2 serves as the MAC layer for STA2, meaning STA2 implements the functionality of MLD low MAC sublayer 2. STA1 and STA2 share the MLD high MAC sublayer.

[0101] In addition to the device's MAC address (MLD MAC address), each link in a multi-link device has its own MAC address (link address). For example, the address of MLD low MAC sublayer 1 is link address1, the address of MLD low MAC sublayer 2 is link address2, and the address of MLD high MAC sublayer is MLD MAC address.

[0102] Dual-band dual-transmit device: This refers to a device with multiple independent radio frequency modules capable of transmitting and receiving data. Different radio frequency modules support different frequencies for data transmission. The difference between a dual-band dual-transmit device and a multi-link device is that, for example... Figure 2 As shown, different RF modules each contain a MAC layer, and multiple RF modules do not share a high MAC sublayer.

[0103] To implement the above-mentioned method of transmitting information through a second link to assist the first link, embodiments of this application provide related communication methods, devices, and communication systems. The implementation methods of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0104] The wireless communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application can be a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular network. The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a communication device in the wireless communication system or a chip or processor in the communication device. The communication device can be a wireless communication device that supports parallel transmission across multiple links, for example, a multi-link device. Compared to a device that only supports single-link transmission, a device that supports multi-link transmission has higher transmission efficiency and higher throughput.

[0105] This application supports IEEE protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / EHT, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8, Integrated mmWave / IMMW, IEEE 802.15 / UWB, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing.

[0106] Communication devices can communicate wirelessly with other devices by following the 802.11 series of protocols. For example, they can communicate with other devices by following extremely high throughput (EHT) stations or by following 802.11be-based or compatible stations. Of course, other devices can be devices that support multiple links or not.

[0107] Exemplary examples show that the communication device in this application can be a single-antenna device or a multi-antenna device. For example, it can be a device with two or more antennas. This application does not limit the number of antennas included in the communication device. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can allow services of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, and even allow the same data packets to be transmitted on different links; alternatively, it can disallow services of the same access type to be transmitted on different links, but allow services of different access types to be transmitted on different links.

[0108] For example, the communication device is a device with wireless communication function. The device can be a complete machine or a chip or processing system installed in the complete machine. The device with these chips or processing systems installed can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of these chips or processing systems.

[0109] For example, the non-AP MLD in this application embodiment has wireless transceiver functionality, can support the 802.11 series of protocols, and can communicate with the AP MLD. For example, a non-AP MLD is any user communication device that allows users to communicate with the AP and thus with the WLAN. For example, a non-AP MLD can be a network-connected user device such as a tablet, desktop, laptop, notebook computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), handheld computer, netbook, personal digital assistant (PDA), or mobile phone; or an IoT node in the Internet of Things (IoT); or an in-vehicle communication device in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). A non-AP MLD can also be the chip and processing system in these terminals.

[0110] The AP MLD in this application embodiment is a device that provides services to a non-AP MLD and can support the 802.11 series of protocols. For example, the AP MLD can be a communication server, router, switch, bridge, or other communication entity. Alternatively, the AP MLD can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. Of course, the AP MLD can also be the chip and processing system in these various forms of devices, thereby realizing the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application.

[0111] Understandably, the communication device in this application embodiment can support high-speed, low-latency transmission. With the continuous evolution of wireless LAN application scenarios, the communication device can also be applied to more scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (e.g., smart water meters, smart electricity meters, smart air quality monitoring nodes), smart devices in smart homes (e.g., smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, audio equipment, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), entertainment terminals (e.g., AR, VR wearable devices), smart devices in smart offices (e.g., printers, projectors, etc.), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices, and some infrastructure in daily life scenarios (e.g., vending machines, supermarket self-service navigation kiosks, self-checkout machines, self-service ordering machines, etc.). This application embodiment does not impose special restrictions on the specific form of the communication device; it is merely an illustrative example. The 802.11 protocol can be a protocol that supports or is compatible with 802.11be.

[0112] In this embodiment of the application, the frequency band in which the communication device operates may include one or more of the following: sub 1GHz, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz and high frequency 60GHz, such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz. This embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0113] While this application primarily illustrates embodiments using a network deploying IEEE 802.11 as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, StarFlash, High Performance Radio LAN (HIPER LAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, primarily used in Europe), and Wide Area Networks (WANs), WLANs, Personal Area Networks (PANs), or other networks now known or to be developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0114] In the embodiments of this application, Bluetooth (BT) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) can refer to each other. Sparklink and Sparklink Low Energy (SLE), Sparklink Basic (SLB), or Sparklink Position (SLP) can also refer to each other.

[0115] The wireless communication systems and application scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication systems and the emergence of new application scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0116] It should be understood that in this wireless communication system, devices can be divided into devices that provide wireless network services and devices that use wireless network services. Devices providing wireless network services can also be called network equipment or network units; for example, such network equipment includes wireless access devices. Devices using wireless network services are typically located at the network edge and can be called terminal devices or simply terminals. Terminal devices can establish connections with network equipment and provide wireless communication services to users based on the services offered by the network equipment. The following example illustrates the structure of this wireless communication system, which includes both wireless access devices and terminal devices.

[0117] Figure 3 Taking a wireless local area network as an example, this application describes a communication system 300 used in its embodiments. The communication system 300 includes multiple wireless access points 310 and multiple stations 320.

[0118] A wireless access point (AP) is an access point in a wireless network. As a routing device in a wireless local area network (WLAN), it features multi-user access, data encryption, data decryption, and multi-rate transmission capabilities. Wireless access points are primarily used in broadband homes, buildings, campuses, industrial parks, warehouses, factories, and other locations requiring wireless networks. Wireless access points can connect to a distributed system (DS).

[0119] A station (STA) is a device connected to a wireless local area network (WLAN) via a wireless access point. Stations can communicate with other stations within the WLAN, wireless access points, or devices outside the wireless network.

[0120] Each STA within the coverage area of ​​an AP can communicate with each other, and each STA can also communicate with the AP.

[0121] A Basic Service Set (BSS) comprises multiple sites connected to the same Access Point (AP). A BSS may or may not include an AP. The Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) is a unique identifier for the BSS. The BSSID has the same format as a MAC address and is generally the MAC address of the AP, used to identify the AP managing the BSS.

[0122] An extended service set (ESS) refers to a set of services formed by two or more Base Stations (BSSs) in a wireless LAN interconnected with a backbone network, typically a wired LAN, through their access point devices. An ESS includes multiple BSSs, thereby extending the coverage of the wireless network. In some embodiments, an ESS includes multiple wireless access points whose coverage cells partially overlap to enable seamless roaming between sites. An overlapping BSS (OBSS) refers to other BSSs that overlap with the current BSS in terms of channel or frequency band. OBSSs may be on the same channel or on different channels.

[0123] In some embodiments, the wireless access point can be an AP multi-link device. The site can be a STA multi-link device. The AP multi-link device and the STA multi-link device can establish multiple channels for data transmission. For example, such as... Figure 1 The process of establishing a multi-link between the non-AP multi-link device and the AP multi-link device.

[0124] It should be noted that the scenario diagram shown in this application embodiment is illustrated by taking an AP MLD including 2 APs and a non-AP MLD including 2 STAs as an example. Of course, an AP MLD may include more APs and a non-AP MLD may include more STAs. This application embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0125] In addition, in the embodiments of this application, AP1 can also be referred to as the first AP, AP2 can also be referred to as the second AP, STA1 can also be referred to as the first STA, STA2 can also be referred to as the second STA, channel 1 can also be referred to as the first channel, and channel 2 can also be referred to as the second channel. This is explained uniformly here and will not be repeated below.

[0126] Optionally, the communication system may further include a relay device, through which the AP multi-link device and the STA multi-link device communicate. Further details are omitted here. Those skilled in the art will understand that the wireless communication device structure shown in the figures does not constitute a limitation on the wireless communication device, and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0127] In practical implementation, Figure 3 Both the AP multi-link device and the STA multi-link device shown can be used. Figure 4 The shown composition structure, or including Figure 4 The components shown. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in this application. The communication device 400 can be an access point device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in an access point device; it can also be a site device or a chip or system-on-a-chip in a site device. Figure 4 As shown, the communication device 400 includes a processor 401, a communication interface 402, and a communication line 403.

[0128] Furthermore, the communication device 400 may also include a memory 404. The processor 401, memory 404, and communication interface 402 can be connected via a communication line 403.

[0129] The processor 401 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 401 can also be other devices with processing capabilities, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0130] In this embodiment, the processor 401 is used to process data, such as network access, time synchronization, roaming, and anti-interference processing.

[0131] Communication interface 402 is used for communicating with other devices or other communication networks. These other communication networks can be Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc. Communication interface 402 can be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of enabling communication.

[0132] For example, communication interface 402 includes a module supporting the UWB band and a module supporting non-UWB bands. The module supporting the UWB band is used to transmit or receive signals containing at least one complete Wi-Fi signal. The module supporting non-UWB bands is used to transmit or receive at least one signal such as BLE, SLE, or Wi-Fi.

[0133] Communication line 403 is used to transmit information between the components included in communication device 400.

[0134] Memory 404 is used to store instructions. The instructions may be computer programs. Memory 404 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and / or instructions; it may also be a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and / or instructions; it may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0135] It should be noted that the memory 404 can exist independently of the processor 401, or it can be integrated with the processor 401. The memory 404 can be used to store instructions, program code, or some data, etc. The memory 404 can be located inside or outside the communication device 400, without limitation. The processor 401 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 404 to implement the communication method provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0136] In one example, processor 401 could be a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. For example... Figure 4 CPU0 and CPU1 in the CPU.

[0137] As an optional implementation, the communication device 400 includes multiple processors, for example, besides Figure 4 In addition to processor 401, it may also include processor 407.

[0138] As an optional implementation, the communication device 400 also includes an output device 405 and an input device 406. For example, the input device 406 is a device such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or joystick, and the output device 405 is a device such as a display screen or speaker.

[0139] It should be noted that the communication device 400 can be a desktop computer, laptop computer, network server, mobile phone, tablet computer, wireless terminal, embedded device, chip system, or other device. Figure 4 Equipment with a similar structure. Furthermore... Figure 4 The structural composition shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, except... Figure 4In addition to the components shown, the communication device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0140] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0141] Furthermore, the actions, terms, etc., involved in the various embodiments of this application can be referenced interchangeably without limitation. The message names or parameter names transmitted between devices in the embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations without limitation. In this application, the second link assisting the first link in achieving its objective can refer to the actions of both parties in acquiring, processing, using, transmitting, or sending information to achieve a certain objective or solve a problem.

[0142] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0143] It should be noted that in the following embodiments of this application, the message names, parameter names, or information names between network elements are just examples. Other names may also be used in other embodiments. The communication method provided in this application does not specifically limit these names.

[0144] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, each network element may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also execute other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0145] Figure 5 This application provides a flowchart illustrating a communication method applicable to a wireless communication system. The system includes a first device and a second device, which can also be referred to as wireless communication devices. For example, the first device and the second device can be... Figure 3 The device shown. For example, the first device can be a wireless access point and the second device can be a site; or, the first device can be a site and the second device can be a wireless access point. That is, the first device can be one of a wireless access point or a site, and the second device can be another of a wireless access point or a site. The first device includes multiple links, including a first link and a second link. The first link is used to transmit a signal containing at least one complete Wi-Fi signal, and the second link is used to transmit at least one signal such as BLE, SLE, or Wi-Fi. The second device includes one or more links. Understandably, the second device can be a device containing a single link or a device containing multiple links. The method includes the following steps.

[0146] Step 510: The first device uses the first link to transmit a first type of communication signal to the second device on the first frequency band.

[0147] Step 520: The first device uses the second link to transmit the second type of communication signal to the second device on the second frequency band.

[0148] The first frequency band is within the UWB band. The second frequency band is within a non-UWB band. For example, non-UWB bands include the 2.4GHz band, the 5GHz band, or the 6GHz band.

[0149] The second link assists the first link in achieving at least one of the following objectives: transmitting Beacon frames, device network access, transmitting low-speed communication frames, time synchronization, interference detection and notification, and roaming. Understandably, signals transmitted between the first link and the second device on the first frequency band are transmitted via the second link to the second device on the second frequency band. In other words, the second link assists the first link in transmitting signals to the second device on the first frequency band. This reduces the number of communication frames transmitted on the first link, allowing it to transmit more other communication frames, such as high-speed communication frames, thus improving the channel utilization of the first link.

[0150] In some embodiments, the transmission rate of the first type of communication signal is greater than the transmission rate of the second type of communication signal. That is, the second type of communication signal can be a low-rate communication frame, and the first device uses the second link to transmit the low-rate communication frame to the second device on the second frequency band. The first type of communication signal can be a high-rate communication frame, and the first device uses the first link to transmit the high-rate communication frame to the second device on the first frequency band.

[0151] For example, the first type of communication signals includes time-delay-sensitive data frames and simplified beacon frames. The second type of communication signals includes at least one of management frames, control frames, or non-time-delay-sensitive data frames.

[0152] Management frames include beacon frames, probe requests, response frames, authentication frames, deauthentication frames, association requests, and deassociation frames.

[0153] Control frames include ACK frames, RTS frames, CTS frames, PS-Poll frames, and block acknowledgement frames.

[0154] Latency-sensitive data frames include those used in high-definition video services.

[0155] By utilizing the first link to transmit high-speed communication frames with the second device on the first frequency band, and utilizing the second link to transmit low-speed communication frames with the second device on the second frequency band, the bandwidth utilization of the first link can be effectively improved, thereby enabling the first link to operate in the UWB band. Furthermore, by utilizing the second link to assist the first link in transmitting non-latency-sensitive services, device power consumption can be reduced, while service transmission latency can be improved.

[0156] In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the first type of communication signal is greater than the bandwidth of the second type of communication signal. That is, the bandwidth of the signal transmitted using the first link on the first frequency band is greater than the bandwidth of the signal transmitted using the second link on the second frequency band.

[0157] The coverage area of ​​the first type of communication signal is smaller than that of the second type of communication signal. This can be achieved, for example, by using a second link to communicate with a distant device and using a first link to communicate with a nearby device. The distance between the devices can be determined, for example, based on the strength of the signal detected from the device.

[0158] Thus, by utilizing the first link to transmit high-speed communication signals (e.g., data frames carrying valid data) on a first frequency band within the UWB band, and by utilizing the second link to transmit low-speed communication signals (e.g., management frames and / or control frames) on a second frequency band outside the UWB band, the operating frequency band of the communication device can be extended to the UWB band. Furthermore, the second link assists the first link in transmitting low-speed communication frames, reducing the number of low-speed communication frames transmitted on the first link and allowing the first link to transmit more high-speed communication frames, thereby improving the channel utilization of the first link. Additionally, the coverage area of ​​the signal transmitted via the second link is greater than that of the signal transmitted via the first link, and the power spectral density of the signal transmitted via the second link is greater than that of the signal transmitted via the first link. Using the second link allows the signal to travel further, enabling communication with distant devices. Therefore, the operating frequency band of the communication device can be extended to the UWB band without causing problems such as reduced channel utilization, signal quality, or reduced coverage.

[0159] The following section discusses scenarios such as network access, time synchronization, interference detection, and roaming. Figure 5The communication method shown will be explained.

[0160] In the first possible implementation, it is assumed that the first device can be a site and the second device is a wireless access point. The second device and the first device transmit beacon frames or probe frames based on a second link, enabling the first device to access the network, that is, the first device and the second device establish a connection.

[0161] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method for a network access scenario provided in this application. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0162] Step 610: The second device sends a beacon frame to the first device using the second link. Correspondingly, the first device receives the beacon frame from the second device using the second link.

[0163] A beacon frame is used to notify of a network's existence and provide information about that network. Beacon frames are typically broadcast by wireless access points (WAPs). The beacon frame contains BSS information, the capabilities of the wireless access point, and other information to facilitate network access for stations that receive the beacon frame, i.e., to establish a connection between the station and the wireless access point. The beacon frame includes a frame header, timestamp, signal strength, frequency offset, and data portion.

[0164] The frame header marks the beginning of the beacon frame. The timestamp indicates the transmission time of the beacon frame and is used for station time synchronization. The signal strength is used by the station to measure the strength of the received signal and to evaluate and optimize channel quality. The frequency offset is used for station-calibrated local clocks to maintain frequency synchronization with the wireless access point. The data section carries additional information or transmits application layer data.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second device may periodically broadcast beacon frames. For example, the second device periodically transmits beacon frames using a second link. Correspondingly, the first device receives beacon frames from the second device using the second link.

[0166] Optionally, the second device sends a simplified beacon frame on the first link. The simplified beacon frame can carry a small amount of device information or network information, which greatly reduces the time overhead of transmitting beacon frames using the first link.

[0167] Since the time information of different devices may be out of sync, the simplified beacon frame can carry time slot allocation information and precise time synchronization information of the first link operating frequency band, which can be used to calibrate the time synchronization deviation between different devices on the first link and the interference information between devices on the first link operating frequency band.

[0168] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the AP uses the second link to send beacon frames, and the AP uses the first link to send simplified beacon frames.

[0169] Optionally, when there is no data transmission on the first and second links, the device can switch to a sleep state to reduce power consumption. It wakes up before beacon frame transmission and switches back to sleep after beacon frame transmission. This approach is particularly suitable for reducing power consumption on the first link. Devices on the first link typically operate using a centralized scheduling method, specifically, different devices operate in different transmission time slots. Therefore, during any device's non-transmission time slots and non-beacon frame transmission periods, the device's first link can be switched to a sleep state, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0170] Step 620: The first device and the second device establish a connection based on BSS information.

[0171] After the first device receives a beacon frame from the second device using the second link, the first device and the second device establish a connection based on BSS information.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first device uses the second link to transmit a probe request, an authentication frame, and an association frame to the second device to complete network access. The probe request, authentication frame, and association frame include information related to the establishment of the first link between the first device and the second device.

[0173] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the AP sends beacon frames using the second link, and the STA receives beacon frames accordingly. The STA sends probe request frames using the second link, and the AP receives probe request frames accordingly. The AP sends probe response frames using the second link, and the STA receives probe response frames accordingly. The STA sends authentication request frames using the second link, and the AP receives authentication request frames accordingly. The AP sends authentication response frames using the second link, and the STA receives authentication response frames accordingly. The STA sends association request frames using the second link, and the AP receives association request frames accordingly. The AP sends association response frames using the second link, and the STA receives association response frames accordingly. Thus, a connection is established between the STA and the AP to facilitate the transmission of data frames.

[0174] Because the coverage area of ​​the signal transmitted using the second link is greater than that of the signal transmitted using the first link, and the transmission distance of the signal transmitted using the second link is longer, using the second link to scan for network access allows the device to scan for beacon frames as quickly as possible. Therefore, compared to the lower success rate of network access caused by scanning for network access using the first link, using the second link to scan for network access effectively improves the success rate of network access and reduces the power consumption of the device.

[0175] In the second possible implementation, it is assumed that the first device can be a site and the second device is a wireless access point. The second device and the first device transmit beacon frames or probe frames based on a second link, so that after the first device accesses the network, the second device and the first device synchronize their time based on the second link.

[0176] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method for a time synchronization scenario provided in this application. Figure 9 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0177] Step 910: The second device sends a communication frame to the first device using the second link. Correspondingly, the first device receives a communication frame from the second device using the second link.

[0178] The communication frame includes the first transmission time slot information of the first link. For example, if the second link is a Wi-Fi link, the communication frame can be a beacon frame. Alternatively, the communication frame can also be a BLE radio frame or a SLE radio frame.

[0179] Step 920: The first device performs initial time synchronization with the second device based on the transmission time slot information.

[0180] The first device performs coarse time synchronization with the second device based on the first transmission time slot information. For example, the first transmission time slot information indicates time information at the minute level.

[0181] Optionally, since the time accuracy is low during initial time synchronization between devices, there is still a possibility that the devices may have different times. Therefore, the devices can also use the first link for precise time synchronization. Optionally, embodiments of this application further include steps 930 and 940.

[0182] Step 930: The second device sends a synchronization frame to the first device using the first link. Correspondingly, the first device receives a synchronization frame from the second device using the first link.

[0183] Step 940: The second device performs precise time synchronization with the second device based on the synchronization frame.

[0184] A synchronization frame can be a random sequence, and it does not need to conform to the Wi-Fi protocol frame format.

[0185] Optionally, the second device transmits a simplified beacon frame to the first device via the first link. Correspondingly, the first device receives a simplified beacon frame from the second device via the first link. The simplified beacon frame contains second transmission time slot information of the first link; for example, the first transmission time slot information indicates time information at the second level.

[0186] For example, such as Figure 10As shown, STA1 and STA2 have a time difference with the AP. The AP uses the second link to send communication frames, which carry coarse time synchronization slot information. Correspondingly, STA1 and STA2 use the second link to receive communication frames. The AP uses the first link to send synchronization frames, and correspondingly, STA1 and STA2 use the second link to receive synchronization frames, which carry fine time synchronization slot information. STA1 and STA2 synchronize their time with the AP based on the coarse and fine time synchronization slot information. The AP uses the first link to send data frames, which STA1 and STA2 can accurately receive.

[0187] Therefore, the device utilizes the second link to transmit coarse time synchronization information, reducing the transmission of low-rate communication frames on the first link and improving the channel utilization of the first link. Furthermore, the coverage area of ​​the signal transmitted via the second link is greater than that transmitted via the first link, and the power spectral density of the signal transmitted via the second link is also greater than that transmitted via the first link. Using the second link allows the signal to travel further, enabling communication with distant devices. The device can receive time synchronization information, improving the accuracy of time synchronization. Additionally, fine time synchronization information is transmitted via the first link, achieving precise time synchronization among multiple devices.

[0188] The device obtains the transmission time slot information of the first link through the first link and / or the second link, and transmits data frames on the first link. The data frames involve at least one complete Wi-Fi signal.

[0189] In the third possible implementation, it is assumed that the first device can be a site and the second device is a wireless access point. After the second device and the first device establish a connection based on the second link and synchronize their time, the second device and the first device can transmit data frames.

[0190] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method for a data transmission scenario provided in this application. Figure 11 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0191] Step 1110: The second device sends non-latency-sensitive data frames to the first device using the second link. Correspondingly, the first device receives non-latency-sensitive data frames from the second device using the second link.

[0192] Step 1120: The second device sends a time-sensitive data frame to the first device using the first link. Correspondingly, the first device receives a time-sensitive data frame from the second device using the first link.

[0193] Latency-sensitive data frames include those from high-definition video services and live streaming scenarios. Non-latency-sensitive data frames include those from instant messages and emails.

[0194] Optionally, steps 1110 and 1120 above are illustrative examples, and this application does not limit the direction of data transmission between devices. In some embodiments, the first device sends non-latency-sensitive data frames to the second device using the second link. Correspondingly, the second device receives non-latency-sensitive data frames from the first device using the second link. The first device sends latency-sensitive data frames to the second device using the first link. Correspondingly, the second device receives latency-sensitive data frames from the first device using the first link.

[0195] Step 1130: The first device sends an acknowledgment frame to the first device via the second link. Correspondingly, the second device receives the acknowledgment frame from the first device via the second link.

[0196] After receiving non-latency-sensitive or latency-sensitive data frames from the second device via the second link, the first device sends an acknowledgment frame to the first device via the second link.

[0197] In some embodiments, after receiving a data frame from the second device, the first device sends an acknowledgment frame to the second device via the second link. Alternatively, after receiving two or more data frames from the second device, the first device sends at least one acknowledgment frame to the second device via the second link. For example, such as... Figure 12 As shown, after receiving three data frames from the AP using the first link, the STA sends an acknowledgment frame to the AP using the second link. After receiving one data frame from the AP using the first link, the STA sends an acknowledgment frame to the AP using the second link.

[0198] Because the operating frequency of the first link is higher than that of the second link, and the device needs to insert redundant data to meet the regulatory requirements for the transmission bandwidth when sending Wi-Fi signals on the first link, the power consumption of the first link is higher than that of the second link when the device transmits the same amount of data using the same modulation parameters on both links.

[0199] The advantage of using the first link for service transmission is that the channel of the first link is cleaner than that of the second link, meaning that Wi-Fi signal transmission on the first link experiences less interference than on the second link. Furthermore, when devices operate on the first link, they typically employ centralized scheduling, avoiding channel contention among multiple devices on the second link, which helps improve the transmission quality of deterministic delay services.

[0200] To fully leverage the advantages of the first-link transmission and reduce device power consumption, the device determines the transmission link for a service based on factors such as latency requirements and the distance between communication pairs. Specifically, the first link is used for short-distance, latency-sensitive services, while the second link is used for long-distance, non-latency-sensitive services. This reduces device power consumption and improves data transmission latency.

[0201] In the fourth possible implementation, the device utilizes the first link to detect inter-device interference (both within and outside the same system). Since the second link has a wider signal coverage than the first link, it can be used to notify the first link of inter-device interference information, thus ensuring that devices over a larger area are aware of the interference information on the first link. Within the same system, interference refers to Wi-Fi signal interference; outside the system, interference refers to signals such as UWB and radar interference. When transmitting Wi-Fi signals using the second link, it can also be used to detect interference from other Wi-Fi devices.

[0202] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method for an interference detection scenario provided in this application. Figure 13 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0203] Step 1310: The first device uses the second link to receive communication frames from one or more third devices.

[0204] Step 1320: The first device determines the interference information of at least one third device to the first device based on the signal strength of the communication frames of one or more third devices and a threshold.

[0205] For example, if the signal strength of the communication frame is greater than or equal to a threshold, the first device determines that the third device is interfering with the first device. If the signal strength of the communication frame is less than the threshold, the first device determines that the third device is not interfering with the first device.

[0206] Step 1330: The first device sends interference information to the second device via the second link. Correspondingly, the second device receives interference information from at least one third device to the first device via the second link. The second device broadcasts the interference information to sites within the domain via the second link.

[0207] When the first device is a site and the second device is a wireless access point, the first device sends interference information to the second device via the second link. The second device uses the second link to receive interference information from one or more third devices sent by the first device; the second device also uses the second link to send interference information. For example, a site reports detected interference information to its associated AP. The associated AP collects interference information reported by different sites and then broadcasts it to sites within the domain via the second link.

[0208] Optionally, when the first device is a site and the second device is a wireless access point, the second device uses the second link to transmit communication frames carrying inter-device interference information. The first device uses the second link to receive interference information from one or more third devices transmitted by the second device. For example, the AP uses the second link to receive other communication frames from one or more third devices, and determines interference information from at least one third device to the site based on the signal strength and threshold of the communication frames from the one or more third devices. The AP sends beacon frames to broadcast notifications to sites within its domain.

[0209] After acquiring interference information, the device can use time division, space division, code division and other methods to avoid interference between devices on the first link.

[0210] One possible implementation is that the device uses the second link to negotiate the transmission time slots of different devices on the first link, ensuring that the transmission time slots of different devices on the first link do not overlap, thereby avoiding interference between devices.

[0211] One possible implementation is that different devices use a second link to negotiate and cooperate in transmission using a spatial division method on the first link, that is, different devices use different transmit powers or beams with different directions to transmit communication frames simultaneously on the first link.

[0212] One possible implementation is that different devices use a second link to negotiate and transmit different code division sequences on the first link. For example, different code division sequences are used to spread the frequency domain data before subcarrier mapping, thereby reducing interference between devices.

[0213] In the fifth possible implementation, it is assumed that the first device can be a site and the second device is a wireless access point. The device obtains information such as whether there are other candidate devices supporting the first link in the neighboring area through the second link, and obtains information such as the capabilities of the candidate devices and the distance between itself and the candidate devices, thereby realizing roaming.

[0214] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method for a roaming scene provided in this application. Figure 14 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0215] Step 1410: The first device uses the second link to obtain information about one or more neighboring devices of the first device.

[0216] For example, the first device uses the second link to scan information about one or more of its neighboring devices.

[0217] For example, the second device uses the second link to scan information about one or more neighboring devices of the first device, and then uses the second link to send information about one or more neighboring devices to the first device. Correspondingly, the first device uses the second link to receive information from one or more neighboring devices of the second device. The information about the one or more neighboring devices includes: whether the one or more neighboring devices support the first frequency band, and / or, the distance between the first device and the one or more neighboring devices.

[0218] Step 1420: The first device determines the target neighbor device from one or more neighbor devices based on information from one or more neighbor devices.

[0219] Step 1430: The first device uses the first link to scan the communication frames of the target neighbor device in the transmission time slot of the target neighbor device.

[0220] Since the coverage area of ​​the signal transmitted using the second link is greater than that of the signal transmitted using the first link, scanning the information of neighboring devices using the second link enables the device to obtain the information of neighboring devices as quickly as possible. Therefore, compared with the lower roaming success rate caused by scanning the information of neighboring devices using the first link, scanning the information of neighboring devices using the second link effectively improves the roaming success rate of the device and reduces the power consumption of the device.

[0221] The above primarily describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of the interaction between the first device and the second device. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the first device and the second device include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0222] This application embodiment can divide the first device and the second device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0223] When using integrated units, Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a communication device involved in the above embodiments is shown. The communication device 1500 can be a first device or a chip applied to a first device. The device includes a processing module 1510 and a communication module 1520. The processing module 1510 can be used to support the device in executing steps 920 and 940 in the above method embodiments; the communication module 1520 is used to support the device in executing steps 520 and 510 in the above method embodiments. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0224] Based on hardware implementation, the processing module 1510 in this embodiment can be the processor of the device, and the communication module 1520 can be the transceiver of the device. The transceiver typically includes a transmitter and a receiver, and the specific transceiver can also be called a communication interface or interface circuit.

[0225] The device can also be a second device or a chip applied to a second device. The processing module 1510 can be used to support the device in executing step 1320 of the above method embodiments; the communication module 1520 is used to support the device in executing steps 610, 910, 930, and 1330 of the above method embodiments. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0226] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may further include a storage module 1530, which stores time slot information and interference information so that the device can perform time synchronization based on the time slot information.

[0227] like Figure 16 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of another communication device involved in the above embodiments provided in this application. The communication device 1600 can be used as a first device or a chip applied to a first device, or it can be used as a second device or a chip applied to a second device. The device includes a processor 1611, and may also include a memory 1612, a communication interface 1613, and a bus 1614. The processor 1611, the memory 1612, and the communication interface 1613 are connected through the bus 1614.

[0228] The processor 1611 is used to control and manage the operation of the device. In one possible embodiment, the processor 1611 can be used to support the device in receiving steps 920 and 940 in the above method embodiments, and / or other technical processes described herein. The communication interface 1613 is used to support the device in communication, such as supporting the device to communicate with a second device. In one possible embodiment, the processor 1611 can be used to support the device in receiving steps 1310 and 1320 in the above method embodiments, and / or other technical processes described herein. The communication interface 1613 is used to support the device in communication, such as supporting the device to communicate with a first device.

[0229] In this embodiment, the processor 1611 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor may also be a combination that implements computational functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. The bus 1614 may include an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc.

[0230] In another embodiment of this application, a communication system is provided, comprising a first device and a second device; wherein the first device may be or include the aforementioned Figure 15 or Figure 16 The provided apparatus is used to perform the steps of the first device in the method embodiments described above; the second device may be or include the steps described above. Figure 15 or Figure 16 The provided apparatus is used to perform the steps of the second device in the method embodiments provided above.

[0231] It is understood that all relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced in the embodiments of the first signal transmission device and the second signal transmission device, as well as in the embodiments of the communication system, and will not be repeated here.

[0232] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another apparatus, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0233] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0234] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. This readable storage medium may include various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, external hard drive, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product.

[0235] In another embodiment of this application, a readable storage medium is also provided, which stores computer-executable instructions that are executed by a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or a processor when executing the steps of the first or second device in the above method embodiments.

[0236] In another embodiment of this application, a computer program product is also provided, the computer program product including computer instructions stored in a readable storage medium; at least one processor of the device can read the computer instructions from the readable storage medium, and the at least one processor executes the computer instructions to cause the device to perform the steps of the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0237] Finally, it should be noted that 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 within the technical scope 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 communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first device, the first device including multiple links, the multiple links including a first link and a second link; The method includes: The first link is used to transmit a first type of communication signal to the second device on a first frequency band, and the second link is used to transmit a second type of communication signal to the second device on a second frequency band; The first link is used to transmit a signal containing at least one complete Wi-Fi signal, and the first frequency band is in the ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency band, while the second frequency band is in a non-UWB frequency band.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coverage area of ​​the first type of communication signal is smaller than that of the second type of communication signal.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission rate of the first type of communication signal is greater than the transmission rate of the second type of communication signal.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first type of communication signal includes data frames, and the second type of communication signal includes at least one of management frames, control frames, or non-delay-sensitive data frames.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-UWB frequency bands include the 2.4GHz band, the 5GHz band, or the 6GHz band.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method of transmitting a first type of communication signal to a second device using the first link on a first frequency band and transmitting a second type of communication signal to the second device using the second link on a second frequency band includes: The second link is used to receive communication frames from the second device, the communication frames including the transmission time slot information of the first link; Initial time synchronization is performed with the second device based on the transmission time slot information; Receive synchronization frames from the second device using the first link; Based on the synchronization frame, precise time synchronization is performed with the second device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method of transmitting a first type of communication signal to a second device using the first link on a first frequency band and transmitting a second type of communication signal to the second device using the second link on a second frequency band includes: Utilizing the second link, a beacon frame is received from the second device, the beacon frame including the basic service set (BSS) information of the first link; A connection is established with the second device on the second link based on the BSS information.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Transmitting a first type of communication signal to a second device using the first link on a first frequency band includes: The first link is used to receive latency-sensitive data frames from the second device, the data frames relating to at least one complete Wi-Fi signal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, Transmitting a second type of communication signal with the second device using the second link on the second frequency band includes: The second link is used to receive non-latency-sensitive data frames from the second device.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Transmitting a second type of communication signal with the second device using the second link on the second frequency band includes: An acknowledgment frame is sent to the second device using the second link.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Sending an acknowledgment frame to the second device using the second link includes: After receiving two or more data frames from the second device, an acknowledgment frame is sent to the second device using the second link.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method of transmitting a first type of communication signal to a second device using the first link on a first frequency band and transmitting a second type of communication signal to the second device using the second link on a second frequency band includes: Utilize the second link to receive communication frames from one or more third devices; Based on the signal strength of the communication frames of the one or more third devices and a predetermined threshold, interference information of at least one third device on the first device is determined. The interference information is sent to the second device using the second link.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Transmitting a second type of communication signal with the second device using the second link on the second frequency band includes: The second link is used to receive interference information from at least one third device to the first device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method of transmitting a first type of communication signal to a second device using the first link on a first frequency band and transmitting a second type of communication signal to the second device using the second link on a second frequency band includes: The second link is used to obtain information about one or more neighboring devices of the first device; The target neighbor device is determined from the one or more neighbor devices based on the information of the one or more neighbor devices; The communication frames of the target neighbor device are scanned in the transmission time slot of the target neighbor device using the first link.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Using the second link to obtain information about one or more neighboring devices of the first device includes: The second link is used to scan information about one or more neighboring devices of the first device.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Using the second link to obtain information about one or more neighboring devices of the first device includes: The second link is used to receive information from one or more neighboring devices of the second device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The information of the one or more neighboring devices includes: whether the one or more neighboring devices support the first frequency band, and / or the distance between the first device and the one or more neighboring devices.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second device, the second device including multiple links, the multiple links including a first link and a second link; The method includes: The first link is used to transmit a first type of communication signal to the first device on a first frequency band, and the second link is used to transmit a second type of communication signal to the first device on a second frequency band; The first link is used to transmit a signal containing at least one complete Wi-Fi signal, and the first frequency band is in the UWB band, while the second frequency band is in a non-UWB band.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method of transmitting a first type of communication signal to a first device using the first link on a first frequency band, and transmitting a second type of communication signal to the first device using the second link on a second frequency band, includes: The second link is used to send a communication frame to the first device, the communication frame including the transmission time slot information of the first link; A synchronization frame is sent to the first device using the first link.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method of transmitting a first type of communication signal to a first device using the first link on a first frequency band, and transmitting a second type of communication signal to the first device using the second link on a second frequency band, includes: The second link is used to send a beacon frame to the first device, the beacon frame including the basic service set (BSS) information of the first link; A connection is established with the first device on the second link based on the BSS information.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, Transmitting a first type of communication signal to a first device using the first link on a first frequency band includes: The first link is used to send a time-sensitive data frame to the first device, the data frame involving at least one complete Wi-Fi signal.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19-21, characterized in that, Transmitting a second type of communication signal with the first device using the second link on the second frequency band includes: The second link is used to send non-latency-sensitive data frames to the first device.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, Transmitting a second type of communication signal with the first device using the second link on the second frequency band includes: The second link is used to receive an acknowledgment frame from the first device.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, Receiving an acknowledgment frame from the first device using the second link includes: After sending two or more data frames to the second device, an acknowledgment frame from the first device is received using the second link.

25. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, Transmitting a second type of communication signal with the first device using the second link on the second frequency band includes: The second link is used to receive interference information from at least one third device to the first device. The interference information is transmitted using the second link.

26. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, Transmitting a second type of communication signal with the first device using the second link on the second frequency band includes: Utilize the second link to receive communication frames from one or more third devices; Based on the signal strength of the communication frames of the one or more third devices and a predetermined threshold, interference information of at least one third device on the first device is determined. The interference information is sent to the first device using the second link.

27. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, Transmitting a second type of communication signal with the first device using the second link on the second frequency band includes: Use the second link to scan information about one or more neighboring devices; The second link is used to send information about one or more neighboring devices to the first device.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The information of the one or more neighboring devices includes: whether the one or more neighboring devices support the first frequency band, and / or the distance between the first device and the one or more neighboring devices.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes a processor and a transceiver, the processor and the transceiver being configured to support the apparatus in performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-28.

30. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on the device, cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-28.

31. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run on a device, causes the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-28.

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