Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of wireless communication, in particular to a communication method and device. The system can support an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) protocol, such as an IEEE 802.11 be protocol, an IEEE 802.11 bn protocol, an IEEE integrated millimeter wave protocol, an IEEE 802.15 protocol, or an IEEE 802.11 bf / sensing protocol; the method can also be applied to a satellite flash system and supports a satellite flash standard protocol. When the station receives a wireless frame which is not sent to the station, the station maintains N groups of NAVs according to the wireless frame, the N groups of NAVs respectively correspond to different bandwidths, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Therefore, the station can determine the time for switching to the target secondary channel by combining the bandwidths corresponding to different NAVs, and the utilization rate of the target secondary channel is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] Wireless local area network (WLAN) has gone through several generations of standards, including 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be and 802.11bn. Among them, 802.11n standard is called high throughput (HT), 802.11ac standard is called very high throughput (VHT), 802.11ax standard is called high efficient (HE), 802.11be standard is called extremely high throughput (EHT), and 802.11bn can be called ultra high reliability (UHR).

[0003] There is currently a carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) mechanism. Through the CSMA / CA mechanism, the interference problem caused by multiple stations using the channel at the same time can be solved. The CSMA / CA mechanism is as follows: a station with transmission demand listens to the channel, and when the channel listening result is busy, the station cannot transmit; after the channel listening result is idle, the station performs random backoff (i.e., continues to wait for a random period of time). Channel listening includes virtual carrier sensing (also known as virtual carrier listening), which is implemented through preamble detection (PD), such as a station determining the virtual carrier sensing result through a network allocation vector (NAV). The station maintains the NAV, and when the NAV corresponds to a time length (also known as the NAV value) that is not 0, the virtual carrier sensing result is that the channel is busy, and when the NAV corresponds to a time length of 0 or the NAV is invalid, the virtual carrier sensing result is that the channel is idle. At the same time, the standard also supports that the station can perform transmission on a non-primary channel.

[0004] Therefore, how to fully utilize the non-primary channel needs to be solved. SUMMARY

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device, which can improve the utilization rate of the non-primary channel.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a station (STA). The station may include a wireless local area network (WLAN) device (including Wi-Fi devices or devices involved in the StarFlash Alliance, etc.), or may be a chip, functional module, processing system, or communication component disposed within the WLAN device. The method includes:

[0007] Receive a first radio frame, the receiving address (receive raddress, RA) of which indicates that the receiving end is not the aforementioned station; maintain N groups of NAVs based on the first radio frame, each group of NAVs corresponding to a different bandwidth, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0008] That is, the station did not participate in the transmission opportunity (TXOP) corresponding to the first radio frame. The first radio frame may be sent by other stations within the same basic service set (BSS) where the station is located, or it may be sent by a station within an overlapping basic service set (OBSS). This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0009] In this embodiment, the site maintains the bandwidth corresponding to the NAV, and different NAVs correspond to different bandwidths, which enables the site to switch to the destination secondary channel in a timely manner by combining the bandwidth corresponding to different NAVs, thereby improving the utilization rate of the destination secondary channel.

[0010] In one possible implementation, maintaining N sets of NAVs based on the first radio frame includes: maintaining N sets of NAVs based on duration information and the bandwidth (BW) of the first radio frame, wherein the duration information is determined based on the first radio frame.

[0011] The duration information indicates the remaining time length (or remaining duration) of the TXOP corresponding to the first radio frame.

[0012] In this embodiment, the bandwidth determined by the first radio frame can be used to maintain the NAV corresponding to that bandwidth, and the duration determined by the first radio frame can be used to maintain the duration corresponding to the NAV. Therefore, by combining the duration corresponding to the NAV and the bandwidth, the station can clearly know the time it can switch to the destination secondary channel, thereby improving the utilization rate of the destination secondary channel.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first NAV in the N groups of NAVs corresponds to a first bandwidth, which includes the primary channel but excludes the destination secondary channel; the second NAV in the N groups of NAVs corresponds to a second bandwidth, which includes the destination secondary channel. Optionally, the second bandwidth also includes the primary channel.

[0014] In this embodiment, different NAVs correspond to different bandwidths. Thus, the station determines the idle time of the destination secondary channel by combining the relationship between the bandwidths and the duration corresponding to the NAV, which enables the station to switch to the destination secondary channel in a timely manner and improves the utilization rate of the destination secondary channel.

[0015] In one possible implementation, maintaining N groups of NAVs according to the first radio frame includes: maintaining a first NAV according to the first radio frame; and maintaining a second NAV according to the first radio frame.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the second bandwidth further includes a primary channel, and maintaining N sets of NAVs according to the first radio frame includes: maintaining a first NAV according to the first radio frame when the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel but does not include the destination secondary channel; or maintaining a first NAV and a second NAV according to the first radio frame when the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes both the primary channel and the destination secondary channel.

[0017] In one possible implementation, maintaining the first NAV based on the first radio frame includes: if the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the first NAV, then updating the duration corresponding to the first NAV based on the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the first NAV, then not updating the duration corresponding to the first NAV. The aforementioned duration information is determined based on the first radio frame.

[0018] In one possible implementation, maintaining the second NAV according to the first radio frame includes: if the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the second NAV, then updating the duration corresponding to the second NAV according to the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the second NAV, then not updating the duration corresponding to the second NAV.

[0019] In one possible implementation, maintaining N groups of NAVs based on the first radio frame includes: when the bandwidth of the first radio frame is different from the bandwidths corresponding to the N groups of NAVs, adding NAVs based on the bandwidth and duration information of the first radio frame; and when the bandwidth of the first radio frame is the same as the bandwidth corresponding to the third NAV in the N groups of NAVs, maintaining the third NAV based on the duration information.

[0020] In one possible implementation, maintaining the third NAV based on duration information includes: if the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the third NAV, then updating the duration corresponding to the third NAV based on the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the third NAV, then not updating the duration corresponding to the third NAV. The aforementioned duration information is determined based on the first radio frame.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: switching to the destination secondary channel; receiving a second radio frame, wherein the receiving address of the second radio frame indicates that the receiving end is not a station; and maintaining M groups of NAVs according to the second radio frame, wherein the M groups of NAVs correspond to different bandwidths, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the fourth NAV in the M groups of NAVs corresponds to the fourth bandwidth, which includes the destination secondary channel but does not include the primary channel.

[0023] As an example, the NAVs in group M and group N may be partially the same, or both may be different. For instance, group M NAVs may include a fourth NAV, while group NAVs may not include that fourth NAV. Optionally, group M NAVs may also include a second NAV1, and group NAVs may include that second NAV1. The second bandwidth 1 corresponding to the second NAV1 includes destination secondary channel 1, which is the destination secondary channel switched to by the aforementioned site. Optionally, group M NAVs may not include a first NAV, while group NAVs may include the first NAV. Optionally, group NAVs may also include a second NAV2, while group M NAVs may not include that second NAV2.

[0024] As another example, the NAV group M is the same as the NAV group N. For example, M = N. The NAV group N (or the NAV group M) includes a first NAV and a second NAV, the second bandwidth of which includes the destination secondary channel but does not include the primary channel.

[0025] In one possible implementation, maintaining the M groups of NAVs according to the second radio frame includes maintaining the fourth NAV according to the second radio frame.

[0026] In one possible implementation, maintaining the M groups of NAVs according to the second radio frame further includes: maintaining the second NAV according to the second radio frame, wherein the second NAV corresponds to a second bandwidth, and the second bandwidth includes the primary channel and the aforementioned destination secondary channel.

[0027] In one possible implementation, maintaining M groups of NAVs according to a second radio frame includes maintaining a fourth NAV according to the second radio frame if the bandwidth of the second radio frame includes the destination secondary channel but does not include the primary channel.

[0028] In one possible implementation, maintaining the fourth NAV according to the second radio frame includes: if the duration indicated by the duration information determined according to the second radio frame is greater than the duration corresponding to the fourth NAV, then updating the duration corresponding to the fourth NAV according to the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information determined according to the second radio frame is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the fourth NAV, then not updating the duration corresponding to the fourth NAV.

[0029] In one possible implementation, maintaining M groups of NAVs according to the second radio frame includes: if the bandwidth of the second radio frame includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, maintaining the second NAV and the fourth NAV according to the first radio frame.

[0030] Optionally, if the bandwidth of the second radio frame includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, the site may also maintain the first NAV.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the destination secondary channel is a non-primary channel of the station.

[0032] In one possible implementation, NAV corresponds to duration and bandwidth.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the NAV includes at least one of the basic NAV or the inter-BSS NAV within the basic service set BSS.

[0034] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a site for executing the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof. The first site includes modules for executing the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0035] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a station, which includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is used to perform the processing steps in the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation, and the transceiver is used to perform the sending and receiving steps in the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation.

[0036] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a site including logic circuitry and an interface coupled together; the interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information, and the logic circuitry is used to enable the site to implement the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation.

[0037] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer (such as a website), causes the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be executed.

[0038] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product that, when run on a computer (such as a website), causes the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be executed. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of another architecture of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the CSMA / CA mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 2b A schematic diagram of NAV changes provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction between STAs provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the drilling process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the non-primary channel access (NPCA) mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the dynamic sub-band operation (DSO) mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 7a This is a schematic diagram of the geographical relationship between STA1 to STA3 provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 7b This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the two TXOPs provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figures 9a to 9f This is a schematic diagram of maintaining NAV provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of maintaining NAV provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of the process for maintaining NAV provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 12a and Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of maintaining NAV provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a site provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 14 This is another structural diagram of the site provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 15 This is another structural diagram of the site provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0061] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this application, the application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0063] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0064] In this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three or more, and "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. "Or" indicates that there can be two relationships, such as only A exists or only B exists; when A and B are not mutually exclusive, it can also mean that there are three relationships, such as only A exists, only B exists, or both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0065] In this application, transmission includes sending and receiving. Transmission can also mean communication.

[0066] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which can include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which can include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, traces, or interfaces.

[0067] The following describes the communication system involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0068] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, such as Wi-Fi or ambient power (AMP). For example, the methods provided in this application can be applied to the IEEE 802.11 series protocols, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11bf, 802.11az, 802.11bk, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation protocols, and even more specifically, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, or next-generation protocols, which will not be listed here. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to wireless personal area networks (WPANs) based on ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to millimeter wave (MMW) technology, including integrated millimeter wave (IMMW). For example, the methods provided in this application can be applied to IEEE 802.15 series protocols, such as 802.15.4a, 802.15.4z, or 802.15.4ab, or a future generation of UWB WPAN protocol, or StarFlash, etc., and will not be listed exhaustively. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to the following communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems, and new communication systems emerging in future communication development.

[0069] WLAN systems can provide high-speed, low-latency transmission. As WLAN application scenarios continue to evolve, WLAN systems will be applied to more scenarios or industries, such as the Internet of Things industry, the Internet of Vehicles industry, the banking industry, enterprise offices, stadiums and exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, hospital wards, classrooms, shopping malls, squares, streets, production workshops and warehouses, etc. Of course, devices that support WLAN communication or sensing (such as access points or sites) can be sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air monitoring nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, and washing machines), nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), entertainment terminals (such as wearable devices for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, loudspeakers, and speakers), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices, infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-service navigation kiosks in supermarkets, self-service checkout machines, and self-service ordering machines), and equipment in large sports and music venues.

[0070] Although the embodiments of this application primarily use WLAN as an example, especially networks applied to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, the various aspects involved in the embodiments of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols. For example, Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard, mainly used in Europe), and wide area networks (WANs) or other networks now known or to be developed in the future.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the method provided in this application embodiment can be implemented by a station in a communication system. For example, the station can be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA).

[0072] An access point is a station with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication or sensing using WLAN protocols, and capable of communicating or sensing with other devices (such as non-AP STAs or other access points). Alternatively, an access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, primarily connecting various wireless network clients together and then connecting the wireless network to the Ethernet. Or, an access point can act as a special station within a BSS, serving as an access point to a distribution system (DS). In a WLAN system, an access point can be called an Access Point Station (AP STA). This station with wireless communication capabilities can be a complete device, or it can be a chip, processing system, or functional module installed within a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of the chips, processing systems, or functional modules. The AP in the embodiments of this application is a station providing services to non-AP STAs and can support 802.11 series protocols or subsequent protocols. For example, an access point can be an access point for a terminal (such as a mobile phone) to enter a wired (or wireless) network, mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and parks, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also be deployed outdoors. Another example is that an AP can be a communication server, router, switch, bridge, or other communication entity; an AP can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. Of course, an AP can also be a chip, processing system, or module in the above-mentioned devices, thereby implementing the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. Of course, an AP can also include APs belonging to a multi-link device (MLD), or co-located APs, etc.

[0073] A non-AP STA is a station with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication or sensing using the WLAN protocol, and having the ability to communicate or sense with other non-AP STAs or access points in a WLAN network. For example, a non-AP STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate or sense with an AP and thus communicate with the WLAN. This station with wireless communication capabilities can be a complete device, or it can be a chip, processing system, or functional module installed in a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application under the control of the chips, processing systems, or functional modules. For example, a non-AP STA can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. Furthermore, a non-AP STA can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication. Of course, a non-AP STA can also be a chip, processing system, or module in the various types of devices described above, thereby implementing the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. Naturally, a non-AP STA can also include non-AP STAs belonging to an MLD or co-located STAs, etc.

[0074] For example, the communication systems to which the methods provided in this application can be applied may include APs and non-AP STAs. For instance, this application can be applied to scenarios in WLANs where communication or sensing occurs between an AP and a non-AP STA, between APs, or between non-AP STAs; this application does not limit this. Optionally, an AP can communicate or sense a single non-AP STA, or an AP can communicate or sense multiple non-AP STAs simultaneously. Specifically, communication or sensing between an AP and multiple non-AP STAs can be further divided into downlink transmission (AP simultaneously sending signals to multiple non-AP STAs) and uplink transmission (multiple non-AP STAs sending signals to the AP). Among them, WLAN communication protocols can be supported between AP and non-AP STA, between APs, and between non-AP STAs and non-AP STAs. These communication protocols can include IEEE 802.11 series protocols, such as 802.11n / 802.11ac / 802.11ax / 802.11be / 802.11bn protocols, and of course, protocols after 802.11bn are also applicable.

[0075] Figure 1aThis is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system may include one or more access points (APs) and one or more non-AP STAs. Figure 1a The diagram illustrates an access point such as AP1, and three sites such as non-AP STA1, non-AP STA2, and non-AP STA3. Exemplarily, the method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to data communication between an AP and one or more non-AP STAs (e.g.,...). Figure 1a The communication shown is between AP1 and non-AP STA1, or between AP1 and non-AP STA1 and non-AP STA2, or applicable to communication between APs, or applicable to communication between non-AP STAs (such as...). Figure 1a (The communication between non-AP STA2 and non-AP STA3 is shown). The method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, but is not limited to: single-user uplink / downlink transmission, multi-user uplink / downlink transmission, vehicle-to-everything (V2X, where X can represent anything), and device-to-device (D2D). For example, the V2X can include: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0076] Understandable Figure 1a The example of a non-AP STA (phone) and an AP (router) is provided and is not intended to limit the types of APs and non-AP STAs in this application. Furthermore, Figure 1a Only one AP and three non-AP STAs are shown as an example, but the number of APs or non-AP STAs may be more or less, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0077] Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of another architecture of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 1b As shown, a basic service set (BSS) can include one access point (AP) and one or more non-AP STAs. The communication system can include multiple BSSs. Figure 1bThree BSSs, BSS1 to BSS3, are illustrated as an example. Each BSS can correspond to one AP and multiple non-AP STAs. Within a BSS, the AP can communicate with one or more non-AP STAs. Figure 1b As shown, BSS1 includes AP1, non-AP STA1 and non-AP STA2, BSS2 includes AP2, non-AP STA1 and non-AP STA5, and BSS3 includes AP3, non-AP STA3 and non-AP STA4.

[0078] Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS): This refers to BSSs whose coverage areas overlap and use the same channel. To maximize coverage, the coverage areas of access points (APs) can partially or completely overlap during network deployment. Due to limited spectrum, multiple BSSs can reuse the same channel. Figure 1b In this context, BSS1 and BSS2 are overlapping basic service sets (OBSSs). BSSs that are each other's OBSSs can communicate with each other, but they may interfere with each other.

[0079] Figure 1b This example uses three BSSs. In actual implementations, communication systems can have more or fewer BSSs, which will not be listed here.

[0080] The following describes the terms used in the embodiments of this application.

[0081] 1. Operation Channel

[0082] The channel through which a station can receive radio frames is called the operational channel. Alternatively, the channel through which a station can transmit radio frames is called the operational channel. In other words, the operational channel is the channel through which a station can transmit radio frames.

[0083] 2. Main channel and non-main channel

[0084] Main Channel: The common channel for operation of all stations that members of the BSS. Optionally, the bandwidth of the main channel is 20MHz. For the NPCA mechanism, the main channel is used to transmit 20MHz PPDUs. For the DSO mechanism, the main channel is used to transmit 20MHz PPDUs.

[0085] Channels other than the primary channel are called non-primary channels. For example, for 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 80+80MHz, or 320MHz, channels other than the primary 20MHz channel are called non-primary channels. Optionally, the bandwidth of a non-primary channel is 20MHz.

[0086] 3. Destination secondary channel

[0087] The destination secondary channel is not the primary channel.

[0088] Optionally, the destination secondary channel is a non-primary channel for NPCA at the station. This destination secondary channel can be a sub-channel within the non-primary channels. For example, the bandwidth of this destination secondary channel is 20MHz. For the NPCA mechanism, the destination secondary channel is a 20MHz non-primary channel for virtual carrier sensing at the station. Alternatively, for the NPCA mechanism, the destination secondary channel is a non-primary channel where the station can transmit 20MHz PPDUs.

[0089] Optionally, the destination secondary channel is a non-primary channel for the station to use for DSO. This destination secondary channel can be a sub-channel of the non-primary channel. For example, the bandwidth of the destination secondary channel is 20MHz. For the DSO mechanism, the destination secondary channel is a 20MHz non-primary channel for the station to perform virtual carrier sensing. In the DSO mechanism, when a station switches from an operating channel to an assigned channel (i.e., from using the operating channel to using the assigned channel for transmission), the station can perform carrier sensing on the destination secondary channel. Alternatively, for the DSO mechanism, the destination secondary channel is a non-primary channel on which the station can transmit 20MHz PPDUs. In the DSO mechanism, when a station switches from an operating channel to an assigned channel, the station can transmit 20MHz PPDUs on the destination secondary channel. In the DSO mechanism, each assigned channel corresponds to a destination secondary channel.

[0090] A site can have one or more destination secondary channels. For details regarding NPCA and DSO, please refer to the following text; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0091] 4. Carrier-Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA)

[0092] Multiple stations may have communication needs within the same space. If these stations transmit signals simultaneously, the receiver may experience signal overlap, resulting in no signal being received. Therefore, the CSMA / CA mechanism can be used to address the interference caused by multiple stations simultaneously using the channel. The CSMA / CA mechanism is as follows: A station with transmission needs listens to the channel. If the channel is busy, the station cannot transmit; if the channel is idle, the station performs a random backoff (i.e., continues to wait for a random period of time). During the backoff period, if the station detects that the channel is busy again, the station pauses the backoff (i.e., still does not transmit) and continues the backoff process after the channel becomes idle. Only after the backoff is complete can the station transmit.

[0093] In this embodiment, the channel can also be referred to as the medium. The channel listening can also be referred to as carrier sensing (CS).

[0094] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the CSMA / CA mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2a The process of a station listening to a channel is illustrated exemplarily. For example... Figure 2a As shown, a station can transmit after backoff is complete. For example, a station in the OBSS can transmit via non-primary channel 4. Stations in this BSS occupy the primary channel. Optionally, stations in this BSS may also occupy non-primary channels 1 to 3, and non-primary channels 5 to 7.

[0095] The aforementioned listening channels include physical carrier sensing (PCS) and virtual carrier sensing (VCS).

[0096] (1) Physical carrier sensing is achieved through energy detection (ED). For example, if the energy of the PPDU received by the site within a bandwidth (such as 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, etc.) is lower than the energy threshold 1 corresponding to that bandwidth, the result of physical carrier sensing is that the channel is idle; otherwise, the channel is busy. The energy threshold 1 and the energy threshold 2 can be the same or different, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0097] (2) Virtual carrier sensing is achieved through preamble detection (PD) (or preamble code detection). The station detects a PPDU on a partial channel (e.g., the main 20MHz channel) and sets the duration corresponding to the NAV (e.g., a timer) based on the PPDU. This duration indicates the end time of the current TXOP, and the timer counts down. The station determines whether the channel is busy or idle using the NAV. The station maintains the NAV. When the duration (or NAV value) corresponding to the NAV is not 0, the virtual CS result indicates the channel is busy; when the duration corresponding to the NAV is 0 or the NAV is invalid, the virtual CS result indicates the channel is idle. During the period when the duration corresponding to the NAV is not 0, transmissions on the channel are not initiated by the station maintaining that NAV.

[0098] It is understandable that the setting or updating of NAV is performed upon completion of PPDU (or radio frame) reception. For example, if a station has completed receiving a PPDU, it updates or sets the NAV based on the duration information in the PPDU. Similarly, if a station has completed receiving a PPDU (or radio frame), it updates or sets the NAV based on the duration information in the radio frame within the PPDU.

[0099] A station receives and parses PPDUs with energy exceeding an energy threshold of 2 within the channel to obtain the duration indicated by the duration information. This duration is the remaining time of the TXOP corresponding to the PPDU. Unless under special circumstances (such as receiving a contention-free end (CF-end) frame or an extended TXOP duration), when the PPDU is not sent to itself, the virtual CS result is "channel busy" within the duration indicated by the NAV. If the NAV is 0 or invalid, the virtual CS result is "channel idle." Before the duration corresponding to the NAV reaches 0, the station can immediately reset the duration corresponding to the NAV to zero after receiving a CF-end frame. Alternatively, if the duration corresponding to the NAV expires, the virtual CS result is also "channel idle." Before the duration corresponding to the NAV reaches 0, if the station receives another PPDU not sent to itself, and the duration indicated by the duration information in that PPDU (or the duration information in the radio frame of that PPDU) is longer than the duration corresponding to the NAV, the duration corresponding to the NAV is updated to the duration indicated by the aforementioned duration information. The aforementioned PPDU can be a PPDU within this BSS or a PPDU within other BSSs.

[0100] In this embodiment of the application, the duration information in the PPDU includes:

[0101] Method 1: The duration indicated by the duration information is the duration indicated by the duration field in the MAC header of the radio frame in the aforementioned PPDU. That is, the duration information is the aforementioned duration field. The duration information in the PPDU can also be referred to as the duration field in the radio frame of that PPDU.

[0102] Method 2: The duration indicated by the duration information is the duration indicated by the TXOP field in the PHY header of the PPDU. That is, the duration information is the aforementioned TXOP field. The duration information in the PPDU can also be referred to as the TXOP field in that PPDU.

[0103] Optionally, if the duration indicated by the duration field and the TXOP field are different, the duration indicated by the duration information can be the duration indicated by the duration field.

[0104] The methods 1 and 2 described above are merely examples. In specific implementations, sites may also determine the duration information through other methods, which are not limited in this application embodiment. The description of determining the duration information herein also applies to the following text.

[0105] Figure 2b A schematic diagram of NAV changes provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2b In this diagram, t0 to t4 represent time intervals, with the order being t0, t3, t1, t4, and t2. t0 represents time 0, or the moment when the NAV has been cleared, or the moment when the station finishes receiving the PPDU. STA1 receives PPDU1 (which includes radio frame 1) at time t0. The RA of PPDU1 (or radio frame 1 within PPDU1) is not STA1's own medium access control (MAC) address, and the duration information in PPDU1 indicates the end time of the duration as t1. Therefore, STA1 updates the end time of the duration corresponding to the NAV to t1. At time t3, STA1 detects PPDU2 (which includes radio frame 2). The RA of PPDU2 (or radio frame 2 within PPDU2) is not STA1's own MAC address, and the duration information in PPDU2 indicates the end time of the duration as t2. Since t2 is later than t1, STA1 updates the end time of the duration corresponding to the NAV to t2. At time t4, STA1 receives the CF-end frame, and the duration corresponding to NAV is cleared to zero. Figure 2b The NAVs shown do not distinguish between basic NAVs and NAVs within the BSS, and this application does not limit this in its embodiments.

[0106] Optionally, a site can maintain a NAV. PPDUs received by the site with a receiving address other than its own (either a single receiving address or a group receiving address that does not include its own address) will cause the site to set or update its NAV.

[0107] Optionally, a station can maintain two NAVs. These two NAVs can be a basic NAV and an inter-BSS NAV. When a station receives a radio frame with a receive address other than its own and the PPDU it belongs to is a PPDU of its own BSS, it updates the inter-BSS NAV. When a station receives a radio frame with a receive address other than its own and the PPDU it belongs to is an OBSS PPDU, or when it cannot determine whether it is an OBSS PPDU or a PPDU of its own BSS, it updates the basic NAV. Only when both of these NAVs indicate that the virtual CS result is "channel idle" does the station consider the virtual CS result to be "channel idle".

[0108] Because PD (Power-Only) is more difficult than ED (Engineer-Only), a station can perform ED on its operational channels and PD on a subset of its channels. These subsets include, but are not limited to, the station's primary 20MHz channel (i.e., the primary 20MHz channel of the BSS where the station is located). For example, an 80MHz station performs ED on 80MHz and PD on the primary 20MHz channel. A station considers a channel idle only if both the physical channel control (PCC) and virtual channel control (PCC) results are idle; otherwise, it considers the channel busy.

[0109] 5. Transmission opportunity (TXOP)

[0110] For WLAN systems, stations can transmit data in units of Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs). Typically, a station needs to transmit multiple PPDUs to complete a single service interaction. Before the introduction of TXOP (Transmission Trace Opportunities), stations had to back off before each PPDU transmission, resulting in low transmission efficiency. The introduction of TXOP allows stations that have completed backoff to efficiently transmit multiple PPDUs.

[0111] The period of time gained after a station completes its backoff is called the TXOP (Turn-Off Period). Within the TXOP, adjacent PPDUs (PPDUs received and transmitted by a station, or PPDUs transmitted by a station) can be spaced apart for a certain duration; no backoff is required between adjacent PPDUs. This interval between adjacent PPDUs can include, but is not limited to, the short interframe space (SIFS). A station can declare the length of the TXOP at its start so that other stations can resolve this length and avoid competing for the channel during that period.

[0112] The station that acquires a TXOP by avoiding contention is called the TXOP holder (i.e., the station that sends the first frame of the TXOP). The station that communicates with the TXOP holder within the TXOP is called the TXOP responder (i.e., the station other than the TXOP holder that participates in the transmission within the TXOP). Both the TXOP holder and the TXOP responder are participants in the TXOP.

[0113] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between STAs provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 3 As shown, STA1 is the TXOP holder, and STA2 is the TXOP responder. Within the time limit of the TXOP obtained by STA1, STA1 can send PPDU1, PPDU3, and PPDU4 to STA2. STA2 can reply with PPDU2 and PPDU5. PPDU2 can be an ACK frame or a BA frame. PPDU5 can be an ACK frame or a BA frame. The interval between PPDU1 and PPDU2 is SIFS, and the interval between PPDU4 and PPDU5 is SIFS (…). Figure 3 (Not shown). Within the TXOP obtained by STA1, STA3 and STA4 do not participate in transmission. That is, STA3 and STA4 cannot actively send PPDUs to avoid affecting STA1 or STA2 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown, to avoid interfering with TXOP)

[0114] 6. Punching

[0115] As site bandwidth increases, the likelihood of sub-channels (such as a portion of the operational channel) being busy also increases. Before the introduction of puncturing mechanisms, the bandwidth used by a site had to be a contiguous channel including the primary 20MHz channel. For example, if a site's secondary 20MHz channel was busy, even if the site's bandwidth was 160MHz and all other secondary channels were idle, the site could only use the primary 20MHz channel. To improve spectrum utilization efficiency, sites can puncture busy secondary channels, thereby using both the primary channel and idle secondary channels. Punching only affects secondary channels; the primary 20MHz channel cannot be punctured.

[0116] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the drilling process provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the station's bandwidth is 160MHz. If the station does not puncture busy channels, it can only use the primary 20MHz channel. When the station punctures busy channels, it can use the primary 20MHz channel and all available 20MHz secondary channels.

[0117] 7. Non-primary channel access (NPCA)

[0118] Before the introduction of non-primary channel access mechanisms, sites had to back off if the primary 20MHz channel was busy. However, as site deployments become denser and bandwidth increases, the spectrum utilization efficiency caused by primary 20MHz channel access is decreasing. For example, if a 160MHz site detects only the primary 20MHz channel as busy, while the remaining 20MHz channels are all detected as idle, the site cannot use any channels and must back off. To improve channel utilization, sites can adopt non-primary channel access.

[0119] If the primary 20MHz channel is occupied by the BSS, the station can switch to a non-primary channel for communication. For example, if the primary 20MHz channel is busy, the station can communicate through an idle non-primary channel during the period when the primary channel is unavailable. Before communicating on a non-primary channel, the station can perform a virtual CS on that non-primary channel. The station performs a physical CS on the operational channels (including the primary channel and the aforementioned non-primary channels). If both the virtual CS and physical CS results indicate that the channel is idle, the station can then connect to the non-primary channel for communication. Without considering point-to-point (P2P) transmission, if the primary 20MHz channel is occupied by the BSS, the station cannot switch to a non-primary channel, or even if it does, it cannot communicate.

[0120] The aforementioned non-primary channels can be allocated by the AP or agreed upon by the sender and receiver. For non-primary channel access, the AP's bandwidth is greater than the non-AP STA's bandwidth, or the AP's bandwidth is less than the non-AP STA's bandwidth, or the AP's bandwidth is equal to the non-AP STA's bandwidth.

[0121] In this embodiment, a station switching from channel A to channel B, or jumping from channel A to channel B, means that the function performed by the station on channel A can also be performed on channel B. The bandwidths of channel A and channel B can be the same or different, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0122] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the non-primary channel access (NPCA) mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, a station has transmission needs. Due to the busy primary 20MHz channel, the station can switch to the non-primary channel 6. The station performs a virtual CS on the non-primary channel 6 and a physical CS on channels including both the primary and non-primary channels. Since both the virtual and physical CS results in the channel being idle, the station considers the channel idle and, after successful backoff on the non-primary channel 6, begins communication on that channel. Optionally, the station can switch back to the primary 20MHz channel before the primary channel's TXOP ends. Optionally, the station can switch back to the primary 20MHz channel upon receiving an OBSS PPDU. The timing of the station switching back to the primary 20MHz channel is not limited in this embodiment.

[0123] 8. Dynamic sub-band operation (DSO)

[0124] When the bandwidth of an access point (AP) is larger than that of a non-AP STA, the AP's larger bandwidth capability cannot be fully utilized. For example, if the AP's bandwidth is 160MHz and the non-AP STA's bandwidth is 80MHz, then even if the AP has a 160MHz capability, the non-AP STA can only transmit and receive PPDUs with a maximum bandwidth of 80MHz. If both the transmitting and receiving parties must use the primary 20MHz channel, the AP's secondary 80MHz cannot be effectively utilized. If the bandwidth of all non-AP STAs associated with the AP is less than or equal to 80MHz, then the AP's secondary 80MHz is completely unusable. To improve the channel utilization of high-bandwidth APs, a Distributed Single Array (DSO) mechanism can be introduced.

[0125] When the primary channel is occupied by an AP within the same BSS, at the start of TXOP, the AP can remove non-AP STAs from their operational channels. During the TXOP duration, the AP and non-AP STAs communicate using the assigned non-primary channels. Different non-AP STAs can be assigned to different non-primary channels, allowing the AP to utilize DSO to fill the entire bandwidth with non-AP STAs and fully leverage the AP's large bandwidth capabilities.

[0126] Because the location of the AP differs from that of the non-AP STA, it's possible that the AP cannot receive radio frames from other stations, while the non-AP STA can. Therefore, after a non-AP STA is assigned to a non-primary channel, it can perform channel detection on some or all of the channels within that non-primary channel. If the result is busy, it cannot transmit. This channel detection includes performing ED on all assigned non-primary channels and / or performing PD on one or more 20MHz channels within the assigned non-primary channels.

[0127] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the dynamic sub-band operation (DSO) mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 An example is shown showing a channel used by a non-AP STA at different times. The AP has a bandwidth of 320MHz, and the non-AP STA has a bandwidth of 80MHz. At the start of TXOP, the non-AP STA can switch to the lower 80MHz of the AP's secondary 160MHz (i.e., the non-AP STA changes its center frequency). Optionally, no later than the end of TXOP, the non-AP STA can switch back to the primary 80MHz.

[0128] Whether it's the NPCA mechanism or the DSO mechanism, the existing NAV settings and update methods make it impossible for the site to accurately determine whether the destination secondary channel is busy or idle when performing PD on the primary 20MHz channel. This results in low efficiency in channel switching and low utilization of the destination secondary channel.

[0129] Figure 7a This is a schematic diagram of the geographical relationship between STA1 to STA3 provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 7b This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the two TXOPs provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 7aAs shown, STA1 and STA2 are within each other's coverage area and can receive and parse PPDUs sent by the other. STA1 and STA3 are also within each other's coverage area and can receive and parse PPDUs sent by the other. However, STA2 and STA3 are too far apart and cannot receive PPDUs sent by the other. Assume STA2 participates in TXOP 1, and STA1 receives PPDU1 at time t0. PPDU1 has a bandwidth of 80MHz, and the duration information in PPDU1 indicates the end time of the duration at time t1. Figure 7b As shown, between t0 and t1, the bandwidth of PPDU1 is 80MHz, which includes both the primary channel and the destination secondary channel. Since STA3 does not receive PPDU1 from STA2, STA3 may consider the channel to be idle during the duration of TXOP 1 and participate in another TXOP 2. Assume that STA1 receives PPDU2 at time t2, PPDU2 has a bandwidth of 40MHz, and the duration information in PPDU2 indicates the end time of the duration at time t3. Figure 7b As shown, between t2 and t3, the bandwidth of PPDU2 is 40MHz, which includes the primary channel but excludes the destination secondary channel. The destination secondary channel is located 20MHz above the next 40MHz (S40-U20).

[0130] At time t0, STA1 receives PPDU1 (or radio frame 1 within PPDU1) whose RA is not its own MAC address. After receiving PPDU1, STA1 sets the NAV based on PPDU1, with the end time of the corresponding NAV being t1. At time t2, STA1 receives PPDU2 (or radio frame 2 within PPDU2) whose RA is not its own MAC address. t3 is later than t1. After receiving PPDU2, STA1 updates the end time of the corresponding NAV to t3.

[0131] from Figure 7b It can be seen that PPDU1 occupies the destination secondary channel of STA 1, so STA 1 cannot switch to the destination secondary channel between t0 and t1. However, between t1 and t3, neither PPDU2 nor PPDU1 occupies the destination secondary channel. Therefore, the above scheme results in the station originally being able to switch to the destination secondary channel between t1 and t3, but because the station updates the NAV at time t2, time t1 is overwritten by time t3, thus preventing the station from switching to the destination secondary channel in a timely manner.

[0132] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus that can effectively utilize a destination secondary channel and improve its utilization rate. In this method, a station maintains NAVs corresponding to different bandwidths based on the radio frames it receives. Optionally, the station can maintain NAVs corresponding to different bandwidths based on the radio frames it receives on the corresponding channel. For example, the station maintains NAVs corresponding to different bandwidths of the primary 20MHz channel based on radio frames received on the primary 20MHz channel. As another example, the station can maintain NAVs corresponding to different bandwidths of the destination secondary channel based on radio frames received on the destination secondary channel. Optionally, different bandwidths refer to different positions in the frequency domain. Optionally, different bandwidths refer to different bandwidth sizes. The method is described in detail below.

[0133] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to a site; for a description of a site, please refer to the above text. Figure 1a or Figure 1b The description. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0134] 801. The station receives a first radio frame, the receiver indicated by the RA of the first radio frame is not the station.

[0135] The radio frame includes an RA field, which can be used to indicate the MAC address of the receiving end. The MAC address indicated by the RA field in the first radio frame is not the MAC address of the aforementioned station itself. If the TXOP corresponding to the first radio frame is TXOP1, other stations within this BSS, or stations within the OBSS, will transmit the first radio frame within the time length of TXOP1.

[0136] Optionally, a station can determine whether the first radio frame is addressed to itself based on the BSS color. For detailed information on BSS colors, please refer to the 802.11 standard; it will not be elaborated upon here.

[0137] For ease of description, the PPDU carrying the first radio frame will be referred to as the first PPDU below. This may include data fields carried in the first PPDU. Given the relationship between the first PPDU and the first radio frame, the following descriptions of the first radio frame also apply to the first PPDU, or vice versa.

[0138] 802. The station maintains N groups of NAVs based on the first radio frame. Each of the N groups of NAVs corresponds to a different bandwidth, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0139] In this embodiment, NAV corresponds to duration and bandwidth. For example, the duration corresponding to NAV is the NAV value, and the bandwidth corresponding to NAV is the bandwidth corresponding to that NAV value.

[0140] Optionally, an NAV may include one NAV, such as a basic NAV or a BSS-internal NAV. Alternatively, an NAV may include two NAVs, such as a basic NAV and a BSS-internal NAV. For example, the first NAV in N groups may include a BSS-internal NAV, or it may include both a basic NAV and a BSS-internal NAV. This first NAV can be one of the N groups of NAVs. Similarly, the second NAV in N groups may include a BSS-internal NAV, or it may include both a basic NAV and a BSS-internal NAV. This second NAV is a different NAV from the first NAV in the N groups. As standards evolve, other types of NAVs may emerge, and this application does not limit these types.

[0141] If a site maintains a base NAV and a BSS-internal NAV, and the RA address received by the site is not its own first PPDU (Preinstalled Component Unit) but rather a PPDU from the local BSS, then the BSS-internal NAV is updated. If the RA address received by the site is not its own first PPDU (Preinstalled Component Unit) but rather an OBSS PPDU, or if it cannot distinguish whether the first PPDU is a local BSS PPDU or an OBSS PPDU, then the base NAV is updated. For explanations of the base NAV and BSS-internal NAV, please refer to the description of CSMA / CA above, or the 802.11 standard; details will not be elaborated here. The explanation regarding the first NAV also applies to the second NAV; details will not be elaborated here.

[0142] Understandably, if a site does not detect a send permission (cleartosend, CTS) corresponding to a send request (requesttosend, RTS) and does not detect a data frame corresponding to the RTS within the predetermined time, the NAV is reset, and the duration of the NAV corresponds to the state where no RTS was detected.

[0143] In this embodiment, the station maintains N sets of NAVs based on duration information and the bandwidth of the first radio frame. This duration information is determined based on the first radio frame. Alternatively, the station can determine the duration information by parsing the first radio frame (or the first PPDU).

[0144] The duration information is used to indicate the duration, or in other words, the duration information is used to indicate the remaining time of the current TXOP, or the duration information is used to indicate the end time of the current TXOP.

[0145] As an example, the duration information indicates the duration indicated by the duration field in the MAC header of the first radio frame. In other words, the duration information is the duration field mentioned above.

[0146] As another example, the duration indicated by the duration information is the duration indicated by the TXOP field in the PHY header of the first PPDU. In other words, the duration information is the aforementioned TXOP field.

[0147] Optionally, when both the duration field and the TXOP field are valid, and the end time of the duration indicated by the duration field is different from the end time of the duration indicated by the TXOP field, or in other words, when the duration indicated by the duration field is different from the duration indicated by the TXOP field, the duration indicated by the duration information is the duration indicated by the duration field. That is to say, in the above cases, the site can maintain the duration corresponding to the NAV based on the duration field.

[0148] In specific implementations, the site may also determine the duration information in other ways, which are not limited in this application embodiment.

[0149] The bandwidth of the first radio frame is the bandwidth of the PPDU (i.e., the first PPDU) carrying the first radio frame. The bandwidth of the first radio frame can be the bandwidth indicated by the BW field or the Bandwidth field in the first PPDU.

[0150] For example, if the first PPDU is a VHTPPDU, its bandwidth can be carried in the BW field of the VHT-SIG-A field. If the first PPDU is an HEPPDU, its bandwidth can be carried in the Bandwidth field of the HE-SIG-A field. If the first PPDU is an EHTPPDU, its bandwidth can be carried in the Bandwidth field of the U-SIG field. If the first PPDU is a UHRPPDU or a next-generation PHYPPDU, its bandwidth can be carried in the bandwidth-related fields of the first PPDU.

[0151] For example, the bandwidth of the first radio frame can be determined based on the TA field in the first radio frame. For instance, if the first radio frame is an RTS frame contained in a non-HT PPDU, the TA field in the RTS frame includes a bandwidth signaling TA. The TA field including the bandwidth signaling TA can be used to determine the bandwidth of the first radio frame. The bandwidth of the first radio frame can also be determined in other ways, which are limited in this embodiment.

[0152] The above description of the bandwidth and duration information of the first wireless frame also applies to Implementation Method 1 and Implementation Method 2 described below, and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0153] The bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the main channel, such as the main 20MHz channel used to perform PD.

[0154] Understandably, NAV maintenance is performed upon completion of the reception of the first radio frame (or the first PPDU). If a site has completed receiving the first radio frame (or the first PPDU), it can set or update the NAV.

[0155] The above-mentioned explanations regarding NAV or maintaining N groups of NAV also apply to the following text, such as step 803, and will not be repeated below.

[0156] Based on the different bandwidths corresponding to the N groups of NAVs, this application provides the following implementation methods:

[0157] Implementation Method 1

[0158] The first NAV in the N groups of NAVs corresponds to a first bandwidth, which includes the primary channel but excludes the destination secondary channel. The second NAV in the N groups of NAVs corresponds to a second bandwidth, which includes the destination secondary channel. Optionally, the second bandwidth also includes the primary channel.

[0159] The bandwidth corresponding to each of the N NAV groups is distinguished by whether it includes the primary channel or the destination secondary channel. The bandwidth corresponding to each of the N NAV groups can be determined by the distribution of the destination secondary channels. Alternatively, the bandwidth corresponding to each of the N NAV groups can be determined by the location of the destination secondary channels.

[0160] Optionally, the value of N can be determined by the maximum number of destination secondary channels, or by the current number of destination secondary channels. The value of N is greater than the current number of destination secondary channels. The maximum number mentioned above is the maximum number allowed by the standard (or AP), or the maximum number allowed by the site. Optionally, the value of N can be a fixed value determined based on the maximum number. For example, N = maximum number + 1. The current number is the number allowed by the site over a period of time, and this number can change dynamically. Optionally, the value of N can be a variable value determined based on the current number. For example, N = current number + 1. If the current number of destination secondary channels is 1, N = 2. If the current number of destination secondary channels is 3, N = 4. If the maximum number of destination secondary channels is 4, then N = 5.

[0161] As an example, there is one destination secondary channel, and N groups of NAVs, including a first NAV and a second NAV. The first NAV is one of the N groups of NAVs, and the second NAV is a different group from the first NAV among the N groups of NAVs.

[0162] For example, a site supports NPCA but not DSO. Alternatively, a site may have NPCA enabled but DSO disabled. Under NPCA, there is only one destination secondary channel. Another example is a site that supports both NPCA and DSO. Or, a site may have both NPCA and DSO enabled. Under DSO, there is the same number of destination secondary channels as under NPCA, and both are one. Yet another example is a site that supports DSO but not NPCA. Alternatively, a site may have DSO enabled but not NPCA. Under DSO, there is only one destination secondary channel.

[0163] As another example, the number of destination secondary channels is greater than or equal to 2, and the N groups of NAVs include a first NAV and at least two second NAVs. Each of the at least two second NAVs corresponds to a different bandwidth. Alternatively, the bandwidths corresponding to each of the at least two second NAVs include different destination secondary channels.

[0164] For example, a site supports (or enables) the DSO mechanism and has multiple destination secondary channels. Another example is a site supporting (or enabling) the DSO mechanism, where there is at least one destination secondary channel. Optionally, the site also supports (or enables) NPCA, where there is at least one destination secondary channel. When the number of destination secondary channels under both the DSO and NPCA mechanisms is one, the destination secondary channels under these two mechanisms are different. Other scenarios are not listed here.

[0165] Regarding implementation method one, the following describes how to maintain NAV on the site.

[0166] Regarding implementation method one, this application embodiment also provides two other implementation methods, namely implementation method 1 and implementation method 2 as shown below. In implementation method 1, each time the station receives a first radio frame (or first PPDU), it can maintain N sets of NAVs based on the first radio frame (or first PPDU). In implementation method 2, each time the station receives a first radio frame (or first PPDU), it can determine the NAVs that may be updated based on the bandwidth of the first radio frame (or the bandwidth of the first PPDU), update the duration corresponding to the NAVs that may be updated based on the duration information in the first radio frame (or the duration information in the first PPDU), or not update the duration corresponding to the NAVs that may be updated. The relevant descriptions in implementation method 1 also apply to implementation method 2, and the relevant descriptions in implementation method 2 also apply to implementation method 1.

[0167] For both Implementation Method 1 and Implementation Method 2, this application provides two different implementation methods: one with the second bandwidth including the main channel, and the other with the second bandwidth excluding the main channel. Furthermore, the number of destination secondary channels can be one or more. The following is a detailed description:

[0168] As one possible implementation, the station maintains a first NAV based on the first radio frame; and the station also maintains a second NAV based on the first radio frame. That is, the station can maintain different NAVs based on the first radio frame it receives. Alternatively, the station maintains a first NAV based on a first PPDU; and the station also maintains a second NAV based on the first PPDU.

[0169] In one possible implementation, the second bandwidth includes the destination secondary channel and the primary channel. Further details regarding the first and second NAVs are provided above and will not be repeated here.

[0170] The site maintains the first NAV based on the first radio frame, including: the site maintains the first NAV based on duration information and the bandwidth of the first radio frame.

[0171] As an example, the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel but excludes the destination secondary channel. If the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the first NAV, the station updates the first NAV according to the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the first NAV, the station does not update the first NAV.

[0172] As another example, the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel. If the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the first NAV, the station updates the first NAV according to the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the first NAV, the station does not update the first NAV.

[0173] In other words, as one possible implementation 1a, as long as the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel, regardless of whether the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the destination secondary channel, the station can update the duration corresponding to the first NAV based on the duration information, or not update the duration corresponding to the first NAV based on the duration information. Further explanation regarding the station's maintenance of the first NAV can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 9a As another possible implementation 1b, the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel but excludes the destination secondary channel. The station updates the duration corresponding to the first NAV based on the duration information, or does not update the duration corresponding to the first NAV based on the duration information. Further explanation regarding the station's maintenance of the first NAV can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 9b .

[0174] The station maintains the second NAV based on the first radio frame, including: the station maintains the second NAV based on duration information and the bandwidth of the first radio frame. If the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, and if the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the second NAV, the station updates the duration corresponding to the second NAV based on the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the second NAV, the station does not update the second NAV.

[0175] Optionally, when the number of destination secondary channels is greater than or equal to 2, the N groups of NAVs may include at least two second NAVs. As shown above, the bandwidths corresponding to the at least two second NAVs respectively include different destination secondary channels. Thus, the station can maintain the above-mentioned at least two second NAVs by combining the destination secondary channels included in the bandwidth of the first radio frame and the duration information. For a description of the first NAV, please refer to the relevant descriptions in implementation methods 1a and 1b above, which will not be detailed here.

[0176] If the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel and destination secondary channel 1, and the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the second NAV1, the station updates the duration corresponding to the second NAV1 according to the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the second NAV1, the station does not update the second NAV1. The bandwidth corresponding to the second NAV1 includes the primary channel and destination secondary channel 1. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first radio frame may not include other destination secondary channels. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first radio frame may also include other destination secondary channels, such as destination secondary channel 2 and / or destination secondary channel 3, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0177] In other words, as one possible implementation, as long as the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel and destination secondary channel 1, regardless of whether the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes other destination secondary channels, the station can update the duration corresponding to the second NAV1 based on the duration information, or not update the duration corresponding to the second NAV1 based on the duration information. As another possible implementation, the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel and destination secondary channel 1, but does not include other destination secondary channels. The station can update the duration corresponding to the second NAV1 based on the duration information, or not update the duration corresponding to the second NAV1 based on the duration information. Further explanations regarding the second NAV1 can be found in the descriptions of implementation methods 1a and 1b above.

[0178] For example, the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel and destination secondary channel 2. If the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the second NAV2, the station updates the duration corresponding to the second NAV2 according to the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the second NAV2, the station does not update the second NAV2. The bandwidth corresponding to the second NAV2 includes the primary channel and destination secondary channel 2. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first radio frame may not include other destination secondary channels. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first radio frame may also include other destination secondary channels, such as destination secondary channel 1 and / or destination secondary channel 3, etc., which will not be listed here. For other explanations about the second NAV2, please refer to the relevant descriptions of implementation methods 1a and 1b above.

[0179] For the larger number of destination secondary channels, they will not be listed here. The maintenance method for the first NAV is described above and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0180] The following example assumes that there is only one destination secondary channel.

[0181] Figure 9a and Figure 9b This is a schematic diagram illustrating the maintenance of NAV provided in an embodiment of this application. About Figure 9a and Figure 9b Reference for mid-time or PPDU explanation Figure 7b This will not be elaborated upon here. Figure 9a and Figure 9b An example is shown of the NAV maintained by the site at time t0 and time t2.

[0182] As one possible implementation, such as Figure 9a As shown, at time t0, after the station receives PPDU1, it maintains the first NAV and the second NAV based on the bandwidth of PPDU1 and the duration information in PPDU1 (or the duration information in radio frame 1 of PPDU1). Since the bandwidth of PPDU1 includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, if the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV is earlier than t1, the station updates the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV to t1 (e.g., ...). Figure 9a (As shown); if the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV is later than or equal to t1, the station may not update the duration corresponding to the first NAV. Since the bandwidth of PPDU1 includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, if the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV is earlier than t1, the station updates the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV to t1 (e.g., Figure 9a(As shown); If the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV is later than or equal to t1, the station may not update the duration corresponding to the second NAV. At time t2, after receiving PPDU2, the station maintains the first NAV and the second NAV according to the bandwidth of PPDU2 and the duration information in PPDU2 (or the duration information in radio frame 2 in PPDU2). Since the bandwidth of PPDU2 includes the primary channel but not the destination secondary channel, and the duration indicated by the duration information in PPDU2 is longer than the duration corresponding to the first NAV, the end time for updating the duration corresponding to the first NAV is t3. The station does not update the duration corresponding to the second NAV. Since the bandwidth of PPDU2 includes the primary channel but not the destination secondary channel, the station does not update the second NAV at time t2. Thus, the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV is not earlier than the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV, and the time period from the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV to the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV is the time period during which the station can use the destination secondary channel corresponding to the second NAV.

[0183] As another possible implementation, such as Figure 9b As shown, at time t0, after the station receives PPDU1, it maintains the first NAV and the second NAV based on the bandwidth of PPDU1 and the duration information in PPDU1 (or the duration information in radio frame 1 of PPDU1). Since the bandwidth of PPDU1 includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, if the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV is earlier than t1, the station updates the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV to t1 (e.g., ...). Figure 9b (As shown); if the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV is later than or equal to t1, the station may not update the duration corresponding to the second NAV. Since the bandwidth of PPDU1 includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, and the bandwidth corresponding to the first NAV includes the primary channel but not the destination secondary channel, the station does not update the first NAV at time t0. At time t2, the station receives PPDU2 and maintains the first NAV and the second NAV according to the bandwidth of PPDU2 and the duration information in PPDU2 (or the duration information in radio frame 2 in PPDU2). Since the bandwidth of PPDU2 includes the primary channel but not the destination secondary channel, if the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV is earlier than t3, the station updates the duration corresponding to the first NAV to t3 (e.g., t3). Figure 9b(As shown); if the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV is later than or equal to t3, the station does not need to update the duration corresponding to the first NAV. Since the bandwidth of PPDU2 includes the primary channel but not the destination secondary channel, the station does not update the second NAV at time t2. Thus, when the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV is later than the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV, the time period from the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV to the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV is the time period during which the station can use the destination secondary channel corresponding to the second NAV.

[0184] The station determines the time when it can switch to the destination secondary channel based on the bandwidth and duration corresponding to the first NAV and the bandwidth and duration corresponding to the second NAV. In other words, the time period between the end of the duration corresponding to the first NAV and the end of the duration corresponding to the second NAV is the time when the station can switch to the destination secondary channel. Figure 9a or Figure 9b For example, t1 to t3 represent the time during which a station can switch to the destination secondary channel. That is, the station can determine that the destination secondary channel is idle between t1 and t3 based on the first NAV and the second NAV. Between t1 and t3, the station can switch to the destination secondary channel. Optionally, the station can access the destination secondary channel after switching. The specific method of the station performing PD on the destination secondary channel can be found in step 803 below, which will not be detailed here. Optionally, the earliest time for the station to switch to the destination secondary channel can be t2, and the latest time can be t1, thereby making full use of the destination secondary channel. Optionally, the station can also switch to the destination secondary channel after t1; this embodiment does not limit this. Optionally, the station can start channel access at or after time t1; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0185] The following example uses three destination channels.

[0186] For example, there are three destination secondary channels, such as destination secondary channel 1, destination secondary channel 2, and destination secondary channel 3. The frequencies of destination secondary channels 1 through 3 increase sequentially. N groups of NAVs include a first NAV, a second NAV1, a second NAV2, and a second NAV3, corresponding to a first bandwidth, a second bandwidth 1, a second bandwidth 2, and a second bandwidth 3, respectively. The first bandwidth includes the main channel but excludes destination secondary channels 1 through 3. The second bandwidth 1 includes the main channel and destination secondary channel 1 but excludes destination secondary channels 2 and 3. The second bandwidth 2 includes the main channel and destination secondary channel 2. Optionally, the second bandwidth 2 may also include destination secondary channel 1. The second bandwidth 2 does not include destination secondary channel 3. The second bandwidth 3 includes the main channel and destination secondary channel 3. Optionally, the second bandwidth 3 may also include destination secondary channel 1 and / or destination secondary channel 2.

[0187] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the maintenance of NAV according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 For example:

[0188] At time t0, after receiving PPDU1, the station maintains the first NAV, second NAV1, second NAV2, and second NAV3 based on the bandwidth of PPDU1 and the duration information in PPDU1 (or the duration information in radio frame 1 of PPDU1). The bandwidth of PPDU1 includes the primary channel, destination secondary channel 1, destination secondary channel 2, and destination secondary channel 3. If the end time of the duration indicated by the duration information in PPDU1 (or the duration information in radio frame 1 of PPDU1) is later than the duration corresponding to the first NAV, the duration corresponding to the second NAV1, the duration corresponding to the second NAV2, and the duration corresponding to the second NAV3, the end time of the duration indicated by the duration information in PPDU1 (or the duration information in radio frame 1 of PPDU1) is t1.

[0189] As one possible implementation, at time t0, the site sequentially updates the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV to t1, the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV1 to t1, the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV2 to t1, and the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV3 to t1. Refer to implementation method 1a above or... Figure 9a The description.

[0190] As another possible implementation, if at time t0 the bandwidth corresponding to the second NAV3 includes the primary channel, destination secondary channel 1, destination secondary channel 2, and destination secondary channel 3, the end time for the station to update the duration corresponding to the second NAV3 is t1. The station does not update the duration corresponding to the first NAV, the duration corresponding to the second NAV1, or the duration corresponding to the second NAV2. Refer to implementation method 1b above or... Figure 9b The description.

[0191] At time t2, after receiving PPDU2, the station maintains the first NAV, second NAV1, second NAV2, and second NAV3 based on the bandwidth of PPDU2 and the duration information in PPDU2 (or the duration information in radio frame 2 of PPDU2). The bandwidth of PPDU2 includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel 1. The end time of the duration indicated by the duration information in PPDU2 (or the duration information in radio frame 2 of PPDU2) is t3.

[0192] As one possible implementation, at time t2, the site updates the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV to t3, and the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV1 to t3, but does not update the duration corresponding to the second NAV2 or the duration corresponding to the second NAV3. Refer to implementation method 1a above or... Figure 9a The description.

[0193] As another possible implementation, at time t2, the site updates the duration corresponding to the second NAV1 at time t3, but does not update the durations corresponding to the first NAV, the second NAV2, or the second NAV3. Refer to implementation method 1b above. Figure 9b The description.

[0194] At time t4, after receiving PPDU3, the station maintains the first NAV, second NAV1, second NAV2, and second NAV3 based on the bandwidth of PPDU3 and the duration information in PPDU3 (or the duration information in radio frame 3 of PPDU3). The bandwidth of PPDU3 includes the primary channel but excludes destination secondary channels 1-3. The end time of the duration indicated by the duration information in PPDU3 (or the duration information in radio frame 3 of PPDU3) is t5.

[0195] At time t4, the site updates the duration corresponding to the first NAV at time t5, and does not update the duration corresponding to the second NAV1, the second NAV2, or the second NAV3.

[0196] Therefore, based on the first NAV and the second NAV1 to second NAV3, the station determines that between t1 and t5, it can switch to destination secondary channel 2 and destination secondary channel 3; between t3 and t5, it can switch to destination secondary channel 1 to destination secondary channel 3. Further explanation regarding destination secondary channels can be found above. Figure 9a or Figure 9b For a description of how a site determines the time period during which it can switch to the destination secondary channel, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 9a or Figure 9b The descriptions of these elements will not be repeated here.

[0197] In one possible implementation, the second bandwidth includes the destination secondary channel but excludes the primary channel. Further details regarding the first and second NAVs are provided above and will not be repeated here.

[0198] The site maintains the first NAV based on the first radio frame, including: the site maintains the first NAV based on duration information and the bandwidth of the first radio frame.

[0199] The bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel. If the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the first NAV, the station updates the first NAV according to the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the first NAV, the station does not update the first NAV. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first radio frame does not include the destination secondary channel. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first radio frame also includes the destination secondary channel.

[0200] In other words, as one possible implementation, as long as the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel, regardless of whether the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the destination secondary channel, the station can update the duration corresponding to the first NAV based on the duration information, or not update the duration corresponding to the first NAV based on the duration information. As another possible implementation, the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel but does not include the destination secondary channel; the station updates the duration corresponding to the first NAV based on the duration information, or not updates the duration corresponding to the first NAV based on the duration information.

[0201] The site maintains a second NAV based on the first radio frame, including: the site maintains the second NAV based on duration information and the bandwidth of the first radio frame.

[0202] The bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the destination secondary channel. If the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the second NAV, the station updates the duration corresponding to the second NAV according to the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the second NAV, the station does not update the second NAV. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first radio frame does not include the primary channel. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first radio frame also includes the primary channel.

[0203] In other words, as one possible implementation, as long as the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the destination secondary channel, regardless of whether the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel, the station can update the duration corresponding to the second NAV based on the duration information, or not update the duration corresponding to the second NAV based on the duration information. As another possible implementation, the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the destination secondary channel but does not include the primary channel; the station can update the duration corresponding to the second NAV based on the duration information, or not update the duration corresponding to the second NAV.

[0204] Optionally, when the number of destination secondary channels is greater than or equal to 2, the N groups of NAVs may include at least two second NAVs. As shown above, the bandwidths corresponding to the at least two second NAVs respectively include different destination secondary channels. Thus, the station can maintain at least two second NAVs by combining the destination secondary channels included in the bandwidth of the first radio frame.

[0205] If the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes destination secondary channel 1, and the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the second NAV1, the station updates the duration corresponding to the second NAV1 according to the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the second NAV1, the station does not update the second NAV1. The bandwidth corresponding to the second NAV1 includes destination secondary channel 1 but does not include the primary channel. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first radio frame does not include the primary channel. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first radio frame also includes the primary channel.

[0206] For example, if the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes destination secondary channel 2, and the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the second NAV2, the station updates the duration corresponding to the second NAV2 according to the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the second NAV2, the station does not update the second NAV2. The bandwidth corresponding to the second NAV2 includes destination secondary channel 2 but does not include the primary channel. Optionally, the bandwidth corresponding to the second NAV2 does not include destination secondary channel 1. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first radio frame does not include the primary channel. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first radio frame also includes the primary channel.

[0207] For a larger number of destination secondary channels, they will not be listed here. The maintenance methods for the first NAV, second NAV1, or second NAV2, etc., are described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0208] The following example assumes that there is only one destination secondary channel.

[0209] Figure 9c and Figure 9d This is a schematic diagram illustrating the maintenance of NAV provided in an embodiment of this application. About Figure 9c and Figure 9d Reference for mid-time or PPDU explanation Figure 7b This will not be elaborated upon here. Figure 9c and Figure 9d An example is shown of the NAV maintained by the site at time t0 and time t2.

[0210] At time t0, after the station receives PPDU1, it maintains the first NAV and the second NAV based on the bandwidth of PPDU1 and the duration information in PPDU1 (or the duration information in radio frame 1 of PPDU1). For example... Figure 9cAs shown, the bandwidth of PPDU1 includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel. The bandwidth of PPDU1 includes the bandwidth corresponding to the first NAV and the bandwidth corresponding to the second NAV. Therefore, the station can update the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV to t1, and the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV to t1. For example... Figure 9d As shown, the bandwidth of PPDU1 includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel. The bandwidth corresponding to the first NAV is the primary channel, and the bandwidth corresponding to the second NAV is the destination secondary channel. Therefore, the station does not need to update the duration corresponding to the first NAV and the duration corresponding to the second NAV.

[0211] At time t2, after receiving PPDU2, the station maintains the first NAV and the second NAV based on the bandwidth of PPDU2 and the duration information in PPDU2 (or the duration information in radio frame 2 of PPDU2). For example... Figure 9c and Figure 9d As shown, the bandwidth of PPDU2 includes the primary channel but excludes the destination secondary channel. A station can update the end time of the first NAV to t3, but does not update the second NAV. The method by which a station determines the time period during which it can switch to the destination secondary channel can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 9a or Figure 9b Etc., will not be elaborated here.

[0212] For further information regarding the first NAV and the second NAV, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 9a or Figure 9b This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0213] As another possible implementation 2, the station determines the NAV that may be updated (or the candidate NAV for update) based on the bandwidth of the first radio frame it receives, and maintains the NAV that may be updated based on the duration information in the first PPDU (or the first radio frame). Alternatively, the station determines the NAV that may be updated based on the bandwidth of the first radio frame and the relationship between the bandwidths of each NAV, and updates the NAV that may be updated based on the duration information, or does not update the NAV that may be updated. For example, the station can determine the NAV that may be updated based on the bandwidth distribution of the first radio frame. The bandwidth distribution of the first radio frame may include whether the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the destination secondary channel, and / or whether the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the destination secondary channel.

[0214] In one possible implementation, the second bandwidth includes the destination secondary channel and the primary channel. Further details regarding the first and second NAVs are provided above and will not be repeated here.

[0215] As an example, when the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel but excludes the destination secondary channel, the station maintains a first NAV based on the first radio frame. Maintaining the first NAV includes: if the duration indicated by the duration information in the first PPDU (or the duration information in the first radio frame) is greater than the duration corresponding to the first NAV, then the duration corresponding to the first NAV is updated according to the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information in the first PPDU (or the duration information in the first radio frame) is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the first NAV, then the duration corresponding to the first NAV is not updated. When the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel but excludes the destination secondary channel, the station does not update the second NAV. That is, the NAV that the station determines to be updated based on the bandwidth of the first radio frame is the first NAV, and the second NAV is the NAV that is not updated.

[0216] As another example, when the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, the station maintains a first NAV and a second NAV based on the first radio frame. Maintaining the second NAV includes: if the duration indicated by the duration information in the first PPDU (or the duration information in the first radio frame) is greater than the duration corresponding to the second NAV, then updating the duration corresponding to the second NAV according to the duration indicated by the duration information; if the duration indicated by the duration information in the first PPDU (or the duration information in the first radio frame) is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the second NAV, then not updating the duration corresponding to the second NAV. The method by which the station maintains the first NAV is described above and will not be detailed here.

[0217] As another example, if the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, the station can maintain the second NAV based on the first radio frame without updating the first NAV.

[0218] The explanations for the above examples can be found in Implementation Method 1 above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0219] by Figure 9a For example, PPDU1's bandwidth includes both the destination secondary channel and the primary channel; therefore, the station determines the NAV that may be updated as the first NAV and the second NAV. At time t0, the station can update the first NAV and the second NAV. As another example, PPDU2's bandwidth includes the primary channel but not the destination secondary channel; therefore, the station determines the NAV that may be updated as the first NAV and does not update the second NAV. At time t2, the station can update the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV to t3. Regarding... Figure 9a For further explanation, please refer to Example 1a above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0220] Optionally, when the number of destination secondary channels is greater than or equal to 2, the N groups of NAVs may include at least two second NAVs. As shown above, the bandwidths corresponding to the at least two second NAVs respectively include different destination secondary channels. Therefore, the station can combine the destination secondary channels included in the bandwidth of the first radio frame (or the bandwidth of the first PPDU) and the bandwidth corresponding to each second NAV to determine the NAVs that may be updated, and determine whether to update the NAVs that may be updated based on the duration information, or not update the NAVs that may be updated. For example, if the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel and destination secondary channel 1, then the station maintains the first NAV and the second NAV1 based on the duration information in the first radio frame (or the duration information in the first PPDU), where the second bandwidth 1 corresponding to the second NAV1 includes the primary channel and destination secondary channel 1. The station does not update the second NAV2, does not update the second NAV3, etc. This example uses three second NAVs; in specific implementations, the N groups of NAVs may also include two NAVs, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0221] by Figure 10 For example, at time t0, since the bandwidth of the first radio frame 1 includes the main channel and destination secondary channels 1 to 3, the NAVs that may be updated are the first NAV and the second NAV1 to the second NAV3. The station maintains the above NAVs according to the duration information in PPDU1 (or the duration information in radio frame 1), such as updating the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV to t1, the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV1 to t1, the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV2 to t1, and the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV3 to t1 in sequence.

[0222] At time t2, since the bandwidth of PPDU2 includes the primary channel and destination secondary channel 1, but excludes destination secondary channels 2 and 3, the NAV that may be updated is the first NAV and the second NAV1, without updating the second NAV2 and the second NAV3. The station updates the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV and the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV1 to t3 based on the duration information in PPDU2 (or the duration information in radio frame 2).

[0223] At time t4, since the bandwidth of PPDU3 includes the primary channel but excludes destination secondary channels 1 to 3, the NAV that may be updated is the first NAV, and the second NAV1 to second NAV3 are not updated. The station updates the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV to t5 based on the duration information in PPDU3 (or the duration information in radio frame 3).

[0224] about Figure 10 Other explanations can be found in Method 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0225] In one possible implementation, the second bandwidth includes the destination secondary channel but excludes the primary channel. Further details regarding the first and second NAVs are provided above and will not be repeated here.

[0226] As an example, the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel. The station maintains a first NAV and a second NAV based on the duration information. As another example, the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel but excludes the destination secondary channel. The station maintains the first NAV based on the duration information but does not update the second NAV. As yet another example, the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the destination secondary channel but excludes the primary channel. The station maintains the second NAV based on the duration information but does not update the first NAV. For an explanation of multiple destination secondary channels, please refer to the above; it will not be elaborated upon here.

[0227] Regarding the first implementation described above, when puncturing is not considered (puncturing is not allowed, or puncturing is allowed but ignored, such as puncturing the destination secondary channel), if the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the punctured destination secondary channel, it can be considered that the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the destination secondary channel. The potentially updated NAV determined by the station based on the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the first NAV and the second NAV. Optionally, when puncturing is considered and the destination secondary channel is punctured, if the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the punctured destination secondary channel, it can be considered that the bandwidth of the first radio frame does not include the destination secondary channel. The potentially updated NAV determined by the station based on the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the first NAV.

[0228] Regarding the first implementation method, the N groups of NAVs correspond to different bandwidths. The different bandwidths can be determined by the distribution of the destination secondary channel, thereby improving the utilization of the destination secondary channel while minimizing changes to the standard and simplifying the operation.

[0229] In this embodiment, a station can determine the time when it can switch to the destination secondary channel, or in other words, the time when it can jump to the destination secondary channel, by comparing the duration corresponding to the base NAV in the first NAV with the duration corresponding to the base NAV in the second NAV. Optionally, a station can determine the time when it can switch to the destination secondary channel by comparing the duration corresponding to the base NAV in the first NAV with the duration corresponding to the base NAV in the second NAV. If the end time of the duration corresponding to the base NAV in the first NAV is later than the end time of the duration corresponding to the base NAV in the second NAV, then the time period during which the station can switch to the destination secondary channel is from the end time of the duration corresponding to the base NAV in the second NAV to the end time of the duration corresponding to the base NAV in the first NAV. Optionally, a station can determine the time when it can switch to the destination secondary channel by comparing the duration corresponding to the NAV within the BSS in the first NAV with the duration corresponding to the NAV within the BSS in the second NAV.

[0230] Implementation Method Two

[0231] N groups of NAVs each correspond to a different bandwidth. For example, the first NAV in the N groups corresponds to a first bandwidth, and the second NAV in the N groups corresponds to a second bandwidth. The bandwidth corresponding to each NAV group can be determined by the bandwidth of the radio frames received by the station. The first bandwidth includes the primary channel. Optionally, the first bandwidth also includes the destination secondary channel. The second bandwidth includes the primary channel. Optionally, the second bandwidth also includes the destination secondary channel. The first bandwidth and the second bandwidth may have different values. The bandwidths mentioned above include, but are not limited to, at least two of 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz. The bandwidths listed above are merely examples; as standards advance, other bandwidths may emerge in the future, and this application does not limit them.

[0232] As an example, when the bandwidth of the first radio frame (or the bandwidth of the first PPDU) is different from the bandwidths corresponding to the N groups of NAVs, an NAV is added based on the bandwidth and duration information of the first radio frame (or the first PPDU). The bandwidth corresponding to the added NAV is the bandwidth of the first radio frame (or the first PPDU), and the duration corresponding to the added NAV is the duration indicated by the duration information in the first radio frame (or the first PPDU).

[0233] As another example, if the bandwidth of the first radio frame is the same as the bandwidth corresponding to the third NAV in the N groups of NAVs, the third NAV is maintained according to the duration information in the first PPDU (or the duration information in the first radio frame). If the duration indicated by the duration information in the first PPDU (or the duration information in the first radio frame) is greater than the duration corresponding to the third NAV, then the duration corresponding to the third NAV is updated according to the duration indicated by the aforementioned duration information. If the duration indicated by the duration information in the first PPDU (or the duration information in the first radio frame) is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the third NAV, then the duration corresponding to the third NAV is not updated. The explanation regarding updating the duration corresponding to the third NAV can be found in the description of updating the duration corresponding to the first NAV or updating the duration corresponding to the second NAV in the above implementation method one, and will not be repeated here.

[0234] In this embodiment, a station can determine the time when it can switch to the destination secondary channel based on the difference between bandwidths and the difference between the durations corresponding to the NAVs corresponding to the aforementioned differences. For example, a first NAV corresponds to a first bandwidth, and a second NAV corresponds to a second bandwidth. If the portion of the second bandwidth that does not overlap with the first bandwidth includes the destination secondary channel, then the station can determine the time when it can switch to the destination secondary channel based on the durations corresponding to the first and second NAVs. If the bandwidth corresponding to the first NAV is less than the bandwidth corresponding to the second NAV, and the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV is later than the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV, then the time period during which the station can switch to the destination secondary channel corresponding to the second NAV is from the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV to the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV.

[0235] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the process for maintaining NAV provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 As shown, the station determines whether the bandwidth of the first radio frame is the same as the bandwidth in the list. If they are the same, the station maintains the duration corresponding to the NAV with the same bandwidth after receiving the first radio frame. If they are not the same, the station adds a new NAV after receiving the first radio frame. The bandwidth corresponding to this NAV is the bandwidth of the first radio frame, and the duration corresponding to this NAV is the duration indicated by the duration information of the first PPDU (or the duration information of the first radio frame). Maintaining the duration corresponding to the NAV with the same bandwidth includes: if the duration indicated by the duration information of the first PPDU (or the duration information of the first radio frame) is greater than the duration corresponding to the NAV with the same bandwidth, then the duration corresponding to this NAV is updated; if the duration indicated by the duration information of the first PPDU (or the duration information of the first radio frame) is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the NAV with the same bandwidth, then the duration corresponding to this NAV is not updated.

[0236] It is understood that the bandwidth in the above list refers to the bandwidth corresponding to each of the N NAVs maintained by the site.

[0237] by Figure 7b For example, at time t0, the end time of the duration corresponding to the NAV updated by the station is t1, and the bandwidth corresponding to this NAV is 80MHz. At time t2, since the bandwidth of PPDU2 received by the station is 40MHz, the station adds a new NAV, the end time of the duration corresponding to this NAV is t3, and the bandwidth corresponding to this NAV is 40MHz. Therefore, the station can determine whether it can switch to the destination secondary channel between t1 and t3 by using the duration and bandwidth corresponding to the NAV.

[0238] Regarding the second implementation method, the bandwidth and duration corresponding to NAV can provide more detailed information for the site to determine whether the destination secondary channel is idle, thereby improving the utilization rate of the destination secondary channel.

[0239] Regarding the above implementation methods one and two, as one possible implementation, the site can store a list, where each item in the list corresponds to a duration and bandwidth (e.g., an ordered pair of (bandwidth, duration) or (duration, bandwidth)). As another possible implementation, the site can store the duration corresponding to the NAV, and the bandwidth corresponding to the NAV can be maintained by the site in other ways. For example, the bandwidth corresponding to the NAV can be maintained through a bitmap, where each bit in the bitmap corresponds to a bandwidth, and the site can store the duration corresponding to the NAV for each bit. This application does not limit the method by which the site stores the NAV.

[0240] In one possible implementation, Figure 8 The method shown also includes:

[0241] 803. The station switches to the destination secondary channel; receives the second radio frame, the receiver address field in the second radio frame indicates that the receiver is not the station; maintains M groups of NAVs according to the second radio frame, each of the M groups of NAVs corresponding to different bandwidths, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0242] For ease of description, the PPDU carrying the second radio frame will be referred to as the second PPDU below. This second radio frame may carry a data field within the second PPDU.

[0243] The fourth NAV in group M corresponds to the fourth bandwidth, which includes the aforementioned destination secondary channel. Optionally, this fourth bandwidth does not include the primary channel. That is, the destination secondary channel included in this fourth bandwidth is the same as the destination secondary channel to which the station switches. Since there is no scenario where a hop occurs from one destination secondary channel to another, the station can set the NAV corresponding to that destination secondary channel after switching. For a more detailed explanation of the fourth NAV, please refer to the descriptions of the first and second NAVs in Implementation Method 1 and Implementation Method 2 above.

[0244] As an example, the NAVs in group M and group N may be partially the same, or both may be different. For instance, the NAVs in group M may include a fourth NAV, while the NAVs in group N may not include this fourth NAV. Optionally, the NAVs in group M may also include a second NAV1, and the NAVs in group N may include this second NAV1. The second bandwidth 1 corresponding to this second NAV1 includes destination secondary channel 1, which is the destination secondary channel switched to by the aforementioned station. Optionally, the NAVs in group M may not include a first NAV, while the NAVs in group N may include the first NAV. Of course, the NAVs in group M may also include the first NAV. Optionally, the NAVs in group N may also include a second NAV2, and the NAVs in group M may not include this second NAV2. The second bandwidth 2 corresponding to the second NAV2 does not include destination secondary channel 1. For instance, the second bandwidth 2 may include both the primary channel and the destination secondary channel 2.

[0245] For example, there is one destination secondary channel. N groups of NAVs include a first NAV and a second NAV. The first bandwidth corresponding to the first NAV includes the primary channel but excludes the destination secondary channel. The second bandwidth corresponding to the second NAV includes both the primary channel and the destination secondary channel. M groups of NAVs include a fourth NAV. The fourth bandwidth corresponding to this fourth NAV includes the aforementioned destination secondary channel but excludes the primary channel. These M groups of NAVs may also include a second NAV.

[0246] For example, if there are two destination secondary channels, N groups of NAVs include a first NAV, a second NAV1, and a second NAV2. The first bandwidth corresponding to the first NAV includes the primary channel but excludes destination secondary channels 1 and 2. The second bandwidth 1 corresponding to the second NAV1 includes the primary channel and destination secondary channel 1 but excludes destination secondary channel 2. The second bandwidth 2 corresponding to the second NAV2 includes the primary channel and destination secondary channel 2. Optionally, the second bandwidth 2 also includes destination secondary channel 1. The frequency of destination secondary channel 1 is lower than the frequency of destination secondary channel 2. Taking destination secondary channel 1 as the destination secondary channel for station handover, M groups of NAVs include a fourth NAV. The fourth bandwidth corresponding to this fourth NAV includes destination secondary channel 1 but excludes the primary channel. Optionally, the fourth bandwidth corresponding to the fourth NAV includes destination secondary channel 2 or excludes it. M groups of NAVs may also include a second NAV1. Optionally, M groups of NAVs may also include a first NAV. Taking destination secondary channel 2 as the destination secondary channel to which the site is switched as an example, the M group of NAVs includes a fourth NAV, and the fourth bandwidth corresponding to this fourth NAV includes destination secondary channel 2 but does not include the primary channel. Optionally, the fourth bandwidth corresponding to this fourth NAV includes destination secondary channel 1, or does not include destination secondary channel 1. The M group of NAVs may also include a second NAV2. Optionally, the M group of NAVs may also include a first NAV.

[0247] As another example, the NAV group M is the same as the NAV group N. M = N. The NAV group N (or the NAV group M) includes a first NAV and a second NAV, the second bandwidth of which includes the destination secondary channel but does not include the primary channel.

[0248] Optionally, after switching back to the primary channel from the destination secondary channel, the station may stop maintaining the NAV corresponding to that destination secondary channel.

[0249] For explanations of M or other explanations of NAVs in group M, please refer to the descriptions of N or NAVs in group N above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0250] Optionally, after a station switches to the destination secondary channel, it can perform a virtual CS on that destination secondary channel. For example, after switching to the destination secondary channel, a station can perform a physical CS on a channel that includes the destination secondary channel, and then perform a virtual CS on that destination secondary channel. Exemplarily, the bandwidth of the second radio frame includes the destination secondary channel. For example, the bandwidth of the destination secondary channel is 20MHz. The bandwidth of the channel including the destination secondary channel can be 20MHz, 40MHz, or 80MHz, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0251] In this embodiment, the station maintains M groups of NAVs according to the second radio frame, including: the station maintaining a fourth NAV according to the second radio frame. Optionally, the station may also maintain a second NAV corresponding to the destination secondary channel to which the station switches, according to the second radio frame. For example, if the station switches to destination secondary channel 1, the station maintains a fourth NAV and a second NAV1 corresponding to destination secondary channel 1 according to the second radio frame. Optionally, the station does not update the first NAV. Thus, the station can determine the time to switch back to the primary channel based on the duration corresponding to the first NAV. Optionally, the station maintains the first NAV according to the second radio frame.

[0252] For example, if the bandwidth of the second radio frame (or the bandwidth of the second PPDU) received by the station on the destination secondary channel does not include the primary channel but includes the destination secondary channel, then the station maintains a fourth NAV. After receiving the second radio frame (or the second PPDU), the station can set the duration corresponding to the fourth NAV to the duration indicated by the duration information in the second PPDU (or the duration information in the second radio frame). If the duration indicated by the duration information in the second PPDU (or the duration information in the second radio frame) is greater than the duration corresponding to the fourth NAV, after receiving the second PPDU, the station updates the duration corresponding to the fourth NAV to the duration indicated by the duration information in the second PPDU (or the duration information in the second radio frame). If the duration indicated by the duration information in the second PPDU (or the duration information in the second radio frame) is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the fourth NAV, then the station does not update the duration corresponding to the fourth NAV.

[0253] For example, if the second radio frame (or the bandwidth of the second PPDU) received by the station on the destination secondary channel includes both the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, then the station maintains the fourth NAV and the second NAV. The specific methods for maintaining NAVs can be found above and will not be detailed here.

[0254] Understandably, taking the second implementation method above as an example, the fourth bandwidth and the first bandwidth can be the same size. Optionally, their positions in the frequency domain are different. Alternatively, the fourth bandwidth and the second bandwidth can be the same size. Optionally, their positions in the frequency domain are different.

[0255] Figure 12a and Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of maintaining NAV provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12a As shown, at time t0, after receiving PPDU1, the station updates the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV to t1 based on the duration information in PPDU1 (or the duration information in radio frame 1), and also updates the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV to t1. At time t2, after receiving PPDU2, since the bandwidth of PPDU2 includes the primary channel but not the destination secondary channel, and the duration indicated by the duration information in PPDU2 (or the duration information in radio frame 2) is greater than the duration corresponding to the first NAV, the station updates the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV to t3 based on the duration information in PPDU2 (or the duration information in radio frame 2). The station determines the time period from t1 to t3 during which it can switch to the destination secondary channel based on the end times of the durations corresponding to the first and second NAVs. After switching to the destination secondary channel, at time t4, the station receives PPDU3. The bandwidth of PPDU3 includes the destination secondary channel but not the primary channel, and the station sets the end time of the duration corresponding to the fourth NAV to t5. Understandably, for ease of description, therefore Figure 12a The example shown is based on the end time of the duration indicated by each PPDU, but it is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0256] about Figure 12a Other instructions can be found here. Figure 7b or Figure 9a or Figure 9b The descriptions of etc. will not be elaborated here.

[0257] like Figure 12bAs shown, between time t1 and t4, the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV is t2, and the duration corresponding to the second NAV is 0 or expired. The time period during which the station can switch to the destination secondary channel is t1 to t2. At time t4, after the station receives the PPDU (or radio frame), the end time of the duration indicated by the duration information in the PPDU (or the duration information in the radio frame) is t3. The end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV is updated to t3. The station sets or extends the duration corresponding to the second NAV on the destination secondary channel. The station can choose to jump back to the primary 20MHz channel and access the channel when the second NAV expires (i.e., at time t3), or the station can jump back to the primary channel when the first NAV corresponding to the primary 20MHz channel expires (at time t2), such as accessing the channel when the second NAV corresponding to the destination secondary channel expires (at time t3). The implementation of this application does not limit the time when the station jumps back to the primary channel.

[0258] by Figure 10 For example, after a site switches to destination secondary channel 1, the M groups of NAVs maintained by the site include the fourth NAV. Optionally, the M groups of NAVs maintained by the site also include the second NAV1. Optionally, the M groups of NAVs maintained by the site also include at least one of the second NAV2, the second NAV3, and the first NAV. The fourth bandwidth corresponding to the fourth NAV includes destination secondary channel 1, but excludes destination secondary channel 2, destination secondary channel 3, and the main channel. For detailed explanations of the first NAV and the second NAV1 to second NAV3, please refer to the above text, which will not be elaborated here.

[0259] For example, after a station switches to destination secondary channel 3, if the bandwidth of the second radio frame received by the station includes destination secondary channel 3 but excludes the primary channel, the station can determine that the NAV that may be updated is the fourth NAV, and maintain the duration corresponding to the fourth NAV based on the duration information in the second PPDU (or the duration information in the second radio frame). The fourth bandwidth corresponding to the fourth NAV includes destination secondary channel 3 but excludes the primary channel. This fourth bandwidth does not include destination secondary channel 1 and destination secondary channel 2.

[0260] For example, after a station switches to destination secondary channel 3, if the bandwidth of the second radio frame received by the station includes both the primary channel and destination secondary channel 3, the station determines that the NAVs that may be updated are the fourth NAV and the second NAV3. Optionally, the NAVs that may be updated include the first NAV. Other explanations regarding the station's maintenance of M groups of NAVs can be found in Implementation Method 1 or Implementation Method 2 above, and will not be detailed here.

[0261] In this embodiment, the NAV maintained by the site corresponds to a duration and bandwidth, and different NAVs correspond to different bandwidths. This allows the site to clearly determine the time period during which it can switch to the destination secondary channel, thereby improving the utilization rate of the destination secondary channel.

[0262] The embodiments of this application also exemplarily illustrate the relationship with... Figure 9c and Figure 9d In other words, this refers to the operations after a station switches to the destination secondary channel. For example... Figure 9e As shown, at time t4, the station receives PPDU 3. The bandwidth of PPDU 3 includes the destination secondary channel but excludes the primary channel. The station maintains the first NAV and second NAV based on the bandwidth of PPDU 3 and the duration information in PPDU 3 (or the duration information in radio frame 3 of PPDU 3). After receiving PPDU 3, the updated first NAV and second NAV take effect. Figure 9e As shown, the site can update the end time of the duration corresponding to the second NAV to t5, without updating the first NAV.

[0263] The embodiments of this application also exemplarily illustrate the relationship with... Figure 9c and Figure 9d In other words, this refers to the operations after a station switches to the destination secondary channel. For example... Figure 9f As shown, at time t6, the station receives PPDU 4, whose bandwidth includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel. The station maintains the first NAV and second NAV based on the bandwidth of PPDU 4 and the duration information in PPDU 4 (or the duration information in radio frame 4 of PPDU 4). After receiving PPDU 4, the updated first and second NAVs take effect. Figure 9f As shown, the station can update the end time of the duration corresponding to the first NAV and the second NAV to t7. After the station switches from the destination secondary channel to the primary channel, it does not attempt to access the channel through contention before time t7.

[0264] Currently, the triggering conditions for a site to switch to the destination secondary channel include, but are not limited to: the site receiving an OBSS PPDU or OBSS control frame interaction; the OBSS PPDU or control frame interaction indicating that the OBSS TXOP duration or PPDU length is greater than a preset threshold; and the bandwidth of the OBSS PPDU or control frame interaction not including the destination secondary channel. Optionally, the OBSSTXOP duration is the remaining duration of the OBSSTXOP. For example, the remaining duration refers to the remaining duration of the OBSSTXOP starting from the physical layer header of parsing the OBSSPPPD, or the remaining duration of the OBSSTXOP starting from the completion of parsing the physical layer header of the OBSSPPDU, or the remaining duration starting from the activation of the NAV.

[0265] However, the aforementioned triggering conditions may affect the transmission of other stations and cause interference. Optionally, after a station switches to the destination secondary channel, it can perform PD on that destination secondary channel. The triggering conditions shown here may also be called NPCA conditions, and the specific name of the triggering conditions shown here is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0266] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 16 Taking the handover triggered by site 1 receiving an OBSS PPDU as an example, the various ways handover is triggered by OBSS control frame interactions will not be listed here. Site 1 receiving an OBSS PPDU means that site 1 within this BSS has received a PPDU from a site within another BSS, i.e., the destination site of the PPDU is not a site within this BSS. Figure 16 Site 1 in the list is neither a site within OBSS1 nor a site within OBSS2.

[0267] like Figure 16 As shown, at time t1, station 1 parses the PPDU from OBSS1 (hereinafter referred to as OBSS PPDU1) and obtains that the end time of the TXOP corresponding to OBSS PPDU1 is t3, and the bandwidth of this TXOP (or OBSS PPDU) includes the destination secondary channel. The station camps on the primary channel at time t1. At time t2, since the station in OBSS2 cannot hear the transmission of OBSS PPDU1, the station in OBSS2 sends OBSS PPDU2, and this OBSS PPDU2 is heard by station 1. Station 1 parses OBSSPPDU2 at time t2 and obtains that the end time of the TXOP corresponding to OBSS PPDU2 is t4. The duration from t2 to t4 meets the NPCA hopping preset threshold of station 1, and the bandwidth of this TXOP (or OBSS PPDU 1) does not include the destination secondary channel. OBSS1, OBSS2 and STA 1 share the same primary channel.

[0268] If, according to the above triggering conditions, the OBSS PPDU2 received by station 1 at time t2 meets the triggering conditions, then station 1 switches to the destination secondary channel. However, if station 1 competes for the channel and initiates transmission before time t3, it will interfere with the transmission of the TXOP where OBSSPPDU1 is located.

[0269] In view of this, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method, the communication method comprising:

[0270] The station receives the first OBSS PPDU at the first moment and maintains the NAV based on it. The NAV is updated from zero to a non-zero value, or from expired to a non-zero value. If the station has received a second OBSS PPDU since the first moment, it camps on the primary channel until the NAV is cleared or expires. The bandwidth of the second OBSS PPDU includes both the primary channel and the destination secondary channel. The aforementioned NAV includes, but is not limited to, the basic NAV.

[0271] Optionally, the second OBSS PPDU is a valid PPDU. A valid PPDU refers to a PPDU that enables the NAV to take effect. That is, the site can maintain the NAV based on valid PPDUs.

[0272] Optionally, the second OBSS PPDU is the PPDU containing the CTS when the RTS and CTS successfully interact; or, it is the PPDU containing the data frame immediately following the CTS after the successful interaction between the RTS and CTS; or, it is the PPDU containing the CTS when the MU-RTS and CTS successfully interact; or, it is the PPDU containing the data frame immediately following the CTS after the successful interaction between the MU-RTS and CTS. Optionally, the second OBSS PPDU is a PPDU that does not include the RTS, MU-RTS, and CTS.

[0273] Alternatively, considering that RTS and MU-RTS will reset NAV to 0 in the absence of a CTS response, the PPDU for which NAV is valid refers to PPDUs other than those carrying RTS or MU-RTS. For example, the second OBSS PPDU could be an OBSS HE / EHT / UHR PPDU, the first data frame after the end of an OBSS control frame interaction, or other PPDUs, etc., which will not be listed here. For instance, after receiving the first OBSS PPDU, the station receives a fifth OBSS PPDU carrying an RTS frame. If the station does not receive the corresponding CTS frame or data frame within the subsequent NAV timeout period, the fifth OBSS PPDU cannot be considered a valid PPDU. For example, if the station receives the fifth OBSS PPDU and maintains NAV based on it, but does not receive the corresponding CTS frame or data frame within the NAV timeout period, it resets NAV to 0 (or NAV becomes invalid, or NAV is cleared). For example, when a station receives the fifth OBSS PPDU, it waits for a period of time, i.e., the NAV timeout period. If the corresponding CTS frame or data frame is not received within this period of time, the station will not maintain the NAV according to the fifth OBSS PPDU and will reset the NAV to 0.

[0274] For example, the first OBSS PPDU and the second OBSS PPDU are the same OBSS PPDU. Alternatively, the bandwidth of the first OBSS PPDU includes both the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, and the first OBSS PPDU is different from the second OBSS PPDU. Or, the bandwidth of the first OBSS PPDU does not include the destination secondary channel. The station camps on the primary channel based on the first OBSS PPDU. That is, the station does not switch to the destination secondary channel based on the first OBSS PPDU it receives at the first moment.

[0275] In other words, starting from the moment of the most recent event that caused NAV to be updated from zero or invalid to a non-zero value, if the station receives at least one OBSS PPDU that occupies the destination secondary channel and makes NAV effective, the station cannot switch to the destination secondary channel until NAV is zeroed or invalidated.

[0276] The start time when the NAV timer value is set from 0 or expired to a non-zero value can be the start time of receiving (or transmitting) a PPDU carrying a data frame of CTS or immediately following CTS when the RTS or MU-RTS successfully interacts with the CTS, or it can be the start time of receiving (or transmitting) a PPDU of a frame without RTS, MU-RTS, or CTS. The transmission start time shown here refers to the start time when the aforementioned PPDU's transmitting station sends the PPDU. Optionally, the PPDU's transmission start time and reception start time are synchronized.

[0277] Similarly, starting from the moment of the most recent event that caused the NAV to be updated from zero or invalid to a non-zero value, if the station has not received an OBSS PPDU with bandwidth including the destination secondary channel and that enables the NAV, or has not received any OBSS PPDU, then the station may switch to the destination secondary channel before the NAV is reset to zero or invalidated, provided that certain conditions are met. The conditions described here refer to the triggering conditions for the aforementioned station to switch to the destination secondary channel.

[0278] The following are examples.

[0279] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 17 Taking the example of a jump triggered by a OBSSPPDU received by site 1 in China and Israel. Figure 17In this scenario, STA1, OBSS1, and OBSS2 use the same primary channel. STA1 can hear PPDUs from both OBSS1 and OBSS2, but OBSS1 and OBSS2 cannot hear each other's PPDUs. STA1's destination secondary channel is within the secondary 80MHz channel. PPDU1, PPDU3, and PPDU43 all originate from OBSS2, while PPDU2 originates from OBSS1. STA1 is neither a station within OBSS1 nor a station within OBSS2.

[0280] At time t0, STA1 receives PPDU1. The bandwidth of PPDU1 includes the primary channel but excludes the destination secondary channel. The OBSS service busy time corresponding to PPDU1 is less than a threshold; therefore, at time t0, STA1 does not switch to the destination secondary channel but remains camped on the primary channel. Optionally, the service busy time corresponding to PPDU1 can be the duration of the TXOP corresponding to that PPDU1. Optionally, the service busy time corresponding to PPDU1 can also be the length of that PPDU1. At time t0, STA1 maintains NAV based on PPDU1, updating the NAV from zero to a non-zero value, or updating the NAV from a failed state to a non-zero value. Optionally, the updated NAV takes effect at the moment when STA1 (expectedly) completes receiving PPDU1.

[0281] At time t1, STA1 receives PPDU 2 and maintains the NAV based on PPDU 2. STA1 parses information such as BSS color, TXOP length, and bandwidth from PPDU 2, and this PPDU 2 makes the NAV effective. Optionally, the updated NAV becomes effective at the time PPDU 2 is received. Although the OBSS service busy time corresponding to OBSS PPDU 2 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold (OBSS service busy end time is t3), because the bandwidth of OBSS PPDU 2 includes the destination secondary channel, at time t1, STA1 camps on the primary channel and cannot switch to the destination secondary channel.

[0282] At time t2, STA1 receives PPDU3. The OBSS service busy time corresponding to PPDU3 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold (OBSS service busy end time is t4), and the bandwidth of PPDU3 does not include the destination secondary channel. According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, at time t2, STA1 cannot switch to the destination secondary channel and must remain camped on the primary channel. This is because: from the start time of STA1 receiving PPDU1 (or the start time of sending PPDU1) to t2, STA1 has received PPDU2 with bandwidth including the destination secondary channel (PPDU2 enables NAV), so STA1 cannot switch to the destination secondary channel at time t2. PPDU1 is the most recent PPDU that caused NAV to be updated from zero or ineffective to a non-zero value. Similarly, STA1 cannot switch to the destination secondary channel before time t4.

[0283] At time t5, STA1 receives PPDU4, and the OBSS service busy time corresponding to PPDU4 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. Figure 17 (Not shown in the image), and the bandwidth of PPDU4 does not include the destination secondary channel. According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, STA1 can switch to the destination secondary channel at time t5. This is because: the most recent event that caused STA1's NAV to be updated from zero or in a failed state to a non-zero value is this event. From the start time of this event to time t5, STA1 has not received any valid PPDU (PPDU that enables NAV) with bandwidth including the destination secondary channel, so STA1 can switch to the destination secondary channel at time t5.

[0284] As one possible implementation, the site maintains a flag bit to indicate whether, starting from the start of receiving the most recent OBSS PPDU that caused the NAV (such as the base NAV) to be updated from zero or invalid to a non-zero value, the site has received (or monitored or detected) a valid OBSS PPDU with a bandwidth including the destination secondary channel. Alternatively, this flag bit indicates whether, starting from a first moment (the start time of receiving the first OBSS PPDU), the site has received a second OBSS PPDU with a bandwidth including the destination secondary channel. The second OBSS PPDU can activate the NAV, meaning the site can maintain the NAV based on the second OBSS PPDU. For a description of the first and second OBSS PPDUs, please refer to the above; further details are omitted here.

[0285] When this flag is set, the station cannot switch to the destination secondary channel. When this flag is cleared, the station can switch to the destination secondary channel if certain conditions are met. Initially, this flag is cleared. That is, this flag indicates that the station has not received a second OBSS PPDU since the first moment. In other words, if the flag's recognition result is "yes," the station cannot switch to the destination secondary channel. If the flag's recognition result is "no," the station can switch to the destination secondary channel if certain conditions are met. The conditions shown here refer to the aforementioned triggering conditions for the station to switch to the destination secondary channel.

[0286] For example, a flag bit of 1 indicates that the flag bit is set, and a flag bit of 0 indicates that the flag bit is cleared. Or, a flag bit of 1 indicates that the recognition result is "yes", and a flag bit of 0 indicates that the recognition result is "no".

[0287] above Figure 17 For example, let's explain the flag bit.

[0288] At time t0, since the most recent PPDU that caused NAV to be updated from zero or failed to a non-zero value is PPDU1, this flag is 0 at time t0. Optionally, if the conditions are met according to PPDU1, the station can switch to the destination secondary channel. If the conditions are not met, the station remains on the primary channel.

[0289] At time t1, since the bandwidth of PPDU2 includes the destination secondary channel, the flag is set to 1 starting from the point where the bandwidth resolved from STA1 to PPDU2 includes the destination secondary channel. Similarly, at time t3, the flag is 1. Similarly, at time t4, the flag is still 1. After time t4, the flag is 0 because NAV is invalidated or cleared. Similarly, at time t5, the flag is 0.

[0290] This shows that during the time period marked as 1, the station cannot switch to the destination secondary channel.

[0291] In this embodiment of the application, by adding switching conditions, the transmission of other stations is effectively avoided after a station switches to the target secondary channel due to insufficient condition judgment. This effectively reduces the situation of mutual interference between stations and improves communication efficiency.

[0292] This application also provides a communication method in which a station can maintain an NPCA switch start time, which can be used to indicate the end time of occupancy of the destination secondary channel. That is, the NPCA switch start time is the start time when the station may switch from the primary channel to the destination secondary channel. Initially, the NPCA switch start time is an invalid value. This application does not limit the specific name of the NPCA switch start time.

[0293] In one possible implementation a, the flag is cleared (or the flag identification result is "no"), the station receives an OBSS PPDU whose bandwidth does not include the destination secondary channel, and the station can switch to the destination secondary channel if the conditions of the OBSS PPDU are met.

[0294] Alternatively, starting from the moment of the most recent event that caused the NAV to be updated from zero or invalid to a non-zero value, if the station has not received an OBSS PPDU with bandwidth including the destination secondary channel and that enables the NAV, or if the station has not received any OBSS PPDU, then if the station receives an OBSS PPDU with bandwidth excluding the destination secondary channel, and the conditions of that OBSS PPDU are met, the station may switch to the destination secondary channel. Optionally, the NAV may be the NAV corresponding to the first bandwidth. The conditions shown here refer to the triggering conditions for the aforementioned station to switch to the destination secondary channel.

[0295] In one possible implementation b, after the flag is set (or the flag identification result is "yes"), the station receives an OBSS PPDU with bandwidth excluding the destination secondary channel. If the NPCA has no valid value, the station updates the NPCA start handover time based on the NAV value. Alternatively, the NAV value can be saved in the NPCA start handover time. The NAV value refers to the time indicated before the station maintained the NAV based on the OBSS PPDU with bandwidth excluding the destination secondary channel. After updating the NPCA start handover time, the end time indicated by the NPCA start handover time is equal to the end time indicated before maintaining the NAV. Optionally, the NPCA start handover time can indicate the end time. Optionally, the NPCA start handover time can indicate the timing duration. The specific setting method of the NPCA start handover time is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0296] Alternatively, starting from the start reception time (or transmission time) of the first OBSS PPDU that most recently caused the NAV to be updated from zero or invalid to a non-zero value, if the station has received a second OBSS PPDU, then when the station receives a third OBSS PPDU and the NPCA start handover time has no valid value, the station updates the NPCA start handover time according to the time indicated by the NAV before maintaining the NAV in the third OBSS PPDU. The bandwidth of the third OBSS PPDU does not include the destination secondary channel but includes the primary channel. The bandwidth of the second OBSS PPDU includes both the primary channel and the destination secondary channel. This application does not limit whether the bandwidth of the first OBSS PPDU includes the destination secondary channel. Optionally, the NAV can be the NAV corresponding to the first bandwidth.

[0297] In this embodiment, by maintaining the NPCA start handover time according to the time indicated before the NAV update, the site can simultaneously maintain both the NPCA start handover time and the time indicated by the NAV. Therefore, by using these time differences to determine whether a switch to the destination secondary channel is possible, the timing of the site's switch to the destination secondary channel is clarified, thereby improving channel utilization.

[0298] In one possible implementation c, after the flag is set (or the flag identification result is "yes"), if the station receives an OBSS PPDU (or OBSS control frame exchange) with bandwidth including the destination secondary channel and enabling NAV, then if the NPCA start handover time has a valid value and the end time of the OBSS service busy time corresponding to the aforementioned OBSS PPDU is later than the end time indicated by the NPCA start handover time, the station updates the NPCA start handover time. Optionally, the station can update the NPCA start handover time based on the OBSS service busy time corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0299] Alternatively, starting from the start reception time (or transmission time) of the first OBSS PPDU that most recently caused the NAV to be updated from zero or invalid to a non-zero value, if the site has received a second OBSS PPDU, then when the site receives a fourth OBSS PPDU and the NPCA start handover time has a valid value, the site updates the NPCA start handover time according to the OBSS service busy time corresponding to the fourth OBSS PPDU. Optionally, the NAV can be the NAV corresponding to the first bandwidth.

[0300] In this embodiment, a station can only switch to the destination secondary channel if the NPCA start handover time has a valid value. If a station receives a fourth OBSS PPDU with bandwidth including the destination secondary channel, the station can only switch to the destination secondary channel after the OBSS service busy time corresponding to that fourth OBSS PPDU has ended. Therefore, the NPCA start handover time can be updated based on the OBSS service busy time, improving the accuracy of the NPCA start handover time record.

[0301] In one possible implementation d, if the NPCA start handover time has a valid value, and the difference between the end time indicated by the NAV and the end time indicated by the NPCA start handover time is greater than a difference threshold, then the station switches to the destination secondary channel based on the NPCA start handover time. Optionally, after switching to the destination secondary channel, the station clears the NPCA start handover time or resets the NPCA start handover time to a state with no valid value.

[0302] The various implementations shown above can be individual embodiments, or they can be combined with each other to form a single embodiment. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments in this regard. The following uses... Figure 18 For example, we will illustrate the various implementation methods mentioned above. For an explanation of implementation method a, please refer to the above text; it will not be elaborated upon here.

[0303] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 18 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0304] 1801. The station receives the first OBSSPPDU at the first moment, maintains the NAV based on the first OBSSPPDU, and updates the NAV from zero to non-zero, or updates the NAV from invalid to non-zero.

[0305] For example, the bandwidth of the first OBSS PPDU includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel. Or, for another example, the bandwidth of the first OBSS PPDU does not include the destination secondary channel.

[0306] 1802. The station receives the third OBSS PPDU at the second time. The bandwidth of the third OBSS PPDU does not include the destination secondary channel. The second time is later than the first time.

[0307] 1803. If the site received a second OBSS PPDU between the first and second time points, and if there is no valid value for the NPCA start handover time, the NPCA start handover time is updated based on the NAV prior to the second time point. The NAV prior to the second time point refers to the time indicated by the NAV before the site maintained the NAV based on the third OBSS PPDU, i.e., the time before the NAV was maintained based on the third OBSS PPDU. Optionally, the NAV includes, but is not limited to, the basic NAV.

[0308] Following step 1803, as one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0309] Under certain conditions, the station switches to the destination secondary channel based on the NPCA start handover time. These conditions include: the end time indicated by the NAV is later than the end time indicated by the NPCA start handover time; and the difference between the end time indicated by the NAV and the end time indicated by the NPCA start handover time is greater than a threshold. See the description in implementation method d.

[0310] Optionally, the station switches back to the primary channel before the end time indicated by the NAV.

[0311] Following step 1803, as another possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0312] The fourth OBSS PPDU is received at the third time. The bandwidth of the fourth OBSS PPDU includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel. The third time is later than the second time but earlier than the NPCA start handover time. If the service busy end time of the BSS corresponding to the fourth OBSS PPDU is later than the NPCA start handover time, the NPCA start handover time is updated according to the service busy end time. See the description of implementation method c.

[0313] In one possible implementation, after the third time point, the method further includes:

[0314] Under certain conditions, the station switches to the destination secondary channel based on the NPCA start handover time. These conditions include: the end time indicated by the NAV is later than the end time indicated by the NPCA start handover time; and the difference between the end time indicated by the NAV and the end time indicated by the NPCA start handover time is greater than a threshold. See the description in implementation method d.

[0315] Optionally, the station switches back to the primary channel before the end time indicated by the NAV.

[0316] For example, with Figure 17 The scene shown illustrates the start time of NPCA switching and the change in NAV value.

[0317] At time t0, STA1 receives PPDU1 from OBSS2. It is determined that the bandwidth of PPDU1 does not include the destination secondary channel, and the OBSS busy time corresponding to PPDU1 is less than a preset threshold. This PPDU1 updates STA1's NAV from zero to a non-zero value, and the updated NAV takes effect at the moment PPDU1 is received. The NPCA start handover time is the initial state, which is an invalid value.

[0318] Before STA1's NAV fails, at time t1, STA1 receives PPDU2 from OBSS1. The bandwidth of PPDU2 includes the destination secondary channel, and the OBSS busy end time corresponding to PPDU2 is time t3. The station updates its NAV based on this PPDU2, making the NAV's indicated end time t3. The NAV update takes effect when PPDU2 reception is complete. The NPCA start handover time remains in its initial state, which is an invalid value.

[0319] Before STA1's NAV fails, at time t2, STA1 receives PPDU3 from OBSS2. Parsing reveals that the bandwidth of PPDU3 does not include the destination secondary channel, and the OBSS busy end time corresponding to PPDU3 is time t4. The OBSS busy time indicated by PPDU3 is greater than a preset threshold. Since STA1 received PPDU2 (which included the destination secondary channel and enabled NAV) between the start of PPDU1 reception and time t2, and STA1's NPCA start handover time was invalid before time t2, and the NAV indicated end time was time t3, the end time indicated by STA1's NPCA start handover time at time t2 is updated to time t3. The NAV is updated, and the end time indicated by this NAV is time t4. The NAV update takes effect when PPDU3 reception is complete.

[0320] Optionally, STA1 can determine whether to switch to the destination secondary channel based on the NPCA start handover time. If the end time indicated by NAV is later than the end time indicated by the NPCA start handover time, and the difference between the end time indicated by NAV and the end time indicated by the NPCA start handover time is greater than a threshold, then STA1 can switch to the destination secondary channel. If the above conditions are not met, STA1 will remain camped on the primary channel.

[0321] Optionally, STA1 can determine whether to switch to the destination secondary channel based on the NPCA start handover time between time t3 and t4. Optionally, after switching to the destination secondary channel, the station can clear the NPCA start handover time or reset the NPCA start handover time to a state with no valid value.

[0322] about Figure 17 Other explanations are provided above and will not be repeated here.

[0323] As shown above, NAV corresponds to duration and bandwidth. As one possible implementation, the maintenance method for the NPCA start-of-switching time is the same as the maintenance method for the NAV corresponding to the second bandwidth. In other words, the end time of the NPCA start-of-switching time indication is the end time corresponding to the second NAV indication.

[0324] In one possible implementation, the station switches to the destination secondary channel based on the NPCA start handover time, provided that the following conditions are met: the end time indicated by the NAV is later than the end time indicated by the NPCA start handover time; and the difference between the end time indicated by the NAV and the end time indicated by the NPCA start handover time is greater than a threshold. Refer to the description of implementation d.

[0325] This application also provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0326] Receive OBSS PPDU; based on the OBSS PPDU, switch to the destination secondary channel if certain conditions are met, including: the site-maintained NAV is updated from zero or invalid to a non-zero value based on the OBSS PPDU.

[0327] In other words, a site can only be switched over by an OBSSPPDU that causes the NAV (such as the basic NAV) to be updated from zero or to a non-zero value. If the condition is met, the site will switch over to the destination secondary channel. This condition can be found in the explanation of the triggering conditions above, and will not be detailed here.

[0328] Similarly, once a station's NAV (such as the base NAV) is updated from zero or invalid to a non-zero value and takes effect, the station cannot switch to the destination secondary channel until the NAV is cleared or invalidated. That is, if a station updates its NAV according to the OBSS PPDU, causing the NAV to change from zero to a non-zero value, and the station does not switch to the destination secondary channel according to the OBSS PPDU, then the station will remain on the primary channel until the NAV is cleared.

[0329] If still Figure 17 Taking an example, the method provided in the embodiments of this application will be explained.

[0330] At time t0, because the busy time of the OBSS service corresponding to PPDU1 does not exceed the preset threshold, it cannot be switched to the destination secondary channel.

[0331] At time t1, since the bandwidth of PPDU2 includes the destination secondary channel, it cannot be switched to the destination secondary channel.

[0332] At time t2, since PPDU3 is not an OBSS PPDU that causes NAV to be updated from zero or invalid to a non-zero value, switching to the destination secondary channel is not possible. Similarly, switching to the destination secondary channel is not possible before time t4.

[0333] At time t5, if PPDU4 is the OBSS PPDU that causes NAV to be updated from zero to a non-zero value, then the destination secondary channel can be switched if the conditions are met.

[0334] For example, with Figure 19 Taking an example, the method provided in the embodiments of this application will be explained.

[0335] At time t0, since the OBSS service busy time does not exceed the preset threshold, it cannot be switched to the destination secondary channel.

[0336] At time t2, since the current OBSS PPDU is not the PPDU that causes NAV to be updated from zero to non-zero, the target secondary channel cannot be switched before time t4.

[0337] The embodiments in this application are simple to implement.

[0338] The site provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0339] This application divides the site into functional modules according to the above method embodiments. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The following will combine... Figures 13 to 15 The site described in detail is an embodiment of this application.

[0340] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a site provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the station includes a processing module 1301 and a transceiver module 1302. The transceiver module 1302 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 1301 is used to implement corresponding processing functions. The transceiver module 1302 can also be referred to as an interface, communication interface, or communication module, etc.

[0341] In some embodiments of this application, the station can be the WLAN device itself or a chip or functional module configurable in the WLAN device. The transceiver module 1302 is used to perform the transmission and reception related operations of the station in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1301 is used to perform the processing related operations of the station in the above method embodiments.

[0342] Transceiver module 1302 is used to receive or input the first wireless frame;

[0343] Processing module 1301 is used to maintain N groups of NAVs based on the first radio frame.

[0344] The processing module 1301 is also used to switch to the destination secondary channel;

[0345] The transceiver module 1302 is also used to receive or input a second wireless frame;

[0346] The processing module 1301 is also used to maintain the M group NAV according to the second radio frame.

[0347] For details on how to maintain NAV, please refer to the above method implementation examples, which will not be repeated here.

[0348] For example, the transceiver module 1302 described above can be an antenna module. Alternatively, the transceiver module 1302 can be an input / output module. Optionally, in the above embodiments, the station may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 1301 can read the instructions and / or data from the storage module to enable the station to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0349] For details regarding the specific explanations of each term, noun, or step in the above embodiments, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; they will not be detailed here.

[0350] The specific descriptions of the transceiver module and processing module shown in the above embodiments are merely examples. For the specific functions or execution steps of the transceiver module and processing module, please refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0351] It is understandable that the module division in the above-mentioned device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional module. In actual implementation, all or some modules can be integrated into one physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functional modules can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0352] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0353] The above describes the site according to the embodiments of this application. The following describes the possible product forms of the site. Any site possessing the above-described features... Figure 13 Any form of product that incorporates the functionality of the described site falls within the protection scope of this application's embodiments. The following description is merely illustrative and does not limit the product form of the site in this application's embodiments to this specific example.

[0354] In one possible implementation, Figure 13 In the illustrated station, processing module 1301 can be one or more processors, and transceiver module 1302 can be a transceiver, or transceiver module 1302 can also be a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module can be a transmitter, and the receiving module can be a receiver. The sending module and the receiving module are integrated into one device, such as a transceiver. In this embodiment, the processor and transceiver can be coupled, etc., and the connection method between the processor and the transceiver is not limited in this embodiment. During the execution of the above method, the process of sending information in the above method can be the process of the processor outputting the above information. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver so that the transceiver can transmit it. After the above information is output by the processor, it may need to undergo other processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information in the above method can be the process of the processor receiving the input above information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to undergo other processing before being input into the processor.

[0355] Figure 14 This is another structural diagram of the site provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the station 140 includes one or more processors 1420 and transceivers 1410.

[0356] Processor 1420 can be used to perform, for example Figure 13 The transceiver 1410 can be used to perform the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 1301 shown. Figure 13 The transceiver module 1302 shown illustrates the functions or steps implemented by it. For detailed information on the processor 1420 and transceiver 1410, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 13 Alternatively, the method embodiments shown above will not be described in detail here.

[0357] exist Figure 14 In the various implementations of the stations shown, the transceiver may include a receiver for performing the function (or operation) of receiving, and a transmitter for performing the function (or operation) of transmitting. The transceiver is also used to communicate with other devices / appliances via a transmission medium.

[0358] Optionally, station 140 may further include one or more memories 1430 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1430 is coupled to the processor 1420. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between stations, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between stations, units, or modules. The processor 1420 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1430. The processor 1420 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 1430. Optionally, at least one of the above-mentioned memories may be included in the processor.

[0359] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 1410, processor 1420, and memory 1430. This application embodiment... Figure 14 The memory 1430, processor 1420, and transceiver 1410 are connected via a bus 1440. Figure 14 The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 14 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0360] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc., and can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0361] In this application embodiment, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), read-only memory (ROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any storage medium capable of carrying or storing program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and capable of being read and / or written by a computer (such as the site shown in this application), but is not limited to this. The memory in this application embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data.

[0362] Processor 1420 is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling the entire site, executing software programs, and processing software program data. Memory 1430 is primarily used for storing software programs and data. Transceiver 1410 may include control circuitry and an antenna. The control circuitry is primarily used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user.

[0363] When the station is powered on, the processor 1420 can read the software program in the memory 1430, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1420 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the station, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1420. The processor 1420 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0364] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the site.

[0365] The site illustrated in this application embodiment may also have more than Figure 14This application does not limit the use of other components or other related elements. The methods performed by the processor and transceiver shown above are merely examples; the specific steps performed by the processor and transceiver can be found in the methods described above. Figure 14 The dashed part indicates that it is optional.

[0366] In another possible implementation, Figure 13 In the station shown, the processing module 1301 can be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver module 1302 can be an input / output interface, or a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Alternatively, the transceiver module 1302 can also be a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module can be an output interface, and the receiving module can be an input interface. The sending module and the receiving module are integrated into one module, such as an input / output interface.

[0367] Figure 15 This is another structural diagram of the site provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 15 As shown, Figure 15 The station shown includes logic circuitry 1501 and interface 1502. That is, the processing module 1301 can be implemented using logic circuitry 1501, and the transceiver module 1302 can be implemented using interface 1502. The logic circuitry 1501 can be a chip, processing circuit, integrated circuit, or system-on-chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 1502 can be a communication interface, input / output interface, pins, etc. For example, Figure 15 The above-mentioned site is used as an example of a chip, which includes logic circuit 1501 and interface 1502.

[0368] In this embodiment, the logic circuit and the interface can also be coupled to each other. The specific connection method between the logic circuit and the interface is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the logic circuit 1501 can be used to perform... Figure 13 The processing module 1301 shown implements the functions or steps, and the interface 1502 can be used to execute such functions or steps. Figure 13 The transceiver module 1302 shown herein implements the functions or steps. For detailed descriptions of the logic circuit 1501 and interface 1502, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 13 Alternatively, the method embodiments shown above will not be described in detail here.

[0369] The site shown in this application embodiment can implement the method provided in this application embodiment in hardware form or in software form, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit it in this way.

[0370] This application also provides a computer program for implementing the operations and / or processes performed by the site in the method provided in this application.

[0371] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer code that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes performed by various sites in the methods provided in this application.

[0372] This application also provides a computer program product comprising computer code or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the operations and / or processes performed by various entities in the method provided in this application to be executed.

[0373] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, sites, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the site embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, sites, or modules, or it may be an electrical, mechanical, or other form of connection.

[0374] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0375] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0376] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a site, and the method includes: Receive a first wireless frame, wherein the receiving address of the first wireless frame indicates that the receiving end is not the station. N sets of network allocation vectors (NAVs) are maintained based on the first radio frame. The N sets of NAVs correspond to different bandwidths, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of maintaining N groups of NAVs based on the first radio frame includes: The N groups of NAVs are maintained based on the bandwidth and duration information of the first radio frame, wherein the duration information is determined based on the first radio frame.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first NAV in the N groups of NAVs corresponds to the first bandwidth, which includes the primary channel but does not include the destination secondary channel. The second NAV in the N groups of NAVs corresponds to the second bandwidth, which includes the destination secondary channel.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of maintaining N groups of NAVs based on the first radio frame includes: Maintain the first NAV according to the first radio frame; The second NAV is maintained according to the first radio frame.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The second bandwidth also includes the main channel, and the maintenance of N groups of NAVs according to the first radio frame includes: If the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel but excludes the destination secondary channel, the first NAV is maintained based on the first radio frame; or... When the bandwidth of the first radio frame includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, the first NAV and the second NAV are maintained according to the first radio frame.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, Maintaining the first NAV based on the first radio frame includes: If the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the first NAV, then the duration corresponding to the first NAV is updated according to the duration indicated by the duration information, and the duration information is determined according to the first radio frame; If the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the first NAV, then the duration corresponding to the first NAV is not updated.

7. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, Maintaining the second NAV based on the first radio frame includes: If the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the second NAV, then the duration corresponding to the second NAV is updated according to the duration indicated by the duration information, wherein the duration information is determined according to the first radio frame; If the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the second NAV, then the duration corresponding to the second NAV will not be updated.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The step of maintaining N groups of NAVs based on the first radio frame includes: When the bandwidth of the first wireless frame is different from the bandwidth corresponding to each of the N groups of NAVs, the NAVs are increased according to the bandwidth and duration information of the first wireless frame, and the duration information is determined according to the first wireless frame. If the bandwidth of the first wireless frame is the same as the bandwidth corresponding to the third NAV in the N groups of NAVs, the third NAV is maintained according to the duration information.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Maintaining the third NAV based on the duration information includes: If the duration indicated by the duration information is greater than the duration corresponding to the third NAV, then the duration corresponding to the third NAV is updated according to the duration indicated by the duration information. If the duration indicated by the duration information is less than or equal to the duration corresponding to the third NAV, then the duration corresponding to the third NAV will not be updated.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Switch to the destination secondary channel; Receive a second wireless frame, wherein the receiving address of the second wireless frame indicates that the receiving end is not the station. M groups of NAVs are maintained according to the second radio frame, each group of NAVs corresponding to a different bandwidth, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The fourth NAV in the M groups corresponds to the fourth bandwidth, which includes the destination secondary channel but does not include the primary channel.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The maintenance of the M group NAV according to the second radio frame includes: Maintain the fourth NAV according to the second radio frame; The second NAV is maintained according to the second radio frame. The second NAV corresponds to the second bandwidth, which includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel.

13. The method according to any one of claims 3-12, characterized in that, The destination secondary channel is a non-primary channel of the station.

14. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The NAV corresponds to the duration and bandwidth.

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The NAV includes at least one of the base NAV or NAVs within the Basic Service Set (BSS).

16. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a transceiver, the transceiver being used to send and receive information, and the processor being used to enable the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-15.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes logic circuits and interfaces, wherein the logic circuits and interfaces are coupled; The interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information, and the logic circuit is used to enable the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-15.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, which, when implemented, executes the method as described in any one of claims 1-15.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is implemented, the method described in any one of claims 1-15 is performed.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a site, and the method includes: At the first moment, the first Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) is received, and the Network Allocation Vector (NAV) is maintained according to the first OBSS PPDU, wherein the NAV is updated from a zero value to a non-zero value. Starting from the first moment, if the station has received a second OBSS PPDU, the station will remain on the main channel until the NAV is cleared or the NAV expires. The bandwidth of the second OBSS PPDU includes the main channel and the destination secondary channel.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first OBSS PPDU and the second OBSS PPDU are the same OBSS PPDU; or, The bandwidth of the first OBSS PPDU includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel, and the first OBSS PPDU is different from the second OBSS PPDU; or, The bandwidth of the first OBSS PPDU does not include the destination secondary channel.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The station resides on the main channel based on the first OBSS PPDU.

24. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a site, and the method includes: At the first moment, the first Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) is received, and the Network Allocation Vector (NAV) is maintained according to the first OBSS PPDU, wherein the NAV is updated from a zero value to a non-zero value. A third OBSS PPDU is received at a second time point, the bandwidth of which does not include the destination secondary channel, and the second time point is later than the first time point; If a second OBSS PPDU has been received between the first and second time points, and if there is no valid value for the NPCA start handover time, the NPCA start handover time is updated according to the NAV prior to the second time point. The bandwidth of the second OBSS PPDU includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The bandwidth of the first OBSS PPDU includes the primary channel and the destination secondary channel; or, the bandwidth of the first OBSS PPDU does not include the destination secondary channel.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Under certain conditions, the system switches to the destination secondary channel based on the NPCA start handover time. These conditions include: The end time of the NAV indication is later than the end time of the NPCA start switching time indication; The difference between the end time indicated by the NAV and the end time indicated by the NPCA start switching time is greater than a threshold.

27. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fourth OBSS PPDU is received at the third time point. The bandwidth of the fourth OBSS PPDU includes the main channel and the destination secondary channel. The third time point is later than the second time point and earlier than the NPCA start handover time. If the busy end time of the basic service set BSS corresponding to the fourth OBSS PPDU is later than the end time indicated by the NPCA start handover time, then the NPCA start handover time is updated according to the busy end time.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The method further includes: Under certain conditions, the system switches to the destination secondary channel according to the NPCA start handover time, and these conditions include: The end time of the NAV indication is later than the end time of the NPCA start switching time indication; The difference between the end time indicated by the NAV and the end time indicated by the NPCA start switching time is greater than a threshold.

29. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a site, and the method includes: Receive Overlapping Basic Services Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU); According to the OBSSPPDU, under certain conditions, the system switches to the destination secondary channel, including: The network allocation vector NAV maintained by the site is updated from zero to a non-zero value based on the OBSSPPDU.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 21-29.

31. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a transceiver, the transceiver being used to send and receive information, and the processor being used to enable the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 21-29.

32. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes logic circuits and interfaces, wherein the logic circuits and interfaces are coupled; The interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information, and the logic circuit is used to enable the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 21-29.

33. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, which, when implemented, executes the method as described in any one of claims 21-29.

34. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is implemented, the method described in any one of claims 21-29 is performed.

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