Communication method, communication device, station and access point

Abstract

Provided are a communication method, a communication device, a station and an access point, the method comprising: a station receiving a first frame sent by a first access point, the first frame being used for inquiring a state or demand of the station, the first access point being an access point associated with the station, and the first frame being used for inquiring the state or demand of the station; the first access point is an access point in a multi-access point cooperative set; the station determines a first resource unit set according to the first access point; and the station sends a second frame on the first resource unit set, wherein the second frame is used for replying the inquiry of the first access point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method, communication device, site, and access point. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, in multi-access point (AP) collaboration scenarios, a sharing AP can share its transmission opportunity (TXOP) resources with a shared AP for collaborative transmission, which can improve the reliability and resource utilization efficiency of multi-AP collaborative transmission. However, since multi-AP collaboration involves multiple APs, how the sharing AP can obtain the status or needs of the sites associated with these multiple APs so that it can appropriately share TXOP resources to improve the resource utilization of multi-AP collaborative transmission is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method, communication device, site, and access point that can improve the resource utilization of multi-AP cooperative transmission.

[0004] Firstly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0005] The site receives a first frame sent by a first access point, wherein the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the site, wherein the first access point is an access point associated with the site, and the first access point is an access point in a multi-access point collaboration set.

[0006] The site determines the first resource unit set based on the first access point;

[0007] The station sends a second frame on the first resource unit set, the second frame being used to respond to the query from the first access point.

[0008] Secondly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0009] The first access point sends a first frame, wherein the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the site, wherein the first access point is the access point associated with the site, and the first access point is an access point in a multi-access point collaboration set.

[0010] The first access point receives a second frame on a first resource unit set, wherein the second frame is used to respond to the query of the first access point, and the first resource unit set is a resource unit set used by the site associated with the first access point to respond to the second frame;

[0011] The first access point feeds back the status or needs of the site to the second access point, which is the main access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set.

[0012] In some implementations, the first frame includes a send address (TA) field, which is set to one of the following:

[0013] The address of the primary access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set;

[0014] Addresses used for the multi-access point cooperation set;

[0015] The address of the first access point.

[0016] In some implementations, the first frame is used to query the site whether it has an uplink transmission requirement;

[0017] The second frame is used to indicate whether the site has an uplink transmission requirement.

[0018] In some implementations, the first frame includes a feedback type field, wherein the feedback type field takes a first value indicating that the first frame is used to inquire whether the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set have uplink transmission requirements, or the feedback type field takes a second value indicating that the first frame is used to inquire whether the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set have uplink low-latency data transmission requirements.

[0019] In some implementations, the first frame includes a feedback type field, which is used to indicate the status or request type of the query made by the first access point to the site;

[0020] The second frame is used to indicate the status or requirement of the site in response to the query in the first frame.

[0021] In some implementations, the first frame includes a first indication field, which is used to calculate the first resource unit set.

[0022] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, including:

[0023] The second access point provides the first access point with frame parameters for sending the first frame, wherein the first access point and the second access point belong to a multi-access point collaboration set, the first access point is a slave access point or a shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set, the second access point is a master access point or a shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set, and the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set.

[0024] The second access point receives the status or requirements of the site from the first access point.

[0025] In some implementations, the frame parameters used to send the first frame include at least one of the following:

[0026] The parameter setting information of the TA field in the first frame;

[0027] The parameter settings information of the public information field in the first frame;

[0028] The parameter settings information of the user information field in the first frame;

[0029] The transmission mode information of the first frame;

[0030] The transmission time information of the first frame.

[0031] In some implementations, the parameter setting information of the TA field in the first frame is used to indicate that the TA field of the first frame is set to the address of the primary access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set, or to the address used for the multi-access point collaboration set.

[0032] In some implementations, the transmission mode information of the first frame is used to instruct the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set to transmit the first frame simultaneously, or to transmit the first frame sequentially.

[0033] In some implementations, the second access point provides the first access point with frame parameters for sending the first frame, including:

[0034] The second access point sends a third frame, the third frame including frame parameters for sending the first frame; or

[0035] The second access point provides the first access point with frame parameters for sending the first frame via a wired connection.

[0036] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0037] A receiving module is configured to receive a first frame sent by a first access point, wherein the first frame is used to inquire about the status or needs of the site, wherein the first access point is an access point associated with the site, the first access point is an access point in a multi-access point collaboration group, and the communication device is the site, or the communication device is located in the site.

[0038] The processing module is used to determine the first resource unit set based on the first access point;

[0039] The sending module is used to send a second frame on the first resource unit set, the second frame being used to respond to the query from the first access point.

[0040] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0041] A sending module is used to send a first frame, wherein the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the site, wherein the communication device is a first access point, or the communication device is set in a first access point, the first access point is an access point associated with the site, and the first access point is an access point in a multi-access point collaboration set.

[0042] A receiving module is configured to receive a second frame on a first resource unit set, wherein the second frame is used to respond to an inquiry from the first access point, and the first resource unit set is a resource unit set used by the site associated with the first access point to respond to the second frame;

[0043] The sending module is also used to: feed back the status or requirements of the site to the second access point, which is the main access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set.

[0044] Sixthly, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0045] A sending module is used to provide frame parameters to a first access point for sending a first frame, wherein the first access point and the second access point belong to a multi-access point cooperation set, the first access point is a slave access point or a shared access point in the multi-access point cooperation set, the second access point is a master access point or a shared access point in the multi-access point cooperation set, the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point cooperation set, and the communication device is the second access point, or the communication device is set in the second access point;

[0046] The receiving module is used to receive the status or requirements of the site from the first access point.

[0047] In a seventh aspect, a site is provided, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to invoke and run the computer program stored in the memory, performing the methods of the first aspect or its implementations described above.

[0048] Eighthly, an access point is provided, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the methods of the second or third aspect or their respective implementations described above.

[0049] A ninth aspect provides a chip for implementing the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations. Specifically, the chip includes a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a device equipped with the chip to perform the methods of any one of the first to third aspects or their respective implementations.

[0050] In a tenth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program that causes a computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to third aspects or their respective implementations.

[0051] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided, including computer program instructions that cause a computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to third aspects or their respective implementations.

[0052] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program is provided that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to third aspects or their respective implementations.

[0053] Through the above technical solution, access points in a multi-AP collaborative network can query the status or needs of associated sites through the first frame. Sites can determine the resource unit set to use in replying to the second frame based on the associated access point, and then use that resource unit set to reply to the query in the first frame. In this way, access points can learn about the status or needs of sites through the second frame, which facilitates the sharing of TXOP resources based on the status or needs of sites, ensuring uplink transmission requirements and improving the resource utilization of multi-AP collaborative transmission. In addition, the fact that sites associated with different access points can use different resource unit sets to reply to the second frame can also ensure that the second frames sent by sites in different BSSs are mutually orthogonal and avoid interference. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0055] Figure 2 This is an example of a C-TDMA multi-AP cooperative set provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0056] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a common trigger frame format is shown.

[0057] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the format of the common information field of a trigger frame is shown.

[0058] Figure 5A schematic diagram of the format of the User Info list field in a Trigger frame is shown.

[0059] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the frame structure of an NDP frame is shown.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0061] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall process of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0062] Figure 9 This is a schematic interaction diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0063] Figure 10 This is a schematic interactive diagram of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0064] Figure 11 This is a schematic interactive diagram of another communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0065] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the correspondence between access points and resource unit sets provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0066] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0067] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0068] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0069] Figure 16 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0070] Figure 17 This is a schematic block diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0071] Figure 18 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort regarding the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0073] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second," etc., used herein are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order.

[0074] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, "at least one item" refers to one item or more items.

[0075] "Multiple items" refers to two or more items, and "at least two items" refers to two or more items.

[0076] "At least one of the following" or similar expressions may refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c may mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0077] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "and / or" indicates that the connected objects can have three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three scenarios: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" relationship.

[0078] It should be understood that the "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction or an indirect instruction. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, such as B being obtainable through A; or it can mean that A indirectly instructs B, such as A instructing C, where B is obtainable through C, for example, B and C are related.

[0079] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, and the embodiments of this application are applicable to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) used in WLANs.

[0080] Any protocol in the 802.11 series, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, etc.

[0081] The methods provided in this application can be implemented by a communication device in a wireless communication system or a chip or processor within that device, and correspondingly, the communication device supports IEEE protocols.

[0082] Communication is conducted using the 802.11 series of protocols. While this application primarily uses a network deploying IEEE 802.11 as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, high-performance radio LANs (HIPERLANs) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, primarily used in Europe), wide area networks (WANs), WLANs, personal area networks (PANs), ultra-wideband (UWB) based wireless PAN systems, sensing systems, or other networks now known or to be developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0083] In the WiFi protocol, a station (abbreviated as STA) includes access point stations (abbreviated as AP STA) and non-access point stations (abbreviated as non-AP station). For the sake of simplicity, access point stations are usually called access points (abbreviated as AP), and non-access point stations are called stations (abbreviated as STA).

[0084] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a communication system 100 applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. The communication system 100 may include an access point 110 and a station 120. The station 120 can access the network through the access point 110.

[0085] Access points can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as those based on the 802.11b protocol.

[0086] 802.11a protocol, 802.11g protocol, 802.11n protocol, 802.11ac protocol, 802.11ax, 802.11be,

[0087] Communication or sensing is performed using the 802.11bn protocol or next-generation protocols or protocols after that.

[0088] The site can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, for example, it can support protocols based on 802.11b.

[0089] 802.11a protocol, 802.11g protocol, 802.11n protocol, 802.11ac protocol, 802.11ax, 802.11be,

[0090] Communication or sensing is performed using the 802.11bn protocol or next-generation protocols or protocols after that.

[0091] The communication in the communication system 100 can be communication between access points and stations, or communication between stations, or communication between access points.

[0092] An access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet.

[0093] In some scenarios, access points and sites can be devices used in vehicle networking, IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0094] In some scenarios, the access point can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) with a WiFi chip or a network device (such as a router).

[0095] In the embodiments of this application, the site may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless device in industrial control, set-top box, wireless device in self-driving, vehicle communication device, wireless device in remote medical care, wireless device in smart grid, wireless device in transportation safety, wireless device in smart city or smart home, wireless device, wireless communication chip, etc. that support WLAN or WiFi technology.

[0096] It should be understood that Figure 1 Only one access point and two sites are shown in the example. Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple access points or other numbers of sites. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0097] Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include other devices, such as network controllers, gateways, and other network entities, which are not limited in this application.

[0098] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the multi-AP collaboration set related to this application will be described.

[0099] A multi-AP cooperative set may include multiple APs participating in multi-AP cooperative transmission, and the multi-AP cooperative set may include, but is not limited to, the following roles:

[0100] There are four types of APs: Master AP (MAP), Slave AP (SAP), Sharing AP, and Shared AP. The Master AP initiates multi-AP cooperative transmission and selects nearby Slave APs to participate. Sharing APs can share their transmission opportunity (TXOP) resources with Shared APs for cooperative transmission.

[0101] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the Coordinated Time Division Multiple Access (C-TDMA) technology related to this application will be described.

[0102] The C-TDMA feature in 802.11bn evolved from the transmission opportunity (TXOP) sharing mechanism in 802.11be. This feature allows sharing APs to dynamically share TXOPs with shared APs after establishing a multi-AP cooperative set, which can improve the reliability and resource utilization efficiency in multi-AP cooperative transmission.

[0103] Figure 2 This application provides an example of a C-TDMA multi-AP cooperative set, wherein AP1 is a shared AP and the master AP, possessing control over TXOP; AP2 and AP3 are shared APs and slave APs; AP2 and AP3 can cooperate in transmission during TXOP sharing under the control of AP1. Figure 2 The dashed lines in the diagram represent the coverage area of ​​each AP, that is, the Basic Service Set (BSS) range. The overlapping range of signals from multiple APs is the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) range.

[0104] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the feedback mechanism of the null data physical layer protocol data unit (NDP) feedback report polling (NFRP) related to this application will be described.

[0105] Figure 3 This illustrates a common trigger frame format in 802.11ax, such as... Figure 3As shown, the Trigger frame may include the following fields:

[0106] The trigger frame is divided into several fields: Frame Control (2 bytes), Duration (2 bytes), Receiving Address (RA) (6 bytes), Transmission Address (TA) (6 bytes), Common Info (8 or more bytes), User Info list (variable bytes), Padding (variable bytes), and Frame Check Sequence (FCS) (4 bytes). The TA field represents the sender's AID, such as the AP's AID, while the RA field indicates the receiver's AID.

[0107] Figure 4 The format of a common information field for a trigger frame is shown, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the Common Info field includes the following subfields:

[0108] Trigger Type (4 bits), Uplink Length (UL Length) (12 bits), More Trigger Frames (TF) (1 bit), Carrier Sense (CS) (1 bit), Uplink Bandwidth (BW) (2 bits), Guard Interval (GI) and High Efficiency Long Training Field (HE-LTF) Type (2 bits), Multiple Users Multiple-in Multiple-out (MU-MIMO) HE-LTF Mode (1 bit), HE-LTF Symbol Count and Intermediate Code Period (3 bits), Uplink Space-Time Block Code (STBC) (1 bit), Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC). The following fields are listed: LDPC (Additional Symbol Field) (1 bit), AP Transmit Power (6 bits), Pre-Forward Error Correction (Pre-FEC) Fill Factor (2 bits), Packet Extension (PE) Disambiguity (1 bit), Uplink Space Reuse (16 bits), Doppler (1 bit), High Efficiency Signal Field A2 (HE-SIG-A2) Reservation (9 bits), Reservation (1 bit), and Trigger Dependent Common Info (variable number of bits).

[0109] The Trigger Type subfield identifies the type of the Trigger frame. Table 1 shows a correspondence between the values ​​of the Trigger Type subfield and the types of Trigger frames. When the Trigger frame is of type NFRP, RA is the broadcast address, indicating that all STAs receive and demodulate this frame.

[0110] Table 1

[0111]

[0112] When the STA detects a trigger frame of type NFRP, it can process it according to the information in the User Info list field of the NFRP frame. Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the structure of the User Info list field in an NFRP frame. Figure 5 As shown, the UserInfo list field includes the following subfields:

[0113] The NFRP polling parameters are: Starting AID (12 bits), Reserved (9 bits), Feedback Type (4 bits), Reserved (7 bits), Uplink Target Received Power (7 bits), and Number of Spatially Multiplexed Users (1 bit). The Starting AID subfield indicates the starting AID for this NFRP poll. In a single NFRP poll, only a certain number of STAs following the starting AID can respond.

[0114] After the AP sends an NFRP frame, the STA frame, upon receiving the NFRP frame, can reply with an NDP frame to the AP. Figure 6 The frame structure of an NDP frame is shown. For example... Figure 6 As shown, an NDP frame may include the following fields:

[0115] Traditional Short Training Field (L-STF);

[0116] Traditional Long Training Field (L-LTF);

[0117] Legacy signal field (L-SIG);

[0118] Repeated L-SIG (abbreviated as RL-SIG) is a repetition of L-SIG;

[0119] High Efficiency (HE) Signal A (HE-SIG-A);

[0120] High-efficiency short training field (HE-STF);

[0121] High-efficiency long training field (HE-LTF);

[0122] Packet Extension (PE) field.

[0123] It should be understood that Figures 3 to 6 The fields included in the example frame format, as well as the position and length of each field, are merely examples and are not limited in this application.

[0124] In the NDP frames that multiple STAs reply to for the same NFRP frame, all fields except the HE-LTF field are identical. Therefore, when multiple NDP frames overlap, no interference will occur.

[0125] As mentioned earlier, in multi-AP collaboration scenarios, the Sharing AP can share its TXOP resources with the Shared AP for collaborative transmission, which helps improve the reliability and resource utilization efficiency of multi-AP collaborative transmission. However, since multi-AP collaboration involves multiple APs, how the Sharing AP can obtain the status or needs of the sites associated with these multiple APs so that it can appropriately share TXOP resources to improve the resource utilization of multi-AP collaborative transmission is a problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0126] The technical solutions of this application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above-mentioned related technologies are optional solutions and can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application in any way, all of which fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0127] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 200 according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the method 200 includes at least the following:

[0128] S210, the first access point sends the first frame;

[0129] Correspondingly, the site receives a first frame sent by the first access point, wherein the first frame is used to inquire about the status or needs of the site, wherein the first access point is the access point associated with the site, and the first access point is an access point in a multi-access point collaboration set.

[0130] S220, the site determines a first resource unit set based on the first access point;

[0131] S230, the station sends a second frame on the first resource unit set, the second frame being used to respond to the query from the first access point. Correspondingly, the first access point receives the second frame on the first resource unit and obtains the status or requirements of the station based on the second frame.

[0132] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application can be applied to multi-AP cooperation mechanisms, such as multi-AP cooperation mechanisms based on C-TDMA, such as the collection of site status or demand information before TXOP sharing in C-TDMA, and can also be used for querying site status or demand in other multi-AP cooperation scenarios (such as Coordinate Spatial Reuse (C-SR)), which can realize convenient and quick querying of uplink status or demand within the cooperative BSS. This application does not limit this.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first access point may be a slave AP or a shared AP in a multi-AP collaboration set, and the second access point may be a master AP or a shared AP in the multi-AP collaboration set.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first frame is sent by the first access point via broadcast.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the site, such as the site's cache status, whether the site has uplink transmission needs, the cache status of the site's uplink low-latency data, or whether the site has uplink low-latency data transmission needs, etc.

[0136] In one specific embodiment, the first frame is used to query whether the site has an uplink transmission requirement, and the second frame is used to indicate whether the site has an uplink transmission requirement.

[0137] In another specific embodiment, the first frame is used to query whether the site has an uplink low-latency data transmission requirement, and the second frame is used to indicate whether the site has an uplink low-latency data transmission requirement.

[0138] In some embodiments, the determination of the first resource unit set by the station based on the first access point can be understood as the first resource unit set being associated with the first access point, or the first resource unit set being a resource unit set used by the station associated with the first access point to report status or requirements. Stations associated with other access points can determine the corresponding resource unit set based on other access points and then use the resource unit set to reply to the second frame.

[0139] That is, in the embodiments of this application, stations associated with different access points can use different resource unit sets to send the second frame. In this way, stations associated with different access points can use the second frame to report the status or needs of the station. At the same time, it can also ensure that the second frames sent by stations in different BSSs are orthogonal to each other and avoid interference.

[0140] In some embodiments of this application, the site determines a first resource unit set based on a first access point, including:

[0141] The station determines the first resource unit set (RU_TONE_SET) based on the identification information of the first access point and the first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship is the mapping relationship between the identification information of the access point and the resource unit set.

[0142] In some embodiments of this application, the method 200 further includes:

[0143] The first access point determines the first resource unit set based on its identification information and the first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship is the mapping relationship between the access point's identification information and the resource unit set.

[0144] That is, the site and the first access point can determine the resource unit set used to feed back the second frame in a consistent manner. The site can send the second frame on the resource unit set determined in this consistent manner to feed back the site's status or needs to the first access point. Correspondingly, the access point can receive the second frame on the resource unit set determined in this consistent manner to obtain the site's status or needs, ensuring that the site and the first access point have a consistent understanding of the feedback situation.

[0145] In some embodiments, the identification information of the first access point may be the identification information associated with the first access point, such as the group identifier of the first access point in the multi-AP collaboration set. For example, after constructing the multi-AP collaboration set, the master AP or shared AP can set a corresponding group identifier for each access point in the multi-AP collaboration set to uniquely identify the access point in the multi-AP collaboration set. Alternatively, the identification information of the first access point may also be other identification information of the first access point, such as BSS color. This application does not limit this.

[0146] Optionally, the identification information of the first access point can be represented by a reserved value of the AID field, such as a reserved value from 2009 to 2044.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first mapping relationship may be predefined, such as a predefined table indicating the correspondence between the identification information of different access points and the resource unit set index, or a predefined formula indicating the calculation formula for determining the resource unit set index based on the identification information of the access point; or the first mapping relationship may be configured by the first access point, as long as the first access point and the site have a consistent understanding of the first mapping relationship, this application does not limit this.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a first indication field, which is used to calculate the first resource unit set. That is, the content indicated by the first indication field can be used to calculate the first resource unit set. For example, the first indication field can indicate a reference identifier used to calculate the first resource unit set, and the first resource unit set can be determined based on the identification information of the first access point and the reference identifier.

[0149] In some embodiments, the site or the first access point determines the first resource unit set based on the first access point, including:

[0150] The site or the first access point determines the first resource unit set based on the identification information of the first access point and the first indication field.

[0151] Optionally, the first indication field may be carried in the user information field of the first frame. For example, the first indication field may be the Starting AID field in the user information field. The Starting AID field may indicate specific identification information used to calculate the first resource unit set, such as the identification information of the master AP or shared AP in the multi-AP collaboration set. Specifically, for example, the identification of the master AP or shared AP in the multi-AP collaboration set within the group in the multi-AP collaboration set, but this application does not limit this.

[0152] As an example and not a limitation, the site or first access point may determine the index of the resource unit set used to send the second frame according to the following formula:

[0153] RU_TONE_SET_INDEX=(AP_AID-starting_AID)

[0154] Among them, RU_TONE_SET_INDEX represents the index of the resource unit set used to send the second frame determined by the site, that is, the index of the first resource unit set; AP_AID represents the identification information of the first access point; and starting_AID represents the identification information indicated by the StartingAID field.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first resource unit set may include multiple subcarrier groups, which correspond to multiple states or requirements of a station. For example, the multiple subcarrier groups and the multiple states or requirements of a station are in one-to-one correspondence, meaning that a single subcarrier can indicate a state or requirement of the station. The station can then select the corresponding subcarrier group to reply to the second frame based on its own state or requirement. Correspondingly, the first access point can determine the station's state or requirement based on the subcarrier group used by the station to send the second frame. The station and the first access point have a consistent understanding of the station's state or requirement corresponding to each subcarrier in the multiple subcarrier groups.

[0156] In some embodiments, the site determines a first resource unit set based on the first access point, including:

[0157] The station determines a target subcarrier group from among multiple subcarrier groups in the first resource unit set according to the station's status or needs. For example, the target subcarrier group is the subcarrier group corresponding to the station's current status or needs.

[0158] In some embodiments, the site transmits a second frame on the first resource unit set, including:

[0159] The station transmits the second frame on the target subcarrier group in the first resource unit set.

[0160] Correspondingly, the first access point can receive the second frame on multiple subcarrier groups in the first resource unit set, and determine the status or requirements of the site based on the target subcarrier group used by the site in the first resource unit set.

[0161] Optionally, the first resource unit set may include a first subcarrier group and a second subcarrier group. The first subcarrier group corresponds to a site with uplink transmission requirements, while the second subcarrier group corresponds to a site without uplink transmission requirements. When a site has uplink transmission requirements, it can transmit the second frame through the first subcarrier group; when it does not have uplink transmission requirements, it can transmit the second frame through the second subcarrier group. Correspondingly, when the first access point receives the second frame on the first subcarrier group, the first access point can determine that the site has uplink transmission requirements; when the first access point receives the second frame on the second subcarrier group, the first access point can determine that the site does not have uplink transmission requirements.

[0162] Optionally, the first resource unit set may include a third subcarrier group and a fourth subcarrier group. The third subcarrier group corresponds to a site that has uplink low-latency data transmission requirements, while the fourth subcarrier group corresponds to a site that does not have uplink low-latency data transmission requirements. When a site has uplink low-latency data transmission requirements, it can send a second frame through the third subcarrier group; when a site does not have uplink low-latency data transmission requirements, it can send a second frame through the fourth subcarrier group. Correspondingly, when the first access point receives a second frame on the third subcarrier group, it can determine that the site has uplink low-latency data transmission requirements; when the first access point receives a second frame on the fourth subcarrier group, it can determine that the site does not have uplink low-latency data transmission requirements.

[0163] In other embodiments of this application, a station can also indicate its status or needs by whether or not it replies with a second frame. For example, a station may only reply with a second frame when it has an uplink transmission need or an uplink low-latency data transmission need, and not reply with a second frame when it does not have an uplink transmission need or an uplink low-latency data transmission need. Correspondingly, the first access point can determine the station's status or needs based on whether or not the station replies with a second frame. For example, upon receiving the station's second frame, it determines that the station has an uplink transmission need or an uplink low-latency data transmission need; upon not receiving the station's second frame, it determines that the station does not have an uplink transmission need or an uplink low-latency data transmission need.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first frame may be referred to as a Multi-AP Poll Trigger (MAP Poll Trigger), or other names may be used, which are not limited in this application. Optionally, the first frame can be implemented using an NFRP trigger frame, for example through... Figure 3 The NFRP trigger frame format implementation is shown.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second frame includes, but is not limited to, an NDP frame.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a TA field, which is set to one of the following:

[0167] The address of the primary access point or shared access point in the multi-AP collaboration set, i.e., the address of the second access point;

[0168] The address used for the multi-AP cooperative set can be, for example, set an address for each multi-AP cooperative set. Different multi-AP cooperative sets can correspond to different addresses, and the address can be used to indicate the multi-AP cooperative set.

[0169] The address of the first access point.

[0170] Optionally, when the TA field in the first frame is set to the address of the primary access point or shared access point, or to the address used for a multi-AP collaboration set, it can be understood that the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the sites associated with the APs in the multi-AP collaboration set. In other words, the first frame can be used to collect the status or needs of the sites associated with the primary AP / Sharing AP from the AP / Shared AP.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a Feedback Type field, which indicates the type of status or request the first access point is querying from the site. For example, different values ​​of the Feedback Type field indicate different types of status or request queries from the first access point to the site. Correspondingly, the second frame indicates the status or request queried by the site in response to the first frame.

[0172] Optionally, the status or request type that the first access point queries the site may include, but is not limited to: whether there is an uplink transmission requirement, whether there is an uplink low-latency data transmission requirement, etc.

[0173] In some embodiments, when the feedback type field indicates that the first access point queries the site for uplink transmission requirements, the second frame is used to provide feedback to the first access point on whether there are uplink transmission requirements. When the feedback type field indicates that the first access point queries the site for uplink low-latency data transmission requirements, the second frame is used to provide feedback to the first access point on whether there are uplink low-latency data transmission requirements.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a Feedback Type field, wherein the Feedback Type field takes a first value indicating that the first frame is used to inquire whether the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set have uplink transmission requirements, and / or the Feedback Type field takes a second value indicating that the first frame is used to inquire whether the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set have uplink low-latency data transmission requirements.

[0175] In other words, the first access point can indicate different statuses or request types that it queries from the site by using different values ​​of the feedback type field.

[0176] Optionally, the first value can be a reserved value for the feedback type field, such as any value from 2 to 15.

[0177] Optionally, the second value can be a reserved value for the feedback type field, such as any value from 2 to 15.

[0178] Therefore, when the feedback type field takes the first value, the station can use the second frame to provide feedback to the first access point on whether there is an uplink transmission requirement. When the feedback type field takes the second value, the station can use the second frame to provide feedback to the first access point on whether there is an uplink low-latency data transmission requirement.

[0179] In some embodiments of this application, before the first access point sends the first frame, the method 200 further includes:

[0180] The first access point obtains the frame parameters for sending the first frame from the second access point.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first access point receives a third frame sent by the second access point, the third frame including frame parameters for sending the first frame. The third frame can be considered as a frame that initiates the status or demand query mechanism for sites in a multi-AP collaboration scenario. The second access point can control the first access point to send the first frame through the third frame. That is, the second access point initiates polling of the status or demand of associated sites of access points in the multi-AP collaboration set, which helps to ensure the second access point's control over TXOP.

[0182] In other embodiments, the first access point obtains the frame parameters for sending the first frame from the second access point via a wired connection.

[0183] That is, the frame parameters used to send the first frame can be obtained by the first access point from the second access point via wireless or wired means.

[0184] In some embodiments, the frame parameters for sending the first frame include at least one of the following:

[0185] The parameter settings information of the TA field in the first frame, such as the value of the TA field;

[0186] The parameter settings information of the public information field in the first frame;

[0187] The parameter settings of the user information fields in the first frame, such as the value of the StartingAID field, the status of the site that triggered the query, or the type of request;

[0188] The transmission mode information of the first frame;

[0189] The transmission time information of the first frame.

[0190] Optionally, the parameter setting information of the TA field in the first frame includes the address of the primary access point or shared access point in the multi-AP collaboration set, or the address used for the multi-AP collaboration set. This indicates that the second access point expects the first access point to set the TA field of the first frame to the address of the primary access point or shared access point in the multi-AP collaboration set, or to the address used for the multi-AP collaboration set, so as to achieve the purpose of the first access point collecting the status or requirements of its associated sites for the second access point.

[0191] Optionally, the transmission mode information of the first frame is used to instruct the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set to transmit the first frame simultaneously, or to transmit the first frame sequentially.

[0192] Optionally, the transmission time information of the first frame may indicate a first time interval (e.g., SIFS), which may be a time interval with reference to the third frame, or it may indicate the absolute time of transmission of the first frame. This application does not limit this.

[0193] Optionally, when instructing access points in a multi-AP cooperative set to send the first frame simultaneously, the access points in the multi-AP cooperative set can use the third frame as a reference time and send the first frame simultaneously after the same time interval (e.g., SIFS), which helps to avoid mutual interference between the first frames sent by multiple APs in the OBSS area.

[0194] Optionally, when instructing access points in a multi-AP collaboration set to send the first frame sequentially, the access points in the multi-AP collaboration set may use the third frame as a reference time and send the first frame sequentially after different time intervals.

[0195] Optionally, the first frame sent by multiple access points in the multi-AP cooperative set carries the same content (i.e., the frame parameters indicated by the master AP or shared AP to the slave AP or the shared AP are the same), which helps to avoid mutual interference between the first frames sent by multiple APs at the same time in the OBSS area.

[0196] In some embodiments of this application, the method 200 further includes:

[0197] The first access point sends the first frame after a first time interval following the receipt of the third frame; or

[0198] The first access point sends the first frame according to the transmission time information of the first frame indicated in the third frame. For example, the first access point may send the first frame after receiving the SIFS of the third frame, or the third frame may indicate the absolute time at which the first access point sends the first frame, and the first access point may send the first frame at that absolute time.

[0199] In some embodiments, the third frame can be implemented using a management frame, for example, by defining a new management frame type to implement the functionality of the third frame. Optionally, the third frame may be called a MAP Poll Initial frame, or it may be replaced with other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0200] In some embodiments of this application, the method 200 further includes:

[0201] The first access point reports the status or requirements of the site to the second access point.

[0202] That is, after collecting the status or requirements of associated STAs, the AP or the shared AP can report the status or requirements of associated STAs to the master AP or the sharing AP. Thus, the master AP or the sharing AP can share appropriate TXOP resources based on the collected status or requirements of the STAs, ensuring that stations with uplink transmission requirements or uplink low-latency data transmission requirements can transmit uplink data or uplink low-latency data in a timely manner.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first access point may report the status or needs of the site to the second access point via a wired connection, or it may report the status or needs of the site to the second access point via a wireless means (e.g., via a wireless frame). This application does not limit this.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first access point reports the status or needs of the site to the second access point, including:

[0205] The first access point can send a fourth frame to the second access point, the fourth frame being used to provide feedback on the site's status or needs to the second access point. Optionally, the fourth frame may include, but is not limited to, a BSR frame.

[0206] Optionally, the first access point can provide feedback on the site's status or needs based on a trigger from the second access point. For example, upon receiving a fifth frame from the second access point, the first access point can provide feedback on the site's status or needs to the second access point. Optionally, the fifth frame may include, but is not limited to, a BSRP frame.

[0207] In some embodiments, the second access point may trigger the first access point to provide feedback on the status or needs of the site based on the identification information of the first access point. For example, the fifth frame may include the identification information of the first access point, which is used to instruct the second access point to trigger the access point corresponding to the identification information to provide feedback on the status or needs of the site.

[0208] Therefore, in this embodiment, the master AP or shared AP can trigger the slave AP or shared AP in the multi-AP collaboration set to start polling the associated sites to inquire about their status or needs through the third frame. The slave AP or shared AP (which may also include the master AP or shared AP) can send a first frame based on the third frame to inquire about the status or needs of its associated sites, and learn about the status or needs of its associated sites through the second frame sent by the sites. Furthermore, the slave AP or shared AP can report the status or needs of its associated sites to the master AP or shared AP. In this way, the master AP or shared AP in the multi-AP collaboration set can know the status or needs of the sites associated with multiple APs in the multi-AP collaboration set. Thus, the master AP or shared AP can share TXOP resources appropriately according to the status or needs of the sites associated with multiple APs in the multi-AP collaboration set, thereby improving the reliability and resource utilization efficiency in multi-AP collaborative transmission.

[0209] The following, combined with Figure 8 The overall flow of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described. For example... Figure 8 As shown, it may include at least some of the following steps:

[0210] S310, the second access point sends a third frame to the first access point, wherein the third frame includes frame parameters for sending the first frame, and the specific implementation of the frame parameters is described in the relevant description of the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0211] Alternatively, the first access point can obtain the frame parameters for sending the first frame from the second access point via a wired connection, and this application does not limit this.

[0212] S320, the first access point sends a first frame to the associated site based on the third frame to inquire about the site's status or needs. For example, multiple access points in a multi-AP cooperative set can send the first frame simultaneously or sequentially; this application does not limit the specific sending method. Sending the first frame simultaneously from multiple access points helps avoid mutual interference between the first frames sent by multiple APs within the OBSS area.

[0213] S330, the station determines a first resource unit set for sending the second frame based on the first access point. The method for determining the first resource unit set is described in the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here for brevity.

[0214] In other words, sites associated with different access points can use different resource unit sets to send the second frame, which can ensure that the site feeds back its status or needs to the associated access point, while avoiding interference caused by sites in different BSSs sending the second frame.

[0215] S340, the station sends a second frame in response to the query in the first frame.

[0216] For example, a station can select a target subcarrier group from multiple subcarrier groups in the first resource unit set based on its own status or needs, and then transmit a second frame on that target subcarrier group. Correspondingly, the first access point can determine the status or needs reported by the station based on the subcarrier group used to receive the second frame.

[0217] S350: The first access point feeds back the status or requirements of the site to the second access point.

[0218] For example, the first access point first receives a BSRP frame sent by the second access point, and then sends a BSR frame to the second access point based on the BSRP frame, which carries the status or requirements of the site.

[0219] The following, combined with Figures 9 to 12 ,by Figure 2 Taking a specific scenario as an example, the communication method provided according to the embodiments of this application is explained. Figure 2 In the scenario shown, the multi-AP collaboration set can include AP1, AP2, and AP3. Among them, AP1 plays the role of the shared AP and the master AP, and has control over TXOP. AP2 and AP3 play the roles of the shared AP and the slave AP, respectively. STA1 and STA2 are both associated with AP2, STA4 and STA5 are both associated with AP1, and STA3 is associated with AP3.

[0220] Optionally, AP1 can assign corresponding identification information to AP1, AP2 and AP3. For example, the identification information can use the reserved value of the AID field.

[0221] As an example rather than a limitation, the correspondence between APs and identification information can be shown in Table 2:

[0222] Table 2

[0223] AP Assigned AID AP1 2008 AP2 2009 AP3 2010

[0224] Step 1: AP1 sends a third frame to provide AP2 and AP3 with the frame parameters for sending the first frame.

[0225] For example, the parameter settings of the TA field in the first frame, the parameter settings of the StartingAID field in the user information field of the first frame (e.g., set to 2007), the status of the site that triggered the query, or the type of request.

[0226] The following explanation uses the first frame as an example to inquire whether the site has a need for uplink low-latency data transmission, but this application is not limited to this.

[0227] Step 2: AP1, AP2 and AP3 send the first frame to inquire whether the STA has an uplink transmission requirement.

[0228] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, AP1, AP2, and AP3 can simultaneously send the first frame after the SIFS of the third frame.

[0229] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, AP1, AP2, and AP3 can send the first frame sequentially after the third frame.

[0230] Step 3: The STA receives the first frame and responds with the second frame based on the status or request queried in the first frame.

[0231] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 12As shown, different APs are associated with different resource unit sets, which are used by the STAs associated with the APs to respond to the second frame. Each resource unit set associated with an AP may include multiple subcarrier groups, such as two subcarrier groups, which are used to indicate whether the site has uplink low-latency data transmission requirements and whether the site does not have uplink low-latency data transmission requirements, respectively.

[0232] Optionally, the STA can calculate the resource unit set used to send the second frame based on the AID and StartingAID fields of the associated AP. For example, the resource unit set used to send the second frame can be calculated based on RU_TONE_SET_INDEX = (AP_AID - starting_AID).

[0233] For example, for STA4 and STA5, if associated with AP1 (AP_AID=2008), the resource unit set RU_TONE_SET_INDEX=1 can be used to send the second frame. For STA1 and STA2, if associated with AP2 (AP_AID=2009), the resource unit set RU_TONE_SET_INDEX=2 can be used to send the second frame. For STA3, if associated with AP2 (AP_AID=2010), the resource unit set RU_TONE_SET_INDEX=3 can be used to send the second frame.

[0234] In this embodiment of the application, the STA can select the resource unit set used to reply to the second frame according to the associated AP, and then select the subcarrier group corresponding to the status or requirement from multiple subcarrier groups of the selected resource unit set to send the second frame according to the status or requirement of the STA.

[0235] Optionally, in other embodiments, each resource unit set may include only one subcarrier group. The STA may use this subcarrier group to reply to the second frame only when there is an uplink low-latency data transmission requirement. When there is no uplink low-latency data transmission requirement, the STA may not reply to the second frame. The AP can determine whether the STA has an uplink low-latency data transmission requirement based on the reply status of the second frame. For example, if STA2, STA3, and STA4 have uplink low-latency data transmission requirements, then only STA2, STA3, and STA4 will reply to the second frame.

[0236] In some embodiments, the STA can simultaneously reply to the second frame, for example, replying to the second frame after receiving the SIFS of the first frame, such as... Figure 9 or Figure 10 As shown.

[0237] In other embodiments, the first frame and the second frame may be sent sequentially, such as... Figure 11As shown, AP1 first sends the first frame, then the STA associated with AP1 replies with the second frame. Further, AP2 sends the first frame, then the STA associated with AP2 replies with the second frame, and finally AP3 sends the first frame, and the STA associated with AP3 replies with the second frame.

[0238] In summary, the embodiments of this application provide an uplink status or demand query mechanism, which allows access points and associated sites in a multi-AP collaboration set to query the status or demand of sites associated with access points in a multi-AP collaboration set by exchanging the first frame and the second frame.

[0239] Furthermore, by sending the first frame simultaneously to inquire about the status or needs of the associated site, the access points in the multi-AP collaboration centralized access point can avoid mutual interference between the first frames sent by multiple access points in the OBSS area.

[0240] Furthermore, the primary or shared access point in the multi-AP collaboration set controls multiple APs in the multi-AP collaboration set to query the status or needs of sites within multiple BSSs through the third frame. That is, the query of the status or needs of all sites within the BSS is completed through a single frame interaction, avoiding the signaling overhead caused by querying the status or needs of sites within multiple BSSs individually.

[0241] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, during the information exchange phase between APs in C-TDMA, by adding an inquiry into the uplink status or demand, an uplink transmission demand reference is provided for TXOP sharing, enabling C-TDMA to take into account uplink transmission demand and ensure timely transmission of uplink data.

[0242] The above text combined Figures 7 to 12 The method embodiments of this application are described in detail below, in conjunction with... Figures 13 to 18 The present application describes the device embodiments in detail. It should be understood that the device embodiments correspond to the method embodiments, and similar descriptions can be referred to the method embodiments.

[0243] Figure 13 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 400 according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device 400 can be a station, or a component within a station, such as a chip, circuit, or module. Figure 13 The communication device 400 includes:

[0244] The receiving module 410 is used to receive a first frame sent by a first access point, wherein the first frame is used to inquire about the status or needs of the site, wherein the first access point is an access point associated with the site, the first access point is an access point in a multi-access point collaboration set, and the communication device is the site, or the communication device is set in the site.

[0245] Processing module 420 is used to determine a first resource unit set based on the first access point;

[0246] The sending module 430 is used to send a second frame on the first resource unit set, the second frame being used to respond to the query from the first access point.

[0247] In some embodiments, the processing module 420 is further configured to:

[0248] The first resource unit set is determined based on the identification information of the first access point and the first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship is the mapping relationship between the identification information of the access point and the resource unit set.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a send address (TA) field, the TA field being set to one of the following:

[0250] The address of the primary access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set;

[0251] Addresses used for the multi-access point cooperation set;

[0252] The address of the first access point.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first frame is used to inquire whether the site has an uplink transmission requirement;

[0254] The second frame is used to indicate whether the site has an uplink transmission requirement.

[0255] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a feedback type field, wherein the feedback type field takes a first value indicating that the first frame is used to inquire whether the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set have uplink transmission requirements, or the feedback type field takes a second value indicating that the first frame is used to inquire whether the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set have uplink low-latency data transmission requirements.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a feedback type field, which is used to indicate the status or request type of the first access point querying the site.

[0257] The second frame is used to indicate the status or requirement of the site in response to the query in the first frame.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a first indication field, which is used to calculate the first resource unit set.

[0259] In some embodiments, the processing module 420 is further configured to:

[0260] The first resource unit set is determined based on the identification information of the first access point and the first indication field.

[0261] In some embodiments, the processing module 420 is further configured to:

[0262] Based on the status or requirements of the site, a target subcarrier group is determined in the first resource unit set, wherein the first resource unit set includes multiple subcarrier groups, and the multiple subcarrier groups correspond to multiple statuses or requirements of the site.

[0263] In some embodiments, the sending module 430 is further configured to:

[0264] The station transmits the second frame on the target subcarrier group.

[0265] Optionally, in some embodiments, the aforementioned transmitting or receiving module may be a communication interface or transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or system-on-a-chip.

[0266] It should be understood that the apparatus 400 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the station in the method embodiments of this application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the apparatus 400 are respectively for implementing Figures 7 to 12 The corresponding processes of the site in the method embodiment shown are not described in detail here for the sake of simplicity.

[0267] Figure 14 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 500 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication device 500 may be a first access point, or a component within the first access point, such as a chip, circuit, or module.

[0268] like Figure 14 As shown, the communication device 500 includes:

[0269] The sending module 510 is used to send a first frame, wherein the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the site, wherein the communication device is a first access point, or the communication device is set in a first access point, the first access point is an access point associated with the site, and the first access point is an access point in a multi-access point collaboration set.

[0270] The receiving module 520 is configured to receive a second frame on a first resource unit set, wherein the second frame is used to respond to the query of the first access point, and the first resource unit set is a resource unit set used by the site associated with the first access point to respond to the second frame;

[0271] The sending module 510 is further configured to: provide feedback on the status or requirements of the site to the second access point, wherein the second access point is the main access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set.

[0272] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 further includes:

[0273] The processing module is configured to determine the first resource unit set based on the identification information of the first access point and the first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship is the mapping relationship between the identification information of the access point and the resource unit set.

[0274] In some embodiments, the receiving module 520 is further configured to: obtain frame parameters for sending the first frame from the second access point.

[0275] In some embodiments, the frame parameters for sending the first frame include at least one of the following:

[0276] The parameter setting information of the TA field in the first frame;

[0277] The parameter settings information of the public information field in the first frame;

[0278] The parameter settings information of the user information field in the first frame;

[0279] The transmission mode information of the first frame;

[0280] The transmission time information of the first frame.

[0281] In some embodiments, the parameter setting information of the TA field in the first frame is used to indicate that the TA field of the first frame is set to the address of the primary access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set, or to the address used for the multi-access point collaboration set.

[0282] In some embodiments, the transmission mode information of the first frame is used to instruct the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set to transmit the first frame simultaneously, or to transmit the first frame sequentially.

[0283] In some embodiments, the receiving module 520 is further configured to:

[0284] Receive a third frame sent by the second access point, the third frame including frame parameters for sending the first frame; or

[0285] The frame parameters for sending the first frame are obtained from the second access point via a wired connection.

[0286] In some embodiments, the sending module 510 is further configured to:

[0287] The first frame is sent after the first time interval following the receipt of the third frame; or

[0288] The first frame is sent according to the transmission time information of the first frame indicated in the third frame.

[0289] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a send address (TA) field, the TA field being set to one of the following:

[0290] The address of the primary access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set;

[0291] Addresses used for the multi-access point cooperation set;

[0292] The address of the first access point.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first frame is used to inquire whether the site has an uplink transmission requirement;

[0294] The second frame is used to indicate whether the site has an uplink transmission requirement.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a feedback type field, wherein the feedback type field takes a first value indicating that the first frame is used to inquire whether the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set have uplink transmission requirements, or the feedback type field takes a second value indicating that the first frame is used to inquire whether the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set have uplink low-latency data transmission requirements.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a feedback type field, which is used to indicate the status or request type of the first access point querying the site.

[0297] The second frame is used to indicate the status or requirement of the site in response to the query in the first frame.

[0298] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a first indication field, which is used to calculate the first resource unit set.

[0299] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 further includes:

[0300] The processing module is used to determine the first resource unit set based on the identification information of the first access point and the first indication field.

[0301] Optionally, in some embodiments, the aforementioned transmitting or receiving module unit may be a communication interface or transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or system-on-a-chip. The aforementioned processing module may be one or more processors.

[0302] It should be understood that the apparatus 500 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the first access point in the method embodiments of this application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the apparatus 500 are respectively for implementing Figures 7 to 12 The corresponding process of the first access point in the embodiment will not be described in detail here for the sake of simplicity.

[0303] Figure 15 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 600 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication device 600 may be a second access point, or a component within the second access point, such as a chip, circuit, or module.

[0304] like Figure 15 As shown, the communication device 600 includes:

[0305] The sending module 610 is used to provide frame parameters for sending a first frame to the first access point, wherein the first access point and the second access point belong to a multi-access point cooperation set, the first access point is a slave access point or a shared access point in the multi-access point cooperation set, the second access point is a master access point or a shared access point in the multi-access point cooperation set, the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point cooperation set, and the communication device 600 is the second access point, or the communication device is set in the second access point;

[0306] The receiving module 620 is used to receive the status or requirements of the site from the first access point.

[0307] In some embodiments, the sending module 610 is further configured to:

[0308] The first frame is sent based on the frame parameters used to send the first frame.

[0309] In some embodiments, the frame parameters for sending the first frame include at least one of the following:

[0310] The parameter setting information of the TA field in the first frame;

[0311] The parameter settings information of the public information field in the first frame;

[0312] The parameter settings information of the user information field in the first frame;

[0313] The transmission mode information of the first frame;

[0314] The transmission time information of the first frame.

[0315] In some embodiments, the parameter setting information of the TA field in the first frame is used to indicate that the TA field of the first frame is set to the address of the primary access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set, or to the address used for the multi-access point collaboration set.

[0316] In some embodiments, the transmission mode information of the first frame is used to instruct the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set to transmit the first frame simultaneously, or to transmit the first frame sequentially.

[0317] In some embodiments, the communication device 600 further includes:

[0318] The sending module is configured to send a third frame to the first access point, the third frame including frame parameters for sending the first frame; or to obtain the frame parameters for sending the first frame from the second access point via a wired connection.

[0319] In some embodiments, the communication device 600 further includes:

[0320] The sending module is configured to send the first frame after a first time interval following the receipt of the third frame; or

[0321] The first frame is sent according to the transmission time information of the first frame indicated in the third frame.

[0322] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a send address (TA) field, the TA field being set to one of the following:

[0323] The address of the primary access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set;

[0324] Addresses used for the multi-access point cooperation set;

[0325] The address of the first access point.

[0326] In some embodiments, the first frame is used to inquire whether the site has an uplink transmission requirement;

[0327] The second frame is used to indicate whether the site has an uplink transmission requirement.

[0328] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a feedback type field, wherein the feedback type field takes a first value indicating that the first frame is used to inquire whether the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set have uplink transmission requirements, or the feedback type field takes a second value indicating that the first frame is used to inquire whether the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set have uplink low-latency data transmission requirements.

[0329] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a feedback type field, which is used to indicate the status or request type of the first access point querying the site.

[0330] The second frame is used to indicate the status or requirement of the site in response to the query in the first frame.

[0331] In some embodiments, the first frame includes a first indication field, which is used to calculate the first resource unit set.

[0332] Optionally, in some embodiments, the aforementioned transmitting or receiving module unit may be a communication interface or transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or system-on-a-chip. The aforementioned processing module may be one or more processors.

[0333] It should be understood that the apparatus 600 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the second access point in the method embodiments of this application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the apparatus 600 are respectively for implementing Figures 7 to 12 The corresponding process for the second access point in the embodiment will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0334] Figure 16 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 16 The communication device 700 shown includes a processor 710, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0335] Optionally, such as Figure 16 As shown, the communication device 700 may further include a memory 720. The processor 710 can call and run a computer program from the memory 720 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application. For example, when the communication device 700 is a station, the processor 710 can call and run a computer program from the memory 720 to implement the various steps of the method embodiments executed by the station, achieving the same technical effect. When the communication device 700 is a first access point or a second access point, the processor 710 can call and run a computer program from the memory 720 to implement the various steps of the method embodiments executed by the first access point or the second access point, achieving the same technical effect.

[0336] Alternatively, the memory 720 may be a separate device independent of the processor 710, or it may be integrated into the processor 710.

[0337] Optionally, such as Figure 16As shown, the communication device 700 may also include a transceiver 730, and the processor 710 may control the transceiver 730 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0338] Optionally, transceiver 730 may include a transmitter and a receiver. Transceiver 730 may further include antennas, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0339] Figure 17 This is a schematic structural diagram of the chip according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 17 The chip 800 shown includes a processor 810, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0340] Optionally, such as Figure 17 As shown, chip 800 may further include memory 820. Processor 810 can retrieve and run computer programs from memory 820 to implement the methods described in this embodiment.

[0341] Alternatively, the memory 820 may be a separate device independent of the processor 810, or it may be integrated into the processor 810.

[0342] Optionally, the chip 800 may also include an input interface 830. The processor 810 can control the input interface 830 to communicate with other devices or chips, for example, to acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0343] Optionally, the chip 800 may also include an output interface 840. The processor 810 can control the output interface 840 to communicate with other devices or chips, for example, to output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0344] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the first access point in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the first access point in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0345] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the second access point in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the second access point in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0346] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the site in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the site in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0347] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0348] Figure 18 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 18 As shown, the communication system 900 includes a site 910 and an access point 920.

[0349] The station 910 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the station in the above method, and the access point 920 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the first access point and / or the second access point in the above method. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0350] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the steps of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor described above can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0351] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0352] It should be understood that the above-described memory is exemplary and not a limiting description. For example, the memory in the embodiments of this application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DR RAM), etc. That is to say, the memory in the embodiments of this application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0353] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the various processes of the above method embodiments.

[0354] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the first access point in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the first access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0355] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the second access point in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the second access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0356] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the site in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the site in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0357] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0358] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the first access point in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the first access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0359] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the second access point in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the second access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0360] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the site in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the site in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0361] This application also provides a computer program. When executed by a processor, this computer program implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0362] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the first access point in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the first access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0363] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the second access point in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the second access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0364] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the site in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the site in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0365] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0366] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0367] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0368] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0369] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0370] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they 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 a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a 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 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.

[0371] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The site receives a first frame sent by a first access point, wherein the first frame is used to inquire about the status or needs of the site, wherein the first access point is an access point associated with the site, and the first access point is an access point in a multi-access point collaboration set. The site determines the first resource unit set based on the first access point; The station sends a second frame on the first resource unit set, the second frame being used to respond to the query from the first access point.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The site determines a first resource unit set based on the first access point, including: The station determines the first resource unit set based on the identification information of the first access point and the first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship is the mapping relationship between the identification information of the access point and the resource unit set.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first frame includes a send address (TA) field, which is set to one of the following: The address of the primary access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set; Addresses used for the multi-access point cooperation set; The address of the first access point.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first frame is used to inquire whether the site has an uplink transmission requirement; The second frame is used to indicate whether the site has an uplink transmission requirement.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first frame includes a feedback type field, wherein the feedback type field takes a first value to indicate that the first frame is used to inquire whether the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set have uplink transmission requirements, or the feedback type field takes a second value to indicate that the first frame is used to inquire whether the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set have uplink low-latency data transmission requirements.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first frame includes a feedback type field, which is used to indicate the status or request type of the query made by the first access point to the site; The second frame is used to indicate the status or requirement of the site in response to the query in the first frame.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first frame includes a first indication field, which is used to calculate the first resource unit set.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The site determines a first resource unit set based on the first access point, including: The site determines the first resource unit set based on the identification information of the first access point and the first indication field.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The station determines a target subcarrier group in the first resource unit set according to the station's status or needs. The first resource unit set includes multiple subcarrier groups, which correspond to multiple statuses or needs of the station. Wherein, the station sends a second frame on the first resource unit set, including: The station transmits the second frame on the target subcarrier group.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first access point sends a first frame, wherein the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the site, wherein the first access point is the access point associated with the site, and the first access point is an access point in a multi-access point collaboration set. The first access point receives a second frame on a first resource unit set, wherein the second frame is used to respond to the query of the first access point, and the first resource unit set is a resource unit set used by the site associated with the first access point to respond to the second frame; The first access point feeds back the status or needs of the site to the second access point, which is the main access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first access point determines the first resource unit set based on its identification information and the first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship is the mapping relationship between the access point's identification information and the resource unit set.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, Before the first access point sends the first frame, the method further includes: The first access point obtains the frame parameters for sending the first frame from the second access point.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The frame parameters used to send the first frame include at least one of the following: The parameter setting information of the TA field in the first frame; The parameter settings information of the public information field in the first frame; The parameter settings information of the user information field in the first frame; The transmission mode information of the first frame; The transmission time information of the first frame.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The parameter setting information of the TA field in the first frame is used to indicate that the TA field of the first frame is set to the address of the primary access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set, or to the address used for the multi-access point collaboration set.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The transmission mode information of the first frame is used to instruct the access points in the multi-access point cooperation set to transmit the first frame simultaneously, or to transmit the first frame sequentially.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The first access point obtains frame parameters for sending the first frame from the second access point, including: The first access point receives a third frame sent by the second access point, the third frame including frame parameters for sending the first frame; or The first access point obtains the frame parameters for sending the first frame from the second access point via a wired connection.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first access point sends the first frame after a first time interval following the receipt of the third frame; or The first access point sends the first frame according to the transmission time information of the first frame indicated in the third frame.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The second access point provides the first access point with frame parameters for sending the first frame, wherein the first access point and the second access point belong to a multi-access point collaboration set, the first access point is a slave access point or a shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set, the second access point is a master access point or a shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set, and the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point collaboration set. The second access point receives the status or requirements of the site from the first access point.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, After the second access point provides frame parameters for sending the first frame to the first access point, the method further includes: The second access point sends the first frame based on the frame parameters used to send the first frame.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A receiving module is configured to receive a first frame sent by a first access point, wherein the first frame is used to inquire about the status or needs of the site, wherein the first access point is an access point associated with the site, the first access point is an access point in a multi-access point collaboration group, and the communication device is the site, or the communication device is located in the site. The processing module is used to determine the first resource unit set based on the first access point; The sending module is used to send a second frame on the first resource unit set, the second frame being used to respond to the query from the first access point.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A sending module is used to send a first frame, wherein the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the site, wherein the communication device is a first access point, or the communication device is set in a first access point, the first access point is an access point associated with the site, and the first access point is an access point in a multi-access point collaboration set. A receiving module is configured to receive a second frame on a first resource unit set, wherein the second frame is used to respond to an inquiry from the first access point, and the first resource unit set is a resource unit set used by the site associated with the first access point to respond to the second frame; The sending module is also used to: feed back the status or requirements of the site to the second access point, which is the main access point or shared access point in the multi-access point collaboration set.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A sending module is used to provide frame parameters to a first access point for sending a first frame, wherein the first access point and the second access point belong to a multi-access point cooperation set, the first access point is a slave access point or a shared access point in the multi-access point cooperation set, the second access point is a master access point or a shared access point in the multi-access point cooperation set, the first frame is used to query the status or needs of the sites associated with the access points in the multi-access point cooperation set, and the communication device is the second access point, or the communication device is set in the second access point; The receiving module is used to receive the status or requirements of the site from the first access point.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 19.

24. A chip, characterized in that, include: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device having the chip mounted to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 19.

25. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program that causes a computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 19.

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