Communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and chip

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device, a storage medium and a chip, and relate to the technical field of Wi-Fi communication. The method comprises: an AP sending first information, the first information indicating at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP; and a STA receiving the first information and receiving a beacon frame or sending a probe request frame in the at least one wake-up period. The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application can enable the STA to access a wireless network in time, and improve the stability and reliability of network connection.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, access points (APs) can achieve periodic energy saving through the periodic unavailability operation (PUO) mechanism. That is, when the AP is offline, it can enter energy-saving mode. Since the offline period is periodic, the AP can periodically enter energy-saving mode.

[0003] In a wireless network, a station (STA) can first discover nearby access points (APs) by scanning, and then select a target AP from the list of discovered APs to connect to. Scanning can be divided into passive scanning and active scanning. Because active scanning is more efficient, STAs typically use active scanning to discover APs.

[0004] However, if the AP periodically enters power-saving mode, the STA may not be able to detect the AP even if it uses active scanning, causing the STA to be unable to access the wireless network in a timely manner, which in turn affects the stability and reliability of the network connection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application relates to a communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and chip that enables STAs to access wireless networks in a timely manner, thereby improving the stability and reliability of network connections.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by an AP, or by a chip (or chip system) or other functional modules, which can realize the functions of the AP. This application does not limit the implementation of the communication method.

[0007] For example, the communication method includes:

[0008] Send a first message indicating at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP.

[0009] The communication method provided in this application embodiment allows the STA to obtain at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP by receiving the first information sent by the AP, thereby enabling timely access to the wireless network and improving the stability and reliability of the network connection.

[0010] In some implementations, any one of the at least one wake-up period is part or all of the first target wake time (TWT) service provider (SP), and the first TWTSP is the TWT SP scheduled by the adjacent AP.

[0011] The above implementation ensures that STAs communicate within the TWT SPs scheduled by adjacent APs, thereby reducing communication conflicts with other devices. Furthermore, when STAs communicate within the TWT SPs scheduled by adjacent APs, they can remain in a sleep state when communication is not required, thus saving energy.

[0012] In some implementations, the broadcast TWT identifier subfield carried by the first TWT element corresponding to the first TWT SP is a first value; wherein, the first TWT element is the TWT element scheduled by the adjacent AP.

[0013] In the above implementation, by explicitly broadcasting the TWT SP, it can be ensured that the STA can seamlessly switch over and receive data in the coverage overlap area.

[0014] In some implementations, for any one of the at least one wake-up period, the start time of the wake-up period is later than the end time of the transmission of the physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) containing the first information.

[0015] The above implementation method ensures that neighboring APs will only wake up and conduct subsequent communication after the AP has sent the first message.

[0016] In some implementations, for any one of the at least one awakening period, the start time of the awakening period is later than or equal to the start time of the first TWT SP, and the end time of the awakening period is earlier than or equal to the end time of the first TWT SP.

[0017] In the above implementation, by reasonably arranging the relationship between the wake-up period and the first TWT SP, the AP can minimize power consumption while ensuring communication efficiency.

[0018] In some implementations, the aforementioned first information is carried in the target beacon transmission time (TBTT) information field of the neighboring AP information field in the reduced neighbor report (RNR).

[0019] Through the above implementation method, the AP can use existing fields in the TBTT information to transmit the first information, which can avoid introducing new fields and reduce protocol complexity and implementation cost.

[0020] In some implementations, the TBTT information field mentioned above includes a first subfield, which includes at least one of the following: at least one wake-up time subfield, at least one nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield, and at least one wake-up duration unit subfield;

[0021] Wherein, any one of the at least one awakening time subfields indicates the start time of the corresponding awakening period, any one of the at least one nominal minimum awakening duration subfields indicates the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period, and any one of the at least one awakening duration unit subfields indicates the unit of the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period.

[0022] In some implementations, the at least one wake-up time subfield and the at least one nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield occupy 3n octets, and the at least one wake-up duration unit subfield occupies m octets, where m is a positive integer and n is a positive integer less than or equal to 8m.

[0023] In some implementations, the number of the aforementioned wake-up time subfield, the aforementioned nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield, and the aforementioned wake-up duration unit subfield are all p, where p is a positive integer; the aforementioned first subfield occupies q octets, where p wake-up time subfields, nominal minimum wake-up duration subfields, and wake-up duration unit subfields occupy 25*p bits, and padding bits occupy 8*q-25*p bits, 0≤8*q-25*p≤7, where q is a positive integer.

[0024] By implementing the above methods and determining the number of bytes occupied and the quantity relationship of each sub-field, the efficiency and standardization of information transmission can be ensured.

[0025] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a STA, or by a chip (or chip system) or other functional modules. The chip or functional module can realize the function of the STA, and this application does not limit it.

[0026] For example, the above communication method includes:

[0027] Receive first information indicating at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP;

[0028] Receive beacon frames or send probe request frames during at least one of the aforementioned wake-up periods.

[0029] In some implementations, for any one of the at least one wake-up period, the start time of the wake-up period is later than the end time of the transmission of the PPDU containing the first information.

[0030] In some implementations, the aforementioned first information is carried in the TBTT information field of the adjacent AP information field in the RNR.

[0031] In some implementations, the TBTT information field mentioned above includes a first subfield, which includes at least one of the following: at least one wake-up time subfield, at least one nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield, and at least one wake-up duration unit subfield;

[0032] Wherein, any one of the at least one awakening time subfields indicates the start time of the corresponding awakening period, any one of the at least one nominal minimum awakening duration subfields indicates the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period, and any one of the at least one awakening duration unit subfields indicates the unit of the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period.

[0033] In some implementations, the at least one wake-up time subfield and the at least one nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield occupy 3n octets, and the at least one wake-up duration unit subfield occupies m octets, where m is a positive integer and n is a positive integer less than or equal to 8m.

[0034] In some implementations, the number of the aforementioned wake-up time subfield, the aforementioned nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield, and the aforementioned wake-up duration unit subfield are all p, where p is a positive integer; the aforementioned first subfield occupies q octets, where p wake-up time subfields, nominal minimum wake-up duration subfields, and wake-up duration unit subfields occupy 25*p bits, and padding bits occupy 8*q-25*p bits, 0≤8*q-25*p≤7, where q is a positive integer.

[0035] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device. The communication device includes a communication module. This communication device can be used to implement the functions of an access point (AP), for example, as a component within the AP, such as a chip, chip system, or processor.

[0036] The aforementioned communication module is used to: send first information indicating at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP.

[0037] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device. The first communication device includes a first communication module and a second communication module. This communication device can be used for functions of an STA (Stationary Component), such as components within the STA, like chips, chip systems, processors, etc.

[0038] The aforementioned first communication module is used to receive first information, which indicates at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP;

[0039] The second communication module is used to receive beacon frames or send probe request frames during at least one of the aforementioned wake-up periods.

[0040] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including: a processor, a memory, and a communication interface;

[0041] The aforementioned memory is used to store programs or instructions.

[0042] The aforementioned communication interface is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices;

[0043] The processor described above is used to execute the program or instructions described above so that the communication device can implement the communication method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0044] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip including at least one processor for executing program instructions to perform the communication methods involved in the first or second aspect described above.

[0045] In one possible design, the chip also includes a memory for storing computer programs and data, which may be located inside or outside the processor.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a computer, implements the communication method provided in the first or second aspect.

[0047] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including a computer program that, when run, causes a computer to perform the communication method provided in the first or second aspect.

[0048] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, including a communication device for performing the communication method described in any manner in the first aspect and a communication device for performing the communication method described in any manner in the second aspect.

[0049] The technical solutions provided in the second to ninth aspects of this application are similar to the beneficial effects achieved by the first aspect of this application and any corresponding feasible implementation method, and will not be described again. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of RNR element information provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a TWT element provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the signaling flow of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of awakening time provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of awakening time provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of awakening time provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0057] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of awakening time provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 ;

[0058] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of awakening time provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 ;

[0059] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a TBTT information field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another TBTT information field provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the program modules of a communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the program module of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0064] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used in the embodiments of this application to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0065] In the embodiments of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and purpose. For example, the term "first information" is merely used to distinguish different information and does not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that terms such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0066] In this application embodiment, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" 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, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc.

[0067] In this embodiment of the application, the indication includes explicit indication (also known as direct indication) and implicit indication (also known as indirect indication). Explicit indication information A refers to information that directly indicates information A, such as information A itself. Implicit indication information A refers to indicating information A through the correspondence between information A and information B, and the direct indication information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, or pre-configured; alternatively, it can refer to indicating information A through information B and preset rules.

[0068] In the description of the embodiments of this application, information C is used to determine information D, which includes determining information D based solely on information C, as well as determining it based on information C and other information. Furthermore, the use of information C to determine information D can also include indirect determination, such as when information D is determined based on information E, and information E is determined based on information C.

[0069] The following is a brief introduction to some of the terms and technologies involved in the embodiments of this application:

[0070] 1. Basic Service Set (BSS)

[0071] A Basic Service Set (BSS) is the basic networking unit of an 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN). An infrastructure BSS consists of a single access point (AP) and multiple stations (STAs) associated with it. Each Basic Service Set has a unique identifier called a BSSID.

[0072] 2. Extended Service Set (ESS)

[0073] An ESS is a logical network structure that spans physical boundaries in an 802.11 WLAN. It consists of multiple interconnected BSSs connected via a wireless distribution system (WDS) or mesh network technology. All interconnected BSSs share the same service set identifier (SSID), allowing users to seamlessly switch between physical boundaries.

[0074] 3. Target wake time (TWT)

[0075] TWT is a power-saving mechanism that allows devices (such as STA and AP) to negotiate a specific wake-up time window, waking up to communicate only at the agreed time and entering deep sleep the rest of the time.

[0076] 4. Power Management (PM)

[0077] Operating systems or devices use techniques to dynamically adjust hardware states (such as CPU frequency and device on / off states) to balance performance and power consumption.

[0078] 5. Ultra-high reliability (UHR)

[0079] The core features of Wi-Fi 8 are designed to achieve extremely low latency, high throughput, and strong anti-interference capabilities through protocol optimization.

[0080] 6. Time synchronization function (TSF)

[0081] The time synchronization mechanism in the IEEE 802.11 standard ensures that devices within the network have the same time.

[0082] 7. Target beacon transmission time (TBTT)

[0083] TBTT is a periodic beacon sending / receiving action time, the period of which is determined by the beacon interval. When the TBTT arrives, the AP actively sends a beacon frame, and all nodes actively receive this beacon frame (including nodes in sleep mode, which will wake up to receive the beacon frame). They then use the beacon frame for time synchronization and check the Traffic Indication Map (TIM) field. If a node does not have its own data buffer, it will return to sleep mode until the next TBTT arrives.

[0084] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11bn (Wi-Fi 8) UHR standard aims to improve the reliability, throughput, and energy efficiency of wireless networks through technological innovations at the physical layer and media access control (MAC) layer. Among these innovations, AP power saving is a key area for optimizing network energy efficiency, particularly addressing AP power consumption issues in high-density deployment scenarios such as smart homes and industrial automation.

[0085] In some solutions, a broadcast TWT mechanism can be used to achieve periodic energy-saving scheduling on the AP side. For example, the AP periodically broadcasts TWT frames, specifying a unified wake-up time window (TWT Window), within which all associated STAs wake up to receive data.

[0086] Specifically, when TWT ID=0, it is identified as a public broadcast TWT; when Responder PM=1, it indicates that the STA supports power-saving mode. In addition, the periodic wake-up cycle (e.g., wake-up every 100ms) can be defined through the TWT Wake Interval field.

[0087] Periodic power save on the AP side is achieved through the Periodic Unavailability Operation (PUO) mechanism, during which the AP can enter power-saving mode.

[0088] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a wireless communication system provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0089] The aforementioned wireless communication system may be a WLAN 100 (also referred to as a Wi-Fi network) configured according to various aspects of this application. The WLAN 100 may include an AP 10 and multiple associated STAs 20, which may represent devices such as mobile stations, personal digital assistants, handheld devices, netbooks, laptops, tablet computers, display devices, printers, etc. The AP 10 and associated STAs 20 may represent a BSS or ESS. The various STAs 20 in the network can communicate with each other through the AP 10.

[0090] In a wireless network, a STA can first discover nearby APs by scanning, and then select a target AP from the discovered AP list to connect to. Scanning methods can be divided into passive scanning and active scanning. Passive scanning refers to the STA discovering APs by listening to beacon frames periodically sent by the APs. These beacon frames contain key information such as the AP's BSSID, SSID, channel, supported speeds, and authentication method. Active scanning refers to the STA actively sending probe request frames to probe the network. The AP responds with probe request frames, which contain information similar to the beacon frames.

[0091] In some embodiments, an AP can provide information about neighboring APs through the reduced neighbor report (RNR) element information in the beacon frame or probe request frame described above.

[0092] For example, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of RNR element information provided in an embodiment of this application. Wherein:

[0093] Element ID: Used to identify the type of an RNR element.

[0094] Length: Represents the length of the entire RNR element.

[0095] Neighbor AP Information Fields: This is a variable-length field that contains information about multiple neighboring APs. The information for each neighboring AP consists of multiple subfields.

[0096] TBTT Information Header: Contains the TBTT information field type and TBTT information field length.

[0097] Operating Class: Indicates the operating frequency band of the AP.

[0098] Channel Number: Used to indicate the channel on which the AP is located.

[0099] TBTT Information Set: Contains multiple TBTT information entries.

[0100] TBTT Information Field Type: Used to indicate the type of TBTT information.

[0101] Filtered Neighbor APs: Indicates whether neighboring APs are filtered.

[0102] TBTT Information Count: Indicates the number of TBTT information entries.

[0103] TBTT Information Length: Indicates the total length of the TBTT information field.

[0104] Neighbor AP TBTT Offset: Indicates the offset of a neighbor AP's TBTT relative to the reference time.

[0105] Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID): Optional field used to identify neighboring APs.

[0106] Short Service Set Identifier (Short SSID): Optional field used to identify the service set of a neighboring AP.

[0107] Basic Service Set Parameters (BSS parameters): Includes the basic service set parameters of neighboring APs.

[0108] 20MHz Power Spectral Density (20MHz PSD): Used to indicate the power spectral density (PSD) of a neighboring AP on a 20MHz channel.

[0109] Multi-link device parameters (MLD Parameters): Includes multi-link device (MLD) parameters of neighboring APs.

[0110] When the TBTT Information Field Type is 0, the TBTT Information Length field determines whether the TBTT Information field format includes optional fields (such as BSSID, Short SSID, etc.). This means that, based on the value of the TBTT Information Length, the receiver can determine which optional fields exist, thereby correctly resolving the information of the neighboring AP.

[0111] In summary, the RNR element provides information about the neighboring AP's operation category, channel number, time of sending Beacon frames, BSSID, BSS parameters, PSD, and MLD parameters. By providing this detailed information, devices can better understand neighboring APs in the surrounding environment, thereby optimizing network performance, improving communication quality, and enabling smarter network management.

[0112] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a TWT element provided in an embodiment of this application. Wherein:

[0113] Element ID: Used to identify the type of a TWT element.

[0114] Length: Indicates the total length of the TWT element.

[0115] Control field: Used to indicate control information for TWT.

[0116] TWT Parameter Information: Used to describe the specific parameters of a TWT.

[0117] Null Data Packet (NDP) Paging Indicator / Unavailability Mode: Used to indicate the paging method or unavailability mode of TWT.

[0118] Responder PM Mode: Indicates the power management mode of the responder.

[0119] Negotiation Type: Indicates the type of TWT negotiation.

[0120] TWT Information Frame Disabled: Indicates whether TWT information frames are disabled.

[0121] Wake Duration Unit: A unit used to indicate the duration of wakefulness.

[0122] Link ID Bitmap Present: Indicates whether a link ID bitmap exists.

[0123] Aligned TWT: Indicates that the TWT SP is aligned on the MLD multilink.

[0124] Request Type: Used to describe the request type and related parameters of the broadcast TWT.

[0125] Target Wake Time: Indicates the time required for the device to wake up.

[0126] Normalized Minimum TWT Wake Duration: Indicates the minimum wake duration.

[0127] TWT Wake Interval Mantissa: Used to calculate the wake interval.

[0128] Broadcast TWT Info: Used to describe specific information about the broadcast TWT.

[0129] Restricted TWT traffic Info: Indicates whether restricted TWT traffic information exists.

[0130] TWT Request: Used to initiate a TWT negotiation request.

[0131] TWT Setup Command: Used to set TWT parameters.

[0132] Trigger field: (Trigger): Indicates whether the transmission during TWT SP is in trigger-enabled mode.

[0133] Last Broadcast Parameter Set: Indicates that this is the last broadcast parameter set.

[0134] Flow Type: Indicates the interaction mode during TWT SP.

[0135] Broadcast TWT Recommendation: Provides recommended parameters for broadcast TWTs.

[0136] TWT Wake Interval Exponent: The exponential portion that specifies the TWT wake interval.

[0137] Aligned Indicator: Indicates the TWT SP that requests alignment.

[0138] Restricted TWT Schedule Info: Provides restricted TWT scheduling information, indicating whether new members are accepted.

[0139] Broadcast TWT ID: Used to identify broadcast TWTs.

[0140] Broadcast TWT Persistence: Used to indicate the persistence of broadcast TWTs.

[0141] In some implementations, when the Negotiation Type is 2 or 3, the TWT parameter information includes one or more broadcast TWT parameter set fields.

[0142] Because active scanning is more efficient, STAs typically use active scanning to detect APs.

[0143] However, if the AP periodically enters power-saving mode, the STA may not be able to detect the AP even if it uses active scanning, causing the STA to be unable to access the wireless network in a timely manner, which in turn affects the stability and reliability of the network connection.

[0144] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this application provides a communication method in its embodiments. The STA can obtain at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP through the first information sent by the AP, thereby enabling timely access to the wireless network and improving the stability and reliability of the network connection.

[0145] The technical solutions provided in this application will be described in detail below through specific embodiments. It should be noted that the following embodiments may exist independently or in combination with each other, and the same or similar content will not be described again in different embodiments.

[0146] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the signaling flow for a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments of this application, the above-mentioned communication method includes:

[0147] S401, the AP sends first information, which indicates at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP. Correspondingly, the STA receives the first information and determines at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP by parsing the first information.

[0148] The aforementioned wake-up period can be the time period during which the adjacent APs switch from power-saving mode (or hibernation state) to normal operating state.

[0149] Optionally, the AP can periodically broadcast the aforementioned first information in the wireless network. Correspondingly, the STA can listen to the first information sent by the AP in the wireless network, and determine at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP by parsing the first information.

[0150] Understandably, in a wireless network, multiple access points (APs) may be deployed in the same area to provide seamless coverage and higher network capacity. The aforementioned adjacent APs can be understood as APs that are geographically close to the aforementioned AP within the wireless network's coverage area.

[0151] S402, STA receives beacon frames or sends probe request frames during at least one of the aforementioned wake-up periods.

[0152] In some implementations, the STA can adjust its scanning strategy based on the wake-up time of neighboring APs. For example, the STA can receive beacon frames during the wake-up time of the neighboring APs, and by parsing the received beacon frames, determine the basic information of the neighboring APs, such as SSID, BSSID, and the rates and operating channels supported by the neighboring APs, in preparation for subsequent association and communication with the neighboring APs.

[0153] Alternatively, the STA can send a probe request frame during the wake-up period of a neighboring AP, requesting the neighboring AP to send a probe response frame. Since the neighboring APs are in normal working condition during the wake-up period, they will respond to the STA's probe request frame and send a probe response frame, thereby increasing the STA's chances of discovering the neighboring AP.

[0154] In some implementations, for a STA, determining the wake-up times of neighboring APs can ensure connection performance while also considering its own energy-saving needs. For example, a STA can reduce unnecessary scanning and communication activities during the sleep times of neighboring APs to lower its own power consumption.

[0155] The communication method provided in this application embodiment allows the STA to obtain at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP through the first information sent by the AP, thereby enabling more efficient connection establishment with the AP and improving the stability and reliability of the network connection.

[0156] In some embodiments, any one of the above-mentioned at least one wake-up period is part or all of the first TWT SP, and the first TWT SP is the TWT SP scheduled by the adjacent AP.

[0157] The Time-to-Wave SP (TWT SP) is a time period negotiated between the AP and STA, during which both the AP and STA wake up to transmit data. Neighboring APs can schedule their own TWT SPs to ensure communication with the STA within a specific time period. This scheduling helps reduce interference between APs and optimizes network performance.

[0158] In some implementations, the broadcast TWT identifier subfield carried by the first TWT element corresponding to the first TWT SP is a first value.

[0159] The broadcast TWT identifier subfield can be used to identify the broadcast nature of the TWT SP.

[0160] Optionally, the first value mentioned above is 0. For example, a value of 0 for the broadcast TWT identifier subfield indicates that the TWT SP is broadcast, meaning that multiple STAs can share the TWT SP.

[0161] In some implementations, any one of the above-mentioned at least one wake-up period is part or all of the TWT SP with TWT ID 0 of the adjacent AP.

[0162] The first TWT element mentioned above is the TWT element of the adjacent AP scheduling.

[0163] In this embodiment, through the scheduling of TWT SP, STA only needs to wake up within the negotiated time period, reducing unnecessary wake-up times and helping to reduce power consumption.

[0164] In some implementations, for any one of the at least one wake-up period, the start time of the wake-up period is later than the end time of the transmission of the PPDU containing the first information.

[0165] For example, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of awakening time provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 .

[0166] exist Figure 5 In this context, the end time of transmission of the PPDU containing the first information is t1, the start time of any one of the at least one wake-up period is t2, and the time difference between t2 and t1 is greater than zero.

[0167] It is understandable that the start time of the aforementioned wake-up period is later than the end time of the transmission of the PPDU containing the first information. This means that adjacent APs will only begin to enter the wake-up period for communication after the AP has finished transmitting the PPDU containing the first information. This timing ensures that adjacent APs will only wake up and begin subsequent communication after the AP has finished transmitting the first information.

[0168] In some implementations, for any one of the at least one wake-up period, the start time of the wake-up period is later than or equal to the start time of the first TWT SP, and its end time is earlier than or equal to the end time of the first TWT SP. This means that during the wake-up period, the corresponding neighboring AP must be in a wake-up state.

[0169] For example, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of awakening time provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 .

[0170] exist Figure 6 In this context, the start time t5 of the aforementioned awakening period is equal to the start time t3 of the first TWT SP, and the end time t6 of the aforementioned awakening period is equal to the end time t4 of the first TWT SP.

[0171] For example, refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of awakening time provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 .

[0172] exist Figure 7 In this context, the start time t5 of the aforementioned awakening period is equal to the start time t3 of the first TWT SP, and the end time t6 of the aforementioned awakening period is earlier than the end time t4 of the first TWT SP.

[0173] For example, refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of awakening time provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 .

[0174] exist Figure 8 In this process, the start time t5 of the aforementioned awakening period is later than the start time t3 of the first TWT SP, and the end time t6 of the aforementioned awakening period is equal to the end time t4 of the first TWT SP.

[0175] For example, refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of awakening time provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 .

[0176] exist Figure 9In this process, the start time t5 of the aforementioned awakening period is later than the start time t3 of the first TWT SP, and the end time t6 of the aforementioned awakening period is earlier than the end time t4 of the first TWT SP.

[0177] In this embodiment, by reasonably arranging the relationship between the wake-up period and the first TWT SP, the AP can minimize power consumption while ensuring communication efficiency.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first information described above may optionally be carried in the TBTT information field of the adjacent AP information field in the RNR.

[0179] In some implementations, the TBTT information field mentioned above includes a first subfield, which includes at least one of the following: at least one wake-up time subfield, at least one nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield, and at least one wake-up duration unit subfield.

[0180] Wherein, any one of the at least one awakening time subfields indicates the start time of the corresponding awakening period, any one of the at least one nominal minimum awakening duration subfields indicates the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period, and any one of the at least one awakening duration unit subfields indicates the unit of the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period.

[0181] Through the above implementation method, the AP can use existing fields in the TBTT information to transmit the first information, which can avoid introducing new fields and reduce protocol complexity and implementation cost.

[0182] For example, refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a TBTT information field provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0183] Optionally, the above-mentioned at least one wake-up time subfield and the above-mentioned at least one nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield occupy 3n octets, and the above-mentioned at least one wake-up duration unit subfield occupies m octets, where m is a positive integer and n is a positive integer less than or equal to 8m.

[0184] In some implementations, the start time indicated by the first wake-up time subfield + the minimum wake-up duration indicated by the first nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield = the unit of the minimum wake-up duration indicated by the first wake-up duration unit subfield.

[0185] In some implementations, the first subfield mentioned above is not required for APs in the multi-BSSID set, as well as other APs in the MLD, because there are other ways to obtain relevant information.

[0186] For example, refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another TBTT information field provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0187] In some implementations, the number of the aforementioned wake-up time subfield, nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield, and wake-up duration unit subfield is all p, where p is a positive integer; the aforementioned first subfield occupies q octets, where p wake-up time subfields, nominal minimum wake-up duration subfields, and wake-up duration unit subfields occupy 25*p bits, and padding bits occupy 8*q-25*p bits, 0≤8*q-25*p≤7, where q is a positive integer.

[0188] For example, the aforementioned wake-up time subfield can occupy 16 bits, the aforementioned nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield can occupy 8 bits, and the aforementioned wake-up duration unit subfield can occupy 1 bit.

[0189] For example, when p=1, q=4, the first subfield occupies 4 octets and the padding occupies 7 bits; when p=2, q=7, the first subfield occupies 7 octets and the padding occupies 6 bits; when p=3, q=10, the first subfield occupies 10 octets and the padding occupies 5 bits; and so on. When p=8, q=25, the first subfield occupies 25 octets and the padding occupies 0 bits (i.e., there is no padding).

[0190] In some implementations, at least one of the aforementioned wake-up time subfields can be set to TSF[10:25]. This means that the wake-up time of the indicated neighboring AP is based on the current AP's TSF.

[0191] In the above implementation, by determining the number of bytes occupied and the quantity relationship of each of the above sub-fields, the efficiency and standardization of information transmission can be ensured.

[0192] The communication method provided in this application embodiment allows the STA to obtain the wake-up time of neighboring APs through beacon frames, probe response frames, or association response frames sent by the currently connected APs. This enables the STA to actively scan during the wake-up time of neighboring APs, increasing the efficiency of connecting to neighboring APs.

[0193] The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application has been described above. The apparatus for executing the above communication method, provided in the embodiments of this application, is described below. Those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and apparatus can be combined with and referenced by each other, and the related apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application can execute the steps in the above communication method.

[0194] Reference Figure 12 , Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the program modules of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This application provides a communication device that can be used to implement the functions of an access point (AP), such as components within the AP, like chips, chip systems, processors, etc.

[0195] For example, the communication device 120 includes:

[0196] The communication module 1201 is configured to: send first information indicating at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP.

[0197] In some implementations, any one of the at least one wake-up period is part or all of the first TWT SP, and the first TWT SP is the TWT SP scheduled by the adjacent AP.

[0198] In some implementations, the broadcast TWT identifier subfield carried by the first TWT element corresponding to the first TWT SP is a first value; wherein, the first TWT element is the TWT element scheduled by the adjacent AP.

[0199] In some implementations, for any one of the at least one wake-up period, the start time of the wake-up period is later than the end time of the transmission of the PPDU containing the first information.

[0200] In some implementations, for any one of the at least one awakening period, the start time of the awakening period is later than or equal to the start time of the first TWT SP, and the end time of the awakening period is earlier than or equal to the end time of the first TWT SP.

[0201] In some implementations, the aforementioned first information is carried in the TBTT information field of the adjacent AP information field in the RNR.

[0202] In some implementations, the TBTT information field mentioned above includes a first subfield, which includes at least one of the following: at least one wake-up time subfield, at least one nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield, and at least one wake-up duration unit subfield;

[0203] Wherein, any one of the at least one awakening time subfields indicates the start time of the corresponding awakening period, any one of the at least one nominal minimum awakening duration subfields indicates the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period, and any one of the at least one awakening duration unit subfields indicates the unit of the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period.

[0204] In some implementations, the at least one wake-up time subfield and the at least one nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield occupy 3n octets, and the at least one wake-up duration unit subfield occupies m octets, where m is a positive integer and n is a positive integer less than or equal to 8m.

[0205] In some implementations, the number of the aforementioned wake-up time subfield, the aforementioned nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield, and the aforementioned wake-up duration unit subfield are all p, where p is a positive integer; the aforementioned first subfield occupies q octets, where p wake-up time subfields, nominal minimum wake-up duration subfields, and wake-up duration unit subfields occupy 25*p bits, and padding bits occupy 8*q-25*p bits, 0≤8*q-25*p≤7, where q is a positive integer.

[0206] Reference Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the program modules of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. This application provides a communication device that can be used to implement the functions of a ST (Stationary Targeting System), such as components within the ST, like chips, chip systems, processors, etc.

[0207] For example, the communication device 130 includes:

[0208] The first communication module 1301 is configured to receive first information indicating at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP;

[0209] The second communication module 1302 is used to receive beacon frames or send probe request frames during at least one of the aforementioned wake-up periods.

[0210] In some implementations, for any one of the at least one wake-up period, the start time of the wake-up period is later than the end time of the transmission of the PPDU containing the first information.

[0211] In some implementations, the aforementioned first information is carried in the TBTT information field of the adjacent AP information field in the RNR.

[0212] In some implementations, the TBTT information field mentioned above includes a first subfield, which includes at least one of the following: at least one wake-up time subfield, at least one nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield, and at least one wake-up duration unit subfield;

[0213] Wherein, any one of the at least one awakening time subfields indicates the start time of the corresponding awakening period, any one of the at least one nominal minimum awakening duration subfields indicates the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period, and any one of the at least one awakening duration unit subfields indicates the unit of the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period.

[0214] In some implementations, the at least one wake-up time subfield and the at least one nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield occupy 3n octets, and the at least one wake-up duration unit subfield occupies m octets, where m is a positive integer and n is a positive integer less than or equal to 8m.

[0215] In some implementations, the number of the aforementioned wake-up time subfield, the aforementioned nominal minimum wake-up duration subfield, and the aforementioned wake-up duration unit subfield are all p, where p is a positive integer; the aforementioned first subfield occupies q octets, where p wake-up time subfields, nominal minimum wake-up duration subfields, and wake-up duration unit subfields occupy 25*p bits, and padding bits occupy 8*q-25*p bits, 0≤8*q-25*p≤7, where q is a positive integer.

[0216] Reference Figure 14 , Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The embodiment of this application provides a communication device 140, which includes: a processor 1401, a memory 1402, and a communication interface 1403.

[0217] The memory 1402 is used to store programs or instructions.

[0218] The communication interface 1403 is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor 901, or to send signals from the processor 1401 to other communication devices.

[0219] The processor 1401 is used to execute programs or instructions to enable the communication device to implement the communication method provided in the above embodiments.

[0220] This application also provides a chip, which includes a processor. The processor is used to call a computer program in memory to execute the technical solutions in the above embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar to the related embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0221] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, it implements the aforementioned communication method. The communication method described in the above embodiments can be implemented wholly or partially by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality can be stored as one or more instructions or code on or transmitted on the computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can include computer storage media and communication media, and can also include any medium that can transfer a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium can be any target medium accessible by a computer.

[0222] In one possible implementation, a computer-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium targeted to carry or to store the required program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer. Furthermore, any connection is appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. As used herein, disks and optical discs include optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs reproduce data using laser optical principles. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0223] This application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when run, causes the computer to execute the aforementioned communication method.

[0224] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made on the basis of the technical solution of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Send a first message indicating at least one wake-up period of a neighboring access point (AP).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Any one of the at least one wake-up period is part or all of the first target wake-up time (TWT) service period SP, and the first TWT SP is the TWT SP scheduled by the adjacent AP.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first TWT element corresponding to the first TWT SP carries a broadcast TWT identifier subfield with a first value; Wherein, the first TWT element is the TWT element scheduled by the adjacent AP.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, For any one of the at least one wake-up period, the start time of the wake-up period is later than the end time of the transmission of the Physical Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) containing the first information.

5. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, For any one of the at least one awakening period, the start time of the awakening period is later than or equal to the start time of the first TWT SP, and the end time of the awakening period is earlier than or equal to the end time of the first TWT SP.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) information field of the Neighboring AP Information field in the Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The TBTT information field includes a first subfield, which includes at least one of the following: at least one awakening time subfield, at least one nominal minimum awakening duration subfield, and at least one awakening duration unit subfield; Wherein, any one of the at least one awakening time subfields indicates the start time of the corresponding awakening period, any one of the at least one nominal minimum awakening duration subfields indicates the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period, and any one of the at least one awakening duration unit subfields indicates the unit of the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The at least one awakening time subfield and the at least one nominal minimum awakening duration subfield occupy 3n octets, and the at least one awakening duration unit subfield occupies m octets, where m is a positive integer and n is a positive integer less than or equal to 8m.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of the awakening time subfield, the nominal minimum awakening duration subfield, and the awakening duration unit subfield are all p, where p is a positive integer; the first subfield occupies q octets, where p of the awakening time subfield, the nominal minimum awakening duration subfield, and the awakening duration unit subfield occupy 25*p bits, and the padding bits occupy 8*q-25*p bits, 0≤8*q-25*p≤7, where q is a positive integer.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive first information, the first information indicating at least one wake-up period of a neighboring access point (AP); During at least one awakening period, a beacon frame is received or a probe request frame is sent.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, For any one of the at least one wake-up period, the start time of the wake-up period is later than the end time of the transmission of the Physical Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) containing the first information.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) information field of the Neighboring AP Information field in the Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The TBTT information field includes a first subfield, which includes at least one of the following: at least one awakening time subfield, at least one nominal minimum awakening duration subfield, and at least one awakening duration unit subfield; Wherein, any one of the at least one awakening time subfields indicates the start time of the corresponding awakening period, any one of the at least one nominal minimum awakening duration subfields indicates the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period, and any one of the at least one awakening duration unit subfields indicates the unit of the minimum awakening duration of the corresponding awakening period.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The at least one awakening time subfield and the at least one nominal minimum awakening duration subfield occupy 3n octets, and the at least one awakening duration unit subfield occupies m octets, where m is a positive integer and n is a positive integer less than or equal to 8m.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The number of the awakening time subfield, the nominal minimum awakening duration subfield, and the awakening duration unit subfield are all p, where p is a positive integer; the first subfield occupies q octets, where p of the awakening time subfield, the nominal minimum awakening duration subfield, and the awakening duration unit subfield occupy 25*p bits, and the padding bits occupy 8*q-25*p bits, 0≤8*q-25*p≤7, where q is a positive integer.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A communication module is used to send first information, the first information indicating at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A first communication module is configured to receive first information, wherein the first information indicates at least one wake-up period of a neighboring AP; The second communication module is used to receive beacon frames or send probe request frames during the at least one awakening period.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processor, memory, and communication interface; The aforementioned memory is used to store programs or instructions; The aforementioned communication interface is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices; The processor described above is used to execute the program or instructions described above so that the communication device implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-9, or the method as described in any one of claims 10-15.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the method of any one of claims 1-9, or the method of any one of claims 10-15.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method of any one of claims 1-9, or the method of any one of claims 10-15.

21. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute program instructions to perform the method of any one of claims 1-9, or the method of any one of claims 10-15.

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