Communication method, communication device and communication system

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a communication method, communication equipment and a communication system. The communication method comprises the following steps: a first device determines a first wireless frame in an initial association process with a second device; wherein the first wireless frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information identifies the support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes with different capabilities; and sending the first wireless frame to define a signaling process for switching the first equipment in the communication modes with different capabilities, thereby reducing the power consumption of the equipment and enabling the equipment to be suitable for the UHR requirement.

Description

Communication method, communication device, and communication system TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular, to a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, the contents researched by Wi-Fi technology, such as Ultra High Reliability (UHR), have the vision of improving the reliability of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) connection, reducing the delay, improving the manageability, increasing the throughput at different Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) levels, and reducing the device-level power consumption, and the like.

[0003] In UHR, the power saving mechanism will be further enhanced to ensure the delay requirement of low-delay service.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a communication device, and a communication system to provide further enhanced power saving mechanism.

[0006] In an aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, comprising:

[0007] A first device determines a first wireless frame in an initial association process with a second device; wherein the first wireless frame comprises first identification information, the first identification information identifying the first device: support capability information for switching between communication modes of different capabilities.

[0008] The first wireless frame is sent.

[0009] In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication method, comprising:

[0010] A second device receives a first wireless frame sent by a first device in an initial association process with the first device; wherein the first wireless frame comprises first identification information, the first identification information identifying the first device: support capability information for switching between communication modes of different capabilities.

[0011] In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication device, which is a first device, comprising:

[0012] determining a first radio frame in an initial association process with a second device; wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, the first identification information identifying support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities;

[0013] sending the first radio frame.

[0014] In another aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, which is a second device, comprising:

[0015] receiving a first radio frame sent by a first device in an initial association process with the first device; wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, the first identification information identifying support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities.

[0016] In another aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, which is a first device, comprising:

[0017] one or more processors;

[0018] The first device is configured to perform the communication method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] In another aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, which is a second device, comprising:

[0020] one or more processors;

[0021] The second device is configured to perform the communication method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication system comprising a first device and a second device.

[0023] The first device determines a first radio frame in an initial association process with the second device; wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, the first identification information identifying support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities; and sends the first radio frame.

[0024] The second device receives a first radio frame sent by the first device in an initial association process with the first device; wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, the first identification information identifying support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities.

[0025] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a storage medium, which stores instructions, and when the instructions run on a communication device, the communication device executes the communication method as described in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device determines a first radio frame in the initial association process with the second device; wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information identifies the support capability information of the first device for switching between different capability communication modes; and the first radio frame is transmitted to define the signaling flow of the first device switching between different capability communication modes, so as to reduce the power consumption of the device and make it applicable to UHR requirements.

[0027] Additional aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in part in the description that follows, and will become apparent from the description, or will be learned by practice according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following describes the drawings required for the embodiment description. The following drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not specifically limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 1 is one exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 2 is one exemplary interactive schematic diagram of the method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig. 3 is another exemplary interactive schematic diagram of the method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 4 is a third exemplary interactive schematic diagram of the method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig. 5 is a fourth exemplary interactive schematic diagram of the method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 6 is one flow schematic diagram of the communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Fig. 7 is another flow schematic diagram of the communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig. 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the first device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Fig. 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the second device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of the terminal according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present disclosure provides a communication method, a communication device and a communication system.

[0041] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication method, comprising:

[0042] The first device determines a first radio frame in an initial association process with a second device; wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, the first identification information identifying the first device: support capability information for switching between communication modes of different capabilities;

[0043] The first radio frame is transmitted.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the first device determines a first radio frame in an initial association process with a second device; wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, the first identification information identifying the first device: support capability information for switching between communication modes of different capabilities; the first radio frame is transmitted to define the signaling flow of the first device switching between communication modes of different capabilities, reduce the power consumption of the device, and make it suitable for UHR requirements.

[0045] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first device comprises a station device, and the first radio frame comprises at least one of:

[0046] a probe request frame, an association request frame, a re-association request frame;

[0047] and / or

[0048] The first device comprises an access point device, and the first radio frame comprises at least one of:

[0049] a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, a re-association response frame; wherein the first identification information is carried in a UHR capabilities information element of the first radio frame.

[0050] In the above embodiments, when the first device is a station device, the sending of the probe request, the association request or the re-association request frame identifies the support capability information of the first device for the communication mode switching of different energies, which helps the second device to adjust the communication mode according to the actual situation, so as to optimize the energy utilization and reduce the power consumption in the initial association process. When the first device is an access point device, the sending of the probe request, the association request or the re-association request frame identifies the support capability information of the first device for the communication mode switching of different energies, which helps the second device to adjust the communication mode according to the actual situation, so as to optimize the energy utilization and reduce the power consumption in the initial association process.

[0051] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first identification information identifies that the first device supports communication in the first capability communication mode, and the method comprises:

[0052] After the initial association is completed, switching to communication in the first capability communication mode;

[0053] and / or

[0054] The first device supports an enhanced multi-link single radio eMLSR mode or an enhanced multi-link multi-radio eMLMR mode, and switches to communication in the first capability communication mode in each link.

[0055] In the above embodiments, therefore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first device supports the communication mode switching of different capabilities after the initial association is completed, the first device directly switches to communication in the first capability communication mode, which helps to optimize energy management and reduce device power consumption.

[0056] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first capability communication mode comprises a low capability communication mode.

[0057] and / or

[0058] At least one communication parameter of the first capability communication mode is lower than that of other capability communication modes.

[0059] In the above embodiments, by providing a low capability communication mode, the system becomes more flexible and can adapt to communication requirements in different environments. For example, in the case of weak network signal, using a low capability communication mode can ensure stable communication connection.

[0060] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0061] The first device receives an initial control frame sent by the second device in the first capability communication mode; the initial control frame includes a communication parameter in the second capability communication mode; at least one communication parameter in the second capability communication mode is greater than the communication parameter in the first capability communication mode.

[0062] The communication parameter includes one or more of bandwidth (BW), number of spatial streams, modulation and coding (MCS) mode, and transmission rate.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the second device sends a second wireless frame to inform the first device to switch to a high-energy communication mode, such as the second capability communication mode, to meet the requirement of higher transmission rate or lower delay when network load increases or user demand changes.

[0064] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, after receiving the initial control frame sent by the second device, the method further includes:

[0065] The first device sends a first acknowledgement message frame to the second device in the first capability communication mode; the first acknowledgement message frame indicates that the first device switches to the second capability communication mode for communication.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the first device sends a first acknowledgement message frame to the second device in the first capability communication mode, indicating that the first device has prepared and has switched to the second capability communication mode, and can communicate in a higher communication capability.

[0067] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the BW parameter of the first capability communication mode is different from the BW parameter of the second capability communication mode,

[0068] Before switching to the second capability communication mode, the first device receives a request to send (RTS) frame sent by the second device and sends a clear to send (CTS) frame to the second device.

[0069] In the above embodiment, if the BW parameters in the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode are not the same, it means that the BW parameter needs to be adjusted. The first device receives the RTS frame from the second device and sends the CTS frame. This process ensures the adjustment of the communication parameter and the consistency of the two communication parties, and provides the necessary confirmation for the first device to switch to the second capability communication mode.

[0070] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0071] receiving a data frame sent by the second device; the second identification information of the data frame identifies that the support capability information of the second device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities is a first parameter;

[0072] sending a second acknowledgement message frame to the second device, and switching to the first capability communication mode for communication; wherein the first identification information is included in the second acknowledgement message frame, and the first identification information is set as the first parameter;

[0073] or,

[0074] sending a request frame to the second device to request switching to the first capability communication mode for communication, and switching to the first capability communication mode for communication after receiving a response frame returned by the second device.

[0075] In the above embodiment, if the second identification information is set as the first parameter, indicating that the second device switches to the first capability communication mode for communication, after receiving the data frame sent by the second device, the first device returns an acknowledgement message ACK frame to the second device, indicating that the data frame has been received and is ready to switch to the first capability communication mode, and carries the first identification information in the MAC frame header of the ACK frame, the first identification information is set as the first parameter, ensuring the consistency of the communication parameters between the first device and the second device, thereby avoiding the mismatch problem in communication.

[0076] In the above embodiment, in addition to transmitting the second identification information during data transmission, the first device can also send a request frame to request switching to the first capability communication mode for communication according to the current communication environment, so as to reduce the requirement for signal quality.

[0077] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0078] In the initial association process with the first device, the second device receives a first wireless frame sent by the first device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, and the first identification information identifies the support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities.

[0079] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first device includes a station device, and the first wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0080] a probe Request frame, an association Request frame, and a Reassociation Request frame;

[0081] and / or

[0082] The first device comprises an access point device, and the first wireless frame comprises at least one of the following:

[0083] a beacon frame, a probe response, an association response frame, and a reassociation response frame; wherein the first identification information is carried in a UHR capabilities information element of the first wireless frame.

[0084] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first identification information identifies that the first device supports communication in a first capability communication mode, and the method comprises:

[0085] sending an initial control initial control frame to the first device; the initial control initial control frame comprises a communication parameter in a second capability communication mode; wherein at least one communication parameter in the second capability communication mode is greater than the communication parameter in the first capability communication mode;

[0086] The communication parameter comprises one or more of a bandwidth BW, a number of spatial streams, a MCS mode, and a transmission rate.

[0087] In some embodiments of the second aspect, after the initial control initial control frame is sent to the first device, the method further comprises:

[0088] receiving a first acknowledgement message frame sent by the first device to the second device in the first capability communication mode; the first acknowledgement message frame identifies that the first device switches to the second capability communication mode for communication.

[0089] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the BW parameter of the first capability communication mode is different from the BW parameter of the second capability communication mode, and the method further comprises:

[0090] sending an RTS frame to the first device, the RTS frame instructing the first device to switch to the second capability communication mode for communication after sending a CTS frame to the second device.

[0091] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises:

[0092] sending a data frame to the first device; wherein second identification information of the data frame identifies that the support capability information of the second device for switching between different capability communication modes is a first parameter.

[0093] receive a second confirmation message frame sent by the first device, the second confirmation message frame identifying that the first device switches to the first capability communication mode for communication; or, receive a request frame sent by the first device for switching to the first capability communication mode for communication, and reply to the first device with a response frame, the response frame identifying that the second device allows the first device to switch to the first capability communication mode for communication.

[0094] The first identification information is set as the first parameter.

[0095] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, the communication device being a first device, and the first device comprising at least one of a determination module and a sending module; wherein the first device is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the first aspect.

[0096] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, the communication device being a second device, comprising a receiving module; wherein the second device is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the second aspect.

[0097] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, the communication device being a first device, comprising:

[0098] one or more processors;

[0099] The first device is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the first aspect.

[0100] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device, the communication device being a second device, comprising:

[0101] one or more processors;

[0102] The second device is configured to perform the optional implementation manners of the second aspect.

[0103] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication system, comprising a first device and a second device; wherein the first device determines and sends a first wireless frame to the second device; wherein the first wireless frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information identifies support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes with different capabilities.

[0104] The second device receives the first wireless frame sent by the first device in an initial association process with the first device; wherein the first wireless frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information identifies support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes with different capabilities.

[0105] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a storage medium, which stores instructions, and when the instructions run on a communication device, the communication device executes the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0106] In a ninth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a program product, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to execute the method described in the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0107] In a tenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program, which, when running on a computer, causes the computer to execute the method described in the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0108] In an eleventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or a chip system. The chip or the chip system includes processing circuitry configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0109] It can be understood that the first device, the second device, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip or the chip system are all used to execute the method proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here.

[0110] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose a communication method, a communication device and a communication system. In some embodiments, the communication method and the signal sending method, the wireless frame sending method and the like can be replaced with each other, and the information processing system, the communication system and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0111] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing some steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation manners in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the steps of different embodiments or parts or all of the steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, and an embodiment can be combined with the optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0112] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, if there is no special description and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referred to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0113] The terminology used in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

[0114] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "plurality" refers to two or more.

[0115] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of," "one or more of," "a plurality of," "multiple," and the like can be alternatives for each other.

[0116] In some embodiments, the description of "at least one of A, B," "A and / or B," "in one case A, in another case B," "in response to a case A, in response to a case B," and the like, according to the situation, can include the following technical solutions: in some embodiments, A is executed regardless of B (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B is executed regardless of A (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, A and B are selectively executed from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B are executed (A and B are executed). When there are more branches of A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0117] In some embodiments, the description of "A or B" and the like, according to the situation, can include the following technical solutions: in some embodiments, A is executed regardless of B (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B is executed regardless of A (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, A and B are selectively executed from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). When there are more branches of A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0118] The prefix words of "first", "second" and the like in the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute limitation on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. The description objects are described in the claims or embodiments, and should not be construed as redundant limitation because of the use of the prefix words. For example, the description object is "field", and the ordinal words before "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields", and "first" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified thereby are in the same message or not, nor limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the description object is "level", and the ordinal words before "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the quantity of the description object is not limited by the ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", wherein the quantity of "device" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different, for example, the description object is "device", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and the types thereof can be the same or different. For another example, the description object is "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and the contents thereof can be the same or different.

[0119] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A" can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0120] In some embodiments, the terms of "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "when", "if", "if" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0121] In some embodiments, the terms of "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not lower than", "above" and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms of "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", "below" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0122] In some embodiments, the apparatuses and devices can be interpreted as entities, and can also be interpreted as virtual, the names of which are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and in some cases can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", and the like.

[0123] In some embodiments, the data, information, and the like can be obtained in compliance with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0124] In some embodiments, the data, information, and the like can be obtained after obtaining the consent of the user.

[0125] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0126] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes a first device 101 and a second device 102. The first communication device can be a station device (STA) or an access point device (AP), and the second communication device can be a STA or an AP. For example, when the first communication device 101 is a STA, the second communication device 102 is an AP. The station device includes a non-AP MLD affiliated station device (non-AP STA), and the access point device includes a UHR mobile AP. For example, when the first communication device 101 is a non-AP STA, the second communication device 102 is a UHR mobile AP.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first device 101 and the second device 102 comprise, for example, a wireless communication chip supporting WiFi communication function, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal. Optionally, the wireless communication terminal is at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device supporting WiFi communication function, a WiFi communication function-equipped vehicle, a smart vehicle, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in smart city, a wireless terminal device in smart home, but not limited thereto.

[0129] Specifically, the first device 101 and the second device 102 can be a terminal device or a network device with a wireless fidelity (WiFi) chip. Optionally, the first device 101 and the second device 102 can support multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, 802.11bn, and the next generation 802.11 protocol, but not limited thereto.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first device 101 and the second device 102 can be an access point (AP) for a mobile terminal to access a wired network. The AP serves as a bridge connecting the wired network and the wireless network, and its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then access the Ethernet network through the wireless network. Specifically, the AP can be a terminal device or a network device with a wireless fidelity chip. Optionally, the AP can support multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11bf, 802.11bn, and the next generation 802.11 protocol, but not limited thereto.

[0131] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP and the STA can be devices supporting multi-link, for example, can be respectively denoted as an access point multi-link device (AP MLD) and a non-access point multi-link device (Non-AP MLD); the AP MLD can represent an access point supporting a multi-link communication function, and the non-AP MLD can represent a station supporting a multi-link communication function.

[0132] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. It can be known by those skilled in the art that, as the system architecture evolves and new business scenarios appear, the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0133] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1 or part of the subjects, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG. 1 are exemplary, and the communication system can include all or part of the subjects in FIG. 1, or other subjects other than FIG. 1. The number and form of each subject is arbitrary, each subject can be physical or virtual, the connection relationship between each subject is exemplary, each subject can not be connected or can be connected, the connection can be in any way, can be direct connection or indirect connection, can be wired connection or wireless connection.

[0134] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to a wireless local area network (WLAN), for example, a local area network using 802.11 series protocols. In a WLAN, a basic service set (BSS) is a basic component of a WLAN. A BSS network is composed of a group of station devices having some association within a certain coverage area. One case of association is that the stations directly communicate with each other in an ad hoc network, which is referred to as an independent BSS (IBSS). Another more common case is that in a BSS network, there is only one central station with a full-time management BSS, which is referred to as an access point device, and the other STAs in the network are associated with it. The other stations in the BSS network that are not the central station are referred to as terminals, also referred to as non-AP STAs. When describing a STA, it is not necessary to distinguish between AP and non-AP STAs. In the same BSS network, due to distance, transmission power, etc., a STA cannot detect other STAs far away from it, and the two are each other's hidden nodes.

[0135] FIG. 2 is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the above method includes:

[0136] In step 201, the first device 101 determines a first wireless frame in an initial association process with the second device 102; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, and the first identification information identifies the first device 101: support capability information between different capability communication modes.

[0137] In a Wi-Fi network, a station device usually needs to communicate with an access point device periodically to maintain the connection, even when the device has no data to send or receive. This communication mode can cause the device to have high energy consumption in the standby state. To solve this problem, a power saving (PS) enhancement mechanism is proposed, which allows the device to enter a low energy mode for a period of time and temporarily stop receiving data frames, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the device. For example, the device may take some power saving measures during the idle period or low load condition to reduce the power consumption of the device. In this case, the device needs to switch to a low energy mode with lower power consumption to reduce energy consumption and prolong battery life. When the device needs to perform a large amount of data transmission, video streaming or other high-bandwidth applications, it may switch to a high energy mode with higher power consumption to provide higher transmission rate and more stable connection.

[0138] The related art introduces a dynamic spatial multiplexing mode, i.e., a device listens in a single spatial stream (1SS) and communicates in multiple spatial streams (SS), which can achieve the purpose of improving communication efficiency at low energy consumption to a certain extent; it can also be static SM, i.e., consistent 1SS listening and 1SS sending, wherein the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) mode of the two is indefinite, such as from MCS0 to MCS13, etc. However, the aforementioned SM mode cannot flexibly save power, for example, in the dynamic SM, there may be a large MCS mode in the listening stage, which consumes a large amount of power. However, in UHR, some applications may not require large communication parameters, such as high BW and high-order MCS mode, etc. In order to flexibly meet the needs, a new signaling process needs to be defined to help the device flexibly adjust the communication mode under different needs, so as to reduce the power consumption of the device, make it suitable for UHR needs, and ensure efficient data transmission in various network environments.

[0139] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first device determines a first radio frame in an initial association process with a second device; wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, and the first identification information identifies support capability information of the first device for switching between different communication modes. Different communication modes may, for example, include a first capability communication mode, a second capability communication mode, or more communication modes divided according to different requirements for device capability; the first capability communication mode may, for example, be a low-energy communication mode, and the second capability communication mode may, for example, be a high-energy communication mode; optionally, the low-energy communication mode can also be referred to as a listening state or a low-power communication stage, for example, the working parameter is a 20MHz basic bandwidth, the number of SS is 1, and the MCS mode is, for example, from MCS0 to MCS6. The high capability mode refers to a high-power communication mode, for example, the working parameter is greater than or equal to 20MHz, the BW can also be 40 / 80 / 160 / 320MHz, the number of SS is greater than or equal to 2, and the MCS mode is, for example, from MCS6 to MCS14, etc.

[0140] Alternatively, at least one communication parameter in the second capability communication mode is greater than the communication parameter in the first capability communication mode; the communication parameter includes one or more of a bandwidth (Bandwidth, BW), a number of spatial streams (Number of spatial streams, NSS), an MCS mode, and a transmission rate.

[0141] Specifically, the first identification information can include one identification bit for indicating whether the first device supports switching between different capability communication modes. In addition, the first identification information can further include two identification bits for respectively indicating whether the first device supports a high-energy communication mode (hereinafter referred to as a second capability communication mode) and a low-energy communication mode (hereinafter referred to as a first capability communication mode). The first identification information can help the second device to understand the support capability of the first device for switching between different capability communication modes, so as to make corresponding adjustments in the communication process. The second capability communication mode can be a mode adopted by the device when the device needs more frequent data transmission or higher rate communication, and the first capability communication mode can be an energy saving strategy adopted by the device in some cases to reduce energy consumption and prolong battery life. For example, the high-energy communication mode is an active mode (Active Mode) or an awake mode (Awake Mode), and the low-energy communication mode is a doze mode (Doze Mode).

[0142] In addition, the first device can be a station device (Station, STA) or an access point device (Access Point, AP), and the second device can be a STA or an AP. For example, when the first device 101 is a STA, the second device 102 is an AP or a non-AP MLD. The station device includes a non-AP STA affiliated to a non-AP MLD, and the access point device includes a UHR mobile AP. For example, when the first device 101 is a non-AP STA, the second device 102 is a UHR mobile AP.

[0143] Specifically, if the device cannot effectively switch between different capability communication modes, it can cause long-time running in the high-energy communication mode, thereby increasing the energy consumption of the device.

[0144] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first device can transmit support capability information to the second device in the initial association process according to its own communication capability and supported different capability communication modes, so as to help the second device to better understand the support capability of the first device for switching between different capability communication modes. In this way, the second device can make more reasonable decisions according to the support capability information of the first device, thereby maximizing the reduction of its own energy consumption without affecting the communication quality.

[0145] Step 202, the first device 101 sends the first wireless frame.

[0146] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first device sends a first wireless frame in an initial association process with the second device. When the first device comprises a station device (for example, the first device is a Non-AP STA), the first wireless frame comprises at least one of the following:

[0147] a probe request frame, an association request frame, and a reassociation request frame.

[0148] When the first device is a Non-AP STA, sending the probe request frame, the association request frame, or the reassociation request frame to identify the support capability information of the first device for the communication mode switching of different energies is helpful for the UHR mobile AP to adjust the communication mode according to the actual situation, thereby optimizing the energy utilization and reducing the power consumption in the initial association process.

[0149] When the first device comprises an access point device (for example, the first device is a UHR mobile AP or an AP or an AP MLD), the first wireless frame comprises at least one of the following:

[0150] a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, and a reassociation response frame; wherein the first identification information is carried in an ultra-high reliability capability (UHR capabilities) information element of the first wireless frame.

[0151] When the first device is a UHR mobile AP, sending the probe request frame, the association request frame, or the reassociation request frame to identify the support capability information of the first device for the communication mode switching of different energies is helpful for the Non-AP STA to adjust the communication mode according to the actual situation, thereby optimizing the energy utilization and reducing the power consumption in the initial association process.

[0152] In some embodiments, if the Non-AP STA is attached to a Non-AP MLD, or the UHR mobile AP is attached to a Non-AP MLD, the support capability information of the communication mode switching of different energies identified by the first identification information is at a Multi-Link Device (MLD) level.

[0153] In step 203, the second device 102 receives the first wireless frame sent by the first device 101 in the initial association process with the first device 101, wherein the first wireless frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information identifies the support capability information of the first device 101 for switching between communication modes of different capabilities.

[0154] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the second device receives the first wireless frame in the initial association process with the first device, and learns the support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities according to the first identification information carried in the first wireless frame. In this way, the second device can make a more reasonable decision according to the support capability information of the first device, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the second device to the greatest extent without affecting the communication quality.

[0155] In step 204, the first device 101 switches to the first capability communication mode for communication after the initial association is completed, and / or the first device 101 supports an enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (eMLSR) mode or an enhanced Multi-Link Multi-Radio (eMLMR) mode, and switches to the first capability communication mode for communication in each link.

[0156] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the initial association is completed, if the first device supports switching between communication modes of different capabilities, the first device directly switches to the first capability communication mode for communication, that is, the first device performs listening in the low capability communication mode. Switching of the first device to the first capability communication mode can reduce the power consumption of the device, prolong the endurance time of the device, reduce the battery consumption, and save energy. If the first device maintains the high energy communication mode in the initial association process, it may cause high power consumption, shorten the endurance time, and increase the battery consumption. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the initial association is completed, if the first device supports switching between communication modes of different capabilities, the first device directly switches to the first capability communication mode for communication, which is helpful for optimizing energy management and reducing the power consumption of the device. For example, the first device is in the first capability communication mode, the bandwidth of the first device is set to 20 MHz, the number of spatial streams is 1, and the first device uses the lowest MCS mode (for example, MCS 0 or MCS 1) for transmission, and the corresponding transmission rate is 6 Mbps, to adapt to the requirements in the first capability communication mode.

[0157] In some embodiments, the eMLSR or eMLMR mode allows a single device to simultaneously use multiple links for communication, and if the first device supports the eMLSR or eMLMR mode, the first device switches to the first capability communication mode for communication in each link, which can reduce the power consumption of the device and also reduce the impact of link failure on the entire network.

[0158] As an example, referring to FIG. 3, which shows an optional implementation of an embodiment of the present disclosure, including the following steps:

[0159] In step 301, the first device 101 receives an initial control frame sent by the second device 102 in the first capability communication mode; the initial control frame includes communication parameters in the second capability communication mode; at least one communication parameter in the second capability communication mode is greater than the communication parameter in the first capability communication mode.

[0160] The communication parameters include one or more of BW, NSS, MCS mode, transmission rate, etc.

[0161] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the network load increases or the user demand changes, a higher transmission rate or a lower delay may be required. The second device sends a second wireless frame to inform the first device to switch to a high-energy communication mode, for example, the second capability communication mode, to meet the above requirements. Or, in the case of a large signal coverage range, the second device may need to use a high-energy communication mode to ensure good signal transmission quality and stability. The second device sends a second wireless frame to inform the first device to switch to the second capability communication mode to improve the communication coverage range.

[0162] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device accepts the initial control frame sent by the second device in the first capability communication mode. The initial control frame may be, for example, a multi-user request to send (MU-RTS) frame, a buffer status report poll (BSRP) frame, or other frames, etc., or a newly defined frame.

[0163] The initial control frame comprises a communication parameter in the second capability communication mode; wherein at least one communication parameter in the second capability communication mode is greater than the communication parameter in the first capability communication mode, indicating that the second device needs to use the second capability communication mode with higher energy for communication. The first device receives the initial control frame, and determines whether it needs to switch to the second capability communication mode for communication according to the communication parameter carried in the initial control frame to meet the current communication requirement. For example, the first device is in the first capability communication mode, and the BW is set to 20MHz. When the second device needs to use the second capability communication mode to ensure good signal transmission quality and stability, the second device sends the initial control frame, and carries the BW set to 40MHz or higher in the second capability communication mode in the initial control frame.

[0164] In step 302, the first device 101 sends a first confirmation message frame to the second device 102 in the first capability communication mode; the first confirmation message frame identifies that the first device 101 switches to the second capability communication mode for communication.

[0165] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device sends a first confirmation message frame to the second device in the first capability communication mode, and identifies that the first device switches to the second capability communication mode for communication. If the BW parameters in the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode are the same, the first device and the second device do not need to initiate a Request to Send (RTS) / Clear to Send (CTS) process before the first device switches to the second capability communication mode for communication. This means that the first device and the second device can directly communicate, saving additional delay and bandwidth consumption in the communication process. If the BW parameters in the first capability communication mode and the second capability communication mode are different, it means that the BW parameter needs to be adjusted, and the first device receives an RTS frame from the second device and sends a CTS frame. This process ensures the adjustment of the communication parameter and the consistency of the communication parties, and provides the necessary confirmation for the first device to switch to the second capability communication mode.

[0166] In step 303, the second device 102 receives the first confirmation message frame sent by the first device 101 in the first capability communication mode; the first confirmation message frame identifies that the first device 101 switches to the second capability communication mode for communication.

[0167] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first device sends a first acknowledgement message frame to the second device in the first capability communication mode, indicating that the first device has prepared and has switched to the second capability communication mode, and can communicate in a higher communication capability.

[0168] As an example, referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 shows an optional implementation of an embodiment of the present disclosure, including the following steps:

[0169] In step 401, the first device 101 receives a data frame sent by the second device 102; the second identification information of the data frame identifies that the support capability information for switching between communication modes with different capabilities of the second device 102 is a first parameter.

[0170] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, in the process of communication between the first device and the second device in the second capability communication mode, the second device carries second identification information in a media access control (MAC) frame header in the last data frame of the data transmission, and the second identification information identifies that the support capability information for switching between communication modes with different capabilities is a first parameter. For example, when the second identification information is set to the first parameter, it indicates that the second device switches to the first capability communication mode for communication.

[0171] In step 402, the first device 101 sends a second acknowledgement message frame to the second device and switches to the first capability communication mode; wherein the first identification information is included in the second acknowledgement message frame, and the first identification information is set to the first parameter.

[0172] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, if the second identification information is set to the first parameter, indicating that the second device switches to the first capability communication mode for communication, after receiving the data frame sent by the second device, the first device replies an acknowledgement (ACK) frame to the second device, indicating that the data frame has been received and is ready to switch to the first capability communication mode, and carries the first identification information in the MAC frame header of the ACK frame, and the first identification information is set to the first parameter, to ensure the consistency of the communication parameters between the first device and the second device, thereby avoiding the mismatch problem in communication.

[0173] In step 403, the second device 102 receives the second acknowledgement message frame sent by the first device 101, and the second acknowledgement message frame indicates that the first device 101 switches to the first capability communication mode for communication.

[0174] In step 403, the second device 102 receives the second acknowledgement message frame sent by the first device 101, and the second acknowledgement message frame indicates that the first device 101 switches to the first capability communication mode for communication.

[0175] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the second device receives the second confirmation message frame sent by the first device, and the message indicates that the first device has successfully switched to the first capability communication mode for communication. In this case, the first identification information is included in the second confirmation message frame, and the information is set as the first parameter.

[0176] As an example, referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 shows an optional implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure, including the following steps:

[0177] In step 501, the first device 101 sends a request frame to the second device 102, requesting to switch to the first capability communication mode for communication.

[0178] In some embodiments, in addition to transmitting the second identification information in the process of data transmission, the first device can also send a request frame requesting to switch to the first capability communication mode for communication according to the current communication environment. For example, if there is a large amount of interference or signal attenuation in the current communication environment, resulting in poor communication quality, the first device can request to switch to the first capability communication mode to reduce the requirement for signal quality. Or if the current communication task has a low requirement for communication rate, or is a periodic data transmission task, the first device can request to switch to the low capability communication mode to reduce the power consumption of the communication device and prolong the battery life. Or if the first device needs to make a trade-off in terms of battery life, for example, in the case of low battery, the first device can actively request to switch to the first capability communication mode to enter a more energy-saving mode and prolong the available time of the device.

[0179] In step 502, the second device 102 receives the request frame sent by the first device 101, requesting to switch to the first capability communication mode for communication.

[0180] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after receiving the request frame sent by the first device, requesting to switch to the first capability communication mode for communication, the second device can decide whether to accept the first device to switch to the first capability communication mode for communication according to the current communication environment.

[0181] In step 503, the second device 102 sends a response frame to the first device 101.

[0182] In step 504, after receiving the response frame, the first device 101 switches to the first capability communication mode for communication.

[0183] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after receiving the request, the second device sends a response frame as an acknowledgement, and the response frame can carry an identifier of whether the second device accepts the first device switching to the first capability communication mode for communication. If the second device accepts the first device switching to the first capability communication mode for communication, the first device switches to the first capability communication mode for communication after receiving the response frame. In this way, a mechanism for actively switching the communication mode is provided, so that the communication parties can more flexibly coordinate the communication process. Through the interaction of the request and the acknowledgement, the consistency and reliability of the communication parties when switching the communication mode can be ensured, so that the communication demand can be better met and the communication efficiency can be improved.

[0184] In some embodiments, the names of information and the like are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and the terms of "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", "chip", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0185] In some embodiments, the terms of "moment", "time point", "time", "time position", and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms of "duration", "period", "time window", "window", "time", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0186] In some embodiments, the terms of "wireless access scheme", "waveform", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0187] In some embodiments, the terms of "certain", "preseted", "preset", "set", "indicated", "certain", "arbitrary", "first", and the like can be replaced with each other, and "certain A", "preset A", "preset A", "set A", "indicated A", "certain A", "arbitrary A", "first A" can be interpreted as A specified in advance in a protocol and the like, or can be interpreted as A obtained by setting, configuring, or indicating, or can be interpreted as certain A, certain A, arbitrary A, or first A, but is not limited thereto.

[0188] In some embodiments, the determining or judging can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or a comparison of numerical values (for example, a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0189] In some embodiments, “not expecting to receive” can be interpreted as not receiving on the time domain resource and / or the frequency domain resource, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data, etc. after receiving the data, etc.; “not expecting to send” can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the content of the sending.

[0190] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 401 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 501 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 502 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 503 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 504 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 201 and step 202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 202 and step 203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 203 and step 204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 301 and step 302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 302 and step 303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 401 and step 402 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 402 and step 403 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 501 and step 502 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 502 and step 503 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 503 and step 504 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0191] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the corresponding description of FIGS. 2 to 5 can be referred to.

[0192] FIG. 6 is one of flow diagrams of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 6, the above method can be applied to the first device 101, and the above method includes:

[0194] In step 601, the first device determines a first radio frame in an initial association process with a second device; wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information identifies the first device: support capability information between different capability communication modes.

[0195] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first device comprises a station device, and the first radio frame comprises at least one of the following:

[0196] a probe request frame, an association request frame, a re-association request frame;

[0197] and / or

[0198] The first device comprises an access point device, and the first radio frame comprises at least one of the following:

[0199] a beacon frame, a probe response frame, an association response frame, a re-association response frame; wherein the first identification information is carried in a UHR (Ultra High Reliability) capabilities information element of the first radio frame.

[0200] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first identification information identifies that the first device supports communication in a first capability communication mode, and the method comprises:

[0201] switching to the first capability communication mode for communication after the initial association is completed;

[0202] and / or

[0203] The first device supports eMLSR (Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio) mode or eMLMR (Enhanced Multi-Link Multi Radio) mode, and switches to the first capability communication mode for communication in each link.

[0204] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first capability communication mode comprises a low capability communication mode.

[0205] and / or

[0206] At least one communication parameter of the first capability communication mode is lower than that of other capability communication modes.

[0207] In step 602, the first radio frame is sent.

[0208] In step 603, the first device receives an initial control frame sent by the second device in the first capability communication mode; the initial control frame includes a communication parameter in the second capability communication mode; at least one communication parameter in the second capability communication mode is greater than the communication parameter in the first capability communication mode.

[0209] The communication parameter includes one or more of bandwidth BW, number of spatial streams, modulation and coding MCS mode, and transmission rate.

[0210] In step 604, the first device sends a first acknowledgement message frame to the second device in the first capability communication mode; the first acknowledgement message frame identifies that the first device switches to the second capability communication mode for communication.

[0211] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the BW parameter of the first capability communication mode is different from the BW parameter of the second capability communication mode.

[0212] Before switching to the second capability communication mode, the first device receives a request to send RTS frame sent by the second device, and sends a clear to send CTS frame to the second device.

[0213] In step 605, a data frame sent by the second device is received; the second identification information of the data frame identifies that the support capability information of the second device for switching between different capability communication modes is a first parameter.

[0214] In step 606, a second acknowledgement message frame is sent to the second device, and the first capability communication mode is switched to for communication; the first identification information is included in the second acknowledgement message frame, and the first identification information is set as the first parameter.

[0215] Or,

[0216] After sending a request frame to the second device to switch to the first capability communication mode for communication, and receiving a response frame returned by the second device, the first capability communication mode is switched to for communication.

[0217] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 601 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 602 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 603 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 604 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 605 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 606 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 601 and step 602 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 603 and step 604 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 605 and step 606 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but not limited thereto.

[0218] In some embodiments, other optional implementations described before or after the corresponding description of FIG. 6 can be referred to.

[0219] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0220] As shown in FIG. 7, the method can be applied to the second device 102, and the method includes:

[0221] In step 701, the second device receives a first wireless frame sent by the first device in an initial association process with the first device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, and the first identification information identifies the support capability information of the first device for switching between different capability communication modes.

[0222] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first device includes a station device, and the first wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0223] a probe Request frame, an association Request frame, and a Reassociation Request frame;

[0224] and / or

[0225] The first device includes an access point device, and the first wireless frame includes at least one of the following:

[0226] a beacon frame, a probe response, an association Response frame, and a Reassociation Response frame; wherein the first identification information is carried in a UHR capabilities information element of the first wireless frame.

[0227] In step 702, an initial control frame is sent to the first device; the initial control frame comprises a communication parameter in a second capability communication mode; wherein at least one communication parameter in the second capability communication mode is greater than the communication parameter in the first capability communication mode.

[0228] The communication parameter comprises one or more of a bandwidth BW, a number of spatial streams, a MCS mode, and a transmission rate.

[0229] In step 703, a first acknowledgement message frame sent by the first device to the second device in the first capability communication mode is received; the first acknowledgement message frame indicates that the first device switches to the second capability communication mode for communication.

[0230] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the BW parameter of the first capability communication mode is different from the BW parameter of the second capability communication mode, and the method further comprises:

[0231] An RTS frame is sent to the first device, and the RTS frame instructs the first device to switch to the second capability communication mode for communication after sending a CTS frame to the second device.

[0232] In step 704, a data frame is sent to the first device; wherein second identification information of the data frame indicates that the support capability information of the second device for switching between different capability communication modes is a first parameter.

[0233] In step 705, a second acknowledgement message frame sent by the first device is received, and the second acknowledgement message frame indicates that the first device switches to the first capability communication mode for communication; or a request frame sent by the first device for switching to the first capability communication mode for communication is received, and a response frame is returned to the first device, and the response frame indicates that the second device allows the first device to switch to the first capability communication mode for communication.

[0234] The first identification information is set to the first parameter.

[0235] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include the foregoing steps and at least one of the embodiments. For example, step 701 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 702 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 703 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 704 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step 705 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step 701 and step 702 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 702 and step 703 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 703 and step 704 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of step 704 and step 705 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but not limited thereto.

[0236] In some embodiments, reference can be made to other optional implementations described before or after the corresponding description of FIG. 7.

[0237] The embodiments of the present disclosure also propose a device for implementing any of the above methods, for example, a device including units or modules for implementing each step performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another device is also proposed, including units or modules for implementing each step performed by the network equipment (such as access network equipment, core network function node, core network equipment, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0238] It should be understood that the division of each unit or module in the above apparatus is only a logical function division, and all or part of them can be integrated into a physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, the apparatus includes a processor, the processor is connected with a memory, the memory stores instructions, and the processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to realize any of the above methods or realize the functions of each unit or module of the above apparatus, wherein the processor is a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory in the apparatus or a memory outside the apparatus. Alternatively, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be realized by the design of hardware circuit. The above hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the units or modules are realized by the design of the logical relationship of elements in the circuit; for another example, in another implementation, the above hardware circuit is a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is taken as an example, which can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to realize the functions of part or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above apparatus can be all implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part implemented in the form of processor calling software and the remaining part implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0239] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of a hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuit is fixed or can be reconfigured. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the configuration of the hardware circuit. It can be understood that the processor loads instructions to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, the hardware circuit can also be designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), or the like.

[0240] FIG. 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a first device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the first device 800 can include at least one of a determining module 801, a sending module 802, and the like.

[0241] In some embodiments, the determining module 801 is configured to determine a first radio frame in an initial association process with a second device, wherein the first radio frame includes first identification information, and the first identification information indicates support capability information of the first device for switching between different capability communication modes.

[0242] Optionally, the determining module 801 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (for example, steps 201 and 601, but not limited thereto) performed by the first device 101 in any of the above methods. Details are not described herein again. The sending module 802 is configured to perform at least one of steps 202 and 602.

[0243] FIG. 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a second device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, the second device 900 can include a receiving module 901.

[0244] In some embodiments, the receiving module 901 is configured to receive a first wireless frame sent by the first device in an initial association process with the first device, wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, and the first identification information indicates support capability information of the first device for switching between different communication modes.

[0245] Optionally, the receiving module 901 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (for example, steps 203 and 701, but not limited thereto) performed by the second device 102 in any of the above methods. Details are not described herein again.

[0246] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a terminal 1000 (for example, a user equipment, etc.) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal 1000 can be a chip, a chip system, or a processor, etc. supporting a network device to implement any of the above methods, and can also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor, etc. supporting a terminal to implement any of the above methods. The terminal 1000 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and details can be referred to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0247] As shown in FIG. 10, the terminal 1000 includes one or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 can be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control a communication device (for example, a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute a program, and process data of the program. The terminal 1000 is configured to implement any of the above methods.

[0248] In some embodiments, the terminal 1000 further includes one or more memories 1002 configured to store instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 1002 can also be outside the terminal 1000.

[0249] In some embodiments, the terminal 1000 further includes one or more transceivers 1004. When the terminal 1000 includes one or more transceivers 1004, the transceiver 1004 performs at least one of the communication steps (for example, steps 202, 203, 301, 302, 303, 401, 402, 403, 501, 502, 503, 504, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, but not limited to) of the above-described methods, and the processor 1001 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, steps 201, 601).

[0250] In some embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms of transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, the terms of transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, and the terms of receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0251] In some embodiments, the terminal 1000 can include one or more interface circuits 1003. Optionally, the interface circuit 1003 is connected to the memory 1002, and the interface circuit 1003 can be used to receive signals from the memory 1002 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 1002 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 1003 can read instructions stored in the memory 1002 and send the instructions to the processor 1001.

[0252] The terminal 1000 described in the above embodiments can be a communication device such as a user equipment, but the scope of the terminal 1000 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the terminal 1000 can not be limited by FIG. 10. The communication device can be a stand-alone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: (1) a stand-alone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally also include storage components for storing data, programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handset, mobile unit, car-mounted device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) other, etc.

[0253] FIG. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of a chip 1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case that the terminal 1000 can be a chip or a chip system, the structural schematic diagram of the chip 1100 shown in FIG. 11 can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0254] The chip 1100 comprises one or more processors 1101, and the chip 1100 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0255] In some embodiments, the chip 1100 further comprises one or more interface circuits 1103. Optionally, the interface circuit 1103 is connected with the memory 1102, and the interface circuit 1103 can be configured to receive signals from the memory 1102 or other devices, and the interface circuit 1103 can be configured to send signals to the memory 1102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 1103 can read instructions stored in the memory 1102 and send the instructions to the processor 1101.

[0256] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 1103 performs at least one of the communication steps (such as steps 202, 203, 301, 302, 303, 401, 402, 403, 501, 502, 503, 504, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, but not limited thereto) of the above methods, and the processor 1101 performs at least one of the other steps (such as steps 201, 601, but not limited thereto).

[0257] In some embodiments, the terms of interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0258] In some embodiments, the chip 1100 further comprises one or more memories 1102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 1102 can be outside the chip 1100.

[0259] The present disclosure further proposes a storage medium, and instructions are stored on the storage medium. When the instructions are run on the terminal 1000, the terminal 1000 is caused to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0260] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the terminal 1000, causes the terminal 1000 to perform any of the above methods. Alternatively, the program product is a computer program product.

[0261] The present disclosure also provides a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: Comprising: A first device determines a first radio frame in an initial association process with a second device; wherein the first radio frame comprises first identification information, the first identification information identifying the first device: support capability information between different capability communication modes switching; Transmit the first radio frame.

2. The communication method of claim 1, wherein The first device comprises a station device, and the first radio frame comprises at least one of the following: A probe request frame, an association request frame, a re-association request frame; And / or The first device comprises an access point device, and the first radio frame comprises at least one of the following: A beacon frame, a probe response, an association response frame, a re-association response frame; wherein the first identification information is carried in the ultra-high reliability capability UHR capabilities information element of the first radio frame.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, The first identification information identifies that the first device supports communication in a first capability communication mode, and the method comprises: After the initial association is completed, switching to communication in the first capability communication mode; And / or The first device supports enhanced multi-link single radio eMLSR mode or enhanced multi-link multi-radio eMLMR mode, and switches to communication in the first capability communication mode under each link.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, characterized by, The first capability communication mode comprises a low capability communication mode; And / or At least one communication parameter of the first capability communication mode is lower than that of other capability communication modes.

5. The communication method according to claim 3, wherein, The method further comprises: The first device receives an initial control initial control frame sent by the second device in the first capability communication mode; the initial control initial control frame comprises communication parameters in a second capability communication mode; wherein at least one communication parameter in the second capability communication mode is greater than that in the first capability communication mode; The communication parameters comprise one or more of bandwidth BW, number of spatial streams, modulation and coding MCS mode, and transmission rate.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, wherein, After receiving the initial control initial control frame sent by the second device, the method further comprises: The first device sends a first acknowledgement message frame to the second device in the first capability communication mode; the first acknowledgement message frame identifies that the first device switches to the second capability communication mode for communication.

7. The communication method according to claim 6, wherein, The BW parameter of the first capability communication mode is different from that of the second capability communication mode, The first device receives a request to send RTS frame sent by the second device before switching to the second capability communication mode for communication, and sends a clear to send CTS frame to the second device.

8. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, The method further comprises: receiving a data frame sent by the second device; the second identification information of the data frame identifies that the first parameter is support capability information of the second device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities; sending a second acknowledgement message frame to the second device, and switching to the first capability communication mode communication; wherein the first identification information is included in the second acknowledgement message frame, and the first identification information is set as the first parameter; Or, sending a request frame to the second device requesting to switch to the first capability communication mode communication, and switching to the first capability communication mode communication after receiving a response frame replied by the second device. Comprise:

9. A communication method characterized by comprising: In the initial association process with the first device, the second device receives a first wireless frame sent by the first device; wherein the first wireless frame includes first identification information, and the first identification information identifies that the first device supports the first parameter of the support capability information for switching between communication modes of different capabilities.

10. The communication method of claim 9, wherein the first device comprises a station device, and the first wireless frame comprises at least one of the following: probe Request frame, association Request frame, Reassociation Request frame; And / or the first device comprises an access point device, and the first wireless frame comprises at least one of the following: beacon frame, probe response, association Response frame, Reassociation Response frame; wherein the first identification information is carried in the UHR capabilities information element of the first wireless frame. The first identification information identifies that the first device supports communication in the first capability communication mode, and the method comprises:

11. The communication method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by, sending an initial control initial control frame to the first device; the initial control initial control frame includes communication parameters in the second capability communication mode; wherein at least one communication parameter in the second capability communication mode is greater than the communication parameter in the first capability communication mode; The communication parameter includes one or more of bandwidth BW, number of spatial streams, MCS mode, transmission rate. After the method further comprises:

12. The communication method according to claim 11, wherein, receiving a first acknowledgement message frame sent by the first device to the second device in the first capability communication mode; the first acknowledgement message frame identifies that the first device switches to the second capability communication mode for communication. The BW parameter of the first capability communication mode is different from the BW parameter of the second capability communication mode, and the method further comprises:

13. The communication method according to claim 12, wherein, sending an RTS frame to the first device, the RTS frame instructing the first device to switch to the second capability communication mode communication after sending a CTS frame to the second device. The method further comprises:

14. The communication method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized by, ​ sending a data frame to the first device; wherein the second identification information of the data frame identifies that the first parameter is support capability information of the second device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities; receiving a second confirmation message frame sent by the first device, the second confirmation message frame identifying that the first device switches to communication in the first capability communication mode; or receiving a request frame sent by the first device for switching to communication in the first capability communication mode, and replying to the first device with a response frame, the response frame identifying that the second device allows the first device to switch to communication in the first capability communication mode; wherein the first identification information is included in the second confirmation message frame, and the first identification information is set as the first parameter.

15. A communication device, the communication device being a first device, characterized in that The first device comprises: a determining module, configured to determine a first wireless frame in an initial association process with a second device; wherein the first wireless frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information identifies support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities; a sending module, configured to send the first wireless frame.

16. A communication device, the communication device being a second device, characterized in that The second device comprises: a receiving module, configured to receive a first wireless frame sent by a first device in an initial association process with the first device; wherein the first wireless frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information identifies support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities.

17. A communication device, the communication device being a first device, characterized in that comprise: one or more processors; wherein the first device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 8.

18. A communication device, the communication device being a second device, characterized in that comprise: one or more processors; wherein the second device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 9 to 14.

19. A communication system, characterized by comprise a first device and a second device; wherein the first device determines a first wireless frame in an initial association process with the second device; wherein the first wireless frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information identifies support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities; and the first device sends the first wireless frame; the second device receives a first wireless frame sent by the first device in an initial association process with the first device; wherein the first wireless frame comprises first identification information, and the first identification information identifies support capability information of the first device for switching between communication modes of different capabilities.

20. A storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instructions run on the communication device, the communication device is caused to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 8, or perform the communication method of any one of claims 9 to 14.

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