Communication methods and communication devices

Abstract

This application supports IEEE protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be / WiFi7 / EHT, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / WiFi8, Integrated mmWave / IMMW, IEEE 802.15 / UWB, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing. This application provides a communication method and a communication apparatus. The communication method includes: generating a first frame, the first frame including first information; and transmitting the first frame, the first information indicating the number of spatial streams and modulation and coding strategies supported by a first station under a first bandwidth, wherein the first bandwidth is greater than the bandwidth of the basic service set. In the above technical solution, parameter support can be provided for the rational utilization of the first bandwidth, which helps to optimize the utilization of bandwidth in the basic service set.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The original application has the application number 202510912645.0 and the original application date is July 2, 2025. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a communication network established between devices within a local area using wireless communication technology. WLAN replaces traditional wired computer networks, enabling network services such as information transmission and resource sharing between devices.

[0004] In a WLAN system, after an access point (AP) establishes a basic service set, it can claim the basic service set bandwidth of the current basic service set to non-access point stations (non-AP STAs) associated with that AP.

[0005] As the channel load around the access points in the basic service set changes, the available bandwidth for communication may exceed the bandwidth of the basic service set. How to better utilize the available bandwidth is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and a communication device to optimize the utilization of centralized bandwidth for basic services.

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first station (e.g., the device in which the first station is located), or by components of the first station (e.g., processors, circuits, chips, or chip systems, such as modem chips, baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips or system-in-package (SIP) chips containing modem cores), or by logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first station. For ease of description, the following explanation uses execution by the first station as an example.

[0008] The method is applied to a first site and includes: generating a first frame, the first frame including first information; sending the first frame to a second site, the first information being used to indicate the number of spatial streams supported by the first site under N first bandwidths and the modulation and coding strategies supported by the first site under the N first bandwidths, the first bandwidth being greater than the BSS bandwidth of the basic service set (BSS) to which the first site and the second site belong, and N being a positive integer.

[0009] Specifically, the first station and the second station belong to the same BSS, and the first station indicates to the second station via the first frame the number of spatial streams (NSS) and the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) that the first station supports under a first bandwidth greater than the BSS bandwidth. The NSS and MCS can be used for communication between the first station and the second station under the first bandwidth.

[0010] NSS and MCS are important parameters for communication. The lack of NSS and MCS support under the first bandwidth may cause the second station to be unable to communicate with the first station using the first bandwidth due to the lack of parameters.

[0011] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, the first information is used to indicate the number of spatial streams supported by the first station under N first bandwidths and the modulation and coding strategies supported by the first station under the N first bandwidths. This can provide parameter support for the second station to make reasonable use of the first bandwidth, so that the second station can have the ability to flexibly use large bandwidth for communication when permitted.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the first frame may also include second information indicating the value of N and / or the size of the N first bandwidths.

[0013] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, the second information is used to indicate the value of N and / or the size of the N first bandwidths, which helps the information indicated by the first frame to be used reasonably and avoids the incorrect correspondence between the parsed NSS and MCS and the size of the first bandwidth.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the second information is a bitmap, in which N first bits correspond to the N first bandwidths, and the value of the first bit is a first value.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the second information is a number field, which is used to indicate that the number of the first bandwidths is N.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the second information is a first bandwidth field and a number field, the first bandwidth field being used to indicate the size of one of the first bandwidths, and the number field being used to indicate that the number of the first bandwidths is N.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the second information is a first bandwidth field and a second bandwidth field, wherein the first bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the smallest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths, and the second bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the largest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the second information is located in the same field as the first information.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the number of spatial streams (NSS) supported by the first station under the bandwidth includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS, and the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the first station under the bandwidth includes a first MCS and a second MCS. The first information includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the first MCS, and the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the second MCS.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the first station under this bandwidth also includes a third MCS; the first information is carried in the MCS graph field, and the first information includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the first MCS, the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the second MCS, and the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the third MCS.

[0021] Because the size of NSS, MCS, and the first bandwidth are related, or rather, the size of NSS, MCS, and the first bandwidth are mutually restrictive / corresponding, the division of MCS can facilitate accurate and reasonable indication of the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported under the first MCS, and the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported under the second MCS.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in a first element, which is a dynamic bandwidth expansion element or an ultra-high reliability capability element.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the first element is an ultra-high reliability capability element, the first information is carried in a dynamic bandwidth extension field, the ultra-high reliability capability element also includes an ultra-high reliability media access control capability information field, and the ultra-high reliability media access control capability information field contains an indication that the ultra-high reliability capability element includes the dynamic bandwidth extension field.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the first frame also includes third information indicating the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site, which is greater than the BSS bandwidth.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the first site is a non-access point site, the second site is an access point, and the first frame is any of the following: an association request frame; a link reconfiguration request frame.

[0026] By improving existing frames (association request frames or link reconfiguration request frames), it is possible to indicate the NSS and BSS supported by the first site under the first bandwidth, thus avoiding the introduction of new frames into the communication system.

[0027] In some possible implementations, the first site is a non-access point site, the second site is an access point, and the first frame is a request frame to enable dynamic bandwidth extension.

[0028] By using a dedicated request frame to enable dynamic bandwidth expansion, it is possible to flexibly indicate the NSS and BSS supported by the first site under the first bandwidth, without relying on the communication flow of existing frames in the communication system.

[0029] For example, the second site is an access point (AP), and the first site is a non-access point station (non-AP STA).

[0030] In some possible implementations, the first site is an access point, the second site is a non-access point site, and the first frame is any of the following: a beacon frame; a probe response frame; or an association response frame.

[0031] By improving existing frames (beacon frames, probe response frames, or associated response frames), it is possible to indicate the NSS and BSS supported by the first station under the first bandwidth, thus avoiding the introduction of new frames into the communication system.

[0032] In some possible implementations, the first site is an access point, the second site is a non-access point site, and the first frame is any of the following: a dynamic bandwidth expansion enable frame; a dynamic bandwidth expansion bandwidth update frame.

[0033] By using a dedicated dynamic bandwidth expansion (DBE) enable frame or dynamic bandwidth expansion update frame, it is possible to flexibly indicate the NSS and BSS supported by the first station under the first bandwidth, without relying on the communication flow of existing frames in the communication system.

[0034] For example, the first site is an AP, and the second site is a non-AP STA.

[0035] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second station (e.g., the device in which the second station is located), or by components of the second station (e.g., processors, circuits, chips, or chip systems, such as modem chips, baseband chips, or SoC chips or SIP chips containing modem cores), or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second station. For ease of description, the following explanation uses the execution by the second station as an example.

[0036] The method is applied to a second site and includes: receiving a first frame from a first site, the first frame including first information; parsing the first frame, the first information being used to indicate the number of spatial streams supported by the first site under N first bandwidths and the modulation and coding strategies supported by the first site under the N first bandwidths, the first bandwidth being greater than the BSS bandwidth of the basic service set (BSS) to which the first site and the second site belong, and N being a positive integer.

[0037] In some possible implementations, the first frame may also include second information indicating the value of N and / or the size of the N first bandwidths.

[0038] In some possible implementations, the second information is a bitmap, in which N first bits correspond to the N first bandwidths, and the value of the first bit is a first value.

[0039] In some possible implementations, the second information is a number field, which is used to indicate that the number of the first bandwidths is N.

[0040] In some possible implementations, the second information is a first bandwidth field and a number field, the first bandwidth field being used to indicate the size of one of the first bandwidths, and the number field being used to indicate that the number of the first bandwidths is N.

[0041] In some possible implementations, the second information is a first bandwidth field and a second bandwidth field, wherein the first bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the smallest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths, and the second bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the largest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths.

[0042] In some possible implementations, the second information is located in the same field as the first information.

[0043] In some possible implementations, the number of spatial streams (NSS) supported by the first station under the bandwidth includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS, and the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the first station under the bandwidth includes a first MCS and a second MCS. The first information includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the first MCS, and the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the second MCS.

[0044] In some possible implementations, the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the first station under this bandwidth also includes a third MCS; the first information is carried in the MCS graph field, and the first information includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the first MCS, the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the second MCS, and the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the third MCS.

[0045] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in a first element, which is a dynamic bandwidth expansion element or an ultra-high reliability capability element.

[0046] In some possible implementations, the first element is an ultra-high reliability capability element, the first information is carried in a dynamic bandwidth extension field, the ultra-high reliability capability element also includes an ultra-high reliability media access control capability information field, and the ultra-high reliability media access control capability information field contains an indication that the ultra-high reliability capability element includes the dynamic bandwidth extension field.

[0047] In some possible implementations, the first frame also includes third information indicating the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site, which is greater than the BSS bandwidth.

[0048] In some possible implementations, the first site is a non-access point site, the second site is an access point, and the first frame is any of the following: an association request frame; a link reconfiguration request frame.

[0049] In some possible implementations, the first site is a non-access point site, the second site is an access point, and the first frame is a request frame to enable dynamic bandwidth extension.

[0050] For example, the second site is an access point (AP), and the first site is a non-access point station (non-AP STA).

[0051] In some possible implementations, the first site is an access point, the second site is a non-access point site, and the first frame is any of the following: a beacon frame; a probe response frame; or an association response frame.

[0052] In some possible implementations, the first site is an access point, the second site is a non-access point site, and the first frame is any of the following: a dynamic bandwidth expansion enable frame; a dynamic bandwidth expansion bandwidth update frame.

[0053] For example, the first site is an AP, and the second site is a non-AP STA.

[0054] The second aspect above and its possible design or technical effects can be referred to the first aspect and its possible design or technical effects, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] Thirdly, a communication device is provided for performing the method provided in the first aspect. The communication device may be a first station, or a component of the first station (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system, such as a modem chip, baseband chip, or system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first station.

[0056] Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided by any of the above-described implementations of the first aspect.

[0057] The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is used to generate a first frame, which includes first information. The transceiver unit is used to send the first frame to a second station. The first information is used to indicate the number of spatial streams supported by the first station under N first bandwidths and the modulation and coding strategies supported by the first station under the N first bandwidths. The first bandwidth is greater than the BSS bandwidth of the basic service set (BSS) to which the first station and the second station belong, and N is a positive integer.

[0058] In some possible implementations, the first frame may also include second information indicating the value of N and / or the size of the N first bandwidths.

[0059] In some possible implementations, the second information is a bitmap, in which N first bits correspond to the N first bandwidths, and the value of the first bit is a first value.

[0060] In some possible implementations, the second information is a number field, which is used to indicate that the number of the first bandwidths is N.

[0061] In some possible implementations, the second information is a first bandwidth field and a number field, the first bandwidth field being used to indicate the size of one of the first bandwidths, and the number field being used to indicate that the number of the first bandwidths is N.

[0062] In some possible implementations, the second information is a first bandwidth field and a second bandwidth field, wherein the first bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the smallest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths, and the second bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the largest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths.

[0063] In some possible implementations, the second information is located in the same field as the first information.

[0064] In some possible implementations, the number of spatial streams (NSS) supported by the first station under the bandwidth includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS, and the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the first station under the bandwidth includes a first MCS and a second MCS. The first information includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the first MCS, and the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the second MCS.

[0065] In some possible implementations, the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the first station under this bandwidth also includes a third MCS; the first information is carried in the MCS graph field, and the first information includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the first MCS, the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the second MCS, and the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the third MCS.

[0066] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in a first element, which is a dynamic bandwidth expansion element or an ultra-high reliability capability element.

[0067] In some possible implementations, the first element is an ultra-high reliability capability element, the first information is carried in a dynamic bandwidth extension field, the ultra-high reliability capability element also includes an ultra-high reliability media access control capability information field, and the ultra-high reliability media access control capability information field contains an indication that the ultra-high reliability capability element includes the dynamic bandwidth extension field.

[0068] In some possible implementations, the first frame also includes third information indicating the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site, which is greater than the BSS bandwidth.

[0069] In some possible implementations, the first site is a non-access point site, the second site is an access point, and the first frame is any of the following: an association request frame; a link reconfiguration request frame.

[0070] In some possible implementations, the first site is a non-access point site, the second site is an access point, and the first frame is a request frame to enable dynamic bandwidth extension.

[0071] In some possible implementations, the first site is an access point, the second site is a non-access point site, and the first frame is any of the following: a beacon frame; a probe response frame; or an association response frame.

[0072] In some possible implementations, the first site is an access point, the second site is a non-access point site, and the first frame is any of the following: a dynamic bandwidth expansion enable frame; a dynamic bandwidth expansion bandwidth update frame.

[0073] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor.

[0074] In some possible implementations, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit.

[0075] In some possible implementations, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0076] In other possible implementations, the communication device may be a chip, chip system, or circuit, and the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0077] The third aspect above and its possible design or technical effects can be referred to the first aspect and its possible design or technical effects, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] Fourthly, a communication device is provided for performing the method provided in the second aspect above. The communication device can be a second station, or it can be a component of the second station (e.g., a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system, such as a modem chip, baseband chip, or system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core), or it can be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second station.

[0079] Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules for performing the methods provided in any of the above-described implementations of the second aspect.

[0080] The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive a first frame from a first station, the first frame including first information. The processing unit is used to parse the first frame, the first information being used to indicate the number of spatial streams supported by the first station under N first bandwidths and the modulation and coding strategies supported by the first station under the N first bandwidths. The first bandwidth is greater than the BSS bandwidth of the basic service set (BSS) to which the first station and the second station belong, and N is a positive integer.

[0081] In some possible implementations, the first frame may also include second information indicating the value of N and / or the size of the N first bandwidths.

[0082] In some possible implementations, the second information is a bitmap, in which N first bits correspond to the N first bandwidths, and the value of the first bit is a first value.

[0083] In some possible implementations, the second information is a number field, which is used to indicate that the number of the first bandwidths is N.

[0084] In some possible implementations, the second information is a first bandwidth field and a number field, the first bandwidth field being used to indicate the size of one of the first bandwidths, and the number field being used to indicate that the number of the first bandwidths is N.

[0085] In some possible implementations, the second information is a first bandwidth field and a second bandwidth field, wherein the first bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the smallest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths, and the second bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the largest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths.

[0086] In some possible implementations, the second information is located in the same field as the first information.

[0087] In some possible implementations, the number of spatial streams (NSS) supported by the first station under the bandwidth includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS, and the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the first station under the bandwidth includes a first MCS and a second MCS. The first information includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the first MCS, and the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the second MCS.

[0088] In some possible implementations, the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the first station under this bandwidth also includes a third MCS; the first information is carried in the MCS graph field, and the first information includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the first MCS, the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the second MCS, and the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the third MCS.

[0089] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in a first element, which is a dynamic bandwidth expansion element or an ultra-high reliability capability element.

[0090] In some possible implementations, the first element is an ultra-high reliability capability element, the first information is carried in a dynamic bandwidth extension field, the ultra-high reliability capability element also includes an ultra-high reliability media access control capability information field, and the ultra-high reliability media access control capability information field contains an indication that the ultra-high reliability capability element includes the dynamic bandwidth extension field.

[0091] In some possible implementations, the first frame also includes third information indicating the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site, which is greater than the BSS bandwidth.

[0092] In some possible implementations, the first site is a non-access point site, the second site is an access point, and the first frame is any of the following: an association request frame; a link reconfiguration request frame.

[0093] In some possible implementations, the first site is a non-access point site, the second site is an access point, and the first frame is a request frame to enable dynamic bandwidth extension.

[0094] In some possible implementations, the first site is an access point, the second site is a non-access point site, and the first frame is any of the following: a beacon frame; a probe response frame; or an association response frame.

[0095] In some possible implementations, the first site is an access point, the second site is a non-access point site, and the first frame is any of the following: a dynamic bandwidth expansion enable frame; a dynamic bandwidth expansion bandwidth update frame.

[0096] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor.

[0097] In some possible implementations, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit.

[0098] In some possible implementations, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0099] In other possible implementations, the communication device may be a chip, chip system, or circuit, and the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0100] The fourth aspect above and its possible design or technical effects can be referred to the second aspect or the first aspect and its possible design or technical effects, and will not be repeated here.

[0101] Fifthly, this application provides a chip system for executing the method provided in any of the implementations of the first or second aspect described above.

[0102] In some possible implementations, the chip system includes a processor for calling and running a computer program from memory, such that the method provided by any of the first or second aspects described above is executed.

[0103] In some possible implementations, the chip system also includes memory.

[0104] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0105] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores program code for execution by a device, the program code including a method for performing any implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0106] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed by a processor or a communication device, causes a computer to perform the method provided by any implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0107] Eighthly, a chip is provided, the chip including one or more processors and a communication interface, wherein the processor reads a computer program or instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided by any implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0108] In some possible implementations, as one approach, the chip also includes a memory storing computer programs or instructions, and a processor for executing the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to perform the methods provided by any of the implementations of the first or second aspect described above.

[0109] Ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a first station for performing any implementation of the first aspect and a second station for performing any implementation of the second aspect.

[0110] The specific implementation and beneficial effects of any of the possible implementations of aspects five through nine above can be referred to the descriptions of aspects one or two above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0111] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of an embodiment of this application.

[0112] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0113] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the dynamic bandwidth extension element provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0114] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the ultra-high reliability capability element provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0115] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of a dynamic bandwidth expansion enable frame or a dynamic bandwidth expansion bandwidth update frame provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0116] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of an ultra-high throughput capability element provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0117] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of the ultra-high reliability capability element provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0118] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure for configuring sub-elements for each non-access point site provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0119] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0120] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0121] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0122] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0123] In this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message as indicating A, it can include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0124] The information indicated by the instruction is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0125] In this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, "at least one item" refers to one or more items, and "more than one" refers to two or more items. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., "#1," "#2," etc.) are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the processes below do not imply an order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the objects described in this way can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application. Moreover, in the embodiments of this application, terms such as "S210" are merely identifiers for descriptive convenience and do not limit the order of execution steps.

[0126] In the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily," "as," "for example," or "for instance" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplarily," "as," "for example," or "for instance" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplarily," "as," "for example," or "for instance" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0127] In the embodiments of this application, "storage" can refer to storage in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application is not limited to this.

[0128] In the implementation of this application, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as New Radio (NR) protocols, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) protocols in the field of communications, and related protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit this term.

[0129] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "of", "corresponding (relevant)", "corresponding", and "associate" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their differences are not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0130] In the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "under certain circumstances," "when," "if," and "if..." all refer to the device taking corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and do not limit the time, nor do they require the device to perform a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations. In this application, "under certain circumstances," "when," "if," and "if..." can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their distinctions are not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0131] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0132] In the embodiments of this application, the names of messages, information, devices, fields, frames, and elements are merely examples. This application does not impose any limitations on message names, information names, device names, field names, frame names, element names, etc., as long as they can achieve the corresponding functions.

[0133] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information / frame to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information / frame being XX. "Sending information / frame" can include direct transmission or indirect transmission through other units or modules. "Receiving information / frame from YY" can be understood as the source of the information / frame being YY. "Receiving information / frame" can include direct reception from YY or indirect reception from YY through other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. For example, a modem or system-on-a-chip (e.g., SoC chip or SIP chip) transmits or receives signals. "Send" or "receive" can also be performed by device components, for example, by using buses, traces, or interfaces to transmit or receive signals through several parts, modules, or chips of a device.

[0134] The "protocol" involved in the embodiments of this application may refer to IEEE protocols in the field of communication, such as IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / Extremely High Throughput (EHT) protocol, IEEE 802.11bn / Ultra High Reliability (UHR) / Wi-Fi 8 protocol, IEEE Integrated mmWave / IMMW protocol, IEEE 802.15 / Ultra Wide Band (UWB) protocol, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing protocol, etc.; the "protocol" involved in the embodiments of this application may also refer to "Spark Link / NearLink protocol", etc.; this application does not limit it in this respect.

[0135] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0136] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios, such as scenarios supporting IEEE 802.11 related standards, such as 802.11a / b / g standards, 802.11n standards, 802.11ac standards, 802.11ax standards, and IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocols, such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, EHT, 802.11ad, 802.11ay, or 802.11bf, as well as 802.11be next-generation, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8, etc. They can also be applied to ultra-wideband (UWB) based WLAN systems, such as the 802.15 series standards, and to sensing systems, such as the 802.11bf series standards. Furthermore, they can be applied to 802.11bq, Integrated... mmWave / Integrated Millimeter Wave / IMMW protocol. Among them, the 802.11n standard is called the high throughput (HT) standard, the 802.11ac standard is called the very high throughput (VHT) standard, the 802.11ax standard is called the high efficient (HE) standard, and the 802.11be standard is called the EHT standard. 802.11bf includes two main categories of standards: low frequency (e.g., sub-7 GHz) and high frequency (e.g., 60 GHz). The sub-7 GHz implementation mainly relies on 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, and next-generation standards, while the 60 GHz implementation mainly relies on 802.11ad, 802.11ay, and next-generation standards. Among them, 802.11ad can also be called the directional multi-gigabit (DMG) standard, and 802.11ay can also be called the enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) standard.

[0137] WLAN is a communication network established between devices within a local area using wireless communication technology. WLAN replaces traditional wired computer networks, enabling network services such as information transmission and resource sharing between devices.

[0138] Although the embodiments of this application are mainly illustrated with the deployment of WLAN networks, especially networks using the IEEE 802.11 system standard, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects involved in the embodiments of this application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, such as high performance radio local area networks (HIPERLAN), wireless wide area networks (WWAN), wireless personal area networks (WPAN), or other networks that are now known or will be developed in the future.

[0139] Alternatively, the technical solutions of this application can be applied to Internet of Things (IoT) networks, vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks, and other networks, etc., without specific limitation. For example, the application scenarios of this application can be IoT networks based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, V2X networks based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, or other networks based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. The IEEE 802.11 family of standards can be IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11be, the next-generation IEEE 802.11 standard of IEEE 802.11be, etc. The technical solutions of this application can also be applied to other WLAN networks with future standard protocols. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0140] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can also be applied to various communication systems, such as: WLAN communication systems, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, and 5G (5G) communication systems. thgeneration, 5G) system, sixth generation (6G) th Generation (6G) systems, NR systems, future communication systems, IoT networks, or V2X, etc.

[0141] The communication systems described above that are applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples, and the communication systems applicable to this application are not limited to these. They will be uniformly described here and will not be repeated below.

[0142] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an applicable scenario of an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication method provided in this application is applicable to data communication between stations (STAs). A station can be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA), referred to as an AP and a non-AP station, respectively. An AP can connect to a communication network such as the Internet and can be associated with one or more non-AP stations, which can access the network through the AP. Uplink and / or downlink communication can occur between the AP and the associated non-AP stations.

[0143] Specifically, Figure 1 The scenarios shown apply to data communication between an AP and one or more non-AP sites (e.g., data communication between access point AP#1 and non-AP site STA#1; or data communication between access point AP#1 and non-AP site STA#1 and data communication between AP#1 and non-AP site STA#2), as well as data communication between APs (e.g., data communication between access point AP#1 and access point AP#2), and data communication between non-AP sites STA (e.g., data communication between non-AP site STA#2 and non-AP site STA#3).

[0144] An access point (AP) serves as a node for terminals (such as mobile phones) to access a wired (or wireless) network. It is primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. However, it can also be deployed outdoors. An access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet.

[0145] Specifically, an access point (AP) can be a terminal or network device with a Wi-Fi chip, or it can be a terminal or network device including a chip for accessing wired (wireless) networks. This network device can be a server, router, switch, bridge, computer, mobile phone, relay station, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, network equipment in 5G networks, network equipment in 6G networks / future communication networks, or network equipment in public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc., without limitation. The access point can be a device that supports Wi-Fi standards. For example, an access point (AP) can also support one or more standards from the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11ad, and 802.11ay.

[0146] Non-AP sites can be wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals, and can also be referred to as users, user equipment (UE), access terminals, user units, user stations, mobile stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote terminals, mobile devices, user terminals, terminals, wireless communication equipment, user agents, or user devices. Non-AP sites can be cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, IoT devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, terminal devices in 6G networks / future communication networks, or terminal devices in PLMNs, etc., without limitation. Non-AP sites can be devices that support WLAN standards. For example, non-AP sites can support one or more standards in the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11ad, and 802.11ay.

[0147] For example, non-AP sites can be mobile phones, tablets, laptops, set-top boxes, smart wearable devices (such as smartwatches), in-vehicle communication devices, computers, IoT nodes, sensors, smart home devices such as smart TVs, smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters, and sensors in smart cities.

[0148] The aforementioned access point (AP) or non-AP site may include a transmitter, receiver, memory, or processor, etc., wherein the transmitter and receiver are used for transmitting and receiving packet structures, respectively, the memory is used to store signaling information and pre-agreed preset values, etc., and the processor is used to parse signaling information and process related data, etc.

[0149] The method provided in this application is applicable to communication between an AP and a non-AP site, communication between APs, or communication between non-AP sites. The following description will use communication between an AP and a non-AP site as an example to illustrate the solution provided in this application.

[0150] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, some basic concepts involved in this application will be briefly explained.

[0151] 1. Basic Service Set (BSS) A WLAN system may include one or more BSSs. Network nodes in a BSS include APs and non-AP sites. A non-AP site can access an AP (that is, associate a non-AP site with an AP), while an AP can be associated with one or more non-AP sites.

[0152] After an AP establishes a BSS (Bandwidth Separate Street), it can declare its current BSS bandwidth (BW) to non-AP sites associated with it via beacon frames or probe response frames. After the declaration, the bandwidth of Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) sent and / or received between the AP and its associated non-AP sites cannot exceed this current BSS bandwidth. This current BSS bandwidth differs from the maximum bandwidth supported by the AP, and it cannot exceed the maximum bandwidth supported by the AP. Considering the load and interference conditions of each channel currently scanned by the AP, the AP may choose a bandwidth smaller than its maximum supported bandwidth as the current BSS bandwidth.

[0153] As the channel load around the AP changes, the AP can choose to update the BSS bandwidth. For example, the AP can update the BSS bandwidth directly in the beacon frame, or update the BSS bandwidth via a channel switch announcement (CSA) or extended channel switch announcement (ECSA).

[0154] However, in actual measurements, this method of updating BSS bandwidth revealed that some sites did not implement the updated BSS bandwidth, meaning it was still treated as if the BSS bandwidth had not changed. Bandwidth utilization needs optimization.

[0155] 2. Number of spatial streams (NSS) NSS is a parameter that determines the maximum physical transmission rate. In multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, NSS is generally less than or equal to the number of antennas. If the number of transmitting and receiving antennas is not equal, then NSS can be equal to or less than the minimum number of antennas at the transmitting and receiving ends.

[0156] 3. Coding and Modulation Scheme (MCS) Modulation Scheme (MCS) is an important parameter in wireless communication used to represent data transmission rate and coding efficiency. Specifically, the MCS defines the modulation scheme and the coding rate. The modulation scheme describes how data is encoded into radio waves. The coding rate describes the ratio of transmitted data to total data.

[0157] As the channel load around the AP changes, the bandwidth available to the AP may exceed the bandwidth available to the BSS. How to better utilize the available bandwidth is a problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0158] Based on this, this application provides a communication method to optimize bandwidth utilization in BSS.

[0159] The embodiments shown below do not specifically limit the structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this application. As long as communication can be performed according to the method provided in this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this application. For example, the method provided in this application can be executed by a first station. Unless otherwise specified, "first station" in this application can refer to the first station itself (e.g., an AP or a non-AP station), a component within the first station (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first station. As another example, the method provided in this application can be executed by a second station. Unless otherwise specified, "second station" in this application can refer to the second station itself (e.g., an AP or a non-AP station), a component within the second station (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second station.

[0160] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a communication method 200 applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0161] It should be understood that Figure 2 The steps or operations of this communication method are illustrated, but these steps or operations are merely examples, and other operations may be performed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 Variations of various operations within it.

[0162] Without loss of generality, the communication method provided in this application embodiment will be described in detail below using the interaction between the first station and the second station as an example. Both the first station and the second station support short-range wireless access technology. The first station acts as the transmitting device, and the second station acts as the receiving device.

[0163] Method 200 includes the following steps.

[0164] S210, the first station generates the first frame, which includes the first information.

[0165] S220, the first station sends the first frame to the second station; correspondingly, the second station receives the first frame from the first station.

[0166] The first information is used to indicate the number of spatial streams (NSS) supported by the first site under N first bandwidths and the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the first site under the N first bandwidths. The first bandwidth is greater than the BSS bandwidth of the basic service set (BSS) to which the first site and the second site belong, and N is a positive integer.

[0167] Specifically, the first station and the second station belong to the same BSS, and the first station indicates to the second station via the first frame the NSS and MCS that the first station supports under the first bandwidth (and the first bandwidth is greater than the BSS bandwidth). The NSS and MCS can be used for communication between the first station and the second station under the first bandwidth.

[0168] For example, taking a BSS bandwidth of less than or equal to 80 MHz as an example, the first bandwidth can be a bandwidth of 160 MHz or a bandwidth of 320 MHz. Both 160 MHz and 320 MHz are greater than 80 MHz, that is, the first bandwidth is greater than the BSS bandwidth.

[0169] For example, if the first station supports communication at a bandwidth of 320 MHz, then N first bandwidths can be either 160 MHz or 320 MHz, and N=2; or, if the first station supports communication at a bandwidth of 160 MHz, then N first bandwidths can be 160 MHz, and N=1.

[0170] For example, taking a BSS bandwidth of 160 MHz as an example, the first bandwidth can be a bandwidth of 320 MHz.

[0171] For example, if the first station supports communication at a bandwidth of 320 MHz, then N first bandwidths can be one 320 MHz bandwidth, and N=1.

[0172] In some possible implementations, the size of NSS, MCS, and the first bandwidth are related.

[0173] For example, if the specification of one parameter among NSS, MCS, and the size of the first bandwidth increases, the specification of the other parameters needs to be reduced to a certain extent; or, the larger the size of the first bandwidth, the smaller the NSS supported under the first bandwidth.

[0174] For example, a single spatial stream (NSS=1) can support MCS 0 to MCS 13, and a multi-spatial stream (e.g., NSS=4) can support MCS 0 to MCS 9; or, the maximum NSS supported is 1 for a bandwidth of 320 MHz, the maximum NSS supported is 2 for a bandwidth of 160 MHz, and the maximum NSS supported is 4 for a bandwidth of less than or equal to 80 MHz.

[0175] The size of NSS, MCS, and the first bandwidth can be indicated together.

[0176] NSS and MCS are crucial communication parameters. The lack of NSS and MCS supported under the first bandwidth may prevent the second station from communicating with the first station using the first bandwidth due to insufficient parameters. The first station, by indicating the NSS and MCS it supports under the first bandwidth in the first frame, provides parameter support for the second station to make reasonable use of the first bandwidth. This allows the second station to flexibly utilize the large bandwidth for communication when permissible.

[0177] In one possible implementation, the first information includes first sub-information and second sub-information, the first sub-information being used to indicate the NSS supported by the first site under N first bandwidths, and the second sub-information being used to indicate the MCS supported by the first site under the N first bandwidths.

[0178] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the indication of the NSS supported by the first site under N first bandwidths and the indication of the MCS supported by the first site under N first bandwidths can be in one signaling or in different signaling, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0179] For example, the first and second sub-information mentioned above can be in one signaling message or in different signaling messages. Alternatively, the first station can indicate the NSS or MCS it supports under N first bandwidths through two different frames / signaling messages.

[0180] The aforementioned first sub-information and second sub-information are in different signaling messages, or the first station indicates the NSS or MCS supported by the first station under N first bandwidths through two different frames / signaling messages. The specific implementation of these two schemes is similar to that when the first frame includes the first information. You can refer to the textual description when the first frame includes the first information. This application embodiment will not repeat the details.

[0181] In some possible implementations, method 200 may also include S230.

[0182] S230, the second station parses the first frame.

[0183] The specific implementation of generating or parsing the first frame can be found in relevant technologies, and will not be elaborated further in this application.

[0184] In some possible implementations, the first frame is transmitted under BSS bandwidth.

[0185] For example, the first station and the second station can transmit or receive the first frame through the BSS bandwidth of the BSS.

[0186] For example, the first and second stations can transmit or receive the first frame through the main channel of the BSS bandwidth of the BSS.

[0187] After parsing the first frame from the first station, the second station can save the NSS and MCS supported by the first station under N first bandwidths, which are determined based on the first information in the first frame.

[0188] Method 200 may also include S240.

[0189] S240, the first station receives the second frame from the second station; correspondingly, the second station sends the second frame to the first station, the second frame including fourth information. The fourth information is used to indicate the number of spatial streams (NSS) supported by the second station under M second bandwidths and the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the second station under the M first bandwidths, the second bandwidth being greater than the BSS bandwidth of the basic service set (BSS) to which the first station and the second station belong, and M being a positive integer.

[0190] Specifically, not only can the first station indicate to the second station the number of spatial streams (NSS) and modulation and coding strategy (MCS) it supports under the first bandwidth, but the second station can also indicate to the first station the number of spatial streams (NSS) and modulation and coding strategy (MCS) it supports under the second bandwidth.

[0191] The first bandwidth and the second bandwidth can be the same or different.

[0192] For example, the second frame can also be generated before the second station sends the second frame.

[0193] For example, after receiving the second frame, the first station can also parse the second frame.

[0194] The specific implementation of the second frame can be referred to the first frame, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0195] In this embodiment, there is no restriction on the order in which S240 and S220 are executed.

[0196] For example, the first frame can be sent earlier than the second frame; or, the first frame can be sent later than the second frame; or, the first frame can be sent simultaneously with the second frame. This application does not impose any limitations on these aspects.

[0197] Method 200 may also include S250.

[0198] S250, the first station and the second station communicate under the first bandwidth according to the first information indicating that the first station supports N first bandwidths and the first station supports MCS under the N first bandwidths.

[0199] Alternatively, method 200 may also include S260.

[0200] S260, the first station and the second station communicate under the second bandwidth according to the NSS and MCS supported by the second station under the M first bandwidths as indicated by the fourth information.

[0201] Instructing the NSS and MCS in the first frame helps the second station to communicate under the first bandwidth, that is, it enables the second station to flexibly use the large bandwidth for communication, improve data transmission efficiency, and optimize bandwidth utilization (or, instructing the NSS and MCS in the second frame helps the first station to communicate under the second bandwidth, that is, it enables the first station to flexibly use the large bandwidth for communication, improve data transmission efficiency, and optimize bandwidth utilization).

[0202] The method 200 provided in this application embodiment can be used in conjunction with dynamic bandwidth expansion (DBE). The mechanism and implementation of DBE are described below.

[0203] DBE is an operating mode or mechanism that allows APs to dynamically enable operations, helping APs to better update BSS bandwidth.

[0204] In the DBE mechanism, when an AP enables the DBE mechanism, it can indicate the DBE bandwidth to non-AP sites associated with that AP. This DBE bandwidth is greater than the BSS bandwidth but does not exceed the maximum DBE bandwidth supported by the AP. The DBE bandwidth indicated by the AP can also be understood as the updated BSS bandwidth.

[0205] Traditional sites (such as legacy sites) or sites that do not support DBE can continue to communicate using the BSS bandwidth, while sites that support DBE can communicate using the DBE bandwidth. After enabling the DBE mechanism, the AP can update the DBE bandwidth, and the updated DBE bandwidth will still be greater than the BSS bandwidth. When DBE is disabled, the AP will no longer communicate using a bandwidth greater than the BSS bandwidth.

[0206] Specifically, when the AP enables DBE, changes the DBE bandwidth, or disables DBE, the BSS's main channel can remain unchanged and consistent with the state before the AP enabled DBE, changed the DBE bandwidth, or disabled DBE.

[0207] For sites that support DBE (such as non-AP sites), dot11DBEOptionActivated is set to true. Sites supporting DBE are also called DBE sites, and the DBE support field in the UHR medium access control (MAC) capabilities / capability information field of the site's UHR capability element can be set to 1. UHR access points that support DBE operation can be called DBE access points; UHR non-AP sites that support DBE operation can be called DBE non-AP sites or DBE non-AP STAs.

[0208] DBE access points announce upcoming DBE activation, DBE bandwidth change, or DBE disabling via an advance notification mechanism for UHR critical updates, in beacon frames and / or probe response frames. DBE activation, DBE bandwidth change, or DBE disabling should be announced with sufficient advance notice so that all associated non-AP sites (including those in power-saving mode) have at least one successful bandwidth update indication before the update takes effect. After enabling or changing DBE bandwidth, the DBE access point can continue communicating at its DBE bandwidth until subsequent changes to its DBE bandwidth take effect, or DBE disabling takes effect.

[0209] When announcing the activation of DBE or changing the DBE bandwidth of an already enabled DBE, the DBE access point can indicate the new DBE bandwidth. When announcing the disabling of DBE, the DBE access point can indicate that the DBE bandwidth is being reset to the BSS bandwidth.

[0210] When DBE is enabled (i.e., the DBE access point begins communicating with DBE bandwidth / extended DBE bandwidth / new DBE bandwidth / bandwidth greater than BSS bandwidth), the DBE access point can set the DBE enable field to 1 in beacon frames and / or probe response frames. When DBE is disabled (i.e., the DBE access point stops communicating with DBE bandwidth / extended DBE bandwidth / new DBE bandwidth / bandwidth greater than BSS bandwidth), the DBE access point can set the DBE enable field to 0 in beacon frames and / or probe response frames.

[0211] In this application embodiment, enabling DBE can be interchanged with enabling DBE mechanism / enabling DBE mode and expresses the same meaning; disabling DBE can be interchanged with disabling DBE mechanism / disabling DBE mode and expresses the same meaning. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0212] The DBE mechanism allows DBE-enabled sites to use greater bandwidth (or bandwidth greater than the BSS bandwidth) for communication, while DBE-unsupported sites use the BSS bandwidth. Compared to all sites using the BSS bandwidth, this improves the overall throughput of the BSS.

[0213] Since NSS and MCS are crucial communication parameters, the lack of NSS and MCS supported under the first bandwidth may prevent the second station from communicating with the first station using the first bandwidth due to insufficient parameters. The first station indicates the NSS and MCS it supports under the first bandwidth through the first frame, thus providing parameter support for the application of the DBE mechanism.

[0214] In some possible implementations, the first frame may also include second information indicating the number and / or size of bandwidth supported by the first site (or the range of bandwidth supported by the first site).

[0215] For example, the second information is used to indicate the value of N and / or the size of the N first bandwidths. Alternatively, the second information indicates the number and / or size of the first bandwidths that are greater than the BSS bandwidth among the bandwidths supported by the first site.

[0216] The NSS, MCS, and the size of the first bandwidth are related; or rather, the NSS, MCS, and the size of the first bandwidth can mutually restrict / correspond to each other. Indicating the value of N and / or the size of the N first bandwidths through the second information in the first frame helps the second station correctly parse the first frame, avoiding errors in the correspondence between the parsed NSS and MCS and the size of the first bandwidth.

[0217] For example, the second information and the first information can be located in different fields.

[0218] For example, the second information is a bitmap, in which N first bits correspond to the N first bandwidths, and the value of each first bit is a first value. The first value can be 0 or 1.

[0219] The first bit can be a bit in the bitmap.

[0220] For example, the N first bits in the bit diagram correspond one-to-one with the N first bandwidths.

[0221] For example, in this bit diagram, when the first value is 1, the number N of bits with a value of 1 represents the number of first bandwidths, and different first bits correspond to different bandwidth sizes.

[0222] For example, the second information is a number field, which is used to indicate that the number of the first bandwidths is N.

[0223] In the embodiments of this application, the number of first bandwidths, the number of first bandwidths, or the value of N can be understood as the number of bandwidths that can be used for communication between the first site and the second site and are greater than the BSS bandwidth. For example, if the size of the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, and the largest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths is 320 MHz, then N=2, one first bandwidth is 320 MHz, another first bandwidth is 160 MHz, and the number of first bandwidths is 2; or, if the size of the BSS bandwidth is 160 MHz, and the largest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths is 320 MHz, then N=1, the size of the first bandwidth is 320 MHz, and the number of first bandwidths is 1; or, if the size of the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, and the largest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths is 160 MHz, then N=1, the size of the first bandwidth is 160 MHz, and the number of first bandwidths is 1.

[0224] The numerical field can be interpreted in conjunction with the BSS bandwidth.

[0225] For example, if the BSS bandwidth is 160 MHz, a value of 1 for the second information indication N means the first bandwidth is 320 MHz, and the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame correspond to the 320 MHz bandwidth. In other words, the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame are for communication within the 320 MHz bandwidth. Alternatively, if the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, a value of 1 for the second information indication N means the first bandwidth is 160 MHz, and the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame correspond to the 160 MHz bandwidth. In other words, the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame are for communication within the 160 MHz bandwidth. Alternatively, if the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, a value of 2 for the second information indication N means the first bandwidth is either 320 MHz or 160 MHz. MHz (or, among N first bandwidths, one first bandwidth is 320 MHz and the other is 160 MHz), the NSS and MCS determined by the second station by parsing the first frame, part of which corresponds to the 320 MHz bandwidth and the other part corresponds to the 160 MHz bandwidth, or in other words, the NSS and MCS determined by the second station by parsing the first frame are the NSS and MCS used for communication under the 320 MHz or 160 MHz bandwidth.

[0226] For example, the second information consists of a first bandwidth field and a number field. The first bandwidth field indicates the size of the first bandwidth, and the number field indicates that the number of the first bandwidths is N (or, the value of the number of the first bandwidths is N).

[0227] For example, the first bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the smallest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths, or the first bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the largest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths.

[0228] For example, the first bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the smallest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths. If the first bandwidth field indicates a first bandwidth of 320 MHz, and the second information indicator N is 1, it means the first bandwidth is 320 MHz, and the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame correspond to a 320 MHz bandwidth; or, in other words, the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame are the NSS and MCS used for communication within a 320 MHz bandwidth. Alternatively, if the first bandwidth field indicates a first bandwidth of 160 MHz, and the second information indicator N is 1, it means the first bandwidth is 160 MHz, and the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame correspond to a 160 MHz bandwidth; or, in other words, the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame are the NSS and MCS used for communication within a 160 MHz bandwidth. Alternatively, if the first bandwidth field indicates a first bandwidth of 160 MHz, and the second information indicator N is 2, it means the first bandwidth is 320 MHz. MHz or 160MHz (or, in N first bandwidths, one first bandwidth is 320 MHz and another is 160 MHz), the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame, part of which corresponds to the 320 MHz bandwidth and the other part corresponds to the 160 MHz bandwidth, or in other words, the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame are the NSS and MCS for communication under the 320 MHz or 160 MHz bandwidth.

[0229] For example, the first bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the largest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths. When the first bandwidth field indicates a first bandwidth of 320 MHz, and the second information indicator N is 1, it means that the first bandwidth is 320 MHz, and the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame correspond to a bandwidth of 320 MHz. In other words, the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame are NSS and MCS used for communication within a 320 MHz bandwidth. Alternatively, when the first bandwidth field indicates a first bandwidth of 160 MHz, and the second information indicator N is 1, it means that the first bandwidth is 160 MHz, and the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame correspond to a bandwidth of 160 MHz. In other words, the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame are NSS and MCS used for communication within a 160 MHz bandwidth. Alternatively, when the first bandwidth field indicates a first bandwidth of 320 MHz, and the second information indicator N is 2, it means that the first bandwidth is 320 MHz. MHz or 160MHz (or, in N first bandwidths, one first bandwidth is 320 MHz and another is 160 MHz), the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame, part of which corresponds to the 320 MHz bandwidth and the other part corresponds to the 160 MHz bandwidth, or in other words, the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame are the NSS and MCS for communication under the 320 MHz or 160 MHz bandwidth.

[0230] For example, the second information is a first bandwidth field and a second bandwidth field, the first bandwidth field being used to indicate the size of the smallest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths, and the second bandwidth field being used to indicate the size of the largest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths.

[0231] For example, if both the first bandwidth field and the second bandwidth field indicate a first bandwidth of 320 MHz, it means that the first bandwidth is 320 MHz, and the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame correspond to a bandwidth of 320 MHz. In other words, the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame are NSS and MCS used for communication within a 320 MHz bandwidth. Alternatively, if both the first bandwidth field and the second bandwidth field indicate a first bandwidth of 160 MHz, it means that the first bandwidth is 160 MHz, and the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame correspond to a bandwidth of 160 MHz. In other words, the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame are NSS and MCS used for communication within a 160 MHz bandwidth. Or, if both the first bandwidth field and the second bandwidth field indicate a first bandwidth of 320 MHz, it means that the first bandwidth is 320 MHz. MHz or 160 MHz (or, among N first bandwidths, one first bandwidth is 320 MHz and another is 160 MHz), the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame, part of which corresponds to the 320 MHz bandwidth and the other part corresponds to the 160 MHz bandwidth, or in other words, the NSS and MCS determined by the second station through parsing the first frame are the NSS and MCS for communication under the 320 MHz or 160 MHz bandwidth.

[0232] In some possible implementations, the number field is used to indicate that the number of the first bandwidths is N, and may include: the value of the number field being N or N-1.

[0233] In some possible implementations, the second information is located in the same field as the first information.

[0234] For example, a certain field in the first frame carries first information and second information.

[0235] In some possible implementations, the number of spatial streams (NSS) supported by the first station under the bandwidth includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS, and the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the first station under the bandwidth includes a first MCS and a second MCS. The first information includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the first MCS, and the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and the maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the second MCS.

[0236] The first MCS includes at least one MCS, the second MCS includes at least one MCS, and the indices of the MCS in the first MCS are different from the indices of the MCS in the second MCS.

[0237] For example, the first MCS includes MCS 0-9, where any integer from 0 to 9 is an index of the MCS; the second MCS includes MCS 10-11, where 10 or 11 is an index of the MCS.

[0238] Since the size of NSS, MCS, and the first bandwidth are related, or rather, the size of NSS, MCS, and the first bandwidth are mutually restrictive / corresponding, the division of MCS can facilitate the indication of the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported under the first MCS, and the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported under the second MCS.

[0239] In some possible implementations, the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the first station under this bandwidth also includes a third MCS; the first information is carried in the MCS graph field, and the first information includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the first MCS, the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the second MCS, and the first information also includes the maximum receive NSS and maximum transmit NSS supported by the first station under the third MCS.

[0240] The third MCS includes at least one MCS, the index of the MCS in the second MCS is different from the index of the MCS in the third MCS, and the index of the MCS in the first MCS is different from the index of the MCS in the third MCS.

[0241] For example, the first MCS includes MCS 0-9, the second MCS includes MCS 10-11, and the third MCS includes MCS 12-13, where 12 or 13 is an index of the MCS. The first information indicates the maximum received NSS and the maximum transmitted NSS supported under the first MCS, the second MCS, or the third MCS, respectively.

[0242] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in a first element, which is a Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) element or an Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) capabilities element.

[0243] In one possible implementation, the first information carried in the first element may include: the first information carried in the MCS graph field of the first element.

[0244] For example, both the first information and the second information are carried in the MCS graph field of the first element.

[0245] In some possible implementations, the first element is an ultra-high reliability capability element, the first information is carried in a dynamic bandwidth extension field, the ultra-high reliability capability element also includes an ultra-high reliability media access control capability information field, and the ultra-high reliability media access control capability information field contains an indication that the ultra-high reliability capability element includes the dynamic bandwidth extension field.

[0246] For example, a field or a bit in the Ultra-Reliable Media Access Control (ULAC) information field can be used to indicate whether the Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (VBSE) field exists in the URA capability element.

[0247] In some possible implementations, the first frame also includes third information indicating the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site, which is greater than the BSS bandwidth.

[0248] For example, the first site is a non-access point site (non-AP site), and the third information is used to indicate the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site.

[0249] In one possible implementation, the first and third information are located in different fields.

[0250] For example, in the first frame, one field carries third information, and another field carries first information (or first and second information).

[0251] In another possible implementation, the first and third information are located in the same field.

[0252] For example, a certain field in the first frame carries first information, second information, and third information.

[0253] In some possible implementations, the first site is a non-access point site, the second site is an access point, and the first frame is any of the following: an association request frame; a link reconfiguration request frame.

[0254] By improving existing frames (association request frames or link reconfiguration request frames), it is possible to indicate the NSS and BSS supported by the first site under the first bandwidth, thus avoiding the introduction of new frames into the communication system.

[0255] In some possible implementations, the first site is a non-access point site, the second site is an access point, and the first frame is a request frame to enable dynamic bandwidth extension.

[0256] By using a dedicated request frame to enable dynamic bandwidth expansion, it is possible to flexibly indicate the NSS and BSS supported by the first site under the first bandwidth, without relying on the communication flow of existing frames in the communication system.

[0257] In some possible implementations, the first site is an access point, the second site is a non-access point site, and the first frame is any of the following: a beacon frame; a probe response frame; or an association response frame.

[0258] By improving existing frames (beacon frames, probe response frames, or associated response frames), it is possible to indicate the NSS and BSS supported by the first station under the first bandwidth, thus avoiding the introduction of new frames into the communication system.

[0259] In some possible implementations, the first site is an access point, the second site is a non-access point site, and the first frame is any of the following: a dynamic bandwidth expansion enable frame; a dynamic bandwidth expansion bandwidth update frame.

[0260] By using a dedicated Dynamic Bandwidth Extension Enable Frame or Dynamic Bandwidth Extension Bandwidth Update Frame for DBE, it is possible to flexibly indicate the NSS and BSS supported by the first site under the first bandwidth, without relying on the communication flow of existing frames in the communication system.

[0261] In some possible implementations, if the first station determines that there is available DBE bandwidth (the DBE bandwidth is the first bandwidth), the first station indicates the NSS and BSS supported by the first station under the first bandwidth by sending the first frame.

[0262] By sending the first frame when available DBE bandwidth exists, unnecessary instructions can be avoided.

[0263] The following describes five different scenarios, illustrating possible implementations of optimizing bandwidth utilization in the BSS through the combination of method 200 and DBE provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0264] It should be understood that these five different scenarios are merely examples and do not cover all possible implementations of the method 200 provided in this application embodiment. Without contradiction, these five different scenarios can be combined (for example, in one possible implementation, the AP indicates the NSS and MCS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth to the DBE non-AP site using the schemes described in scenarios #1 / #2 / #3, and the DBE non-AP site indicates the maximum supported DBE bandwidth and the corresponding NSS and MCS to the AP using the schemes described in scenarios #4 / #5). This application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0265] Based on the following five different situations, the applicable scenarios of the method 200 provided in the embodiments of this application can be classified into implementation scenario #1 and implementation scenario #2.

[0266] Implementation Scenario #1: The first site is an Access Point (AP), and the second site is a non-AP site. In this scenario, the AP sends the first frame to the non-AP site. Implementation Scenario #1 corresponds to any one of scenarios #1 to #3.

[0267] Case #1: The AP indicates the NSS and MCS corresponding to the maximum DBE bandwidth that the AP can support by using a new element in the frame, in the beacon frame, probe response frame, or association response frame.

[0268] Specifically, the AP carries a new DBE-related element in the beacon frame, probe response frame, or association response frame. This new element carries information indicating the NSS and MCS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth.

[0269] This new element is one possible implementation of the first element.

[0270] For ease of description, the new element will be referred to as the DBE element. It is understood that the new element may also be called other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0271] The DBE element may include an element identifier (ID) field, a length field, an element ID extension field, and at least one MCS map field.

[0272] The information carried by the MCS map field is one possible implementation of the first information.

[0273] Figure 3 This demonstrates one possible implementation of the frame structure for the DBE element.

[0274] like Figure 3 As shown, in one possible implementation, the frame structure of the MCS map field can be similar to that of the EHT MCS map field in the EHTcapabilities element.

[0275] In this context, the value of the "Receive (Rx) Max NSS that supports MCS 0-9" field represents the maximum number of receive spatial streams supported by MCS 0-9, and the value of the "Transmit (Tx) Max NSS that supports MCS 0-9" field represents the maximum number of transmit spatial streams supported by MCS 0-9. The meanings of the other "Rx / Tx Max NSS that supports MCS xy" fields (where x or y represents an integer, and y is greater than x) are similar, and will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0276] The Rx / Tx Max NSS that supports the MCS xy field carries information about the number of spatial streams supported by the first station under the first bandwidth and a possible implementation of the modulation and coding strategy supported by the first station under the first bandwidth. Alternatively, MCS xy represents a possible implementation of the modulation and coding strategy supported by the first station under the first bandwidth, and Rx / Tx Max NSS represents a possible implementation of the number of spatial streams supported by the first station under the first bandwidth.

[0277] Alternatively, the information carried by the Rx / Tx Max NSS that supports MCS fields 0-9 is a possible implementation of the NSS and MCS supported by the first site under the first MCS; the information carried by the Rx / Tx Max NSS that supports MCS fields 10-11 is a possible implementation of the NSS and MCS supported by the first site under the second MCS; and the information carried by the Rx / Tx Max NSS that supports MCS fields 12-13 is a possible implementation of the NSS and MCS supported by the first site under the third MCS.

[0278] It is understood that the frame structure of the MCS map field is similar to that of the EHT MCS map field in the EHT capabilities element, but this is only an example; the frame structure of the MCS map field can also be other structures. And / or, it is understood that the values ​​of x or y in the MCS xy field of the Rx / Tx Max NSS that supports MCS can differ from... Figure 3 As shown. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0279] The MCS map (BW=160 MHz) or MCS map (BW=320 MHz) fields may not contain information indicating the bandwidth. In other words, Figure 3 The (BW=160 MHz) or (BW=320 MHz) values ​​shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not information that can be determined by parsing the MCS map fields.

[0280] The MCS map (BW=160 MHz) and MCS map (BW=320 MHz) fields may appear in this new element, or both may appear. For example, if the BSS bandwidth is 160 MHz and the DBE bandwidth is 320 MHz, the DBE element may contain only the MCS map (BW=320 MHz) field; if the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz and the DBE bandwidth is 160 MHz, the DBE element may contain only the MCS map (BW=160 MHz) field; if the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz and the DBE bandwidth is 320 MHz, the DBE element may contain both the MCS map (BW=160 MHz) and MCS map (BW=320 MHz) fields.

[0281] The DBE element may also include an MCS map indication field.

[0282] The information carried by the MCS map indication field is one possible implementation of the second information.

[0283] The MCS map indication field can be used to indicate how many MCS map fields are carried in the DBE element field and the bandwidth value corresponding to the MCS map fields. The MCS map indication field can use different frame formats. Several possible implementation methods are given below (method #1, method #2, method #3, or method #4).

[0284] Method #1: The MCS map indication field contains a bitmap, where one bit corresponds to a 160 MHz bandwidth and another bit corresponds to a 320 MHz bandwidth; the bitmap may also contain other reserved bits.

[0285] The length of this bitmap can be 8 bits.

[0286] When the bit corresponding to a bandwidth of 160 MHz or 320 MHz is set to 1, it means that the MCS map indication field will be followed by the MCS map field corresponding to that bandwidth. When the bit corresponding to a bandwidth of 160 MHz or 320 MHz is set to 0, it means that the MCS map indication field will not be followed by the MCS map field corresponding to that bandwidth. Alternatively, when the bit corresponding to a bandwidth of 160 MHz or 320 MHz is set to 0, it means that the MCS map indication field will be followed by the MCS map field corresponding to that bandwidth. When the bit corresponding to a bandwidth of 160 MHz or 320 MHz is set to 1, it means that the MCS map indication field will not be followed by the MCS map field corresponding to that bandwidth.

[0287] For example, the bandwidth value corresponding to the MCS map field determined by the MCS map indication field can be used to determine third information. In other words, the information carried by the MCS map indication field is one possible implementation of third information.

[0288] For example, when the bit corresponding to a bandwidth of 320 MHz is 1, it means that the maximum bandwidth that the first site can support is 320 MHz; or, when the bit corresponding to a bandwidth of 320 MHz is 0 and the bit corresponding to a bandwidth of 160 MHz is 1, it means that the maximum bandwidth that the first site can support is 160 MHz.

[0289] Alternatively, for example, when the bit corresponding to a bandwidth of 320 MHz is 0, it means that the maximum bandwidth that the first site can support is 320 MHz; or, when the bit corresponding to a bandwidth of 320 MHz is 1 and the bit corresponding to a bandwidth of 160 MHz is 0, it means that the maximum bandwidth that the first site can support is 160 MHz.

[0290] When multiple MCS map fields appear after the MCS map indication field, the multiple MCS map fields can be sorted in a conventional / regular way.

[0291] For example, the order of multiple MCS map fields is the same as the order of the bits corresponding to the bandwidth in the bitmap; or, multiple MCS map fields are arranged in ascending or descending order according to the corresponding bandwidth, etc.

[0292] For example, multiple MCS map fields include the MCS map (BW=160 MHz) field and the MCS map (BW=320 MHz) field. If the bits corresponding to a bandwidth of 160 MHz are placed first, and the bits corresponding to a bandwidth of 320 MHz are placed last, then the order of multiple MCS map fields is: MCS map (BW=160 MHz) field first, MCS map (BW=320 MHz) field last; or, if the bits corresponding to a bandwidth of 160 MHz are placed last, and the bits corresponding to a bandwidth of 320 MHz are placed first, then the order of multiple MCS map fields is: MCS map (BW=160 MHz) field last, MCS map (BW=320 MHz) field first; or, multiple MCS map fields are arranged in ascending order of their corresponding bandwidth (e.g., MCS map (BW=160 MHz) field first, MCS map (BW=320 MHz) field last) or descending order of bandwidth (e.g., MCS map (BW=160 MHz) field last, MCS map (BW=320 MHz) field first).

[0293] Method #2: The MCS map indication field is used to indicate the number of MCS maps.

[0294] The MCS map indication field is one possible implementation of a numerical field.

[0295] This indication method can be interpreted in conjunction with BSS bandwidth.

[0296] For example, the MCS map following the MCS map indication field corresponds to one or more bandwidths greater than the BSS bandwidth.

[0297] For example, if the MCS map indication field indicates that there are 2 MCS maps and the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, the MCS map (BW=160 MHz) and MCS map (BW=320 MHz) fields will appear after the MCS map indication field. Furthermore, if multiple MCS map fields are arranged in ascending order of their corresponding bandwidth, the MCS map (BW=160 MHz) field will appear first, followed by the MCS map (BW=320 MHz) field.

[0298] For example, if the MCS map indication field indicates that the number of MCS maps is 1 and the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, the MCS map (BW=160 MHz) field will appear after the MCS map indication field; or, if the MCS map indication field indicates that the number of MCS maps is 1 and the BSS bandwidth is 160 MHz, the MCS map (BW=320 MHz) field will appear after the MCS map indication field.

[0299] For example, the number of MCS maps determined by the MCS map indication field can be used to determine third information. In other words, the information carried by the MCS map indication field is one possible implementation of third information.

[0300] For example, if the MCS map indication field indicates that there are 2 MCS maps and the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, it means that the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site is 320 MHz; or, if the MCS map indication field indicates that there is 1 MCS map and the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, it means that the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site is 160 MHz; or, if the MCS map indication field indicates that there is 1 MCS map and the BSS bandwidth is 160 MHz, it means that the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site is 320 MHz.

[0301] Method #3: In the MCS map indication field, one field indicates the bandwidth indicated by the first MCS map, and the other field indicates the number of MCS maps.

[0302] The field indicating the bandwidth indicated by the first MCS map is one possible implementation of the first bandwidth field; the field indicating the number of MCS maps is one possible implementation of the number field.

[0303] For example, when the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, multiple MCS map fields are arranged in ascending order of their corresponding bandwidths, and the DBE bandwidth is 320 MHz, one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 160 MHz, and another field indicates 2.

[0304] For example, if the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz and the DBE bandwidth is 160 MHz, one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 160 MHz and the other field indicates 1; or, for example, if the BSS bandwidth is 160 MHz and the DBE bandwidth is 320 MHz, one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 320 MHz and the other field indicates 1.

[0305] For example, the information determined by the MCS map indication field can be used to determine third information. In other words, the information carried by the MCS map indication field is one possible implementation of third information.

[0306] For example, if multiple MCS map fields are arranged in ascending order of their corresponding bandwidth, and one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 160 MHz while another field indicates 2, this means the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site is 320 MHz; or, if one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 160 MHz while another field indicates 1, this means the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site is 160 MHz; or, if one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 320 MHz while another field indicates 1, this means the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site is 320 MHz.

[0307] Method #4: One field indicates the bandwidth corresponding to the first MCS map, and the other field indicates the bandwidth of the last MCS map.

[0308] The field indicating the bandwidth corresponding to the first MCS map is one possible implementation of the first bandwidth field; the field indicating the bandwidth corresponding to the other MCS map is one possible implementation of the second bandwidth field.

[0309] This method of indication can be combined with multiple MCS map fields arranged in a preset / conventional / regular manner for interpretation.

[0310] For example, when multiple MCS map fields are arranged in ascending order of their corresponding bandwidth, the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, and the DBE bandwidth is 320 MHz, one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 160 MHz, and another field indicates 320 MHz.

[0311] The bandwidth indicated by the first bandwidth field and the bandwidth indicated by the second bandwidth field can be the same or different.

[0312] For example, when the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz and the DBE bandwidth is 320 MHz, one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 160 MHz and the other field indicates 320 MHz; or, when the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz and the DBE bandwidth is 160 MHz, one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 160 MHz and the other field indicates 160 MHz; or, when the BSS bandwidth is 160 MHz and the DBE bandwidth is 320 MHz, one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 320 MHz and the other field indicates 320 MHz.

[0313] For example, the information determined by the MCS map indication field can be used to determine third information. In other words, the information carried by the MCS map indication field is one possible implementation of third information.

[0314] For example, if one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 160 MHz and another field indicates 320 MHz, it means that the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site is 320 MHz; or, if one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 160 MHz and another field indicates 160 MHz, it means that the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site is 160 MHz; or, if one field in the MCS map indication field indicates 320 MHz and another field indicates 320 MHz, it means that the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site is 320 MHz.

[0315] It is understood that the specific implementation of the third information may differ from the above description. For example, the third information may be carried in a field of the first frame. The third information may directly indicate the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site, or indirectly indicate the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site through other means such as indicating the index corresponding to the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site. This application does not limit this.

[0316] The scheme for scenario #1 can indicate the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth through beacon frames, probe response frames, or associated response frames.

[0317] Scenario #2: The AP indicates the NSS and MCS corresponding to the maximum DBE bandwidth that the AP can support in the beacon frame, probe response frame, or associated response frame through the UHR (capabilities / capability) element.

[0318] Specifically, the AP carries information indicating the NSS and MCS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth through the UHR capabilities element in the beacon frame, probe response frame, or association response frame.

[0319] The UHR capabilities element is one possible implementation of the first element.

[0320] For example, the AP carries a DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field in the UHR capabilities element of the beacon frame, probe response frame, or association response frame. The DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field is used to indicate the NSS and MCS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth.

[0321] Figure 4 This demonstrates one possible implementation of the frame structure for UHR capabilities elements.

[0322] like Figure 4 As shown, a UHR capabilities element may include an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, a UHR MAC capabilities information field, a UHR physical layer (PHY) capabilities information field, and a DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field.

[0323] The DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field is one possible implementation of the dynamic bandwidth extension field.

[0324] The DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field may include at least one MCS map field (such as at least one of the MCS map (BW=160MHz) field or the MCS map (BW=320MHz) field); the DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field may also include an MCS map indication field.

[0325] The specific implementation of the MCS map indication field and / or MCS map field can be similar to that of Case #1, and can be found in the description of Case #1. The embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0326] In some scenarios, the NSS and MCS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth are not needed. For example, the BSS bandwidth is already the maximum DBE bandwidth that the AP can support, and DBE cannot be used in this case (or, the DBE bandwidth cannot exceed the BSS bandwidth). In this situation, the presence of the DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set fields can be indicated by the DBE support field in the UHR MAC capabilities information field or by another bit.

[0327] The DBE support field, or the field containing another bit, is one possible implementation of an indication that the ultra-high reliability capability element includes the dynamic bandwidth extension field. In other words, the DBE support field, or the field containing another bit, is used to indicate whether the ultra-high reliability capability element includes the dynamic bandwidth extension field.

[0328] For example, in implementation #1, when the DBE support field or another bit is set to 0, it indicates that the DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field does not exist; when the DBE support field or another bit is set to 1, it indicates that the DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field exists. Alternatively, for example, when the DBE support field or another bit is set to 1, it indicates that the DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field does not exist; when the DBE support field or another bit is set to 0, it indicates that the DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field exists.

[0329] The MCS map indication field can also be used to indicate whether the current DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field contains an MCS map field.

[0330] For example, in implementation #2, where all bits of the bitmap in the MCS map indication field are 0 (as in method #1, where the MCS map indication field contains a bitmap), all bits in the bitmap of the MCS map indication field are 0, it means that there is no MCS map field in the current DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field. Similarly, in implementation #2 (where the MCS map indication field indicates the number of MCS maps) or #3 (where one field in the MCS map indication field indicates the bandwidth of the first MCS map and the other indicates the number of MCS maps), in implementation #2, a value of 0 indicating the number of MCS map fields in the MCS map indication field means that there is no MCS map field in the current DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field. Multiple MCS map fields are arranged in ascending order of their corresponding bandwidth, and in implementation #4 (where one field indicates the bandwidth of the first MCS map and the other indicates the bandwidth of the last MCS map), in implementation #2, a value of less than the bandwidth of the first MCS map in the MCS map indication field means that there is no MCS map field in the current DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field.

[0331] Implementation #1 and Implementation #2 can be used in combination.

[0332] For example, the DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field exists, but there is no MCS map field in the DBE BW supported MCS and NSS set field.

[0333] Since the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth in scenario #2 are carried in the UHR capabilities element, the UHR capabilities element does not require resolution by EHT (i.e., earlier generation) non-AP sites, so it will not affect legacy sites. Furthermore, since UHR non-AP sites are new sites, it is permissible to require all UHR non-AP sites to have the ability to resolve the DBE BWsupported MCS and NSS set fields.

[0334] The scheme in scenario #2 can indicate the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth through beacon frames, probe response frames, or associated response frames.

[0335] The solution for scenario #2 can be implemented using UHR capabilities elements, without needing to add a new element to the beacon frame, probe response frame, or associated response frame.

[0336] Case #3: The AP indicates the NSS and MCS corresponding to the maximum DBE bandwidth that the AP can support by using frames that enable DBE (such as DBE enable frames) or frames that update DBE bandwidth (such as DBE bandwidth update frames).

[0337] Some possible implementations include including carrying the NSS and MCS corresponding to the maximum DBE bandwidth supported by the AP in the DBE enable frame or DBE bandwidth update frame sent by the AP.

[0338] The DBE enable frame is one possible implementation of the dynamic bandwidth extension enable frame.

[0339] The DBE enable frame or DBE bandwidth update frame can be used by the AP to dynamically enable, disable, or update the DBE bandwidth. It is understood that frames used by the AP to dynamically enable, disable, or update the DBE bandwidth can also have other names, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0340] When the DBE enable frame or DBE bandwidth update frame is a management frame, some possible implementations include placing the new element from case #1 in the DBE enable frame or DBE bandwidth update frame. Alternatively, the specific implementation of the indication method for the NSS and MCS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth can refer to the new element in case #1.

[0341] When the DBE enable frame or DBE bandwidth update frame is a control frame, the DBE enable frame or DBE bandwidth update frame can use, for example... Figure 5 The frame format shown.

[0342] like Figure 5 As shown, a DBE enable frame or a DBE bandwidth update frame includes a frame control field, a duration field, a receiver address (RA) field, a transmitter address (TA) field, at least one MCS map field, and a frame check sequence (FCS) field.

[0343] The DBE enable frame or DBE bandwidth update frame may also include an MCS map indication field (not shown in the figure). The specific implementation of the MCS map indication field can be found in the textual description of case #1, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0344] The solution for scenario #3 can indicate the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth through the DBE enable frame or the DBE bandwidth update frame, without needing to place the information used for indication in the beacon frame, probe response frame, or association response frame.

[0345] The NSS and MCS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth are carried in the frames sent by the AP that are dedicated to dynamically enabling, disabling, or updating the DBE bandwidth, enabling on-demand use and flexible updates.

[0346] The solutions for scenarios #1, #2, and #3 are applicable when the AP enables DBE. The AP indicates the NSS and MCS corresponding to its maximum supported DBE bandwidth.

[0347] Implementation Scenario #2: The first station is a non-AP station, and the second station is an AP station, meaning the non-AP station sends the first frame to the AP. Implementation Scenario #2 corresponds to Case #4 or Case #5.

[0348] Case #4: A non-AP DBE site indicates one or more of the following via the UHR capability element: the maximum DBE bandwidth that the non-AP DBE site can support, the NSS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth, or the MCS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth.

[0349] The UHR capability element is one possible implementation of the first element.

[0350] In some possible implementations, during the association process of non-AP sites, the capabilities element in the association response frame typically sets its supported bandwidth to be less than or equal to the BSS bandwidth indicated by the AP in the operation element. Therefore, when the AP uses DBE bandwidth greater than the BSS bandwidth through DBE, the AP cannot know the MCS and NSS corresponding to the non-AP site under the DBE bandwidth.

[0351] This issue can be resolved by specifying the maximum supported DBE bandwidth, the corresponding NSS, or the corresponding MCS for the maximum supported DBE bandwidth in the UHR capability element for DBE non-AP sites.

[0352] The frame structure of EHT capabilities elements is as follows: Figure 6 As shown. An EHT capabilities element may include an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, an EHT MAC capabilities information field, an EHT PHY capabilities information field, and a supported EHT-MCS and NSS set field.

[0353] The element ID field, length field, or element ID extended field can each occupy 1 octet (1 octet = 8 bits); the EHT MAC capabilities information field can occupy 2 bytes; the EHT PHY capabilities information field can occupy 9 bytes; and the number of bytes occupied by the supported EHT-MCS and NSS set field can be variable.

[0354] Optionally, the EHT capabilities element may also include an EHT physical layer packet extension (PHY) thresholds field.

[0355] The number of bytes occupied by the EHT PPE thresholds field can be variable.

[0356] In some possible implementations, if the MCS and NSS corresponding to bandwidths less than or equal to the BSS bandwidth are already carried in the EHT capability element, this information does not need to be repeated in the UHR capability element. The UHR capability element can simply indicate the MCS and NSS corresponding to bandwidths greater than the BSS bandwidth.

[0357] The frame structure of the UHR capability element is as follows: Figure 7 As shown. A UHR capabilities element may include an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, a UHR MAC capabilities information field, a UHR PHY capabilities information field, and a supported MCS and NSS set field.

[0358] The supported MCS and NSS set fields may include at least one MCS map field, or at least one MCS map field and an MCS map indication field. The specific implementation of the MCS map field or the MCS map indication field is similar to that described in Case #1, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0359] UHR capability elements can be carried in associated request frames.

[0360] The solution for scenario #4 can use the UHR capabilities element to indicate the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth.

[0361] Case #5: A non-AP DBE STA indicates one or more of the following by enabling DBE in the frame: the maximum DBE bandwidth that the non-AP DBE STA can support, the NSS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth, or the MCS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth.

[0362] On the one hand, if a DBE non-AP site does not enable DBE, the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth may be redundant. On the other hand, a DBE non-AP site may not be certain of its bandwidth usage after DBE is enabled during the association phase. For example, if the BSS bandwidth is 40 MHz and the AP sets the DBE bandwidth to 160 MHz, the DBE non-AP site may support 160 MHz of bandwidth to achieve maximum throughput, or it may only support 80 MHz of bandwidth for energy saving or other factors.

[0363] DBE non-AP sites can request to enable DBE via a request frame if DBE is enabled.

[0364] When a DBE non-AP site indicates the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth through a request frame used to enable DBE, this method of indicating the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth is more flexible than indicating them through existing frames.

[0365] The request frame used to enable DBE may be a link reconfiguration request frame.

[0366] For example, the DBE element can be added to the link reconfiguration request frame to indicate the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth. The specific implementation of the DBE element is similar to that described in case #1, and will not be repeated here in the embodiments of this application.

[0367] The frame structure of the request frame used to enable DBE can be shown in Table 1 below. In this table, order 1-4 are the original structure of the link reconfiguration request frame (the original structure of the link reconfiguration request frame can be referred to in related technologies, and will not be described in detail here); order 5 is the DBE element.

[0368] Table 1

[0369] Alternatively, unlike Table 1 which shows adding the DBE element to the link reconfiguration request frame, another possible implementation for enabling the DBE request frame is to carry the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth by changing the type of the link reconfiguration request frame.

[0370] like Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of each STA profile subelement provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0371] When carrying the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth by changing the type of the link reconfiguration request frame, the change of the type of the link reconfiguration request frame can be achieved based on a subelement (i.e., the Per-STAprofile subelement) in the reconfiguration multi-link element.

[0372] Per-STA profile subelement can include a subelement ID field (1 byte long), a length field (1 byte long), a STA control field (2 bytes long), a STA information field (variable length), and a STA profile field (variable length).

[0373] The STA control field may include a link ID field (4 bits long), a complete profile field (1 bit long), a STA MAC address present field (1 bit long), an AP removal timer present field (1 bit long), a reconfiguration operation type field (4 bits long), an operation parameters present field (1 bit long), a non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR) bitmap size field (1 bit long), an NSTRindication bitmap present field (1 bit long), and a reserved field (2 bits long).

[0374] The correspondence between different values ​​and different type names in the reconfiguration operation type field can be seen in Table 2 below.

[0375] Table 2

[0376] When carrying the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth by changing the type of the link reconfiguration request frame, a new type can be added to the reconfiguration operation type field (for example, selecting a value from 5-15 for reserved to correspond to the new type). This newly added type of link reconfiguration request frame can be used to carry the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth.

[0377] The specific name or value of the newly added type in the reconfiguration operation type field can be arbitrary, and this application embodiment does not impose any restrictions on it.

[0378] In some possible implementations, the frame used to enable DBE is an operating mode and parameters (OMP) request frame.

[0379] For example, a DBE element can be added to a link reconfiguration request frame, and the resulting frame can be named an OMP request frame.

[0380] It is understood that the frame used to enable DBE may also have other names, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0381] The solution in scenario #5 can indicate the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth in the frame used to enable DBE. Carrying the MCS and NSS of the DBE bandwidth in the enable DBE frame makes the signaling used to indicate the MCS and NSS more flexible, and allows adjustment of the maximum DBE bandwidth supported by the DBE site itself (which may be less than the DBE bandwidth supported by the AP).

[0382] The solutions for scenarios #4 and #5 apply to scenarios where a non-AP site requests to enable DBE. The non-AP site in DBE indicates the NSS and MCS corresponding to its maximum supported DBE bandwidth.

[0383] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the maximum supported DBE bandwidth may be less than or equal to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth. For example, if the DBE bandwidth supported by the AP or DBE non-AP site is 320 MHz, the maximum supported DBE bandwidth of the AP or DBE non-AP site may be 320 MHz, or 160 MHz, etc. Alternatively, the maximum supported DBE bandwidth indicated by the DBE access point or DBE non-AP site may be less than the maximum supported DBE bandwidth of the AP or DBE non-AP site itself.

[0384] Indicating the NSS and MCS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth can prevent AP or DBE non-AP sites from being unable to communicate using bandwidth greater than the BSS bandwidth due to the lack of this information.

[0385] The above scenarios #1 to #5 describe the scheme provided by the embodiments of this application through frames used to indicate the MCS and NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth. It is understood that, in conjunction with related technologies, in some possible implementations, the AP or DBE non-AP site may also receive and / or send other frames.

[0386] For example, an AP can receive an acknowledge (ACK) frame after sending an associated response frame (which indicates the MCS and NSS of the DBE bandwidth); or, a non-AP site in the DBE can receive an associated response frame after sending an associated request frame (which indicates the MCS and NSS of the DBE bandwidth).

[0387] In one possible implementation, implementation scenarios #1 and #2 can be combined, i.e., the AP sends frames indicating the MCS and NSS of the DBE bandwidth, and non-AP sites also send frames indicating the MCS and NSS of the DBE bandwidth; either the AP sends first or the non-AP sites send first. This application does not limit this.

[0388] In the embodiments of this application, the NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth can be interchanged with the NSS supported by the DBE bandwidth and express the same meaning; or, the MCS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth can be interchanged with the MCS supported by the DBE bandwidth and express the same meaning. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0389] In this embodiment of the application, the NSS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth may include: the NSS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth, and the NSS corresponding to the DBE bandwidth that is less than the maximum supported DBE bandwidth but greater than the BSS bandwidth.

[0390] For example: when the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, and the maximum supported DBE bandwidth of the DBE access point or DBE non-AP site is 160 MHz, the NSS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth carried in the frame can be the NSS corresponding to the 160 MHz bandwidth; when the BSS bandwidth is 160 MHz, and the maximum supported DBE bandwidth of the DBE access point or DBE non-AP site is 320 MHz, the NSS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth carried in the frame can be the NSS corresponding to the 320 MHz bandwidth; when the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, and the maximum supported DBE bandwidth of the DBE access point or DBE non-AP site is 320 MHz, the NSS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth carried in the frame can include both the NSS corresponding to the 320 MHz bandwidth and the NSS corresponding to the 160 MHz bandwidth.

[0391] In this embodiment of the application, the MCS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth may include: the MCS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth, and the MCS corresponding to a DBE bandwidth that is less than the maximum supported DBE bandwidth but greater than the BSS bandwidth.

[0392] For example: when the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, and the maximum supported DBE bandwidth of the DBE access point or DBE non-AP site is 160 MHz, the MCS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth carried in the frame can be the MCS corresponding to the 160 MHz bandwidth; when the BSS bandwidth is 160 MHz, and the maximum supported DBE bandwidth of the DBE access point or DBE non-AP site is 320 MHz, the MCS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth carried in the frame can be the MCS corresponding to the 320 MHz bandwidth; when the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz, and the maximum supported DBE bandwidth of the DBE access point or DBE non-AP site is 320 MHz, the MCS corresponding to the maximum supported DBE bandwidth carried in the frame can include both the MCS corresponding to the 320 MHz bandwidth and the MCS corresponding to the 160 MHz bandwidth.

[0393] In this embodiment of the application, the maximum supported DBE bandwidth carried in the frame sent by the DBE non-AP site may include: the maximum supported DBE bandwidth, and a DBE bandwidth that is less than the maximum supported DBE bandwidth but greater than the BSS bandwidth.

[0394] For example: when the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz and the maximum supported DBE bandwidth of a non-AP DBE site is 160 MHz, the maximum supported DBE bandwidth carried in the frame sent by the non-AP DBE site can be 160 MHz; when the BSS bandwidth is 160 MHz and the maximum supported DBE bandwidth of a non-AP DBE site is 320 MHz, the maximum supported DBE bandwidth carried in the frame sent by the non-AP DBE site can be 320 MHz; when the BSS bandwidth is less than or equal to 80 MHz and the maximum supported DBE bandwidth of a non-AP DBE site is 320 MHz, the maximum supported DBE bandwidth carried in the frame sent by the non-AP DBE site can be either 320 MHz or 160 MHz.

[0395] It should be understood that the term "field" in this application embodiment can refer to a portion of information in general, and can be interchanged with "domain," "subdomain," or "field" to express the same meaning. Furthermore, the values ​​of a field and the meanings represented by different values ​​are merely examples; in specific implementations, other values ​​or different relationships between values ​​and meanings may exist, and this application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this. Additionally, the name of a field is merely an example; in specific implementations, other names may exist, and this application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0396] It should be understood that the length of each part of the frame, field, or element in the embodiments of this application can be set according to actual needs. In addition, the length values ​​of each part of the frame, field, or element that are limited in the embodiments of this application are only examples, and other values ​​may be used in specific implementations. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0397] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0398] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0399] It should also be understood that the above embodiments are mainly illustrated using devices in existing network architectures as examples. It should be understood that the specific form of the device is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0400] It is understood that, in the above-described method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the device (such as the second station and the first station) can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used in the device.

[0401] It is also understood that some optional features in the various embodiments of this application may not depend on other features in some scenarios, or may be combined with other features in some scenarios, without limitation.

[0402] The above, combined with Figures 2 to 8 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail. The above communication method is mainly described from the perspective of the interaction between the second station and the first station. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the second station and the first station include the corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for performing each function.

[0403] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0404] The following, combined with Figures 9 to 11 This application provides a detailed description of the communication device provided in its embodiments. It should be understood that the descriptions of the device embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, any content not described in detail can be found in the above method embodiments. For brevity, some content is omitted.

[0405] This application embodiment can divide the second station and the first station into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0406] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 10 includes a transceiver module 11 and a processing module 12. The transceiver module 11 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 12 is used for data processing.

[0407] Alternatively, the transceiver module 11 is used to perform receiving and sending related operations. The transceiver module 11 can also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit. The transceiver module 11 may include a receiving module and / or a sending module, whereby the receiving module performs receiving-related operations and the sending module performs sending-related operations.

[0408] In other words, the processing module 12 is used to perform operations other than receiving and sending.

[0409] Optionally, the device 10 may further include a storage module 13, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 12 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the device can perform the operation of the device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The above modules may also be referred to as units, such as transceiver unit, processing unit, storage unit, etc.

[0410] In one design, the device 10 may correspond to the first station in the above method embodiments, or to a component of the first station (such as a chip).

[0411] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the first station in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first station in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the first station in the above method embodiment.

[0412] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 2 When the method is in use, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S220, S240, S250, or S260; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step S210.

[0413] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0414] In another design, the device 10 may correspond to the second station in the above method embodiment, or to a component of the second station (such as a chip).

[0415] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the second station in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the second station in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the second station in the above method embodiment.

[0416] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 2When the method is in use, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S220, S240, S250, or S260; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as step S230.

[0417] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0418] It should also be understood that the device 10 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here can refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors, etc.) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that device 10 may specifically be a mobility management network element in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the mobility management network element in the above method embodiments; or, device 10 may specifically be a terminal device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0419] The apparatus 10 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the equipment (such as the first station and the second station) in the above-described methods. This function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functions; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the transmitting unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing modules, can be replaced by processors, which respectively execute the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0420] In addition, the transceiver module 11 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing module can be a processing circuit.

[0421] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 20 includes a transceiver 23 and a processor 21. The transceiver 23 is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals, and the processor 21 is used for executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, or reading data / signaling stored in the memory, to perform the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0422] Optionally, there may be one or more processors 21.

[0423] For example, processor 21 is used to control transceiver 23 to receive and / or transmit signals. Transceiver 23 may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, the receiver being used for receiving signals and the transmitter for transmitting signals; if communication device 20 is a chip, then transceiver 23 is the chip's input / output interface, where the output corresponds to transmitting and the input corresponds to receiving.

[0424] Optionally, such as Figure 10 As shown, the device 20 also includes a memory 22 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data.

[0425] Optionally, the memory 22 may be one or more.

[0426] The memory 22 can be integrated with the processor 21, or it can be set separately.

[0427] As one option, the device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by the first or second station in the various method embodiments described above.

[0428] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0429] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. 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. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: 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 linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0430] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0431] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0432] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a chip system 30 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system 30 (or processing system) includes logic circuitry 31 and input / output interface 32.

[0433] The logic circuit 31 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 30. The logic circuit 31 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 30 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 32 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 30, outputting processed information from the chip system 30, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 30 for processing.

[0434] As one approach, the chip system 30 is used to implement the operations performed by the first or second station in the various method embodiments described above.

[0435] For example, logic circuit 31 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first station in the above method embodiment; input / output interface 32 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first station in the above method embodiment.

[0436] For example, logic circuit 31 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the second station in the above method embodiment; input / output interface 32 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the second station in the above method embodiment.

[0437] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0438] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods executed by the first or second site in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0439] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by a first site or a second site in the above-described method embodiments.

[0440] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned first station and second station.

[0441] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0442] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of 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 mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0443] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0444] 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, Applied to the first site, the method includes: Generate a first frame, the first frame including first information; Send the first frame to the second station. The first information is used to indicate the number of spatial streams supported by the first site under N first bandwidths and the modulation and coding strategies supported by the first site under the N first bandwidths, wherein the first bandwidth is greater than the BSS bandwidth of the basic service set (BSS) to which the first site and the second site belong, and N is a positive integer. The first frame also includes an indication of the BSS bandwidth.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frame also includes second information, which indicates the value of N and / or the size of the N first bandwidths.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second information is any one of the following: A bitmap, wherein N first bits in the bitmap correspond to the N first bandwidths, and the value of the first bit is a first value; The number field indicates that the number of the first bandwidths is N; A first bandwidth field and a number field, wherein the first bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of one first bandwidth, and the number field is used to indicate that the number of first bandwidths is N; A first bandwidth field and a second bandwidth field, wherein the first bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the smallest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths, and the second bandwidth field is used to indicate the size of the largest first bandwidth among the N first bandwidths.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The second information is located in the same field as the first information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first station supports a number of spatial streams (NSS) under the specified bandwidth, including a maximum receive NSS and a maximum transmit NSS. The first station also supports a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) under the specified bandwidth, including a first MCS and a second MCS. The first information includes the maximum received NSS and maximum transmitted NSS supported by the first site under the first MCS, and the first information also includes the maximum received NSS and maximum transmitted NSS supported by the first site under the second MCS.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported by the first station under the bandwidth also includes a third MCS; The first information is carried in the MCS graph field. The first information includes the maximum received NSS and maximum transmitted NSS supported by the first station under the first MCS. The first information also includes the maximum received NSS and maximum transmitted NSS supported by the first station under the second MCS. The first information also includes the maximum received NSS and maximum transmitted NSS supported by the first station under the third MCS.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the first element, which is a dynamic bandwidth expansion element or an ultra-high reliability capability element.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first element is an ultra-high reliability capability element, the first information is carried in the dynamic bandwidth extension field, the ultra-high reliability capability element also includes an ultra-high reliability media access control capability information field, and the first field in the ultra-high reliability media access control capability information field is used to indicate whether the ultra-high reliability capability element includes the dynamic bandwidth extension field.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first frame also includes third information, which indicates the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site, and the maximum supported bandwidth of the first site is greater than the BSS bandwidth.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first site is a non-access point site, the second site is an access point, and the first frame is any of the following: Associated request frame; Link reconfiguration request frame; A request frame that enables dynamic bandwidth expansion.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first site is an access point, the second site is a non-access point site, and the first frame is any of the following: beacon frame; Detection response frame; Associated response frame; Dynamic bandwidth expansion enable frame; Dynamic bandwidth expansion and bandwidth update frames.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units or modules for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being configured to execute computer programs or instructions, The communication device is made to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. The communication device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions; and / or, The communication device further includes a communication interface coupled to the at least one processor, the communication interface being used for inputting and / or outputting information.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 11 to be performed.

16. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 11 to be performed.

17. A chip system, characterized in that, Includes: a processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, such that the method of any one of claims 1 to 11 is performed.

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