Communication method, apparatus, medium and chip

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, device, medium and chip, a first AP sends a first indication message to a second AP, the first indication message includes a TXOP sharing parameter, wherein the TXOP sharing parameter is used for the second AP to perform parallel transmission with the first AP in a target TXOP based on the TXOP sharing of the NPCA parallel transmission, so that the second AP performs parallel transmission with the first AP in the target TXOP based on the TXOP sharing parameter, thereby improving the channel utilization of the communication system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of wireless communication technology, specifically relating to a communication method, device, medium, and chip. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of network technology, dense wireless network environments have become mainstream. In dense wireless network environments, multiple access points (APs) are usually deployed. In multi-AP scenarios, related technologies allocate service time periods through coordinated time division multiple access (C-TDMA) technology, enabling multiple APs to use channel resources in a time-sharing manner based on shared transmission opportunity sharing (TXS) to reduce interference.

[0003] However, the channel utilization rate is not high when using related technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, medium, and chip. The communication method provided in this application reduces the problem of channel resource waste in multi-AP scenarios and improves the channel utilization of the communication system by using the TXOP sharing method based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0006] Send a first indication message to the second access point (AP), the first indication message including: transmission opportunity TXOP shared parameters;

[0007] The TXOP sharing parameters are used for TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, so that the second AP can perform parallel transmission with the first AP within the target TXOP.

[0008] Optionally, the TXOP shared parameters include: indication information on whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission and target channel information.

[0009] Optionally, the TXOP sharing parameters may further include: identification information of the APs participating in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

[0010] Optionally, the TXOP sharing parameters may also include: indication information indicating whether an AP performing NPCA transmission exists within the target TXOP.

[0011] Optionally, it also includes: if there is an indication information indicating whether an AP performing NPCA transmission exists in the target TXOP, indicating that an AP performing NPCA transmission exists in the target TXOP, and an indication information indicating whether a second AP performs NPCA transmission indicates that the second AP performs NPCA transmission, then the transmission of the initial control frame of the second AP and its associated STA is avoided by delaying the transmission.

[0012] Optionally, the first indication message is carried in the trigger frame, the indication information of whether there is an AP performing NPCA transmission in the target TXOP is carried in the common information field of the trigger frame, and the indication information of whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission, the target channel information, and the identification information of the APs participating in NPCA-based parallel transmission TXOP sharing in the target TXOP are carried in the user information list field.

[0013] Optionally, before sending the first indication message to the second AP, the method further includes:

[0014] Based on the channel information of the first AP and the NPCA channel information of the first AP, the channel information of the second AP and the NPCA channel information of the second AP, and the constraints of TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, the TXOP sharing parameters are determined.

[0015] Optionally, the constraints for TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission include:

[0016] The target channel information includes sub-channels that do not overlap with the sub-channels allocated by the first AP.

[0017] Optionally, before sending the first indication message to the second AP, the method further includes:

[0018] Send a third indication message, the third indication message being used to indicate that the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission;

[0019] Receive a third response message sent by the second AP, the third response message being used to indicate whether the second AP is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0020] Optionally, the third response message includes: the channel information of the second AP and the NPCA channel information of the second AP.

[0021] Optionally, the third response message may also include an indication message indicating whether the user is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing of the first AP based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0022] Optionally, the third indication message may also include: the channel information of the first AP and the NPCA channel information of the first AP.

[0023] Optionally, before sending the first indication message to the second AP, the method further includes:

[0024] Send a second indication message to the second AP. The second indication message is used to announce to the second AP whether the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

[0025] The first AP receives a second response message sent by the second AP. The second response message is used to provide feedback to the first AP on whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

[0026] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0027] Receive a first indication message sent by the first AP; the first indication message includes: Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) sharing parameters;

[0028] The second AP performs TXOP sharing with the first AP within the target TXOP based on the TXOP sharing parameters and NPCA-based parallel transmission.

[0029] Optionally, before receiving the first indication message sent by the first AP, the method further includes:

[0030] Receive a third indication message sent by the first AP, the third indication message being used to indicate that the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission;

[0031] A third response message is sent to the first AP, the third response message being used to indicate whether the second AP is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0032] Optionally, before receiving the first indication message sent by the first AP, the method further includes:

[0033] Receive a second indication message sent by the first AP, the second indication message being used to announce to the second AP whether the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP;

[0034] A second response message is sent to the first AP. The second response message is used to provide feedback to the first AP on whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

[0035] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, the device comprising:

[0036] The sending module is used to send a first indication message to the second access point (AP), the first indication message including: transmission opportunity TXOP shared parameters;

[0037] The TXOP sharing parameter is used for the second AP to perform parallel transmission with the first AP within the target TXOP during TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0038] Optionally, the TXOP shared parameters include: indication information on whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission and target channel information.

[0039] Optionally, the TXOP sharing parameters may further include: identification information of the APs participating in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

[0040] Optionally, the TXOP shared parameters may also include: indication information indicating whether an AP performing NPCA transmission exists within the target TXOP.

[0041] Optionally, the sending module is further configured to avoid transmitting the initial control frame of the second AP and its associated STA by delaying transmission if an indication information indicating whether an AP performing NPCA transmission exists in the target TXOP indicates that an AP performing NPCA transmission exists in the target TXOP, and an indication information indicating whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission indicates that the second AP performs NPCA transmission.

[0042] Optionally, the first indication message is carried in the trigger frame, the indication information of whether there is an AP performing NPCA transmission in the target TXOP is carried in the common information field of the trigger frame, and the indication information of whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission, the target channel information, and the identification information of the APs participating in NPCA-based parallel transmission TXOP sharing in the target TXOP are carried in the user information list field.

[0043] Optional, also includes:

[0044] The processing module is used to determine the TXOP sharing parameters based on the channel information of the first AP, the NPCA channel information of the first AP, the channel information of the second AP, the NPCA channel information of the second AP, and the constraints of TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0045] Optionally, the constraints for TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission include:

[0046] The target channel information includes sub-channels that do not overlap with the sub-channels allocated by the first AP.

[0047] Optionally, the sending module is further configured to send a third indication message, the third indication message being used to indicate that the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission;

[0048] The receiving module is used to receive a third response message sent by the second AP, the third response message being used to indicate whether the second AP is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0049] Optionally, the third response message includes: the channel information of the second AP and the NPCA channel information of the second AP.

[0050] Optionally, the third response message may also include an indication message indicating whether the user is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing of the first AP based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0051] Optionally, the third indication message may also include: the channel information of the first AP and the NPCA channel information of the first AP.

[0052] Optionally, the sending module is further configured to send a second indication message to the second AP, the second indication message being used to announce to the second AP whether the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP;

[0053] The receiving module is further configured to receive a second response message sent by the second AP, the second response message being used to provide feedback to the first AP on whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

[0054] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, the device comprising:

[0055] The receiving module is configured to receive a first indication message sent by the first AP; the first indication message includes: Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) shared parameters;

[0056] The sending module is used to perform TXOP sharing with the first AP based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP based on the TXOP sharing parameters.

[0057] Optionally, the receiving module is further configured to receive a first indication message sent by the first AP; the first indication message includes: Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) sharing parameters;

[0058] The second AP performs TXOP sharing with the first AP within the target TXOP based on the TXOP sharing parameters and NPCA-based parallel transmission.

[0059] Optionally, the receiving module is further configured to receive a third indication message sent by the first AP, the third indication message being used to indicate that the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission;

[0060] The sending module is also used to send a third response message to the first AP, the third response message being used to indicate whether the second AP is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0061] Optionally, the receiving module is further configured to receive a second indication message sent by the first AP, the second indication message being used to announce to the second AP whether the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP;

[0062] The sending module is also used to send a second response message to the first AP, the second response message being used to provide feedback to the first AP on whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

[0063] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication method as described in any of the first aspects, or implement the steps of the communication method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0064] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any of the first aspects, or to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0065] The communication method, apparatus, medium, and chip provided in this application embodiment send a first indication message to a second AP through a first AP. The first indication message includes TXOP sharing parameters. The TXOP sharing parameters are used for the second AP to perform parallel transmission with the first AP in the target TXOP when TXOP sharing is based on NPCA parallel transmission. This enables the second AP to perform parallel transmission with the first AP in the target TXOP based on the TXOP sharing parameters, thereby improving the channel utilization of the communication system. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario for multiple access points (APs) provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0067] Figure 2 This application provides a channel diagram of an AP.

[0068] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 4A This is another schematic diagram of a communication process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 4B This is another communication process diagram provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a trigger frame format provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 6 The following are schematic diagrams illustrating the allocation of three typical TXOP-shared channels based on NPCA parallel transmission, as provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0073] Figure 7A A flowchart illustrating yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 7B A flowchart illustrating yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 7C A flowchart illustrating yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating a scenario of the shared setup phase provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram of a frame format for channel information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 10B A schematic diagram of a frame format for NPCA channel information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 11 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] Figure 12 This application provides a schematic diagram of another communication device.

[0082] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0083] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0084] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0085] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, without limiting the number of objects; for example, the first object can be one or more. Furthermore, "or" in this application indicates at least one of the connected objects. For example, "A or B" covers three scenarios: Scenario 1: including A but not B; Scenario 2: including B but not A; Scenario 3: including both A and B. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0086] The term "instruction" in this application can be either a direct instruction (or explicit instruction) or an indirect instruction (or implicit instruction). A direct instruction can be understood as one in which the sender explicitly informs the receiver of specific information, the operation to be performed, or the requested result, etc., in the instruction sent. An indirect instruction can be understood as one in which the receiver determines the corresponding information based on the instruction sent by the sender, or makes a judgment and determines the operation to be performed or the requested result, etc., based on the judgment result.

[0087] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, and are applicable to any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series protocols used in WLANs, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, and future 802.11 protocols. The methods provided in this application can be implemented by communication devices in a wireless communication system or by chips or processors within those devices. Accordingly, the communication device supports communication using the IEEE 802.11 series protocols. Although the embodiments of this application are primarily illustrated using a network deploying IEEE 802.11 as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, primarily used in Europe), wide area network (WAN), WLAN, personal area network (PAN), ultra-wideband (UWB) based wireless PAN systems, sensing systems, or other networks now known or to be developed in the future. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0088] In the WiFi protocol, a station (abbreviated as STA) includes access point stations (abbreviated as AP STA) and non-access point stations (abbreviated as non-AP station). For the sake of simplicity, access point stations are usually called access points (abbreviated as AP), and non-access point stations are called stations (abbreviated as STA).

[0089] Access points can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation or later protocols.

[0090] The site can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation or later protocols.

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

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

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

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

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

[0096] In multi-AP scenarios, interference may occur between neighboring APs, such as... Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-AP application scenario provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 Taking two access points (APs) as an example, AP1 and AP2, AP1 manages the Basic Service Set (BSS) BSS1, while AP2 manages the BSS2. BSS1 and BSS2 have overlapping coverage areas. STA11 is within the coverage area of ​​BSS1 and is associated with AP1, while STA21 is associated with AP2. Since STA21 is simultaneously within the overlapping coverage area of ​​both BSS1 and BSS2, C-TDMA can be used to allocate different transmission opportunities (TXOPs) to different APs to avoid interference between them.

[0097] By assigning different TXOPs to different APs, it is ensured that each AP only transmits data within its own TXOP, remaining silent during the TXOPs of other APs, thereby reducing or avoiding mutual interference. For example, in Figure 1 In the scenario shown, to reduce interference between AP1 and AP2, different TXOPs can be assigned to AP1 and AP2. During the TXOP assigned to AP1, AP2 remains silent, and during the TXOP assigned to AP2, AP1 remains silent. Through precise time synchronization and TXOP allocation, interference between APs is avoided.

[0098] The IEEE TGbn standardization working group proposed that, in the event of interference with the primary channel, APs and STAs should switch to the NPCA primary channel for non-primary channel access (NPCA). This expands the reliance on the primary channel and better utilizes transmission opportunities on idle non-primary channels, thereby improving spectrum utilization. Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This application provides a channel diagram for an Access Point (AP). The AP has a channel bandwidth of 160 MHz and includes eight sub-channels, each with a bandwidth of 20 MHz. These sub-channels are channel 1, channel 2, channel 3, channel 4, channel 5, channel 6, channel 7, and channel 8. For an IEEE 802.11bn Ultra High Reliability (UHR) system, channel 2 is the primary channel, and channel 6 is the Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) primary channel. The NPCA bandwidth is 80 MHz, and its sub-channels include channel 5, channel 6, channel 7, and channel 8. The AP and STA can transmit data via the primary channel or via the NPCA primary channel. For example, when channel 2 is busy or interfered with, the AP and its associated STA can switch to the NPCA primary channel for data transmission.

[0099] However, when the AP and its associated STA transmit data within their TXOP, in some scenarios, the AP does not need to transmit data on the full bandwidth, but only on a portion of the channels. As a result, some channels are idle. For example, if the AP's channel bandwidth is 160M, but the AP and its associated STA only transmit data on 80M of that bandwidth, then the channels corresponding to the remaining 80M bandwidth are idle, thus wasting channel resources.

[0100] In light of the foregoing, this application embodiment addresses the problem of wasted channel resources by allowing an AP to share its TXOP with other APs. During TXOP sharing, one AP transmits data via the main channel, while the other AP transmits data via the NPCA channel. For ease of description, in this application embodiment, the AP initiating TXOP sharing is described as the first AP, and the APs participating in TXOP sharing are described as the second AP. It can be understood that the first AP can be called the sharing AP, and the second AP can be called the shared AP. Data transmission via the NPCA channel is described as NPCA transmission. The scenario where one AP transmits data via the main channel and the other AP transmits data in parallel via the NPCA channel within the TXOP is described as TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission. During TXOP sharing, either the first AP or the second AP may perform NPCA transmission. By transmitting data on non-overlapping channels, the first AP and the second AP improve the channel utilization of the communication system. The multi-AP TXOP sharing (MAP TXOPSharing, abbreviated as MAP TXS) operation described above in this application embodiment may include a sharing establishment phase and a sharing execution phase.

[0101] The technical solution of this application will be described below with reference to specific embodiments:

[0102] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This describes the shared execution phase. The first AP instructs the second AP on the parameters for participating in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, enabling the second AP to achieve TXOP sharing based on these parameters. In other words, one AP transmits data via the primary channel, and the other AP transmits data via the NPCA channel. The primary channel of the first AP is the same as the primary channel of the second AP, and the NPCA channels of the first AP and the second AP can be the same or different. For ease of description, the interaction between the first AP and the second AP is described as executing a shared TXOP based on NPCA parallel transmission, specifically a target shared TXOP. The first AP and the second AP execute NPCA-based parallel transmission within the target TXOP, as follows: Figure 3 As shown:

[0103] S31: The first AP sends a first instruction message to the second AP.

[0104] The first indication message includes: TXOP sharing parameters when sharing TXOPs based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0105] Optionally, the TXOP shared parameters include: indication information on whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission and target channel information.

[0106] The target channel information is determined by the first AP based on its own channel information, the first AP's NPCA channel information, the second AP's channel information, and the second AP's NPCA information, combined with the constraints of TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0107] In TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, it may be the first AP that performs NPCA transmission or the second AP that performs NPCA transmission. The indication information of whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission can enable the second AP to know whether it performs NPCA transmission within the target TXOP share.

[0108] If the second AP performs NPCA transmission, the first AP performs data transmission based on the primary channel. That is, if the second AP performs NPCA transmission, the second AP performs NPCA transmission with its associated STA within the target TXOP based on the target channel information, and the first AP performs data transmission with its associated STA within the target TXOP based on the primary channel.

[0109] If the second AP does not perform NPCA transmission, then the first AP performs NPCA transmission. That is, if the second AP does not perform NPCA transmission, then the second AP transmits data with its associated STA within the target TXOP based on the primary channel according to the target channel information. The target channel information includes: the primary channel of the second AP; and the first AP performs NPCA transmission with its associated STA within the target TXOP based on the NPCA channel.

[0110] Optionally, the TXOP sharing parameters further include: identification information of the APs participating in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP, so that the second AP can determine whether to further parse the indication information and target channel information regarding whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission based on this. If the identification information of the APs participating in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP includes the second AP, then the second AP further parses the indication information and target channel information regarding whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission based on this. If the identification information of the APs participating in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP does not include the second AP, then the second AP does not need to further parse the indication information and target channel information regarding whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission.

[0111] Optionally, the TXOP sharing parameters further include: whether there is indication information for an AP performing NPCA transmission within the target TXOP. If so, the second AP determines whether it is an AP performing NPCA transmission. If the second AP is not an AP performing NPCA transmission, it avoids the transmission of the initial control frame (ICF) between the first AP and its associated STA by delaying transmission. If the second AP is an AP performing NPCA transmission, the first AP avoids the transmission of the initial control frame between the second AP and its associated STA by delaying transmission. The initial control frame is used by the first AP or the second AP and its associated STA to control the switch to the NPCA channel for NPCA transmission through the interaction of the initial control frame and the initial control response frame (ICR). In other words, the AP not performing NPCA transmission avoids interference with the transmission of the initial control frame of the AP performing NPCA transmission by delaying transmission.

[0112] In this embodiment, a first indication message is sent from the first AP to the second AP. The TXOP sharing parameter is used for the second AP to perform parallel transmission with the first AP within the target TXOP when TXOP sharing is based on NPCA parallel transmission. This enables the second AP to perform parallel transmission with the first AP within the target TXOP based on the TXOP sharing parameter, thereby improving the channel utilization of the communication system.

[0113] One possible implementation is that the first indication message can be carried in the trigger frame, and the indication information of whether there is an AP performing NPCA transmission in the target TXOP is carried in the common information field of the trigger frame. The indication information of whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission, the target channel information, and the identification information of the APs participating in NPCA-based parallel transmission TXOP sharing in the target TXOP are carried in the user information list field.

[0114] It is understood that the frame structure carrying the first indication message can be a new frame structure, or it can be based on the original frame structure and utilize the original reserved fields or bits, or reused with any field indicating other information. In this embodiment, there are no restrictions, as long as it can achieve its indication function.

[0115] Specifically, Figure 4A This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4A yes Figure 3 One implementation of the illustrated embodiment, taking the first indication message carried in the trigger frame as an example, is as follows: Figure 4AAs shown, the first AP sends a trigger frame to the second AP. The trigger frame contains TXOP sharing parameters for TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission. The second AP replies with a response feedback frame to the first AP, indicating that it has received the trigger frame.

[0116] The first AP and the second AP perform TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, where the NPCA transmission may be performed by either the first AP or the second AP.

[0117] Since the TXOP sharing parameters are decided by the first AP, the first AP can determine whether there is an AP performing NPCA transmission within the target TXOP, and whether it itself is an AP performing NPCA transmission. The second AP can determine whether it is performing NPCA transmission in the following way: The second AP can determine whether there is an AP performing NPCA transmission within the target TXOP, and whether it itself is an AP performing NPCA transmission, based on the TXOP sharing parameters.

[0118] An AP performing NPCA transmission sends an NPCA initial control frame to its associated STA via the main channel to notify the STA to access the network via the NPCA main channel and to transmit data with the AP based on the allocated NPCA frequency domain resources. Upon receiving the NPCA initial control frame, the associated STA sends an NPCA initial control response frame to the AP via the NPCA main channel. After receiving the NPCA initial control response frame from its associated STA via the NCPA main channel, the AP and its associated STA conduct uplink or downlink data communication within the target TXOP via the NCPA main channel and NPCA bandwidth.

[0119] Since the AP performing NPCA transmission sends the NPCA initial control frame to its associated STA on the main channel, the AP performing parallel transmission on the main channel needs to delay transmission to avoid interference from the AP performing NPCA transmission. The specific delay time can be calculated using the size of the NPCA ICF frame and the physical layer rate.

[0120] For example, when the first AP determines that an AP performing NPCA transmission exists within the target TXOP, but it is not the first AP performing the transmission, the first AP avoids transmitting the NPCA initial control frame of the AP performing the NPCA transmission by delaying the transmission. Figure 4A As shown, the first AP avoids the transmission of the NPA initial control frame between the second AP and its associated STA by delaying the transmission.

[0121] For example, when the second AP determines that an AP performing NPCA transmission exists within the target TXOP, but it is not the second AP performing the transmission, the second AP avoids transmitting the NPCA initial control frame of the AP performing the NPCA transmission by delaying the transmission. Figure 4B As shown, the second AP avoids the transmission of the NPA initial control frame between the first AP and its associated STA by delaying the transmission.

[0122] In some embodiments, the trigger frame is implemented by redefining existing bits, such as a Basic Trigger frame, a Multi-User Targeted Retry Space (MU-TRS) frame, or a Bandwidth Status Report Polling (BSRP) frame. By redefining existing trigger frames, the trigger frames of this embodiment are implemented, reducing changes to existing frame formats and improving implementation convenience.

[0123] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a trigger frame format provided in an embodiment of this application. The trigger frame structure includes: a frame control field (2 bytes), a duration field (2 bytes), a receiver address field (RA, 6 bytes), a source address field (TA, 6 bytes), a common information field (8 bytes or more), a user information field (random bytes), a padding field (random bytes), and a frame check sequence field (FCS, 4 bytes). The common information field also includes indication information about whether an AP performing NPCA transmission exists within the target TXOP, and other fields. The user information field also includes indication information about whether a second AP is performing NPCA transmission, target channel information, identification information of APs participating in NPCA-based parallel transmission sharing within the target TXOP, and other fields.

[0124] In the above embodiments, the target channel information is determined by the first AP based on its own channel information and NPCA channel information, as well as the channel information and NPCA information of the second AP, combined with the constraints of TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0125] The constraints for TXOP sharing in NPCA parallel transmission are as follows:

[0126] The target channel information allocated by the second AP includes sub-channels that do not overlap with the sub-channels allocated by the first AP.

[0127] The following is combined Figure 6 The diagram illustrates several typical channel allocation diagrams for TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, where the diagonally colored sections represent unusable sub-channels.

[0128] In the first scenario (case 1), the channel bandwidth of the first AP completely encompasses the channel bandwidth of the second AP. Specifically, in the first AP, the primary 20M channel represents the primary channel of the first AP; the first secondary 20M channel represents a secondary channel with a bandwidth of 20M; the primary NPCA 20M channel represents the primary NPCA channel with a bandwidth of 20M; and the second secondary 20M channel represents the secondary NPCA channel with a bandwidth of 20M. Similarly, in the second AP, the primary 20M channel represents the primary channel of the second AP, and the primary NPCA 20M channel represents the primary NPCA channel with a bandwidth of 20M. In this scenario, the first AP knows that it contains NPCA information and can perform NPCA transmission. Furthermore, the primary NPCA channel of the first AP and the primary channel of the second AP do not overlap. Based on the NPCA channel information of the first AP and the channel information of the second AP, the second target sub-channel can be determined as the channel used by the first AP for NPCA transmission. Based on the aforementioned allocation rules, in the target shared TXOP, the first AP's primary 20M NPA is allocated as a sub-channel for the first AP to use for NPA transmission. That is, the second target sub-channel of the first AP includes the first AP's primary NPA channel, enabling the first AP to perform NPA transmission. The second AP's primary 20M is allocated as an available sub-channel of the second AP. That is, the second AP's available sub-channels include the second AP's primary channel. At the same time, when the first AP performs subsequent data interaction, its primary 20M and secondary 20M sub-channels are unavailable sub-channels to avoid affecting the second AP's primary channel.

[0129] In the second scenario (case 2), the channel bandwidths of the first AP and the second AP partially overlap. In the first AP, Ch420M represents the fourth sub-channel with a bandwidth of 20M, and in the second AP, Ch2 20M represents the second sub-channel with a bandwidth of 20M. The secondary 20M in the second AP represents the secondary channel with a bandwidth of 20M. Other symbols have the same meaning as in the first scenario. In this scenario, the first AP knows that the second AP contains NPCA information and can perform NPCA transmission. Furthermore, the NPCA main channel of the second AP and the main channel of the first AP do not overlap at all. Based on the channel information of the first AP and the NPCA channel information of the second AP, the first target sub-channel can be determined as the sub-channel used by the second AP for NPCA transmission. Based on the aforementioned allocation rules, in the target shared TXOP, the second AP's primary 20M NPA is allocated as a sub-channel for the second AP to use for NPA transmission. That is, the second AP's first target sub-channel includes the second AP's primary NPA channel, enabling the second AP to perform NPA transmission. The first AP's primary 20M is allocated as an available sub-channel for the first AP. That is, the first AP's available sub-channel includes the first AP's primary channel. At the same time, when the second AP performs subsequent data interaction, its primary 20M and secondary 20M sub-channels are unavailable sub-channels to avoid affecting the first AP's primary channel.

[0130] In the third scenario (case 3), the channel bandwidths of the first AP and the second AP completely overlap. Ch420M in the first AP represents the fourth sub-channel with a bandwidth of 20MHz, and the other symbols have the same meaning as in the first scenario. In this case, the first AP knows that the second AP contains NPCA information and can perform NPCA transmission, and that the second AP's NPCA main channel and the first AP's main channel do not overlap at all. Based on the channel information of the first AP and the NPCA channel information of the second AP, the first target sub-channel can be determined as the channel used by the second AP for NPCA transmission. Based on the above allocation rules, in the shared TXOP, the second AP's primary 20M NPA is allocated as a sub-channel for NPA transmission, meaning the second AP's first target sub-channel includes the second AP's primary NPA channel, enabling the second AP to perform NPA transmission. The first AP's primary 20M is allocated as an available sub-channel, meaning the first AP's available sub-channels include the first AP's primary channel. Simultaneously, during subsequent data interaction, the second AP's primary 20M and secondary 20M sub-channels are unavailable to avoid affecting the first AP's primary channel. Similarly, during subsequent data interaction, the first AP's primary 20M and Ch4 20M sub-channels are unavailable to avoid affecting the second AP's primary NPA channel.

[0131] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, it further includes: the first AP further confirming that the second AP participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP, specifically, as follows: Figure 7A As shown, Figure 7A This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7A Is Figure 3 Based on the illustrated embodiment, further, before S31, it also includes:

[0132] S301: The first AP sends a second instruction message to the second AP.

[0133] The second indication message is used to announce to the second AP whether the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

[0134] S302: The second AP sends a second response message to the first AP.

[0135] After receiving the second instruction message sent by the first AP, the second AP can determine whether to participate in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP based on its own needs, and then send a second response message to the first AP to report whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

[0136] In this embodiment, the first AP sends a second indication message to the second AP to announce whether it supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP. The second AP then sends a second response message to the first AP to indicate whether it participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP. This reconfirmation of the target TXOP makes it more flexible for both the first and second APs to participate in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0137] In the technical solutions provided in the various embodiments of this application, the sharing of TXOPs by the first AP and the second AP based on NPCA parallel transmission can refer to sharing a complete TXOP of the first AP. Alternatively, it can be based on time-division sharing between the first AP and the second AP, that is, the first AP shares a portion of the target TXOP with the second AP through time-division multiplexing, and the TXOP sharing is based on NPCA parallel transmission during the time period when the first AP shares the TXOP with the second AP. The implementation principle is similar and will not be described in detail.

[0138] Combination Figure 7A The technical solution shown, in a complete TXOP scenario sharing a first AP, is as follows: Figure 7BAs shown, the second indication message can be carried in a control frame, such as an initial control frame. The second indication message is carried by setting a corresponding field in the control frame. For example, the field name can be described as "NPCA-based parallel transmission TXOP sharing support field," and the length of this field can be set to 1 bit. A value of 1 for the corresponding bit indicates that the first AP supports NPCA-based parallel transmission TXOP sharing within the target TXOP, while a value of 0 indicates that the first AP does not support NPCA-based parallel transmission TXOP sharing within the target TXOP. The second response message can be carried in a response frame, such as an initial control response frame. The third response message can be carried by setting a corresponding field in the response frame. For example, the field name can be described as the TXOP sharing enable field based on NPCA parallel transmission. The length of the field can be set to 1 bit. It can be defined that when the value of the corresponding bit is 1, it means that the second AP participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission in the target TXOP. When the value of the bit is 0, it means that the second AP does not participate in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission in the target TXOP. If the second AP participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission in the target TXOP, then the first indication message containing the TXOP sharing parameters when TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission can be carried in the trigger frame.

[0139] Combination Figure 7A The technical solution shown illustrates a scenario where the first AP shares a portion of the target TXOP with the second AP via time-division multiplexing. During the TXOP sharing period from the first AP to the second AP, TXOP sharing is based on NPCA parallel transmission, such as... Figure 7C As shown, the first AP transmits data with its associated STA based on the full bandwidth within the TXOP portion owned by the first AP, and shares the TXOP based on NPCA parallel transmission within the TXOP time period shared by the first AP to the second AP.

[0140] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This describes the sharing establishment phase. During this phase, the first AP needs to determine which APs are willing to participate in TXOP sharing during its shared TXOP period, and obtain the channel information and NPCA channel information of the APs willing to participate in TXOP sharing. The implementation method for the first AP to determine the APs willing to participate in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, and to obtain the channel information and NPCA channel information of the APs willing to participate in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, is as follows: Figure 8 As shown:

[0141] S81: The first AP sends a third instruction message.

[0142] The third indication message can be carried in a broadcast message, and the third indication message is used to indicate that the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0143] That is, the first AP informs the neighboring APs that it is willing to share its TXOP by carrying a third instruction message in the broadcast message, and supports data transmission via NPCA parallel transmission during TXOP sharing.

[0144] S82: The second AP sends a third response message to the first AP.

[0145] After receiving the broadcast message, the neighboring AP parses the third indication message in the broadcast message to determine that the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission. The neighboring AP determines whether it is willing to participate in the first AP's TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission based on its own capabilities. For example, if the neighboring AP has the capability to support NPCA transmission and is willing to participate in TXOP sharing, it sends a third response message to the first AP, carrying its own channel information and NPCA channel information in the third response message. This allows the first AP to decide on the TXOP sharing parameters when performing TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission based on the neighboring AP's channel information and NPCA channel information, as well as its own channel information and NPCA channel information.

[0146] One possible implementation is that the third response message includes: the channel information of the second AP and the NPCA channel information of the second AP.

[0147] In other words, when the third response message includes the channel information of the second AP and the NPCA channel information, it is equivalent to implicitly indicating to the first AP that it is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing of the first AP based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0148] Another possible implementation is as follows: In addition to the channel information and NPCA channel information of the second AP, the third response message also includes an indication message indicating whether the second AP is willing to participate in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission with the first AP. This indication message can be represented by a field, for example, described as a field indicating whether the second AP is willing to participate in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission. The length of this field can be set to 1 bit. When the value of this bit is 1, it indicates that the second AP is willing to participate in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission; when the value of this bit is 0, it indicates that the second AP is unwilling to participate in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission. By setting the field indicating whether the second AP is willing to participate in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, the first AP can determine whether to continue parsing the channel information and NPCA channel information of the second AP based on this field. Alternatively, the first AP can further parse the channel information and NPCA channel information of the second AP only when the value of this field is 1; otherwise, the first AP does not need to parse the channel information and NPCA channel information of the second AP.

[0149] In this embodiment, the first AP sends a third indication message to announce that the first AP supports data transmission via NPCA parallel transmission. After receiving the third indication message, the neighboring AP determines whether it intends to participate in TXOP sharing based on its own capabilities, sends a third response message to the first AP, and carries the channel information of the second AP and the NPCA channel information of the second AP in the third response message, so that the first AP knows that it intends to participate in TXOP sharing, and decides the TXOP sharing parameters when performing TXOP sharing based on the channel information and NPCA channel information of the neighboring AP and the channel information and NPCA channel information of the first AP itself.

[0150] In the above embodiments, the implementation scenario where the first AP sends a third indication message and the second AP sends a third response message to the first AP can be as follows: Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a shared establishment phase provided by an embodiment of this application. AP1 sends a broadcast message carrying a third indication message to neighboring APs (AP2 and AP3). The broadcast message is used to announce to the neighboring APs (AP2 and AP3) that it supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, so that the neighboring APs can know that AP1 supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission by parsing the third indication message. The neighboring APs send a response message to the first AP based on their own capabilities.

[0151] Optionally, in the above embodiments, the third indication message may further include: the channel information of the first AP and the NPCA channel information of the first AP, so that the neighboring AP can determine whether it can participate in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission based on the channel information and NPCA channel information of the first AP, the channel information and NPCA channel information of the neighboring AP itself. That is, before determining whether to inform the first AP of its willingness to participate in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, the neighboring AP not only considers whether it supports NPCA transmission, but also matches the channel information and NPCA channel information of the first AP with its own channel information and NPCA channel information to determine whether the constraints for participating in NPCA parallel transmission are met. Only when the constraints for participating in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission are met will the third response message be sent to the first AP, thereby improving the efficiency of the TXOP sharing parameters when the first AP decides to perform TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0152] In the above embodiments, the channel information of the first AP and neighboring APs includes: the location information and bandwidth parameters of the main channel; the format and fields of the channel information are as follows: Figure 10A As shown, Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram of a frame format for channel information provided in an embodiment of this application; the NPCA channel information of the first AP and neighboring APs includes: NPCA availability status information, NPCA main channel location information, and NPCA bandwidth parameters. The NPCA availability status information is used to indicate whether the NPCA function is enabled. For example, this field can be represented by 1 bit, where a value of 1 indicates that the NPCA function is enabled, and a value of 0 indicates that the NPCA function is not enabled. The format and fields of the NPCA channel information are as follows: Figure 10B As shown, Figure 10B This is a schematic diagram of a frame format for NPA channel information provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0153] See Figure 10A The channel information for the first AP and neighboring APs includes: the location information and bandwidth parameters of the main channel, wherein the bandwidth parameters include at least one of the following:

[0154] Channel bandwidth;

[0155] CCFS0, wherein CCFS0 is used to indicate the location number of the channel where the center frequency point of the channel bandwidth is located when the channel bandwidth is 20 to 80 MHz; to indicate the location of the center frequency point of the main 80 MHz when the channel bandwidth is 160 MHz; and to indicate the location of the center frequency point of the main 160 MHz when the channel bandwidth is 320 MHz.

[0156] CCFS1, the CCFS1 is used to indicate the location number of the channel where the second center frequency point of the channel bandwidth is located; when the channel bandwidth is 20 to 80 MHz, this field is a reserved field; when the channel bandwidth is 160 MHz, it indicates the location number of the channel where the center frequency point of 160 MHz is located; when the channel bandwidth is 320 MHz, it indicates the location number of the channel where the center frequency point of 320 MHz is located.

[0157] An unavailable subchannel mapping bitmap is used to indicate punched subchannels within a subchannel.

[0158] See Figure 10B The NPCA channel information for the first AP and neighboring APs includes: NPCA availability status information, NPCA main channel location information, and NPCA bandwidth parameters, wherein the NPCA bandwidth parameters include at least one of the following:

[0159] NPCA channel bandwidth;

[0160] NPCA CCFS0 is used to indicate the location number of the channel where the center frequency of the NPCA channel is located when the NPCA channel bandwidth is 20-80M; to indicate the location number of the channel where the center frequency of the main NPCA is located when the NPCA channel bandwidth is 160M; and to indicate the location number of the channel where the center frequency of the main NPCA is located when the NPCA channel bandwidth is 320M.

[0161] NPCA CCFS1, the NPCA CCFS1 is used to indicate the location number of the channel where the second center frequency point of the channel bandwidth of the NPCA is located. When the NPCA channel bandwidth is 20 to 80 MHz, this field is a reserved field. When the NPCA channel bandwidth is 160 MHz, it indicates the location number of the channel where the center frequency point of NPCA160 MHz is located. When the channel bandwidth is 320 MHz, it indicates the location number of the channel where the center frequency point of NPCA320 MHz is located.

[0162] NPCA subchannel mapping bitmap, which is used to indicate the position of the NPCA subchannel in the total bandwidth;

[0163] NPCA Unavailable Subchannel Mapping Bitmap, which is used to indicate punched subchannels in NPCA subchannels.

[0164] The NPCA CCFS1 is used to indicate the location number of the channel where the second center frequency point of the NPCA channel bandwidth is located; when the NPCA bandwidth is 20 to 80 MHz, this field is a reserved field; when the NPCA bandwidth is 160 MHz, it indicates the location of the center frequency point at 160 MHz; and when the NPCA bandwidth is 320 MHz, it indicates the location of the center frequency point at 320 MHz.

[0165] based on Figure 10A The channel information shown and Figure 10B The NPCA channel information shown can determine the channel distribution of each AP. Based on the channel distribution of each AP, it can be determined whether the APs meet the constraints of TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0166] Figure 11 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device, as shown in the embodiment. Figure 11 As shown, the apparatus of this embodiment includes:

[0167] Sending module 1101 is used to send a first indication message to the second access point (AP), the first indication message including: transmission opportunity TXOP shared parameters;

[0168] The TXOP sharing parameter is used for the second AP to perform parallel transmission with the first AP within the target TXOP during TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0169] Optionally, the TXOP shared parameters include: indication information on whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission and target channel information.

[0170] Optionally, the TXOP sharing parameters may further include: identification information of the APs participating in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

[0171] Optionally, the TXOP shared parameters may also include: indication information indicating whether an AP performing NPCA transmission exists within the target TXOP.

[0172] Optionally, the sending module 1101 is further configured to avoid the transmission of the initial control frame of the second AP and its associated STA by delaying transmission if there is an indication information indicating that there is an AP performing NPCA transmission in the target TXOP, and an indication information indicating that the second AP performs NPCA transmission.

[0173] Optionally, the first indication message is carried in the trigger frame, the indication information of whether there is an AP performing NPCA transmission in the target TXOP is carried in the common information field of the trigger frame, and the indication information of whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission, the target channel information, and the identification information of the APs participating in NPCA-based parallel transmission TXOP sharing in the target TXOP are carried in the user information list field.

[0174] Optional, also includes:

[0175] Processing module 1103 is used to determine the TXOP sharing parameters based on the channel information of the first AP, the NPCA channel information of the first AP, the channel information of the second AP, the NPCA channel information of the second AP, and the constraints of TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0176] Optionally, the constraints for TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission include:

[0177] The target channel information includes sub-channels that do not overlap with the sub-channels allocated by the first AP.

[0178] Optionally, the sending module 1101 is further configured to send a third indication message, the third indication message being used to indicate that the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission;

[0179] The receiving module 1102 is used to receive a third response message sent by the second AP, the third response message being used to indicate whether the second AP is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0180] Optionally, the third response message includes: the channel information of the second AP and the NPCA channel information of the second AP.

[0181] Optionally, the third response message may also include an indication message indicating whether the user is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing of the first AP based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0182] Optionally, the third indication message may also include: the channel information of the first AP and the NPCA channel information of the first AP.

[0183] Optionally, the sending module 1101 is further configured to send a second indication message to the second AP, the second indication message being used to announce to the second AP whether the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP;

[0184] The receiving module 1102 is further configured to receive a second response message sent by the second AP, the second response message being used to provide feedback to the first AP on whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

[0185] In this embodiment, the transmitting module 1101 and the receiving module 1102 can be implemented by two independent modules, or the functions of the transmitting module 1101 and the receiving module 1102 can be implemented by a single transceiver module. This application embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0186] The device in this embodiment can be used to execute the steps of the first AP in the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be repeated here.

[0187] Figure 12 This application provides a schematic diagram of another communication device, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the apparatus of this embodiment includes: a receiving module 1201 and a transmitting module 1202, wherein,

[0188] The receiving module 1201 is used to receive a first indication message sent by the first AP; the first indication message includes: Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) shared parameters;

[0189] The sending module 1202 is used to perform TXOP sharing with the first AP based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP based on the TXOP sharing parameters.

[0190] Optionally, the receiving module 1201 is further configured to receive a first indication message sent by the first AP; the first indication message includes: Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) sharing parameters;

[0191] The second AP performs TXOP sharing with the first AP within the target TXOP based on the TXOP sharing parameters and NPCA-based parallel transmission.

[0192] Optionally, the receiving module 1201 is further configured to receive a third indication message sent by the first AP, the third indication message being used to indicate that the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission;

[0193] The sending module 1202 is also configured to send a third response message to the first AP, the third response message being used to indicate whether the second AP is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

[0194] Optionally, the receiving module 1201 is further configured to receive a second indication message sent by the first AP, the second indication message being used to announce to the second AP whether the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP;

[0195] The sending module 1202 is also used to send a second response message to the first AP, the second response message being used to provide feedback to the first AP on whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

[0196] The receiving module 1201 and the transmitting module 1202 in the device of this embodiment can be implemented by two independent modules, or the functions of the receiving module 1201 and the transmitting module 1202 can be implemented by a single transceiver module. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0197] The device in this embodiment can be used to execute the steps of the second AP in the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again here.

[0198] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps described in the above method embodiments.

[0199] This application also provides a computer program product, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above-described method embodiments.

[0200] This application also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0201] The following is a detailed reference. Figure 13 The diagram illustrates a suitable structural schematic for implementing the electronic device 700 in the embodiments of this application. The electronic device 700 in the embodiments of this application may include, but is not limited to, mobile terminals such as mobile phones, laptops, digital broadcast receivers, PDAs (personal digital assistants), PADs (tablet computers), PMPs (portable multimedia players), in-vehicle terminals (e.g., in-vehicle navigation terminals), and fixed terminals such as digital TVs and desktop computers. The illustrated electronic device is merely an example and should not impose any limitations on the functionality or scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0202] like Figure 13As shown, the electronic device 700 may include a processing unit (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processor, etc.) 710, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 720 or a program loaded from a storage device 780 into a random access memory (RAM) 730. The RAM 730 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the electronic device. The processing unit 710, ROM 720, and RAM 730 are interconnected via a bus 740. An input / output (I / O) interface 750 is also connected to the bus 740.

[0203] Typically, the following devices can be connected to the I / O interface 750: input devices 760 including, for example, a touchscreen, touchpad, keyboard, mouse, camera, microphone, accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.; output devices 770 including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), speaker, vibrator, etc.; storage devices 780 including, for example, magnetic tape, hard disk, etc.; and communication devices 790. The communication device 790 allows the electronic device 700 to communicate wirelessly or wiredly with other devices to exchange data. Although an electronic device 700 with various devices is shown, it should be understood that it is not required to implement or possess all of the devices shown. More or fewer devices may be implemented or possessed alternatively.

[0204] Specifically, according to embodiments of this application, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments of this application include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via a communication device 790, or installed from a storage device 780, or installed from a ROM 720. When the computer program is executed by the processing device 710, it performs the functions defined in the communication method of the embodiments of this application.

[0205] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium described above in this application can be a computer-readable signal medium, a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination thereof. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this application, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In this application, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium can be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, which can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wires, optical fibers, RF (radio frequency), etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0206] In some implementations, the user and management terminals can communicate using any currently known or future-developed network protocol, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and can interconnect with digital data communication (e.g., communication networks) of any form or medium. Examples of communication networks include local area networks (“LANs”), wide area networks (“WANs”), the Internet (e.g., the Internet of Things), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks), as well as any currently known or future-developed networks.

[0207] The aforementioned computer-readable medium may be included in the aforementioned electronic device; or it may exist independently and not assembled into the electronic device.

[0208] The aforementioned computer-readable medium carries one or more programs that, when executed by the electronic device, cause the electronic device to:

[0209] Send a first indication message to the second access point (AP), the first indication message including: transmission opportunity TXOP shared parameters;

[0210] The TXOP sharing parameters are used for TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, so that the second AP can perform parallel transmission with the first AP within the target TXOP.

[0211] Computer program code for performing the operations of this application can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof. These programming languages ​​include, but are not limited to, object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, as well as conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" language or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)—or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0212] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this application. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0213] The units described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in software or hardware. The names of the units are not, in some cases, limiting the scope of the unit itself.

[0214] The functions described above in this document can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, exemplary types of hardware logic components that can be used, without limitation, include: Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-Chip (SoCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and so on.

[0215] In the context of this application, a machine-readable medium can be a tangible medium that may contain or store a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A machine-readable medium can be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. Machine-readable media can be, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include electrical connections based on one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0216] According to one or more embodiments of this application, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for performing any of the communication methods described in the embodiments of this application.

[0217] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of disclosure in this application is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application.

[0218] Furthermore, while the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order. Multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous in certain environments. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0219] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a first indication message to the second access point (AP), the first indication message including: transmission opportunity TXOP shared parameters; The TXOP sharing parameters are used for TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, so that the second AP can perform parallel transmission with the first AP within the target TXOP.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The TXOP shared parameters include: indication information on whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission and target channel information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The TXOP sharing parameters also include: identification information of the APs participating in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The TXOP shared parameters also include: indication information on whether an AP performing NPCA transmission exists within the target TXOP.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: If an indication message indicating whether an AP performing NPCA transmission exists within the target TXOP indicates that an AP performing NPCA transmission exists within the target TXOP, and an indication message indicating whether a second AP performs NPCA transmission indicates that the second AP performs NPCA transmission, then the transmission of the initial control frame of the second AP and its associated STA is avoided by delaying the transmission.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first indication message is carried in the trigger frame. The indication information of whether there is an AP performing NPCA transmission in the target TXOP is carried in the common information field of the trigger frame. The indication information of whether the second AP performs NPCA transmission, the target channel information, and the identification information of the APs participating in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission in the target TXOP are carried in the user information list field.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, Before sending the first indication message to the second AP, the method further includes: Based on the channel information of the first AP and the NPCA channel information of the first AP, the channel information of the second AP and the NPCA channel information of the second AP, and the constraints of TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission, the TXOP sharing parameters are determined.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The constraints for TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission include: The target channel information includes sub-channels that do not overlap with the sub-channels allocated by the first AP.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Before sending the first indication message to the second AP, the method further includes: Send a third indication message, the third indication message being used to indicate that the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission; Receive a third response message sent by the second AP, the third response message being used to indicate whether the second AP is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third response message includes: the channel information of the second AP and the NPCA channel information of the second AP.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The third response message also includes an indication message indicating whether the user is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing of the first AP based on NPCA parallel transmission.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third instruction message also includes: the channel information of the first AP and the NPCA channel information of the first AP.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Before sending the first indication message to the second AP, the method further includes: Send a second indication message to the second AP. The second indication message is used to announce to the second AP whether the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP. The first AP receives a second response message sent by the second AP. The second response message is used to provide feedback to the first AP on whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a first indication message sent by the first AP; the first indication message includes: Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) sharing parameters; Based on the TXOP sharing parameters, TXOP sharing is performed with the first AP within the target TXOP using NPCA-based parallel transmission.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Before receiving the first indication message sent by the first AP, the method further includes: Receive a third indication message sent by the first AP, the third indication message being used to indicate that the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission; A third response message is sent to the first AP, the third response message being used to indicate whether the second AP is willing to participate in the TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Before receiving the first indication message sent by the first AP, the method further includes: Receive a second indication message sent by the first AP, the second indication message being used to announce to the second AP whether the first AP supports TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP; A second response message is sent to the first AP. The second response message is used to provide feedback to the first AP on whether the second AP participates in TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: The sending module is used to send a first indication message to the second access point (AP), the first indication message including: transmission opportunity TXOP shared parameters; The TXOP sharing parameter is used for the second AP to perform parallel transmission with the first AP within the target TXOP during TXOP sharing based on NPCA parallel transmission.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: The receiving module is configured to receive a first indication message sent by the first AP; the first indication message includes: Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) shared parameters; The sending module is used to perform TXOP sharing with the first AP based on NPCA parallel transmission within the target TXOP based on the TXOP sharing parameters.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 14 to 16.

20. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 14 to 16.

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