A signal transmission method, device and system

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses a signal transmission method, a sub-device periodically performs CCA and reports a CCA result to a master device, if the master device determines that the sub-device can access a channel according to the CCA result reported by the sub-device, the sub-device receives an indication message sent by the master device, and the indication message is used to instruct the sub-device to send a latest air interface state to the master device. When the latest air interface state is idle, the sub-device sends a preamble part to a STA. It can be seen that even if the master device determines that the sub-device can access the channel, the master device does not immediately send a message to the sub-device, but instructs the sub-device to report the latest air interface state. When the latest air interface state is idle, the sub-device sends the preamble part to the STA, which is equivalent to that the sub-device has occupied the air interface, avoids that the air interface is occupied by other devices in the process that the sub-device reports the latest air interface state to the master device, thereby avoiding the problem of air interface conflict when the master device sends a message to the sub-device, and being beneficial to guaranteeing normal transmission of the message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a signal transmission method, apparatus, and system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication technology, fiber optic transmission is increasingly used in communication systems, with fiber to the room (FTTR) being a crucial component of optical networks. An FTTR network consists of a main FTTR unit (MFU) and sub-FTTR units (SFU), connected by optical fiber. Wi-Fi processing can be broadly divided into baseband processing and intermediate radio frequency (IRF) processing.

[0003] In a centralized baseband FTTR system, the baseband processing unit is centralized in the master device, and each sub-device only undertakes a small amount of Wi-Fi processing functions. For example, the clear channel assessment (CCA) is performed by the SFU to determine whether the current air interface is idle or busy. If the MFU determines that the SFU can access the channel based on the CCA result reported by the SFU, the master device sends a message to the sub-device. Due to the certain time delay (5µs or more) between the SFU and the MFU, if the SFU currently reports a CCA result indicating that the air interface is idle, but during the process of the SFU reporting the CCA result to the MFU, the SFU may suddenly receive a signal from a station (STA), causing the CCA result received by the MFU to be inconsistent with the actual air interface status of the SFU. This can lead to air interface conflicts and affect the normal transmission of messages. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a signal transmission method that can effectively avoid the problem of inconsistency between the air interface status of the sub-device determined by the master device and the latest air interface status of the sub-device due to link delay, thereby avoiding air interface conflict and ensuring normal message transmission.

[0005] Firstly, this application provides a signal transmission method. This signal transmission method can be applied to a centralized baseband Wi-Fi system, and is executed by a sub-device. Specifically, the sub-device periodically performs clear channel assessment (CCA) and reports the CCA results to the master device. If the master device determines that the sub-device can access the channel based on the CCA results reported by the sub-device, the sub-device receives an indication message sent by the master device. This indication message instructs the sub-device to send the latest air interface status to the master device. Furthermore, when the latest air interface status is clear, the sub-device sends a preamble to the station (STA).

[0006] In this implementation, even if the master device determines that the sub-device can access the channel based on the CCA result reported by the sub-device, the master device does not immediately send a message to the sub-device. Instead, it instructs the sub-device to report the latest air interface status. Furthermore, when the latest air interface status is idle, the sub-device sends a preamble to the STA. This is equivalent to the sub-device occupying the air interface by sending the preamble, preventing the air interface from being occupied by other devices while the sub-device is reporting the latest air interface status to the master device. This avoids air interface conflicts when the master device sends messages to the sub-device, thus ensuring normal message transmission. Additionally, since the preamble has already been sent to the STA, when the sub-device subsequently receives a message from the master device, it can directly send the message to the STA without needing to send the preamble again, improving message transmission efficiency.

[0007] In some possible implementations, the preamble includes a legacy short training field (L-STF). The latency for the sub-device to send the L-STF is typically greater than the link latency between the sub-device and the master device, ensuring that the sub-device still occupies the air interface when the master device receives the latest air interface status reported by the sub-device, thus avoiding air interface conflicts.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the preamble includes a legacy long training field (L-LTF). Considering that there is a delay between the master device receiving the latest air interface status reported by the slave device and the master device sending a message to the slave device, the slave device can continue to send L-LTF after sending L-STF in advance. This allows the slave device to occupy the air interface indefinitely before receiving a message from the master device, thus avoiding air interface conflicts.

[0009] In some possible implementations, before the sub-device receives the indication message sent by the master device, the method further includes: the sub-device sending a first message to the master device, the first message including a first CCA result obtained by the sub-device. This is equivalent to the master device determining whether the sub-device can access the channel based on the first CCA result reported by the sub-device, so as to send an indication message to the sub-device in a timely manner when it is determined that the sub-device can access the channel, thus ensuring that the indication message is sent to the sub-device at the correct time.

[0010] In some possible implementations, when the air interface is busy, the method further includes: the sub-device not sending signals to the STA to avoid air interface conflicts.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the air interface status includes idle channels and busy channels. The sub-device sending the preamble to the STA includes: the sub-device sending the preamble to the STA through an idle channel. That is, the sub-device can flexibly select the working channel based on the latest air interface status to ensure that the preamble can be transmitted normally through the working channel.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the bandwidth of the sub-device's operating channel is greater than or equal to 40MHz, the primary channel of the operating channel is idle, and at least one secondary channel of the operating channel is busy. The sub-device sending a preamble to the STA includes: the sub-device sending the preamble to the STA through a reduced operating channel. That is, in scenarios where at least one secondary channel is busy, the sub-device can reduce the bandwidth of the operating channel so that the reduced operating channels are all idle, which helps ensure normal message transmission.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the indication message includes multiple puncturable channels. The sub-device sending the preamble to the STA includes: when the multiple puncturable channels include busy and idle channels, the sub-device sends the preamble to the STA through an idle channel among the multiple puncturable channels. That is, the master device can inform the sub-device of the puncturable channels, and the sub-device can avoid sending signals on busy puncturable channels, allowing the sub-device to utilize as many idle channels as possible to send signals without excessively reducing transmission bandwidth.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: the sub-device sending a second message to the master device, the second message including the channel occupied by the preamble sent by the sub-device to the STA, so that the master device can flexibly allocate the channel according to the content reported by the sub-device, thereby improving the utilization rate of channel resources.

[0015] In some possible implementations, when the sub-device receives an indication message sent by the master device, the method further includes: the sub-device obtaining a second CCA result, which is used to indicate the air interface status. This is equivalent to the sub-device determining the latest air interface status based on the latest second CCA result, ensuring the accuracy of the latest air interface status.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the air interface is in an idle state, and the method further includes: the sub-device receiving a message sent by the master device and sending the message to the STA. Since the preamble has already been sent to the STA in advance, when the sub-device subsequently receives a message sent by the master device, the sub-device can directly send the message to the STA without needing to send the preamble again, thus improving the message transmission efficiency.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the main device is a fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) main FTTR unit (MFU) or a main fiber unit (MFU), and the sub-devices are FTTR sub-units (SFU) or sub-fiber units (SFU); alternatively, the main device is a main router and the sub-devices are sub-routers; alternatively, the main device is an access switch and the sub-devices are access points (APs); alternatively, the main device is an access controller (AC) and the sub-devices are APs; alternatively, the main device is a main AP and the sub-devices are sub-APs. This provides various application scenarios for the centralized baseband Wi-Fi system, enriching the application scenarios of this solution.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides a signal transmission method. This signal transmission method can be applied to a centralized baseband Wi-Fi system, and is executed by a master device. Specifically, a sub-device periodically reports CCA results to the master device. The master device determines whether the sub-device can access the channel based on the CCA results reported by the sub-device. If the sub-device determines that it can access the channel, it is equivalent to the master device determining a pre-transmission state. The master device then sends an indication message to the sub-device, which instructs the sub-device to send the latest air interface status to the master device. Subsequently, the master device receives the latest air interface status sent by the sub-device.

[0019] In this implementation, even if the master device determines that the sub-device can access the channel based on the CCA result reported by the sub-device, the master device does not immediately send a message to the sub-device. Instead, it instructs the sub-device to report the latest air interface status. This way, if the latest air interface status is busy, the master device will not send a message to the sub-device to avoid wasting transmission resources. Furthermore, if the latest air interface status is idle, the master device can assume that the sub-device has already occupied the air interface, and the master device can send messages normally, allowing the messages to be transmitted normally through the air interface.

[0020] In some possible implementations, before the master device determines the pre-transmission state, the method further includes: the master device receiving a first message sent by the sub-device, the first message including the CCA result obtained by the sub-device. This is equivalent to the master device determining whether the sub-device can access the channel based on the CCA result reported by the sub-device, so as to promptly send an indication message to the sub-device when it is determined that the sub-device can access the channel, ensuring that the indication message is sent to the sub-device at the correct time.

[0021] In some possible implementations, when the air interface is idle, the method further includes: the master device receiving a second message sent by the slave device, the second message including the channel occupied by the preamble sent by the slave device to the station STA. This allows the master device to flexibly adjust the transmission parameters based on the second message.

[0022] In some possible implementations, after the master device receives the second message sent by the slave device, the method further includes: the master device allocating a channel according to the second message. This helps to improve the utilization rate of channel resources.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the instruction message includes multiple puncturable channels. That is, the master device can inform the slave device of the puncturable channels, and the slave device can avoid sending signals on busy puncturable channels, so that the slave device can use as many idle channels as possible to send signals without reducing too much transmission bandwidth.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the air interface is in an idle state, and the method further includes: the master device sending a message to the slave device.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the master device is an FTTR master device MFU and the sub-device is an FTTR sub-device SFU; or, the master device is a master router and the sub-device is a sub-router; or, the master device is an access switch and the sub-device is an AP; or, the master device is an AC and the sub-device is an AP; or, the master device is a master AP and the sub-device is a sub-AP.

[0026] Thirdly, this application provides a sub-device, which includes a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is used to: send an air interface status to the master device when it receives an indication message sent by the master device; and send a preamble to the STA when the air interface status is idle.

[0027] In some possible implementations, the leading portion includes L-STF.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the leading portion includes L-LTF.

[0029] In some possible implementations, before the sub-device receives the indication message sent by the master device, the transceiver unit is also used to send a first message to the master device, the first message including the first CCA result obtained by the sub-device.

[0030] In some possible implementations, when the air interface is busy, the transceiver unit is used not to send signals to the STA.

[0031] In some possible implementations, the air interface state includes an idle channel and a busy channel, and the transceiver unit is specifically used to send a preamble to the STA through the idle channel.

[0032] In some possible implementations, the bandwidth of the sub-device's working channel is greater than or equal to 40MHz, the main channel in the working channel is idle, at least one auxiliary channel in the working channel is busy, and the transceiver unit is specifically used to send a preamble to the STA through the reduced working channel.

[0033] In some possible implementations, the indication message includes multiple puncturable channels. When the multiple puncturable channels include busy channels and idle channels, the transceiver unit is specifically used to send a preamble to the STA through an idle channel among the multiple puncturable channels.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the sub-device also includes a processing unit. When the sub-device receives an indication message sent by the master device, the processing unit is used to obtain a second CCA result, which is used to indicate the air interface status.

[0035] In some possible implementations, the air interface is in an idle state, and the transceiver unit is also used to receive messages sent by the master device and send the messages to the STA.

[0036] In some possible implementations, the master device is an FTTR master device MFU and the sub-device is an FTTR sub-device SFU; or, the master device is a master router and the sub-device is a sub-router; or, the master device is an access switch and the sub-device is an AP; or, the master device is an AC and the sub-device is an AP; or, the master device is a master AP and the sub-device is a sub-AP.

[0037] Fourthly, this application provides a master device, which includes a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is used to: when the master device determines a pre-transmission state, send an indication message to a sub-device, the indication message instructing the sub-device to send an air interface status to the master device; and receive the air interface status sent by the sub-device.

[0038] In some possible implementations, before the master device determines the pre-transmission state, the transceiver unit is also used to receive a first message sent by the sub-device, the first message including the CCA result obtained by the sub-device.

[0039] In some possible implementations, when the air interface is idle, the transceiver unit is also used to receive a second message sent by the sub-device, the second message including the channel occupied by the preamble sent by the sub-device to the STA.

[0040] In some possible implementations, the master device further includes a processing unit, which allocates a channel according to the second message sent by the sub-device after the master device receives the second message.

[0041] In some possible implementations, the instruction message includes multiple punchable channels.

[0042] In some possible implementations, the air interface is in an idle state, and the transceiver unit is also used to send messages to the sub-device.

[0043] In some possible implementations, the master device is an FTTR master device MFU and the sub-device is an FTTR sub-device SFU; or, the master device is a master router and the sub-device is a sub-router; or, the master device is an access switch and the sub-device is an AP; or, the master device is an AC and the sub-device is an AP; or, the master device is a master AP and the sub-device is a sub-AP.

[0044] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a sub-device that includes instructions that, when executed by the sub-device, cause the sub-device to perform the method as described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0045] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a master device that includes instructions that, when executed by the master device, cause the master device to perform the method described in any embodiment of the second aspect.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a sub-device, which includes a processor and an interface, the interface being used to transmit and receive signals, and the processor being used to perform the method as described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0047] Eighthly, this application provides a master device including a processor and an interface, the interface being used for transmitting and receiving signals, and the processor being used for executing the method described in any embodiment of the second aspect.

[0048] Ninthly, this application provides a communication system including a master device and a plurality of sub-devices, wherein the master device is configured to perform the method described in any embodiment of the second aspect, and the sub-devices are configured to perform the method described in any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0049] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a chip for performing the methods described in any of the embodiments of the first or second aspect.

[0050] In one aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the method described in any of the embodiments of the first or second aspect to be implemented.

[0051] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer program product including program instructions that, when executed, implement the method described in any of the embodiments of the first or second aspect above. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a possible WLAN network architecture;

[0053] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a possible centralized baseband network architecture;

[0054] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the FTTH / O system architecture;

[0055] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the FTTR system architecture;

[0056] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture for a Wi-Fi multi-router scenario;

[0057] Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram of a system architecture for an AC+AP scenario;

[0058] Figure 6(b) shows a schematic diagram of the system architecture for another AC+AP scenario;

[0059] Figure 6(c) is a schematic diagram of the system architecture for another AC+AP scenario;

[0060] Figure 6(d) is a schematic diagram of the system architecture for another AC+AP scenario;

[0061] Figure 7 A flowchart of a signal transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the signal transmission method in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 9 Another flowchart of the signal transmission method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another application scenario of the signal transmission method in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 11 Another flowchart of the signal transmission method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main device in one embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the main device in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sub-device in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the sub-device in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0070] This application provides a signal transmission method that can effectively avoid the problem of inconsistency between the air interface status of the sub-device determined by the master device and the latest air interface status of the sub-device due to link delay, thereby avoiding air interface conflicts and ensuring normal message transmission.

[0071] It should be understood that the terms "an embodiment," "an implementation," "an embodiment," or "an example" used throughout the specification mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, the phrases "in an embodiment," "an implementation," "an embodiment," or "an example" appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence numbers of the above processes do not imply a sequential 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.

[0072] Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this document. The term "and / or" in this document merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information. And, unless otherwise stated, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having" in the embodiments, claims, and drawings of this application are not exclusive. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or modules is not limited to the listed steps or modules and may also include steps or modules not listed.

[0073] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a possible WLAN network architecture. Figure 1 As shown, the wireless local area network (WLAN) architecture includes a wireless controller (also referred to as a "control node" in this embodiment), wireless access points (also referred to as "network nodes" in this embodiment), and terminal devices. The wireless controller is used to configure services and radio frequency for the access points. The wireless access point (AP) is used to provide service access to associated stations (STAs). Terminal devices, acting as STAs, can be associated with the access point.

[0074] Terminal devices can include mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers with mobile terminal devices, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, and computer-embedded mobile devices, etc. Examples include Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and other devices. Terminal devices can also be computers, tablets, e-readers, and smart home devices such as smart TVs and smart speakers. As an example and not a limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices; they achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Wearable smart devices in a broad sense include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can perform all or part of their functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets, smart helmets, and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0075] In some possible scenarios, Wi-Fi is one of the technologies of WLAN, and "WLAN" in this application embodiment can also be called "Wi-Fi". For example, "WLAN system" can also be called "Wi-Fi system", and "WLAN signal" can also be called "Wi-Fi signal".

[0076] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a possible centralized baseband network architecture. Figure 2As shown, the master device connects to multiple sub-devices via a wired network, which provides the network for data exchange between the master device and the sub-devices. The wired network can include a medium for transmitting light (such as optical fiber), or it can include a medium for transmitting electricity (such as cable). For example, the master device and multiple sub-devices can be connected using a point-to-multipoint wired network, where one port of the master device is simultaneously connected to multiple sub-devices via a star topology. Alternatively, the master device and multiple sub-devices can be connected using a point-to-point wired network, where one port of the master device is connected to only one sub-device. In a centralized baseband network architecture, baseband processing is concentrated on the master device, while the sub-devices only contain antennas and intermediate radio frequency (IRF) processing units. The sub-devices may perform a small amount of baseband processing or have no baseband processing capabilities at all.

[0077] The sub-device provides WLAN access capability, meaning it functions as a wireless access point (AP) and can provide WLAN access services to the STA (Station). The main device can also have WLAN access capability; for example, it may have complete WLAN processing functionality and an antenna, thus providing WLAN access. In this case, the main device integrates centralized baseband processing and WLAN processing functions. These two functions are connected within the main device via an onboard chip interface or directly integrated into a single chip. The main device can centrally process signals received from the STA, both from itself and from the sub-devices.

[0078] It should be noted that, Figure 2 The centralized baseband network architecture shown can also be called a centralized Wi-Fi access network, or simply "C-WAN" architecture. For example, C-WAN achieves unified scheduling and collaborative management of network resources through the deep integration of optical and Wi-Fi technologies. Figure 2 The centralized baseband network architecture shown can be applied in various scenarios. For example, it can be used in point-to-multipoint fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) scenarios. Another example is its application in point-to-point WLAN multi-router scenarios. Yet another example is its application in point-to-point access controller (AC) + AP scenarios. These will be described in detail below.

[0079] With the development of communication technology, optical fiber transmission is increasingly used in communication systems, with FTTR being a crucial component of optical networks. An FTTR system consists of a main device and sub-devices, connected via optical fiber. The main device, acting as an optical network terminal (ONT) or optical network unit (ONU) in a passive optical network (PON), connects to the optical line terminal (OLT) at the operator's central office via optical fiber.

[0080] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a fiber-to-the-home / office (FTTH / O) system architecture. It connects upstream network-side equipment (such as switches and routers) and downstream ONTs via an optical distribution network (ODN). The ODN includes passive optical splitters for optical power distribution, a trunk fiber connecting the passive optical splitters and the OLT, and branch fibers connecting the passive optical splitters and ONTs. When transmitting downlink signals, the downlink signal sent by the OLT is transmitted to each ONT through the splitter, and the ONT selectively receives the downlink data belonging to itself from the downlink signal. When transmitting uplink signals, the uplink signals sent by N ONTs are combined into a single optical signal by the splitter and transmitted to the OLT.

[0081] Building upon FTTH / O, to address signal coverage issues (such as wireless LAN (WLAN) signals) in home or office networks, fiber optic cables can be extended further into the room. Optical terminal equipment (APs) providing WLAN signals are installed inside the room, thus reducing the distance between the user terminal and the AP and improving signal quality. This technology is called FTTR.

[0082] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the FTTR system architecture. In FTTH / O, the OLT is deployed in the central equipment room, while the ONT is deployed in homes or offices. The master device in the FTTR network acts as both an ONT in the FTTH network and an upstream device for the FTTR sub-devices, managing them. The master device can also function as a wireless access point (AP). Sub-devices in FTTR can be deployed in various rooms of homes or offices to provide signal to user terminals. These sub-devices possess both ONT and wireless AP functions.

[0083] Multiple sub-devices can be deployed in an FTTR, each connected to the main device via an optical splitter. The main device can manage and configure all sub-devices centrally. The main device can also be called a "main gateway," "main optical modem," "main FTTR unit (MFU)," or "main fiber unit (MFU)," while sub-devices can be called "slave gateways," "slave optical modems," "slave FTTR units (SFU)," or "slave fiber units (SFU)," etc.

[0084] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a system architecture for a Wi-Fi multi-router scenario. (Example:) Figure 5 As shown, Wi-Fi multi-router scenarios are common in the home market, typically involving two types of devices: a main router and sub-routers. The main router connects to multiple sub-routers in a point-to-point manner. The main router connects to the optical modem via Ethernet cable or fiber optic port. The main router usually does not have Wi-Fi functionality, while each sub-router does, working together to provide Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the house. In the centralized baseband network described above, the main router is equivalent to the master device, and the multiple sub-routers are equivalent to the multiple sub-devices. The main router has centralized baseband processing capabilities.

[0085] AC+AP scenarios represent a product form of multi-device Wi-Fi systems, typically used in large enterprise networks. However, they can also simplify network connections for smaller networks such as homes and small businesses, employing a point-to-point connection. In large networks, the AC handles network control and management, while each AP provides Wi-Fi functionality. APs can connect directly to the AC controller or via a wired network access switch to communicate with the AC. Regardless of the method, the connection between the AP and the access switch / AC is always point-to-point.

[0086] Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram of a system architecture in an AC+AP scenario. As shown in Figure 6(a), the AC connects to multiple APs in a point-to-point manner. In the above-mentioned centralized baseband network, the AC is equivalent to the master device, and the multiple APs are equivalent to the multiple sub-devices. The AC has the function of centralized baseband processing.

[0087] Figure 6(b) is a schematic diagram of a system architecture for another AC+AP scenario. As shown in Figure 6(b), the access switch connects to multiple APs in a point-to-point manner, and the AC is connected to the access switch in a "side-on" manner. For the above-mentioned centralized baseband network, the access switch is equivalent to the main device, and the multiple APs are equivalent to the multiple sub-devices. The access switch has the function of centralized baseband processing.

[0088] Figure 6(c) is a schematic diagram of a system architecture for another AC+AP scenario. As shown in Figure 6(c), the main AP connects to multiple sub-APs through its multiple interfaces, which is equivalent to the main AP connecting to multiple sub-APs in a point-to-point manner. The main AP is also connected to the access switch / AC. In the above-mentioned centralized baseband network, the main AP is equivalent to the main device, and the multiple sub-APs are equivalent to the multiple sub-devices. The main AP has the function of centralized baseband processing.

[0089] Figure 6(d) is a schematic diagram of a system architecture for another AC+AP scenario. As shown in Figure 6(d), the main AP connects to multiple sub-APs by being "side-connected" to the access switch / AC. Data between the main AP and the multiple sub-APs is forwarded through the access switch / AC, which is equivalent to the main AP connecting to the multiple sub-APs in a point-to-point manner. In the above-mentioned centralized baseband network, the main AP is equivalent to the main device, and the multiple sub-APs are equivalent to the multiple sub-devices. The main AP has the function of centralized baseband processing.

[0090] The signal transmission method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the signal transmission method provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the above-described centralized baseband network architecture. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of sub-devices communicating with the master device. The following description takes the interaction between the master device and one sub-device as an example. The interaction methods between more sub-devices and the master device are similar.

[0091] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a signal transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application. The signal transmission method includes the following steps.

[0092] 101. The sub-device sends message 1 to the master device.

[0093] Specifically, the sub-device periodically performs clear channel assessment (CCA) and periodically reports the CCA results to the master device. For example, the sub-device sends the acquired CCA result 1 to the master device via message 1. CCA result 1 indicates whether the current air interface status is idle or busy. The implementation method for determining the air interface status via CCA can be found in the standard PHY-CCA.indication, and will not be repeated here. Specifically, the CCA result can indicate that at least one channel is in an idle or busy state.

[0094] A channel is a further subdivision within a given frequency band, used for transmitting and receiving wireless signals at specific frequencies. Each channel has its own corresponding numerical designation, also known as the channel number. Channels can be divided into primary channels and secondary channels. For each channel bandwidth, there is a primary channel, which is used to transmit information within its inherent bandwidth. For example, if the CCA result indicates that the primary channel is idle, it means the air interface state is idle; if the CCA result indicates that the primary channel is busy, it means the air interface state is busy.

[0095] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific content included in the CCA result. Table 1 below provides a range of fields that may be included in the CCA result, the length of each field, and its definition. The bandwidths of the primary channel and each secondary channel provided in Table 1 are merely examples; other bandwidths are also possible, for example, the primary channel may have a bandwidth of 40MHz. "CCA Indication" indicates whether the channel is idle or busy as determined by CCA, and "CCA Busy" indicates that the channel is busy. For example, the point coordination function interframe space (PIFS) ensures priority access to the channel in the absence of contention when using the point coordination function (PCF) method.

[0096] The 40MHz channel consists of two adjacent 20MHz channels, one of which is the master channel and the other is the slave channel.

[0097] An 80MHz channel consists of two adjacent 40MHz channels. Within the 80MHz bandwidth, one 20MHz channel must be selected as the primary channel. The remaining 20MHz channels within the 40MHz range containing this primary channel are called the 20MHz secondary channels, while the 40MHz range excluding this primary channel is called the 40MHz secondary channels.

[0098] A 160MHz channel comprises two adjacent 80MHz channels. Within this 160MHz bandwidth, a 20MHz channel must be selected as the primary channel. The remaining 20MHz channels within the 80MHz band containing this primary channel are called 20MHz secondary channels. The 40MHz channel not containing this primary channel is called the 40MHz secondary channel. The 80MHz channel not containing this primary channel is called the 80MHz secondary channel.

[0099] Table 1

[0100]

[0101] 102. The master device determines whether the sub-device can access the channel based on message 1. If so, it executes step 103.

[0102] The master device determines whether the sub-device can access the channel based on the CCA result 1 reported by the sub-device. "Accessing the channel" can also be referred to as "accessing the channel." In one possible implementation, the master device uses a distributed coordination function (DCF) and an enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) mechanism, combined with the CCA result 1 reported by the sub-device, to determine whether the sub-device can access the channel. For DCF, when the channel is idle, it waits for a fixed distributed inter-frame spacing (DIFS) period, and then randomly selects a number in the backoff window to back off. When the backoff count reaches 0, it preempts the channel to transmit; if the channel is found to be occupied during the backoff process, the backoff counter stops counting down. For the EDCA mechanism, Quality of Service (QoS) is added to DCF, dividing services into four access categories (AC): voice (AC_VO), video (AC_VI), best-effort (AC_BE), and background services (AC_BK).

[0103] For example, the master device decrements the backoff value by 1 after each slot according to the predetermined backoff value. Within each slot, it determines whether the air interface is idle based on the CCA result 1 reported by the sub-device. If the air interface is busy, backoff is paused; backoff continues after the CCA result 1 indicates that the air interface is idle; if the air interface remains idle until the backoff value reaches 0, the master device determines that the sub-device can access the channel.

[0104] 103. The master device sends message 2 to the slave device.

[0105] If the master device determines that the sub-device can access the channel based on CCA result 1, the master device's state at this time can be called the pre-transmission state, which is equivalent to the master device determining that the sub-device can access the channel and sending a message. However, in order to avoid the sub-device's air interface becoming busy again while it is sending message 1 to the master device, thus affecting the normal transmission of messages, the master device cannot send messages to the sub-device in the pre-transmission state. Instead, it sends message 2 to the sub-device, instructing the sub-device to report the latest air interface status.

[0106] 104. Sub-devices obtain the latest air interface status.

[0107] Specifically, the sub-device obtains the latest CCA result 2 according to the instruction of message 2. CCA result 2 indicates the latest air interface status of the sub-device. That is to say, CCA result 2 is a CCA result after CCA result 1, and the content indicated by CCA result 2 is similar to that of CCA result 1. For details, please refer to the relevant introduction of step 101 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0108] 105. The sub-device sends message 3 to the master device.

[0109] After the sub-device determines the latest air interface status based on CCA result 2, it sends message 3 to the master device, carrying the latest air interface status. For example, message 3 could carry the status of each channel. If the latest air interface status is idle, indicating that the sub-device can access the channel, the master device sends a message to the sub-device. If the latest air interface status is busy, indicating that the sub-device cannot access the channel, the master device does not send a message to the sub-device.

[0110] 106. The sub-device sends a preamble to the STA.

[0111] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, taking the latest air interface status indicated by CCA result 2 as idle as an example, the sub-device can access the channel. The sub-device sends a preamble to the STA, which is equivalent to the sub-device occupying the air interface by sending the preamble to the STA. This avoids the air interface being occupied by other devices during the process of the sub-device sending message 3 to the master device, thereby avoiding the air interface conflict problem when the master device sends a message to the sub-device.

[0112] The preamble portion is typically fixed information, and the specific content of the preamble portion is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, the preamble portion sent by the sub-device may include the legacy short training field (L-STF) field of the physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). As another example, the preamble portion sent by the sub-device may include the legacy long training field (L-LTF) field of the PPDU.

[0113] Taking the PPDU of Wi-Fi 6 as an example, the PPDU includes the L-STF field, L-LTF field, legacy signal field (L-SIG), repeated L-SIG (RL-SIG), HE-SIG-A1 field, HE-SIG-A2 field, high efficiency short training field (HE-STF), high efficiency long training field (HE-LTF), data field, and packet extension (PE) field.

[0114] As an example, the sub-device stores a preamble in advance. As another example, message 2 sent by the master device to the sub-device includes a preamble. As yet another example, message 2 sent by the master device to the sub-device includes information related to the preamble, such as stream count information, and the sub-device generates the preamble based on the information related to the preamble.

[0115] It should be noted that if the latest air interface status is idle, the master device will only send a message to the slave device after receiving message 3 from the slave device. The slave device, upon confirming the latest air interface status is idle, can immediately send a preamble to the STA, and then, after receiving the message from the master device, will send the message to the STA. This sequential transmission of the preamble and the message at different stages improves the efficiency of the slave device sending signals to the STA.

[0116] In one possible scenario, the latest air interface status includes both idle and busy channels, and the sub-device sends the preamble of a message to the STA via the idle channel.

[0117] In one example, the sub-device's operating channel bandwidth is greater than or equal to 40MHz, where the primary channel is idle and at least one secondary channel is busy. The sub-device transmits the preamble to the STA via a reduced operating channel. For example, the sub-device's operating channel bandwidth is 40MHz, the 20MHz primary channel is idle, the 20MHz secondary channel is busy, and the reduced operating channel includes the 20MHz primary channel. As another example, the sub-device's operating channel bandwidth is 80MHz, the 20MHz primary channel is idle, the 20MHz secondary channel is idle, the 40MHz secondary channel is busy, and the reduced operating channel includes both the 20MHz primary and 20MHz secondary channels.

[0118] In one example, message 2 sent by the master device to the slave device includes multiple puncturable channels. These puncturable channels are determined based on preamble puncture technology, which means that, given a fixed bandwidth for the operating channel, some channels can be masked, and the remaining channels can be used to transmit signals. CCA result 2 indicates that the multiple puncturable channels include busy and idle channels. The slave device sends the preamble portion to the STA through an idle channel among the multiple puncturable channels. For example, if the slave device's operating channel bandwidth is 40MHz, the 20MHz primary channel is idle, and the 20MHz secondary channel is busy and puncturable, the slave device sends the preamble portion to the STA through the 20MHz primary channel. For example, the working channel of the sub-device has a bandwidth of 80MHz, including four puncturable channels: channel 52, channel 56, channel 60, and channel 64. The bandwidth of each of these four channels is 20MHz. Channels 52, 60, and 64 are idle, while channel 56 is busy. The sub-device sends the preamble to the STA through channels 52, 60, and 64 (a total bandwidth of 60MHz).

[0119] In one possible scenario, the sub-device can report the channel occupied by its preamble to the master device, allowing the master device to flexibly allocate channels based on the sub-device's report, thereby improving channel resource utilization. For example, the master device will not reallocate the channel occupied by the sub-device to other sub-devices. As an example, the channel occupied by the sub-device's preamble can be carried in message 3. As another example, the channel occupied by the sub-device's preamble can also be carried in a different message than message 3.

[0120] In one example, the sub-device reports a channel list to the master device, which includes the channels used by the sub-device to transmit the preamble.

[0121] In one example, the sub-device reports the channel number of each channel used by the sub-device's preamble to the master device.

[0122] Optionally, the sub-device can also report the bandwidth of the channel occupied by the preamble to the master device, that is, report the bandwidth of the working channel to the master device. For example, the working channel selected by the sub-device includes channel 60, and the bandwidth of the working channel is 20MHz. For example, the working channels selected by the sub-device include channels 60 and 64, and the bandwidth of the working channel is 40MHz. For example, the working channels selected by the sub-device include channels 52, 60, and 64, and the bandwidth of the working channel is 60MHz. For example, the working channels selected by the sub-device include channels 52, 56, 60, and 64, and the bandwidth of the working channel is 80MHz.

[0123] 107. The master device sends a message to the slave device.

[0124] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, taking the latest air interface status carried by message 3 as idle as an example, it indicates that the sub-device can access the channel. Therefore, after receiving message 3, the master device sends a message to the sub-device, and the sub-device then sends a message to the STA through the idle channel. This application embodiment does not limit the specific type of message; for example, the message can be a data message, management message, or control message, etc.

[0125] It should be noted that the specific format of message 2 is not limited in this application embodiment. Table 2 below provides a list of fields that message 2 may include, the length of each field, and its definition. The "Report Air Interface Status" field is used to indicate whether the sub-device reports the latest air interface status. The "Support Dynamic Bandwidth Adjustment" field is used to indicate whether dynamic bandwidth adjustment is supported. If dynamic bandwidth adjustment is supported, it means that if the idle channels determined by the master device and the sub-device are inconsistent, the sub-device can send signals through its own determined idle channel. The "Apertureable Channel" field is used to indicate the puncturable channel, so that the sub-device can flexibly select the working channel according to the latest air interface status.

[0126] Table 2

[0127]

[0128] This application does not limit the length of each field in message 2, nor does it limit the indication content corresponding to the value of each field in message 2. Similarly, it applies to the format of other messages transmitted between the master device and the slave device. In other words, each table provided in the embodiments of this application is only a few possible examples, and those skilled in the art can make flexible modifications based on them. For example, the byte length of each field in the table can be changed. Or, the naming of each field can be changed. Taking the fields in Table 2 as examples, the length of each field can be flexibly set; or, the length of each field can also be measured in bytes.

[0129] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific format of message 3. Table 3 below provides a list of fields that message 3 may include, the length of each field, and its definition. Among them, the "Air Interface Status" field is used to indicate the latest air interface status obtained by the sub-device, and the "Whether to Send Preamble" field is used to indicate whether the sub-device has sent the preamble in advance. The "Occupied Channel" field is used to indicate the channel occupied by the sub-device to send the preamble, that is, the working channel selected by the sub-device.

[0130] Table 3

[0131]

[0132] This application does not limit the length of each field in message 3, nor does it limit the indication content corresponding to the value of each field in message 3. Similarly, it applies to the format of other messages transmitted between the master device and the slave device. In other words, each table provided in the embodiments of this application is only a few possible examples, and those skilled in the art can make flexible modifications based on them. For example, the byte length of each field in the table can be changed. Or, the naming of each field can be changed. Taking the fields in Table 3 as examples, the length of each field can be flexibly set; or, the length of each field can also be measured in bytes.

[0133] In one example, message 3 could also indicate whether the master device is allowed to send messages to the slave device. For instance, if the latest air interface status is idle, message 3 indicates that the master device is allowed to send messages to the slave device. Conversely, if the latest air interface status is busy, message 3 indicates that the master device is not allowed to send messages to the slave device.

[0134] The following is based on Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment describes a possible specific application scenario.

[0135] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the signal transmission method in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the sub-device continuously performs CCA and reports the CCA results to the master device. The master device determines whether the sub-device can access the channel based on the CCA results reported by the sub-device. For example, message 1 sent by the sub-device to the master device includes CCA result 1. Within at least one slot corresponding to the master device's predetermined backoff value, each CCA result 1 received by the master device in message 1 indicates that the air interface is idle. The air interface remains idle until the backoff value backs off to 0, at which point the master device determines that the sub-device can access the channel. Then, the master device sends message 2 to the sub-device to instruct the sub-device to report the latest air interface status, where the latest air interface status is idle. The sub-device then sends message 3 carrying the latest air interface status to the master device and sends a preamble to the STA through the idle channel. After receiving message 3, the master device can send a message to the sub-device, which then sends the message to the STA through the idle channel.

[0136] Figure 9 Another flowchart of the signal transmission method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0137] 201. The sub-device sends message 1 to the master device.

[0138] 202. The master device determines whether the sub-device can access the channel based on message 1. If so, it executes step 203.

[0139] 203. The master device sends message 2 to the slave device.

[0140] 204. Sub-devices obtain the latest air interface status.

[0141] 205. The sub-device sends message 3 to the master device.

[0142] It should be noted that, Figure 9 Steps 201 to 205 in the illustrated embodiment are Figure 7 Steps 101 to 105 in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to [link / reference needed] for details. Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here. Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 7 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that, Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment uses the example where the latest air interface status indicated by CCA result 2 is idle, i.e. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, message 3 is used to indicate that the latest air interface status is idle; Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment uses the example where the latest air interface status indicated by CCA result 2 is busy. Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, message 3 is used to indicate that the latest air interface status is busy.

[0143] 206. The sub-device does not send signals to the STA.

[0144] Since the sub-device obtains the latest air interface status as busy in step 204, the sub-device does not have an idle channel to send a signal to the STA, and therefore will not send the preamble to the STA.

[0145] 207. The master device does not send messages to the slave device.

[0146] Since message 3 is used to indicate that the latest air interface status is busy, the slave device does not have a free channel to send a signal to the STA, so the master device will naturally not send a message to the slave device.

[0147] The following is based on Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment describes a possible specific application scenario.

[0148] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another application scenario of the signal transmission method in this application. For example... Figure 10As shown, the sub-device continuously performs CCA and reports the CCA results to the master device. The master device determines whether the sub-device can access the channel based on the CCA results reported by the sub-device. For example, message 1 sent by the sub-device to the master device includes CCA result 1. Within at least one slot corresponding to the master device's predetermined backoff value, each CCA result 1 received by the master device in message 1 indicates that the air interface is idle. The air interface remains idle until the backoff value backs off to 0, at which point the master device determines that the sub-device can access the channel. Then, the master device sends message 2 to the sub-device to instruct the sub-device to report the latest air interface status. If the latest air interface status is busy, the sub-device sends message 3 carrying the latest air interface status to the master device and does not send a signal to the STA. After receiving message 3, the master device does not send any messages to the sub-device to avoid air interface collisions.

[0149] Figure 11 Another flowchart illustrating the signal transmission method provided in this application embodiment. Figure 7 Based on the illustrated embodiment, Figure 11 In the embodiment shown, the master device also needs to determine whether the slave device should report the latest air interface status before sending message 2. Figure 11 The signal transmission method shown includes the following steps.

[0150] 301. The sub-device sends message 1 to the master device.

[0151] 302. The master device determines whether the sub-device can access the channel based on message 1. If so, it executes step 303.

[0152] It should be noted that, Figure 11 Steps 301 to 302 in the illustrated embodiment are Figure 7 Steps 101 to 102 in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to [reference needed] for details. Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0153] 303. The master device determines whether the slave device needs to report the latest air interface status. If so, proceed to step 304.

[0154] Specifically, if the master device determines that the sub-device can access the channel, the master device further determines whether the sub-device should report the latest air interface status. In one possible implementation, the master device determines whether the sub-device should report the latest air interface status based on the type of message to be sent. In this embodiment, message types are divided into response messages and non-response messages. Response messages can also be called reply messages. For example, response messages include acknowledge (ACK) messages or clear to send (CTS) messages, while non-response messages include data messages or management messages. It should be understood that response messages are messages that require an immediate reply to messages from the STA. The sub-device reserves air interface resources for response messages and does not need to choose whether to send them based on the CCA result. Therefore, if the message to be sent is a response message, the master device can directly send the response message to the slave device without sending message 2 to the slave device; if the message to be sent is a non-response message, the master device sends message 2 to the slave device to instruct the slave device to report the latest air interface status, so that the master device can determine whether the message can be sent based on the latest air interface status.

[0155] In other words, the signals sent by the master device to the slave device differ depending on the determination result in step 303. For example, when the message type determined in step 303 is a non-response message, the master device sends message 2 to the slave device, which can also be called an indication message. As another example, when the message type determined in step 303 is a response message, the master device sends a response message to the slave device. In one example, the control field in the signal sent by the master device to the slave device can distinguish whether it is message 2 or a response message; that is, the control fields corresponding to message 2 and the response message are different.

[0156] 304. The master device sends message 2 to the slave device.

[0157] Specifically, if the master device determines that the sub-device needs to report the latest air interface status, for example, if the message to be sent by the master device is a non-response message, then the master device sends message 2 to the sub-device to instruct the sub-device to report the latest air interface status.

[0158] 305. Sub-device obtains the latest air interface status.

[0159] 306. The sub-device sends message 3 to the master device.

[0160] 307. The sub-device sends a preamble to the STA.

[0161] 308. The master device sends a message to the slave device.

[0162] It should be noted that, Figure 11 Steps 304 to 308 in the illustrated embodiment are Figure 7 Steps 103 to 107 in the illustrated embodiment are similar; please refer to [reference needed] for details. Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0163] In addition, Figure 9 Based on the illustrated embodiment, the master device can also determine whether the slave device needs to report the latest air interface status before sending message 2. This is equivalent to also being able to... Figure 9 Based on the illustrated embodiments, combined with Figure 11 Step 303 in the illustrated embodiment can be found in the following reference: Figure 11 The relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0164] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the main device in one embodiment of this application. Figure 12 As shown, the main device includes a processing unit 401 and a transceiver unit 402. Specifically, the transceiver unit 402 is used to perform the above-described... Figure 7 , Figure 9 or Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the master device performs message sending and receiving operations. The processing unit 401 is used to execute the above... Figure 7 , Figure 9 or Figure 11 The embodiments shown include other operations of the master device besides message sending and receiving.

[0165] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the main device in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the main device includes a processor 501 and an interface 502, which are interconnected via a line. The interface 502 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The interface 502 is used to receive signals from other devices outside the main device and transmit them to the processor 501, or to send signals from the processor 501 to other devices outside the main device. It should be noted that the interface 502 is used to perform the above-described... Figure 7 , Figure 9 or Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the master device performs message sending and receiving operations. Processor 501 is used to execute the above... Figure 7 , Figure 9 or Figure 11 The illustrated embodiment includes operations of the master device other than message sending and receiving. In some possible implementations, the processor 501 includes the processing unit 401 described above, and the interface 502 includes the transceiver unit 402 described above. Optionally, the master device may also include a memory 503, wherein the memory 503 is used to store program instructions and data.

[0166] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sub-device in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the sub-device includes a processing unit 601 and a transceiver unit 602. Specifically, the transceiver unit 602 is used to perform the above-described... Figure 7 , Figure 9 or Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the sub-device performs message sending and receiving operations. The processing unit 601 is used to execute the above... Figure 7 , Figure 9 or Figure 11 The embodiments shown illustrate other operations of the sub-device besides message sending and receiving.

[0167] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the sub-device in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the sub-device includes a processor 701 and an interface 702, which are interconnected via a line. The interface 702 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The interface 702 is used to receive signals from other devices outside the sub-device and transmit them to the processor 701, or to send signals from the processor 701 to other devices outside the sub-device. It should be noted that the interface 702 is used to perform the above-described... Figure 7 , Figure 9 or Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the sub-device performs message sending and receiving operations. Processor 701 is used to execute the above... Figure 7 , Figure 9 or Figure 11 The illustrated embodiment includes operations of the sub-device other than message sending and receiving. In some possible implementations, the processor 701 includes the processing unit 601 described above, and the interface 702 includes the transceiver unit 602 described above. Optionally, the sub-device may further include a memory 703, wherein the memory 703 is used to store program instructions and data.

[0168] This application also provides a chip. This chip integrates circuitry for implementing the functions of the processor 501 or 701 described above, and one or more interfaces. As an example, the chip integrates a memory. As another example, when the chip does not integrate a memory, it can be connected to an external memory via an interface. This chip can perform the method steps of any one or more of the foregoing embodiments. Alternatively, the chip can implement the actions performed by the processing and transmission device in the foregoing embodiments based on program code stored in the memory.

[0169] As an example, the chip 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, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, any conventional processor, or a processing circuit that implements a specific function.

[0170] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium including a program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method performed as described in the above method embodiments to be implemented.

[0171] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. The memory can exist independently and be connected to the processor, or the memory can be integrated with the processor.

[0172] As an example, the processor 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, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, any conventional processor, or a processing circuit that implements a specific function.

[0173] In embodiments of this application, the memory may be random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may reside in a network device or a terminal device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium may exist as discrete components in the network device or terminal device.

[0174] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof.

[0175] When implemented in hardware, the methods provided in this application embodiment may be implemented without reading software code or instructions. For example, they may be implemented using a CPU, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof.

[0176] When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions of the embodiments of this application are performed. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a terminal device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in or transmitted through a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access, or a data storage device such as a server integrating one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD); or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state disk (SSD).

[0177] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely specific embodiments 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 technical scope 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 signal transmission method, characterized in that, include: When the sub-device receives an indication message from the master device, the sub-device sends the air interface status to the master device; When the air interface is idle, the sub-device sends a preamble to the station STA.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The leading part includes the traditional short training sequence L-STF.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The leading part includes the traditional long training sequence L-LTF.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Before the sub-device receives the indication message sent by the master device, the method further includes: The sub-device sends a first message to the master device, the first message including the first idle channel assessment (CCA) result obtained by the sub-device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, When the air interface is busy, the method further includes: the sub-device does not send a signal to the STA.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The air interface status includes idle channels and busy channels, and the preamble sent by the sub-device to the STA includes: The sub-device transmits the preamble portion to the STA via the idle channel.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The bandwidth of the operating channel of the sub-device is greater than or equal to 40MHz, the primary channel of the operating channel is idle, at least one secondary channel of the operating channel is busy, and the preamble sent by the sub-device to the STA includes: The sub-device transmits the preamble portion to the STA via the reduced working channel.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The indication message includes multiple punchable channels, and the preamble sent by the sub-device to the STA includes: When the plurality of punchable channels include busy channels and idle channels, the sub-device sends the preamble portion to the STA through the idle channel among the plurality of punchable channels.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The sub-device sends a second message to the master device, the second message including the channel occupied by the preamble portion sent by the sub-device to the STA.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, When the sub-device receives an indication message sent by the master device, the method further includes: The sub-device acquires a second CCA result, which is used to indicate the air interface status.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The air interface is in an idle state, and the method further includes: The sub-device receives the message sent by the master device and sends the message to the STA.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The main device is a Fiber to the Room (FTTR) main unit (MFU), and the sub-device is an FTTR sub-device (SFU); or, the main device is a main router, and the sub-device is a sub-router; or, the main device is an access switch, and the sub-device is an access point (AP); or, the main device is an access controller (AC), and the sub-device is an AP; or, the main device is a main AP, and the sub-device is a sub-AP.

13. A signal transmission method, characterized in that, include: When the master device determines the pre-transmission state, the master device sends an indication message to the sub-device, the indication message being used to instruct the sub-device to send the air interface status to the master device; The master device receives the air interface status sent by the sub-device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Before the master device determines the pre-transmission status, the method further includes: The master device receives a first message sent by the sub-device, the first message including the idle channel assessment (CCA) result obtained by the sub-device.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, When the air interface is in an idle state, the method further includes: The master device receives a second message sent by the sub-device, the second message including the channel occupied by the preamble sent by the sub-device to the station STA.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, After the master device receives the second message sent by the sub-device, the method further includes: The master device allocates a channel according to the second message.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The instruction message includes multiple punchable channels.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that, The air interface is in an idle state, and the method further includes: The master device sends a message to the slave device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that, The main device is a Fiber to the Room (FTTR) main unit (MFU), and the sub-device is an FTTR sub-device (SFU); or, the main device is a main router, and the sub-device is a sub-router; or, the main device is an access switch, and the sub-device is an access point (AP); or, the main device is an access controller (AC), and the sub-device is an AP; or, the main device is a main AP, and the sub-device is a sub-AP.

20. A sub-device, characterized in that, The sub-device includes a transceiver unit, which is used for: When an instruction message is received from the master device, the air interface status is sent to the master device. When the air interface is idle, a preamble is sent to the station STA.

21. A main device, characterized in that, The master device includes a transceiver unit, which is used for: When the master device determines the pre-transmission state, it sends an indication message to the sub-device, the indication message being used to instruct the sub-device to send the air interface status to the master device; Receive the air interface status sent by the sub-device.

22. A sub-device, characterized in that, The sub-device includes instructions that, when executed by the sub-device, cause the sub-device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

23. A main device, characterized in that, The master device includes instructions that, when executed by the master device, cause the master device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19.

24. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes a main device and a sub-device, the sub-device being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, and the main device being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19.

25. A chip, characterized in that, The chip is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

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