Npca transmission method, apparatus, device, and readable storage medium

Abstract

The application provides an NPCA transmission method, device and equipment and a readable storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: an access point sends a first frame, wherein the first frame comprises NPCA parameters for a first station group; the access point sends a second frame, wherein the second frame comprises NPCA parameters for a second station group; wherein the NPCA channel switching capability of a station in the first station group is different from the NPCA channel switching capability of a station in the second station group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to an NPCA transmission method, apparatus, device, and readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In some scenarios, a non-primary channel access (NPCA) mechanism has been introduced to allow stations to dynamically switch to the NPCA primary channel for data transmission when the primary channel is busy.

[0003] Access points can configure handover delay parameters for sites to perform NPCA handovers. Sites then perform NPCA channel handovers based on these parameters. However, if the access point configures a low handover delay, sites with higher delays may not be able to switch to the NPCA channel in a timely manner for data transmission, affecting network fairness and resulting in low channel utilization. Conversely, if the access point configures a high handover delay, the minimum NPCA duration threshold will be higher, leading to less data transmission and decreased transmission efficiency within the NPCA duration. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an NPCA transmission method, apparatus, device, and readable storage medium, which can dynamically configure NPCA parameters for site groups with different NPCA channel switching capabilities, thereby meeting the NPCA transmission requirements of sites with different NPCA channel switching capabilities and improving channel utilization.

[0005] Firstly, an NPCA transmission method is provided, including:

[0006] The access point sends a first frame, which includes NPCA parameters for the first site group;

[0007] The access point sends a second frame, which includes NPCA parameters for the second site group;

[0008] The NPCA channel switching capabilities of the stations in the first station group are different from those of the stations in the second station group.

[0009] Secondly, an NPCA transmission method is provided, including:

[0010] The site receives a first frame sent by the access point, the first frame including NPCA parameters for the first site group;

[0011] The station receives a second frame sent by the access point, the second frame including NPCA parameters for a second station group; wherein the NPCA channel switching capability of the stations in the first station group is different from that of the stations in the second station group.

[0012] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0013] The transceiver module is used to send a first frame, the first frame including NPCA parameters for a first site group; and

[0014] Send a second frame, which includes NPCA parameters for the second site group;

[0015] The NPCA channel switching capabilities of the stations in the first station group are different from those of the stations in the second station group.

[0016] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0017] The transceiver module is used to receive a first frame sent by the access point, the first frame including NPCA parameters for a first site group; and to receive a second frame sent by the access point, the second frame including NPCA parameters for a second site group; wherein the NPCA channel switching capabilities of the sites in the first site group and the NPCA channel switching capabilities of the sites in the second site group are different.

[0018] Fifthly, an access point is provided, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs, and the processor is used to call and run the computer programs stored in the memory, performing the methods described in the first aspect or its various implementations.

[0019] In a sixth aspect, a site is provided, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs, and the processor is used to invoke and run the computer programs stored in the memory, performing the methods of the second aspect or its implementations described above.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided for implementing the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations. Specifically, the chip includes: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a device on which the chip is installed to perform the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations.

[0021] Eighthly, a readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program that causes a computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations.

[0022] Ninthly, a computer program product is provided, including computer program instructions that cause a computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations.

[0023] In a tenth aspect, a computer program is provided that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations.

[0024] Through the above technical solution, the access point can dynamically configure NPCA parameters applicable to site groups with different NPCA channel switching capabilities. Site groups with different NPCA channel switching capabilities can perform NPCA transmission based on NPCA parameters that meet their own NPCA channel switching capabilities, thereby supporting fair access to the NPCA main channel for sites with different NPCA channel switching capabilities, meeting the NPCA transmission needs of sites with different NPCA channel switching capabilities, and improving channel utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a channel design provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the execution of NPCA primary channel switching and NPCA transmission.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an NPCA transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a time-division adjustment of NPCA parameters provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first element provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a second element provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an NPCA parameter adjustment scheme provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic interactive diagram illustrating the setting of NPCA parameters at the TWT group granularity provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic format diagram of a TWT element in a first request frame provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic format diagram of a third element provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic interactive diagram illustrating another TWT group granularity NPCA parameter setting provided in this application embodiment.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a schematic interactive diagram illustrating another TWT group granularity NPCA parameter setting provided in this application embodiment.

[0038] Figure 14 This is an overall flowchart of the NPCA transmission method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0039] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of NPCA parameter adjustment provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0040] Figure 16 This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating how an access point sets NPCA parameters for a low-latency group and how stations within the low-latency group perform NPCA transmissions based on these NPCA parameters, as provided in this application embodiment.

[0041] Figure 17 This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating how an access point sets NPCA parameters for a high-latency group and how stations within the high-latency group perform NPCA transmissions based on these NPCA parameters, as provided in this application embodiment.

[0042] Figure 18 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating how an access point sets NPCA parameters for a B-TWT or R-TWT group and how stations within the B-TWT or R-TWT group perform NPCA transmissions based on these NPCA parameters, as provided in this application embodiment.

[0043] Figure 19 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating how an access point sets NPCA parameters for an individual TWT group and how stations within the TWT group perform NPCA transmissions based on these NPCA parameters, as provided in this application embodiment.

[0044] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 22This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 23 This is a schematic block diagram of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 24 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort regarding the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0050] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second," etc., used herein are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order.

[0051] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, "at least one item" refers to one item or more items.

[0052] "Multiple items" refers to two or more items, and "at least two items" refers to two or more items.

[0053] "At least one of the following" or similar expressions may refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c may mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0054] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "and / or" indicates that the connected objects can have three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three scenarios: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" relationship.

[0055] It should be understood that the "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction or an indirect instruction. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, such as B being obtainable through A; or it can mean that A indirectly instructs B, such as A instructing C, where B is obtainable through C, for example, B and C are related.

[0056] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, and the embodiments of this application are applicable to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) used in WLANs.

[0057] This application supports any protocol in the 802.11 family, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, and future 802.11 protocols. The method provided in this application can be implemented by a communication device in a wireless communication system or by a chip or processor within that device. Accordingly, the communication device supports IEEE...

[0058] Communication is conducted using the 802.11 series of protocols. Although the embodiments in this application are mainly illustrated using a network deploying IEEE 802.11 as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects involved in this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, mainly used in Europe), wide area network (WAN), WLAN, personal area network (PAN), ultra-wideband (UWB) based wireless PAN systems, sensing systems, or other networks now known or to be developed in the future. The methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the IEEE 802.15 series protocols, such as the 802.15.4a, 802.15.4z, or 802.15.4ab protocols, or future UWB WPAN protocols, etc., and will not be listed one by one. The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to the following communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, devices applied in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, IoT nodes and sensors in IoT systems, smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities, etc., or they can also be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th-generation (5G) communication systems, and new communication systems that will emerge in the future development of communication, etc. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0059] In the WiFi protocol, a station (abbreviated as STA) includes access point stations (abbreviated as AP STA) and non-access point stations (abbreviated as non-AP station). For the sake of simplicity, access point stations are usually called access points (abbreviated as AP), and non-access point stations are called stations (abbreviated as STA).

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system 100 may include an access point 110 and a station 120. The station 120 can access the network through the access point 110.

[0061] Access points can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as those based on the 802.11b protocol.

[0062] 802.11a protocol, 802.11g protocol, 802.11n protocol, 802.11ac protocol, 802.11ax, 802.11be,

[0063] Communication or sensing is performed using the 802.11bn protocol or next-generation protocols or protocols after that.

[0064] The site can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, for example, it can support protocols based on 802.11b.

[0065] 802.11a protocol, 802.11g protocol, 802.11n protocol, 802.11ac protocol, 802.11ax, 802.11be,

[0066] Communication or sensing is performed using the 802.11bn protocol or next-generation protocols or protocols after that.

[0067] The communication in the communication system 100 can be communication between access points and stations, or communication between stations, or communication between access points.

[0068] WLAN systems can provide high-speed, low-latency transmission. As WLAN application scenarios continue to evolve, WLAN systems will be applied to more scenarios or industries, such as the Internet of Things industry, the Internet of Vehicles industry, the banking industry, enterprise offices, stadiums and exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, hospital wards, classrooms, shopping malls, squares, streets, production workshops and warehouses, etc. Of course, devices that support WLAN communication or sensing (such as access points or sites) can be sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air monitoring nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, and washing machines), nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), entertainment terminals (such as wearable devices for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), etc.), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, megaphones, and speakers), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices, infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-service navigation kiosks in supermarkets, self-service checkout machines, and self-service ordering machines), and equipment in large sports and music venues.

[0069] In this embodiment, an access point is a device with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication or sensing using the WLAN protocol. It has the function of communicating or sensing with other devices in the WLAN network (such as non-AP STAs or other access points), and can also have the function of communicating or sensing with other devices. Alternatively, an access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, primarily connecting various wireless network clients together and then connecting the wireless network to the Ethernet. This wireless communication device can be a complete device, or a chip, processing system, or functional module installed within a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can implement the methods and functions of this embodiment under the control of the chips, processing systems, or functional modules. The AP in this embodiment is a device providing services to non-AP STAs and can support 802.11 series protocols or subsequent protocols. For example, an access point can be an access point for terminals (such as mobile phones) to enter a wired (or wireless) network, mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and parks, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters; it can also be deployed outdoors. For example, an AP can be a communication server, router, switch, bridge, or other communication entity; APs can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeater stations, etc.

[0070] In the embodiments of this application, the site may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless device in industrial control, set-top box, wireless device in self-driving, vehicle communication device, wireless device in remote medical, wireless device in smart grid, wireless device in transportation safety, wireless device in smart city or smart home, wireless device, wireless communication chip, etc. that support WLAN or WiFi technology.

[0071] It should be understood that Figure 1 Only one access point and two sites are shown in the example. Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple access points or other numbers of sites. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0072] Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include other devices, such as network controllers, gateways, and other network entities, which are not limited in this application.

[0073] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the time synchronization mechanism of the Wi-Fi system related to this application will be described.

[0074] Beacon transmission period: The time interval at which the AP periodically sends beacon frames, such as sending a beacon frame every 100ms. The time in the Timing Synchronization Function (TSF) field carried by the beacon frame is set to the time when the first data symbol is sent to the antenna.

[0075] Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT): The exact time a beacon frame is transmitted. To ensure timely transmission of beacon frames at the set time, at each TBTT, the AP prioritizes the beacon frame as the next frame to be transmitted, and then continues to transmit other frames after the beacon frame has been transmitted. Due to the wireless media contention mechanism of Wi-Fi systems and congested network environments, the beacon frame transmission time may be later than expected, but subsequent beacon frames will still be transmitted according to the previously set time.

[0076] To receive beacon frames sent by the AP, the STA is woken up at the TBTT time and waits in advance for the beacon frames it needs to receive. After receiving a beacon frame, the STA synchronizes with the beacon frame and calculates the TBTT time for the next wake-up. If the STA finds no corresponding data buffer indication in the beacon frame, it automatically enters a sleep state.

[0077] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the Target Wake Time (TWT) technology related to this application will be described.

[0078] Based on this TWT technology, the AP and STA can negotiate the time for transmitting and receiving data, after which the AP divides the STAs into different wake-up period groups. This not only reduces the power consumption of the STAs but also reduces conflicts caused by multiple STAs simultaneously competing for the wireless medium after waking up. Compared with traditional low-power technologies, TWT technology allows STAs to avoid waking up at fixed intervals; their sleep / wake-up time can be negotiated with the AP. A longer negotiated wake-up time can significantly reduce the power consumption of the STAs.

[0079] Depending on how the AP and STA negotiate the wake-up time, TWT technology can include the following methods:

[0080] 1. Individual Target Arousal Time (i-TWT)

[0081] Each STA negotiates a wake-up time with the AP, which is stored in a table maintained by the AP. The wake-up time is unique to each STA. The STA wakes up at the corresponding time and completes the data transmission with the AP.

[0082] 2. Broadcast Target Wake-up Time (B-TWT)

[0083] The AP pre-defines different service time periods, and each service time period is a TWT group (identified by TWT_ID). The AP broadcasts the service time period information using beacon frames. The STA can only negotiate with the AP to join a certain TWT group, but cannot negotiate specific service time periods.

[0084] 3. Restricted Target Wake-up Time (R-TWT)

[0085] Building upon B-TWT, R-TWT technology is introduced. The AP divides the entire service time into multiple segments, with certain time periods dedicated to low-latency service data transmission. Low-latency services can be scheduled more frequently during these time periods, gaining more access channels and data transmission opportunities, thereby reducing the transmission latency of low-latency services.

[0086] 4. Coordinated Target Awakening Time (C-RTWT)

[0087] In some scenarios, C-RTWT technology has been introduced to perform multi-AP collaborative scheduling, reserving dedicated time resources across APs for specific STAs or services to ensure the transmission of high-priority services.

[0088] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the non-primary channel access (NPCA) mechanism related to this application will be described.

[0089] The NPCA mechanism aims to allow STAs to dynamically switch to the NPCA primary channel for data transmission when the primary channel is busy due to interference from the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) or other conditions. This expands the reliance on the primary channel and allows for better utilization of transmission opportunities on idle non-primary channels, thereby improving spectrum utilization.

[0090] For an IEEE 802.11bn Ultra High Reliability (UHR) system, any bandwidth consists of a master channel and a slave channel, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the 160MHz channel is divided into channel 1 to channel 8, with channel 1 set as the main channel and channel 5 set as the NPCA main channel.

[0091] To coordinate the handover synchronization between STA and AP and ensure that STA can be ready in a timely manner after channel switching to avoid conflicts with other transmissions, NPCA switching delay and NPCA switch back delay are defined. When STA detects OBSS interference, it switches from the main channel to the NPCA main channel and must wait for the handover delay before it can transmit data on the NPCA main channel.

[0092] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the process of AP and STA performing NPCA primary channel handover and data transmission on the NPCA primary channel. Figure 3As shown, the AP or STA can receive an OBSS PPDU on the main channel. Based on this OBSS PPDU, it can identify that the main channel is experiencing OBSS interference. Further, the AP or STA can switch to the NPCA main channel. After the NPCA handover delay, it sends an Initial Control Frame (ICF) on the NPCA main channel. Further, the STA or AP can reply with an Initial Control Response (ICR) frame. Afterwards, the AP and STA can transmit data on the NPCA main channel. After data transmission is complete, they can switch back to the main channel from the NPCA main channel. After the NPCA handover delay, the AP or STA can transmit data on the main channel. Figure 3 The PPDU duration represents the duration of the OBSS PPDU. During this duration, the main channel is subject to OBSS interference; therefore, the PPDU duration can be considered the interference duration. The OBSS interference detection time represents the time it takes for the AP or STA to detect OBSS interference on the main channel while the NPCA main channel is idle. The NPCA duration represents the time it takes for the STA or AP to switch to the NPCA main channel to perform NPCA transmission. The sum of the NPCA duration and the OBSS interference detection time equals the PPDU duration; that is, the NPCA duration.

[0093] = PPDU duration - OBSS interference identification time. Optionally, the OBSS interference identification time can be a predefined duration or a fixed duration.

[0094] In some scenarios, handover delay parameters (including NPCA handover delay and NPCA handback delay) are limited by the STA's hardware capabilities. For example, in Mode 1, if the STA's bandwidth and the AP's bandwidth are the same, the NPCA primary channel is within the STA's bandwidth, resulting in a smaller handover delay. Conversely, in Mode 2, if the STA's bandwidth and the AP's bandwidth are different, the NPCA primary channel is within the STA's bandwidth, resulting in a larger handover delay.

[0095] If the AP is set to a low handover delay, the STA with a high handover delay cannot support NPCA transmission, which affects the fairness of the network and results in low channel utilization.

[0096] If the AP's switching delay is set to be large, it will result in a larger NPCA minimum duration threshold. Consequently, less data will be transmitted within the same NPCA duration, leading to a decrease in transmission efficiency.

[0097] The NPCA Minimum Duration Threshold represents the shortest duration for which an STA is allowed to switch to the NPCA main channel to perform NPCA transmissions when OBSS interference is detected on the main channel. In other words, the NPCA duration must reach this NPCA Minimum Duration Threshold before the STA can switch to the NPCA main channel to perform NPCA transmissions.

[0098] The technical solutions of this application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above-mentioned related technologies are optional solutions and can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application in any way, all of which fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0099] Figure 4 This is a schematic interactive diagram of the NPCA transmission method 200 according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the method 200 includes at least the following:

[0100] S210, the access point sends a first frame, the first frame including NPCA parameters for the first site group;

[0101] Correspondingly, the station receives the first frame;

[0102] S220, the access point sends a second frame, the second frame including NPCA parameters for the second site group;

[0103] Correspondingly, the station receives the second frame.

[0104] The NPCA channel switching capabilities of the stations in the first station group are different from those of the stations in the second station group.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first frame includes NPCA parameters for the first site group, which may include:

[0106] The first frame includes a first NPCA parameter, which is used by stations in the first site group to perform NPCA channel handover, or the first NPCA parameter supports stations in the first site group to perform NPCA channel handover, or in other words, the first NPCA parameter can satisfy the stations in the first site group to perform NPCA channel handover.

[0107] In some embodiments, the second frame includes NPCA parameters for the second site group, which may include:

[0108] The second frame includes a second NPCA parameter, which is used by stations within the second site group to perform NPCA channel handover, or supports stations within the second site group to perform NPCA channel handover, or in other words, the second NPCA parameter can satisfy the stations within the second site group to perform NPCA channel handover.

[0109] Therefore, in this embodiment, the access point can dynamically configure NPCA parameters applicable to site groups with different NPCA channel switching capabilities. Site groups with different NPCA channel switching capabilities can select NPCA parameters that meet their own NPCA channel switching capabilities to perform NPCA transmission. For example, sites in the first site group can access the NPCA channel based on the first NPCA parameter, and sites in the second site group can access the NPCA channel based on the second NPCA parameter. This enables fair access to the NPCA main channel for sites with different NPCA channel switching capabilities, meets the NPCA transmission requirements of sites with different NPCA channel switching capabilities, and improves channel utilization.

[0110] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the specific application scenarios. For example, they can be applied to transmission scenarios based on channel switching, such as NPCA transmission scenarios based on NPCA main channel switching, Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) transmission scenarios, etc. The following description takes the NPCA transmission scenario based on NPCA main channel switching as an example, but this application is not limited to this.

[0111] The NPCA parameters in the embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following:

[0112] NPCA Minimum Duration Threshold;

[0113] NPCA Switching Delay represents the delay when switching from the primary channel to the NPCA primary channel.

[0114] NPCA Switch Back Delay represents the delay when switching back from the NPCA main channel to the main channel.

[0115] Effective time indicates when the NPCA parameter takes effect.

[0116] As an example, NPCA parameters can include NPCA switching delay and NPCA switching back delay.

[0117] In other words, the access point can dynamically configure the NPA handover delay and NPA handback delay for site groups with different NPA channel handover capabilities. Site groups with different NPA channel handover capabilities can choose to perform NPA transmission according to their own NPA handover delay and NPA handback delay, thereby supporting fair access to the NPA main channel for sites with different NPA channel handover capabilities, meeting the NPA transmission needs of sites with different NPA channel handover capabilities, and improving channel utilization.

[0118] As another example, NPCA parameters can include the NPCA minimum duration threshold, NPCA switching delay, and NPCA switchback delay.

[0119] In other words, the access point can dynamically configure the minimum duration threshold, handover delay, and handback delay of NPA for site groups with different NPA channel handover capabilities. Site groups with different NPA channel handover capabilities can choose to perform NPA transmission in accordance with their own minimum duration threshold, handover delay, and handback delay. This enables fair access to the NPA main channel for sites with different NPA channel handover capabilities, meets the NPA transmission requirements of sites with different NPA channel handover capabilities, and improves channel utilization.

[0120] Optionally, the NPCA minimum duration threshold represents the shortest duration required to switch to the NPCA primary channel for NPCA transmission when inter-BSS activity (or OBSS interference) is detected on the primary channel of the Basic Service Set (BSS) (e.g., receiving an OBSS Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) or an inter-BSS TXOP). In other words, the NPCA duration must reach this minimum NPCA duration threshold before switching to the NPCA primary channel for NPCA transmission can proceed.

[0121] Optionally, the NPCA switching delay can be in the range of 0 to 252 μs, and this application does not limit it.

[0122] Optionally, the NPCA switchback delay can be in the range of 0 to 252 μs, and this application does not limit it.

[0123] Optionally, the minimum duration threshold of NPCA is determined based on at least one of NPCA handover delay, NPCA handover back delay, the duration of the third frame, and the duration of the fourth frame, wherein the third frame is used to request the execution of NPCA primary channel handover, and the fourth frame is used to respond to the request of the third frame.

[0124] Optionally, the third frame can be an Initial Control Frame (ICF). This ICF frame can be designed based on a Buffer Status Report Poll (BSRP) frame, or it can be implemented based on other frames. This application does not limit this.

[0125] Optionally, the fourth frame may be an Initial Control Response (ICR) frame, which may be designed based on a Multi-STA Block Acknowledgment (Multi-STA BA) frame, or it may be implemented based on other frames. This application does not limit this.

[0126] In some embodiments, the minimum NPCA duration threshold is determined based at least on the NPCA handover delay and the NPCA handback delay. That is, the minimum NPCA duration threshold is at least greater than the sum of the NPCA handover delay and the NPCA handback delay.

[0127] In some embodiments, the minimum duration threshold for NPCA is determined based at least on the durations of the third and fourth frames. That is, the minimum duration threshold for NPCA is at least greater than the sum of the durations of the third and fourth frames.

[0128] Optionally, after the access point or site switches from the primary channel to the NPCA primary channel, it sends an ICF frame after a priority interframe space (PIFS).

[0129] Optionally, the interval between ICF and ICR frames can be a short interframe space (SIFS).

[0130] In one specific embodiment, the minimum duration threshold of NPCA can be defined as: NPCA handover delay + NPCA handover back delay + PIFS + ICF duration + SIFS + ICR duration.

[0131] That is, the duration of the NPCA is at least sufficient for the access point or site to perform the following operations: switch from the main channel to the NPCA main channel, send the third frame on the NPCA main channel, receive the fourth frame, and switch from the NPCA main channel back to the main channel.

[0132] Optionally, PIFS is equal to SIFS and the length of a time slot, where SIFS = 16µs and a time slot = 9µs.

[0133] Optionally, the duration is 44µs when using the non-HT PPDU format at a rate of 6Mbps in ICF or ICR.

[0134] Optionally, the effective time can be a countdown time for the NPCA parameter to take effect. For example, the countdown time can be a countdown time in units of TBTT intervals, such as the NPCA parameter taking effect after K TBTTs, where K is a positive integer.

[0135] In this application embodiment, the NPCA channel handover capability of a site can be characterized by at least one of the following parameters:

[0136] NPCA switching delay at the site;

[0137] The NPCA switchback at the site was delayed;

[0138] The minimum duration threshold for NPCA at a site.

[0139] In the embodiments of this application, NPCA channel switching capability is also called NPCA capability, or it may be replaced with other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first NPCA parameter supporting NPCA channel handover at sites within a first site group may include at least one of the following:

[0141] The NPCA handover delay in the first NPCA parameter is greater than or equal to the NPCA handover delay of the sites within the first site group;

[0142] The NPCA handover delay in the first NPCA parameter is greater than or equal to the NPCA handover delay of the sites within the first site group;

[0143] The minimum duration threshold of NPCA in the first NPCA parameter is greater than or equal to the minimum duration threshold of NPCA for the sites in the first site group.

[0144] In some embodiments, the second NPCA parameter supporting NPCA channel handover by sites within the second site group may include at least one of the following:

[0145] The NPCA handover delay in the second NPCA parameter is greater than or equal to the NPCA handover delay of the sites within the second site group;

[0146] The NPCA handover delay in the second NPCA parameter is greater than or equal to the NPCA handover delay of the sites within the second site group;

[0147] The minimum duration threshold of NPCA in the second NPCA parameter is greater than or equal to the minimum duration threshold of NPCA for the sites in the second site group.

[0148] In some embodiments, if the NPCA parameter includes NPCA handover delay, the NPCA channel handover capability of the sites in the first site group is different from that of the sites in the second site group, including:

[0149] The NPCA handover latency of stations in the first station group is different from that of stations in the second station group.

[0150] In some embodiments, if the NPCA parameter includes the NPCA handover delay, the NPCA channel handover capability of the sites in the first site group is different from that of the sites in the second site group, including:

[0151] The NPCA handover latency for sites in the first site group is different from that for sites in the second site group.

[0152] In some embodiments, if the NPCA parameters include NPCA handover delay and NPCA handback delay, the NPCA channel handover capability of the sites in the first site group and the NPCA channel handover capability of the sites in the second site group are different, including:

[0153] The NPCA handover latency of stations in the first station group is different from that of stations in the second station group;

[0154] The NPCA handover latency for sites in the first site group is different from that for sites in the second site group.

[0155] In some embodiments, if the NPCA parameters include an NPCA minimum duration threshold, an NPCA handover delay, and an NPCA handover-back delay, the NPCA channel handover capability of the sites in the first site group differs from that of the sites in the second site group, including:

[0156] The minimum duration threshold for NPCA for stations in the first station group is different from that for stations in the second station group.

[0157] The NPCA handover latency of stations in the first station group is different from that of stations in the second station group;

[0158] The NPCA handover latency for sites in the first site group is different from that for sites in the second site group.

[0159] In some embodiments, the NPCA channel handover capability of the sites in the first site group is higher than that of the sites in the second site group. In this case, the first site group is also referred to as the high handover capability group, and the second site group is also referred to as the low handover capability group.

[0160] In the embodiments of this application, a high handover capability group is also called a low latency group, a low handover capability group is also called a high latency group, a site in a high handover capability group is also called a high handover capability site, a site in a low handover capability group is also called a low handover capability site, a site in a low latency group is also called a low latency site, and a site in a high latency group is also called a high latency site.

[0161] Optionally, the NPCA channel handover capability of the sites in the first site group is higher than that of the sites in the second site group, and may include at least one of the following:

[0162] The NPCA handover latency of sites in the first site group is less than that of sites in the second site group;

[0163] The NPCA handover latency of stations in the first site group is less than that of stations in the second site group.

[0164] The minimum duration threshold for NPCA for stations in the first site group is less than the minimum duration threshold for NPCA for stations in the second site group.

[0165] In other words, sites in the high handover capability group require lower NPA handover latency, NPA handback latency, and / or NPA minimum duration thresholds to perform NPA channel handover, while sites in the low handover capability group require higher NPA handover latency, NPA handback latency, and / or NPA minimum duration thresholds to perform NPA channel handover.

[0166] In some other embodiments, the NPCA channel handover capability of the sites in the first site group is lower than that of the sites in the second site group. In this case, the first site group is a low handover capability group and the second site group is a high handover capability group.

[0167] Optionally, the NPCA channel handover capability of the sites in the first site group is lower than that of the sites in the second site group, and may include at least one of the following:

[0168] The NPCA handover latency of sites in the first site group is greater than that of sites in the second site group;

[0169] The NPCA handover latency of sites in the first site group is greater than that of sites in the second site group.

[0170] The minimum duration threshold for NPCA for stations in the first station group is greater than the minimum duration threshold for NPCA for stations in the second station group.

[0171] In some embodiments, when the NPA handover capability of the first site group is higher than that of the second site group, the minimum NPA duration threshold in the first NPA parameter is less than the minimum NPA duration threshold in the second NPA parameter, and / or, the NPA handover latency in the first NPA parameter is less than the NPA handover latency in the second NPA parameter, and / or, the NPA handover back latency in the first NPA parameter is less than the NPA handover back latency in the second NPA parameter. That is, when the first site group is a low-latency group and the second site group is a high-latency group, the first NPA parameter is a low-latency NPA parameter, and the second NPA parameter is a high-latency NPA parameter.

[0172] In other embodiments, when the NPA handover capability of the first site group is lower than that of the second site group, the minimum NPA duration threshold in the first NPA parameter is greater than the minimum NPA duration threshold in the second NPA parameter, and / or, the NPA handover delay in the first NPA parameter is greater than the NPA handover delay in the second NPA parameter, and / or, the NPA handover back delay in the first NPA parameter is greater than the NPA handover back delay in the second NPA parameter. That is, when the first site group is a high-latency group and the second site group is a low-latency group, the first NPA parameter is a high-latency NPA parameter, and the second NPA parameter is a low-latency NPA parameter.

[0173] In other words, access points can set lower NPCA handover latency, NPCA handback latency, and / or NPCA minimum duration thresholds for sites with high handover capabilities. This ensures that sites with high handover capabilities can perform NPCA transmissions based on the first NPCA parameter. Furthermore, by setting lower thresholds for NPCA handover latency, NPCA handback latency, and / or NPCA minimum duration, the minimum NPCA duration threshold is reduced, allowing for more time for NPCA transmission and enabling the transmission of more data for the same NPCA duration, thus guaranteeing efficient NPCA transmission for sites with high handover capabilities. Alternatively, setting higher thresholds for NPCA handover latency, NPCA handback latency, and / or NPCA minimum duration for sites with low handover capabilities ensures that these sites have the opportunity to perform NPCA transmissions, guaranteeing network fairness and improving channel utilization.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first site group includes most of the associated sites of the access point, and the second site group includes a small portion of the associated sites of the access point.

[0175] Therefore, in this embodiment, the access point can send a first frame carrying a first NPCA parameter. This first NPCA parameter is applicable to most associated sites. Thus, most associated sites can perform NPCA transmission based on the NPCA parameter in the first frame, satisfying the NPCA transmission needs of most associated sites. Furthermore, the access point can send a second frame including a second NPCA parameter, which can be considered an updated or adjusted NPCA parameter applicable to a small number of associated sites. Thus, this small number of associated sites can perform NPCA transmission based on this NPCA parameter, thereby satisfying their NPCA transmission needs. Therefore, the NPCA transmission method provided in this embodiment can support fair access to the NPCA main channel for sites with different NPCA channel switching capabilities.

[0176] It should be noted that when the NPCA handover capability of the first site group is higher than that of the second site group, the second NPCA parameter also applies to the first site group. That is, both the sites in the first and second site groups can perform NPCA transmission based on the second NPCA parameter, which is different from the first site group performing NPCA transmission based on the first NPCA parameter.

[0177] Optionally, the first group of sites may include most sites in a dense interference environment, such as mobile phones or augmented reality (AR) devices, while the second group of sites may include a small number of sites in a dense interference environment, such as low-bandwidth sites.

[0178] Optionally, the first site group may include sites that support fast NPCA main channel switching, such as mobile phones or industrial terminals, while the second site group may include sites with limited capabilities, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

[0179] In some embodiments, the duration of the first NPCA parameter is a first duration, and the duration of the second NPCA parameter is a second duration, wherein the first duration is longer than the second duration. For example, the access point may send the second frame after the first duration of sending the first frame.

[0180] Optionally, the proportion of the first duration to the preset duration is a first proportion, and the proportion of the second duration to the preset duration is a second proportion, wherein the first proportion is greater than the second proportion. Optionally, the preset duration can be in units of beacon frame periods, for example, the preset duration can be 5 or 10 beacon frame periods.

[0181] Optionally, the first ratio can be 80%, and the second ratio can be 20%.

[0182] For example, when the first NPCA parameter is applicable to most associated sites and the second NPCA parameter is applicable to a small number of associated sites, a longer duration can be set for the first NPCA parameter and a shorter duration for the second NPCA parameter. On the one hand, this ensures that sites with different NPCA channel switching capabilities can all have the opportunity to perform NPCA transmission. On the other hand, by allocating a longer duration to the first NPCA parameter, it can be ensured that most sites can use NPCA parameters that match their NPCA channel switching capabilities to perform NPCA transmission. Compared to using the second NPCA parameter with excessive delay, the minimum NPCA duration threshold can be reduced. Thus, for the same NPCA duration, more time is available for NPCA transmission, and more data can be transmitted, ensuring high-efficiency NPCA transmission for most sites.

[0183] Optionally, the first or second frame may be a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame, reassociation response frame, or action frame, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0184] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a time-division adjustment of NPCA parameters provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 5As can be seen, the access point can dynamically update the NPCA parameters through beacon frames. The duration of the first NPCA parameter is 4 beacon frame cycles, and the duration of the second NPCA parameter is 1 beacon frame cycle. Low handover capability sites can perform NPCA transmission based on the second NPCA parameter during its duration, while high handover capability sites can perform NPCA transmission during either the duration of the first or the second NPCA parameter. Thus, sites with different handover capabilities can all have the opportunity to perform NPCA transmission.

[0185] In some embodiments, the access point can determine the duration corresponding to the first NPCA parameter and the second NPCA parameter based on the number of sites included in the first site group, the number of sites included in the second site group, and the interference level of the access point's associated sites. For example, if the access point's associated sites experience significant interference and the first site group includes a large number of sites, it can be understood that most sites have NPCA transmission needs. In this case, a longer duration can be configured for the first NPCA parameter, allowing the sites in the first site group to perform NPCA transmission based on the first NPCA parameter, thus satisfying the NPCA transmission needs of the sites in the first site group. Conversely, if the access point's associated sites experience less interference and the second site group includes a small number of sites, it can be understood that only a small number of sites have NPCA transmission needs. In this case, a shorter duration can be configured for the second NPCA parameter.

[0186] In some embodiments, the access point can determine whether to adjust the NPCA parameters based on factors such as changes in services, scenarios, or site access conditions. This helps meet the NPCA transmission requirements of sites under different services, scenarios, or access conditions. For example, if a critical service is added to an interference scenario, the access point can adjust the NPCA parameters to support the transmission of this critical service, such as increasing the NPCA handover delay or NPCA handback delay, to ensure reliable transmission of the critical service. As another example, if the site's efficiency in accessing the NPCA main channel based on the current NPCA parameters is low, the access point needs to adjust the NPCA parameters (e.g., increasing the NPCA handover delay or NPCA handback delay) to improve the site's access efficiency on the NPCA main channel. Furthermore, if the current scenario changes from a dense interference scenario to a non-dense interference scenario, the access point can adjust the NPCA parameters (e.g., decreasing the NPCA handover delay or NPCA handback delay) to improve data transmission efficiency in the new scenario.

[0187] The following describes the frame format design of the first or second frame provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first frame or the second frame includes a first element, which includes at least one of the following fields:

[0189] The channel number field of the NPCA main channel is used to indicate the channel number of the NPCA main channel;

[0190] NPCA Minimum Duration Threshold field;

[0191] NPCA Switching Delay field;

[0192] NPCA Switch Back Delay field;

[0193] Effective date field.

[0194] As a specific example, the first element may include an NPCA switch delay field and an NPCA switch back delay field.

[0195] As a specific example, the first element may include the NPCA minimum duration field, the NPCA switching delay field, and the NPCA switchback delay field.

[0196] Optionally, the effective time field, also known as the effective countdown field, or the NPCA parameter switch count field, or other names may be used, which are not limited in this application.

[0197] In the embodiments of this application, the first element may be called the NPCA Parameter Switch Announcement element, or the NPCA parameter element, or may be replaced with other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0198] Optionally, the first element can also be a UHR operation element, which may include the following fields:

[0199] The channel number field of the NPCA main channel is used to indicate the channel number of the NPCA main channel;

[0200] NPCA minimum duration field;

[0201] NPCA switching delay field;

[0202] NPCA switches back to the delay field.

[0203] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first element provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the first element may include the following fields:

[0204] The channel number field of the NPCA main channel is used to indicate the channel number of the NPCA main channel;

[0205] NPCA minimum duration field;

[0206] NPCA switching delay field;

[0207] NPCA switches back to the delayed field;

[0208] Effective date field.

[0209] Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, the access point can update the NPCA parameters by carrying the first element in the first frame, which can realize the reliable update of the NPCA parameters. Furthermore, the site can perform the switching of the NPCA main channel based on the updated NPCA parameters, ensuring the reliability of the NPCA main channel switching process.

[0210] The NPCA parameters can include the NPCA primary channel number, NPCA minimum duration, NPCA handover delay, NPCA handback delay, and effective time. Access points can control the NPCA handover delay and NPCA handback delay of stations allowed to perform NPCA primary channel handover through these parameters. In other words, it determines which NPCA handover delay and NPCA handback delay capabilities a station possesses and is permitted to perform NPCA primary channel handover. The minimum NPCA duration controls the shortest duration for which a station can transmit data on the NPCA primary channel, thereby improving the channel utilization of the NPCA primary channel. The effective time allows for flexible control over when the NPCA parameters take effect.

[0211] In some embodiments of this application, the method 200 further includes:

[0212] The access point sends a fifth frame to at least one station, the fifth frame including NPCA parameters supported by the access point;

[0213] The access point receives a sixth frame sent by at least one site, the sixth frame including NPCA parameters supported by the site.

[0214] That is, in the embodiments of this application, the access point and the site can interact with each other’s supported NPCA parameters. In this way, the access point can determine the NPCA parameters for different site groups based on the collected NPCA parameters supported by the site and the NPCA parameters supported by the access point. For example, the NPCA parameters for the first site group in the first frame and the NPCA parameters for the second site group in the second frame can be determined.

[0215] Optionally, the NPCA parameters supported by the access point include a first NPCA parameter and a second NPCA parameter.

[0216] That is, the NPCA parameters used for the first site group can also be used by the access point to perform NPCA main channel handover, and the NPCA parameters used for the second site group can also be used by the access point to perform NPCA main channel handover.

[0217] In some embodiments, if most of the sites collected by the access point support low-latency NPCA parameters, it can be understood that most of the sites are low-latency sites. Therefore, low-latency NPCA parameters can be configured for the first site group. Alternatively, if most of the sites collected by the access point support high-latency NPCA parameters, it can be understood that most of the sites are high-latency sites. Therefore, high-latency NPCA parameters can be configured for the first site group.

[0218] In the embodiments of this application, the NPCA parameters supported by the site can also be understood as the site's NPCA channel switching capability, and the NPCA parameters supported by the access point can also be understood as the access point's NPCA channel switching capability.

[0219] Optionally, the fifth frame can be an existing frame or a newly added frame, used by the access point to send the NPCA parameters it supports to the station. For example, the fifth frame can be a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or any other frame sent by the AP to the STA.

[0220] Optionally, the sixth frame can be an existing frame, such as a probe request frame, an association request frame, or a reassociation request frame. Alternatively, a new frame can be added to allow the site to report the NPCA parameters it supports to the access point, such as adding an NPCA request frame to allow the site to report the NPCA parameters it supports to the access point. Optionally, the NPCA request frame can be an action frame.

[0221] In some embodiments, the fifth frame includes a second element, which includes at least one of the following fields:

[0222] The NPCA handover delay field indicates the NPCA handover delay supported by the access point.

[0223] The NPCA switchback delay field indicates the NPCA switchback delay supported by the access point.

[0224] In some embodiments, the sixth frame includes a second element, which includes at least one of the following fields:

[0225] The NPCA handover delay field indicates the NPCA handover delay supported by the site.

[0226] The NPCA switchback delay field indicates the NPCA switchback delay supported by the site.

[0227] In the embodiments of this application, the second element, also known as the NPCA capability information element or the NPCA channel switching capability information element, may be replaced with other names, and this application does not limit this.

[0228] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a second element provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the first element may include the following fields:

[0229] NPCA switching delay field;

[0230] NPCA switches back to the delay field.

[0231] Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, the site can send a sixth frame to the access point. The sixth frame includes a second element, which is used to indicate the NPCA parameters supported by the site. The NPCA parameters may include NPCA handover delay, NPCA handback delay, etc. Thus, the access point can know the NPCA capability of the site based on the second element. Furthermore, the access point can determine the NPCA parameters applicable to different site groups based on the collected NPCA capabilities of the sites.

[0232] The following, combined with Figure 8 This describes an NPCA parameter adjustment scheme provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the solution may include the following steps:

[0233] Step 1: The access point collects the NPCA parameters supported by the site.

[0234] For example, the NPCA parameters supported by the site are collected through the interactive steps in the aforementioned fifth and sixth frames.

[0235] Optionally, step 1 can be omitted, and the access point can obtain the NPCA parameters supported by the site through a predefined method.

[0236] Step 2: Set the NPCA parameters for the first site group at the access point for a duration of the first duration T1.

[0237] For example, an access point may send a first frame that includes a first NPCA parameter that supports the first site group in performing NPCA primary channel handover.

[0238] Optionally, the first NPCA parameter can be determined based on the collected NPCA parameters supported by the site.

[0239] Step 3: Set the NPCA parameters for the second site group at the access point for a duration of the second duration T2.

[0240] For example, the access point can send a second frame that includes a second NPCA parameter that supports the first site group in performing NPCA primary channel handover.

[0241] Optionally, the second NPCA parameter can be determined based on the collected NPCA parameters supported by the site.

[0242] Optionally, the access point can also assess whether the NPCA parameters need to be adjusted. If it is determined that the NPCA parameters need to be adjusted, new NPCA parameters are determined and set. The specific implementation of whether the NPCA parameters need to be adjusted is described in the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0243] In the above embodiments, the access point sets NPCA parameters at the site group level. However, setting NPCA parameters at the site group level may result in a mismatch between the NPCA capabilities of the sites within the TWT group. For example, if the NPCA parameters are configured too large, it may affect the transmission efficiency of the site within the TWT service period (SP). If the NPCA switching parameters are too small, the site may not be able to switch to the NPCA main channel in a timely manner. Consequently, the site may not receive the access point's ICF frames, losing the opportunity to transmit on the NPCA main channel and affecting channel utilization. Therefore, in this embodiment, NPCA parameters can also be set at the TWT group level, which is beneficial for meeting the NPCA transmission needs of the sites within the TWT group.

[0244] In the embodiments of this application, the NPCA parameters for the TWT group are referred to as the TWT NPCA parameters.

[0245] It should be understood that NPCA parameters at the TWT group granularity can be set by the site, or by the access point, or by negotiation between the site and the access point; this application does not limit this.

[0246] For example, access points can set appropriate NPCA parameters for sites within a TWT group as needed during TWT SP to meet the NPCA transmission requirements of STAs within the TWT group when OBSS interference is detected during TWT SP.

[0247] For example, a site can request NPCA parameters that meet its own needs from the access point during TWT SP so that NPCA transmission can be performed based on the NPCA parameters if OBSS interference is detected during TWT SP.

[0248] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 9 As shown, the method 200 further includes:

[0249] The access point receives a first request frame sent by the site, the first request being used to request the establishment of a first TWT group, the first request frame including the NPCA parameters requested by the site;

[0250] The access point sends a first response frame to the site, the first response frame indicating permission to establish the first TWT group.

[0251] That is, in the embodiments of this application, when a station requests to establish a first TWT group through a first request frame, it also carries NPCA parameters for the first TWT group. The NPCA parameters can be NPCA parameters that match the station's NPCA capabilities. In this way, after the first TWT group is established, the station can perform NPCA transmission based on the NPCA parameters, which is beneficial to meeting the station's NPCA transmission needs.

[0252] In this embodiment of the application, the first request frame is also called the TWT request frame, and the first response frame is also called the TWT response frame.

[0253] Optionally, the first TWT group can be an individual TWT group.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first request frame includes at least one of the following fields;

[0255] The NPCA Minimum Duration field indicates the minimum duration of the NPCA requested by the site.

[0256] The NPCA handover delay field is used to indicate the NPCA handover delay requested by the site;

[0257] The NPCA switchback delay field indicates the NPCA switchback delay requested by the site.

[0258] Optionally, the first request frame may include a TWT element, in which the aforementioned fields may be carried, and the TWT element is used to indicate the TWT parameter set corresponding to the first TWT group.

[0259] Figure 10 This is a schematic format diagram of a TWT element in a first request frame provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the TWT element may include a TWT NPCA parameter field, used to indicate the NPCA parameters corresponding to the first TWT group. This TWT NPCA parameter field may include the following fields:

[0260] The NPCA Minimum Duration field indicates the minimum duration of the NPCA requested by the site for the first TWT group;

[0261] The NPCA handover delay field is used to indicate the NPCA handover delay requested by the site for the first TWT group;

[0262] The NPCA switchback delay field indicates the NPCA switchback delay requested by the site for the first TWT group.

[0263] In other embodiments of this application, the method 200 further includes:

[0264] The access point sends a seventh frame, which includes NPCA parameters corresponding to at least one TWT group. Optionally, the at least one TWT group can be a B-TWT group, or an R-TWT group, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0265] In other words, the access point can set the corresponding NPCA parameters for each TWT group. For example, the access point can set the corresponding NPCA parameters for each TWT group as needed during the TWT SP period to meet the NPCA transmission requirements of the STA in the TWT group when OBSS interference is detected during the SP period.

[0266] Optionally, the NPCA parameters corresponding to each TWT group may include at least one of the following:

[0267] The minimum duration threshold for NPCA for each TWT group, also known as the minimum duration threshold for TWT NPCA;

[0268] The NPCA switching delay for each TWT group, also known as the TWT NPCA switching delay;

[0269] The NPCA switchback delay for each TWT group, also known as the TWT NPCA switchback delay.

[0270] Optionally, during TWT SP, the site may perform NPA primary channel handover based on the NPA parameters corresponding to the TWT group, either if the OBSS interference condition is met (e.g., the NPA duration is greater than the NPA minimum duration threshold) or as instructed by the access point.

[0271] In some embodiments, the seventh frame includes at least one third element, each element corresponding to a TWT group, and each element includes at least one of the following fields:

[0272] The NPCA minimum duration field indicates the minimum NPCA duration used by the corresponding TWT group;

[0273] The NPCA handover delay field indicates the NPCA handover delay used by the corresponding TWT group;

[0274] The NPCA switchback delay field indicates the NPCA switchback delay used by the corresponding TWT group.

[0275] In the embodiments of this application, the third element is also called the TWT element, or it may be replaced with other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0276] Figure 11 This is a schematic format diagram of a third element provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the third element may include:

[0277] The broadcast TWT information field is used to indicate information about the TWT group, such as the corresponding broadcast TWT ID;

[0278] The TWT NPCA parameter field is used to indicate the NPCA parameters corresponding to this TWT group.

[0279] The TWT NPCA parameter field may include the following fields:

[0280] The NPCA minimum duration field indicates the minimum NPCA duration used by the corresponding TWT group;

[0281] The NPCA handover delay field indicates the NPCA handover delay used by the corresponding TWT group;

[0282] The NPCA switchback delay field indicates the NPCA switchback delay used by the corresponding TWT group.

[0283] Optionally, the seventh frame may be a broadcast frame, such as a beacon frame, or other broadcast frames, which are not limited in this application.

[0284] Optionally, the seventh frame may include a TWT parameter set for TWT group establishment. That is, when the access point broadcasts the TWT parameter set corresponding to the TWT group, it can also broadcast the NPCA parameters corresponding to the TWT group. In this way, the station can select a suitable TWT group to join based on the broadcast NPCA parameters corresponding to the TWT group and its own NPCA capabilities. This helps to ensure that the station can gather the appropriate NPCA parameters to perform NPCA primary channel switching during the TWTSP, thus meeting the station's NPCA transmission requirements.

[0285] In some embodiments, after the access point sends the seventh frame, such as Figure 12 As shown, the method 200 further includes:

[0286] The access point receives a second request frame sent by the station, the second request frame being used to request joining the second TWT group in the at least one TWT group;

[0287] The access point sends a second response frame to the site, the second response frame indicating agreement to the site joining the second TWT group.

[0288] Optionally, the NPCA parameters corresponding to the second TWT group are matched with the NPCA capabilities of the site.

[0289] For example, an access point can broadcast at least one TWT parameter set corresponding to a TWT group via the seventh frame, such as the B-TWT parameter set corresponding to the B-TWT group or the R-TWT parameter set corresponding to the R-TWT group. Each TWT group's TWT parameter set may include the NPCA parameters corresponding to each TWT group. A site can request to join a second TWT group within the at least one TWT group via a second request frame, where the NPCA parameters of the second TWT group match the site's NPCA capabilities. Further, the access point can reply with a second response frame indicating permission to join the second TWT group.

[0290] In this embodiment of the application, the second request frame is also called the TWT request frame, and the second response frame is also called the TWT response frame.

[0291] In other embodiments, after the access point sends the seventh frame, such as Figure 13 As shown, the method 200 further includes:

[0292] The access point sends a third request frame to the site, the third request frame being used to request the site to join the second TWT group in the at least one TWT group.

[0293] For example, the access point can also determine which TWT group the site is suitable to join based on the site's NPCA capability and the NPCA parameters corresponding to at least one TWT, or in other words, which TWT group's NPCA parameters match the site's NPCA capability. Furthermore, the access point can instruct the site to join the TWT group through a third request frame. The site can then perform NPCA transmission based on the NPCA parameters corresponding to the TWT group, which helps to meet the site's NPCA transmission requirements.

[0294] In this embodiment of the application, the third request frame is also called the TWT request frame.

[0295] In some other embodiments, after the access point sends the seventh frame, method 200 further includes:

[0296] The access point receives a fourth request frame sent by the site, the fourth request frame including the NPCA parameters suggested by the site for the second TWT group;

[0297] The access point sends a fourth response frame to the site, the fourth response frame indicating agreement with the NPCA parameters recommended by the site for the second TWT group, or disagreement with the NPCA parameters recommended by the site for the second TWT group.

[0298] Optionally, if the access point agrees with the NPCA parameters suggested by the site for the second TWT group, the site may request to join the second TWT group and perform NPCA transmission based on the NPCA parameters suggested by the site for the second TWT group, which is beneficial to meeting the site's NPCA transmission needs.

[0299] Optionally, if the access point disagrees with the site's recommended NPCA parameters for the second TWT group, the site may request to join another TWT group that can meet the site's NPCA transmission requirements.

[0300] In this embodiment of the application, the fourth request frame is also called the TWT request frame, and the fourth response frame is also called the TWT response frame.

[0301] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the NPCA parameter settings at the TWT group level and the NPCA parameter settings at the site group level can be implemented separately, or the two can be implemented in combination, and this application does not limit this.

[0302] The following, combined with Figure 14 This describes the overall process of the NPCA transmission method provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the method may include the following parts:

[0303] NPCA parameter collection scheme: AP and STA can interact with each other to collect their respective supported NPCA parameters, corresponding to the interaction steps in the fifth and sixth frames mentioned above;

[0304] For example, the AP can send a beacon frame, probe response frame, or association response frame to the STA, which includes NPCA parameters supported by the AP. The STA can send a probe request frame, association request frame, or reassociation request frame to the AP, which includes NPCA parameters supported by the STA.

[0305] NPCA parameter adjustment (or setting) scheme: APs can set NPCA parameters at the site group level.

[0306] For example, the AP can send a beacon frame carrying a first NPCA parameter that supports the first site group in performing an NPCA primary channel handover. After a first duration, it sends another beacon frame carrying a second NPCA parameter that supports the second site group in performing an NPCA primary channel handover.

[0307] TWT NPCA Negotiation Scheme: NPCA parameters are set at the TWT group level.

[0308] For example, when a STA requests the establishment of a TWT group via a TWT request frame, it can carry the NPCA parameters corresponding to that TWT group, thereby setting the NPCA parameters for the TWT group and meeting the NPCA transmission requirements of the STAs within the TWT group.

[0309] For example, an AP can broadcast NPCA parameters corresponding to at least one TWT group. A STA can select a matching TWT group to join based on its own NPCA capabilities. Alternatively, an access point can instruct a STA to join a matching TWT group based on the STA's NPCA capabilities. This helps ensure that the STA uses appropriate NPCA parameters to perform NPCA primary channel switching and meets the STA's NPCA transmission requirements.

[0310] Therefore, this application provides an NPCA transmission scheme that primarily uses NPCA parameter settings at the site group level to meet the NPCA transmission needs of most users, or, to ensure high-efficiency NPCA transmission for most users, uses NPCA parameter settings at the TWT group level as a secondary measure to meet the customized NPCA transmission needs of specific services (e.g., low-latency services) or specific users (e.g., low-latency users).

[0311] like Figure 15 As shown, the AP indicates the first NPCA parameter through the beacon frame. If the first NPCA parameter cannot meet the NPCA transmission requirements of the high-latency site during the duration of the first NPCA parameter, the high-latency site can use the NPCA parameter at the TWT group granularity. For example, it can use the NPCA parameter corresponding to TWT group 1. The NPCA parameter corresponding to TWT group 1 can be adapted to the NPCA capability of the high-latency site. In this way, during the service period of TWT group 1, the high-latency site can perform NPCA transmission based on the NPCA parameter corresponding to TWT group 1 to meet the NPCA transmission requirements of the high-latency site.

[0312] For example, the AP indicates the second NPCA parameter via a beacon frame. If, during the duration of the second NPCA parameter, the configuration is too high for the low-latency site, resulting in inefficient NPCA transmission, the low-latency site can adopt NPCA parameters at the TWT group granularity. For instance, the low-latency site can use the NPCA parameters corresponding to TWT group 2. These NPCA parameters not only meet the NPCA transmission requirements of the low-latency site but also guarantee efficient NPCA transmission. Therefore, within the service period of TWT group 2, the low-latency site can perform NPCA transmission based on the NPCA parameters corresponding to TWT group 2, improving NPCA transmission efficiency.

[0313] The following, combined with Figures 16 to 19 This application describes the NPCA parameter settings and the process of a site performing NPCA transmission based on the NPCA parameters provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0314] Figure 16 This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating how an access point sets NPCA parameters for a low-latency group and how stations within the low-latency group perform NPCA transmissions based on these NPCA parameters, as provided in this application embodiment.

[0315] like Figure 16 As shown, it may include the following steps:

[0316] Step 1: The AP sets the first NPCA parameter, which is the NPCA parameter used for the low latency group. That is, the first NPCA parameter can be a low latency NPCA parameter.

[0317] Optionally, the first NPCA parameter can be carried in the beacon frame or probe response frame.

[0318] Optionally, the first NPCA parameter includes NPCA switching delay, NPCA switchback delay, and NPCA minimum duration threshold.

[0319] Optionally, the first NPCA parameter may also include an effective time. The first NPCA parameter becomes effective when the effective time is reached, or the first NPCA parameter may become effective immediately.

[0320] Step 2: STAs in the low-latency group perform NPCA transmissions based on the first NPCA parameter.

[0321] For example, after the first NPCA parameter takes effect, stations within the low-latency group perform NPCA transmissions based on that first NPCA parameter.

[0322] For example, the STA can determine whether its supported handover delay is less than or equal to the NPCA handover delay, and whether its supported handover back delay is less than or equal to the NPCA handover back delay. If not, it will not perform NPCA main channel handover even if OBSS interference is detected. Or, if yes, it will further determine whether OBSS interference is detected and whether the NPCA duration (i.e., interference duration - OBSS interference identification time) is greater than or equal to the NPCA minimum duration threshold. If yes, it will switch to the NPCA main channel and perform NPCA transmission.

[0323] Figure 17This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating how an access point sets NPCA parameters for a high-latency group and how stations within the high-latency group perform NPCA transmissions based on these NPCA parameters, as provided in this application embodiment.

[0324] like Figure 17 As shown, it may include the following steps:

[0325] Step 1: The AP sets the second NPCA parameter, which is the NPCA parameter used for the high latency group. That is, the second NPCA parameter can be the NPCA parameter for high latency.

[0326] Optionally, the second NPCA parameter can be carried in the beacon frame or probe response frame.

[0327] Optionally, the second NPCA parameter includes NPCA switching delay, NPCA switchback delay, and NPCA minimum duration threshold.

[0328] Optionally, the second NPCA parameter may also include an effective time, which takes effect upon the arrival of the effective time, or the second NPCA parameter may take effect immediately.

[0329] Step 2: STAs within the high-latency group can perform NPCA transmissions based on the second NPCA parameter.

[0330] For example, the STA can determine whether its supported handover delay is less than or equal to the NPCA handover delay, and whether its supported handover back delay is less than or equal to the NPCA handover back delay. If not, it will not perform NPCA main channel handover even if OBSS interference is detected. Or, if yes, it will further determine whether OBSS interference is detected and whether the NPCA duration (i.e., interference duration - OBSS interference identification time) is greater than or equal to the NPCA minimum duration threshold. If yes, it will switch to the NPCA main channel and perform NPCA transmission.

[0331] Therefore, the access point can be accessed through Figure 16 and Figure 17 The steps in the process of dynamically switching NPCA parameters can ensure that sites with different NPCA channel switching capabilities have the opportunity to perform NPCA transmission, thus meeting the NPCA transmission needs of sites with different NPCA channel switching capabilities.

[0332] Figure 18 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating how an access point sets NPCA parameters for a B-TWT or R-TWT group and how stations within the B-TWT or R-TWT group perform NPCA transmissions based on these NPCA parameters, as provided in this application embodiment.

[0333] like Figure 18As shown, it may include the following steps:

[0334] Step 1: The AP broadcasts the TWT parameters, which include the NPCA parameters corresponding to different B-TWT or R-TWT groups.

[0335] Step 2: The STA sends a TWT request frame to the AP to request to join a B-TWT or R-TWT group.

[0336] Step 3: The AP sends a TWT response frame to the STA to indicate that it is allowed to join the B-TWT or R-TWT group.

[0337] Step 4: The STA performs NPCA transmission based on the NPCA parameters corresponding to the added TWT group.

[0338] For example, within a TWT SP, a STA can determine whether its supported handover delay is less than or equal to the NPCA handover delay corresponding to the TWT group, and whether its supported handover return delay is less than or equal to the NPCA handover return delay corresponding to the TWT group. If not, even if OBSS interference is detected, the STA will not perform NPCA main channel handover. Alternatively, if yes, it can further determine whether OBSS interference is detected and whether the NPCA duration (i.e., interference duration - OBSS interference identification time) is greater than or equal to the NPCA minimum duration threshold corresponding to the TWT group. If yes, it will switch to the NPCA main channel and perform NPCA transmission.

[0339] It should be understood that Figure 18 The steps in the document can be performed independently, or they can be combined with... Figure 16 or Figure 17 The steps in the process are combined, for example, the access point can be accessed through... Figure 16 The steps in the middle set the first NPCA parameter or Figure 17 After setting the second NPCA parameter in the steps, further... Figure 18 The steps in the process of configuring NPCA parameters for B-TWT or R-TWT groups are beneficial for meeting the NPCA transmission needs of specific users.

[0340] Figure 19 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating how an access point sets NPCA parameters for an individual TWT group and how stations within the TWT group perform NPCA transmissions based on these NPCA parameters, as provided in this application embodiment.

[0341] like Figure 19 As shown, it may include the following steps:

[0342] Step 1: The STA sends a TWT request frame to the AP to request the establishment of an individual TWT group, which carries the NPCA parameters for that individual TWT group.

[0343] Step 2: The AP sends a TWT response frame to the STA to indicate that the establishment of the individual TWT group is permitted.

[0344] Step 3: The site performs NPCA transmission based on the NPCA parameters corresponding to the TWT group it has joined.

[0345] For example, within a TWT SP, a STA can determine whether its supported handover delay is less than or equal to the NPCA handover delay corresponding to the TWT group, and whether its supported handover return delay is less than or equal to the NPCA handover return delay corresponding to the TWT group. If not, even if OBSS interference is detected, the STA will not perform NPCA main channel handover. Alternatively, if yes, it can further determine whether OBSS interference is detected and whether the NPCA duration (i.e., interference duration - OBSS interference identification time) is greater than or equal to the NPCA minimum duration threshold corresponding to the TWT group. If yes, it will switch to the NPCA main channel and perform NPCA transmission.

[0346] It should be understood that Figure 19 The steps in the document can be performed independently, or they can be combined with... Figure 16 , Figure 17 or Figure 18 The steps in the process are combined, for example, the access point can be accessed through... Figure 16 The steps in the middle set the first NPCA parameter or Figure 17 After setting the second NPCA parameter in the steps, further... Figure 19 The steps in the process of configuring NPCA parameters for individual TWT groups are beneficial for meeting the NPCA transmission needs of specific users.

[0347] Therefore, this application provides an NPCA transmission scheme in which the access point can dynamically adjust the NPCA parameters at the site group level, which can support fair access to the NPCA main channel for sites with different NPCA channel switching capabilities, meet the NPCA transmission needs of sites with different NPCA channel switching capabilities, and improve channel utilization.

[0348] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a combined scheme of adjusting NPCA parameters at the beacon frame level and adjusting NPCA parameters at the TWT group level. This scheme can primarily meet the NPCA transmission needs of most users by adjusting NPCA parameters at the beacon frame level, or ensure high-efficiency NPCA transmission for most users, while using NPCA parameter adjustment at the TWT group level as a supplement to meet the customized NPCA transmission needs of specific services (e.g., low-latency services) or specific users (e.g., low-latency users).

[0349] The preferred embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this application, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this application, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this application. For example, the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. To avoid unnecessary repetition, this application will not describe the various possible combinations separately. Furthermore, various different embodiments of this application can also be arbitrarily combined, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this application, they should also be considered as the content disclosed in this application.

[0350] The above text combined Figures 4 to 19 The method embodiments of this application are described in detail below, in conjunction with... Figures 20 to 24 The present application describes the device embodiments in detail. It should be understood that the device embodiments correspond to the method embodiments, and similar descriptions can be referred to the method embodiments.

[0351] Figure 20 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 500 can be an access point, or a component within the access point, such as a chip, circuit, or module.

[0352] like Figure 20 As shown, the communication device 500 includes:

[0353] Transceiver module 510 is used to send a first frame, the first frame including NPCA parameters for a first station group; and

[0354] Send a second frame, which includes NPCA parameters for the second site group;

[0355] The NPCA channel switching capabilities of the stations in the first station group are different from those of the stations in the second station group.

[0356] Optionally, the communication device 500 further includes a processing module 520 for controlling the transceiver module 510 to send the first frame and the second frame.

[0357] In some embodiments, the NPCA parameter includes at least one of the following:

[0358] NPCA minimum duration threshold;

[0359] NPCA switching delay;

[0360] NPCA switchback delay;

[0361] Effective date.

[0362] In some embodiments, the NPCA channel handover capability of the sites in the first site group is different from that of the sites in the second site group, including at least one of the following:

[0363] The NPCA handover latency of the sites in the first site group is less than that of the sites in the second site group;

[0364] The NPCA handover latency of the sites in the first site group is less than that of the sites in the second site group;

[0365] The minimum NPCA duration threshold for stations in the first station group is less than the minimum NPCA duration threshold for stations in the second station group.

[0366] In some embodiments, the minimum duration threshold of the National in indicative site A (NPCA) parameters for the first site group is less than the minimum duration threshold of the NPCA parameters for the second site group; and / or

[0367] The NPA handover delay in the NPA parameters used for the first site group is less than the NPA handover delay in the NPA parameters used for the second site group; and / or

[0368] The NPCA handover delay used in the NPCA parameters for the first site group is less than the NPCA handover delay used in the NPCA parameters for the second site group.

[0369] In some embodiments, the duration of the NPCA parameters for the first site group is a first duration, and the duration of the NPCA parameters for the second site group is a second duration, wherein the first duration is longer than the second duration.

[0370] In some embodiments, the minimum duration threshold of NPCA is determined based on at least one of NPCA handover delay, NPCA handover back delay, the duration of the third frame, and the duration of the fourth frame, wherein the third frame is used to request the execution of NPCA primary channel handover, and the fourth frame is used to respond to the request of the third frame.

[0371] In some embodiments, the first frame or the second frame includes a first element, the first element including at least one of the following fields:

[0372] The channel number field of the NPCA main channel;

[0373] NPCA minimum duration field;

[0374] NPCA switching delay field;

[0375] NPCA switches back to the delayed field;

[0376] Effective date field.

[0377] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 510 is further configured to: send a fifth frame to at least one station, the fifth frame including NPCA parameters supported by the access point; and

[0378] Receive a sixth frame sent by each of the at least one station, the sixth frame including NPCA parameters supported by the station.

[0379] In some embodiments, the fifth frame or the sixth frame includes a second element, the second element including at least one of the following fields:

[0380] NPCA switching delay field;

[0381] NPCA switches back to the delay field.

[0382] In some embodiments, the NPCA parameters supported by the at least one site are used to determine the NPCA parameters for the first site group and the NPCA parameters for the second site group.

[0383] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 510 is further configured to: send a seventh frame, the seventh frame including NPCA parameters corresponding to at least one TWT group respectively.

[0384] In some embodiments, the seventh frame includes at least one third element, each element corresponding to a TWT group, and each element includes at least one of the following fields:

[0385] The NPCA minimum duration field indicates the minimum NPCA duration used by the corresponding TWT group;

[0386] The NPCA handover delay field indicates the NPCA handover delay used by the corresponding TWT group;

[0387] The NPCA switchback delay field indicates the NPCA switchback delay used by the corresponding TWT group.

[0388] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 510 is further configured to: receive a first request frame sent by a station, the first request being used to request the establishment of a first Target Wake-up Time (TWT) group, the first request frame including the NPCA parameters requested by the station; and

[0389] Send a first response frame to the site, the first response frame indicating permission to establish the first TWT group.

[0390] In some embodiments, the first request frame includes at least one of the following fields;

[0391] The NPCA Minimum Duration field indicates the minimum duration of the NPCA requested by the site.

[0392] The NPCA handover delay field is used to indicate the NPCA handover delay requested by the site;

[0393] The NPCA switchback delay field indicates the NPCA switchback delay requested by the site.

[0394] Optionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver module described above may be a communication interface or transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or system-on-a-chip. The processing module described above may be one or more processors.

[0395] It should be understood that the apparatus 500 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the access point in the method embodiments of this application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the apparatus 500 are respectively for implementing Figures 4 to 19 The corresponding procedures for the access points in the embodiments described herein will not be elaborated upon here for the sake of brevity.

[0396] Figure 21 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 600 according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device 600 can be a station, or a component within a station, such as a chip, circuit, or module. Figure 21 The communication device 600 includes:

[0397] Transceiver module 610 is used to receive a first frame sent by the access point, the first frame including NPCA parameters for the first site group;

[0398] And receive a second frame sent by the access point, the second frame including NPCA parameters for the second site group;

[0399] The NPCA channel switching capabilities of the stations in the first station group are different from those of the stations in the second station group.

[0400] In some embodiments, the device 600 further includes a processing module 620 for controlling the transceiver module 610 to receive the first frame and the second frame.

[0401] In some embodiments, the NPCA parameter includes at least one of the following:

[0402] NPCA minimum duration threshold;

[0403] NPCA switching delay;

[0404] NPCA switchback delay;

[0405] Effective date.

[0406] In some embodiments, the NPCA channel handover capability of the sites in the first site group is different from that of the sites in the second site group, including at least one of the following:

[0407] The NPCA handover latency of the sites in the first site group is less than that of the sites in the second site group;

[0408] The NPCA handover latency of the sites in the first site group is less than that of the sites in the second site group;

[0409] The minimum NPCA duration threshold for stations in the first station group is less than the minimum NPCA duration threshold for stations in the second station group.

[0410] In some embodiments, the minimum duration threshold of the National in indicative site A (NPCA) parameters for the first site group is less than the minimum duration threshold of the NPCA parameters for the second site group; and / or

[0411] The NPA handover delay in the NPA parameters used for the first site group is less than the NPA handover delay in the NPA parameters used for the second site group; and / or

[0412] The NPCA handover delay used in the NPCA parameters for the first site group is less than the NPCA handover delay used in the NPCA parameters for the second site group.

[0413] In some embodiments, the duration of the NPCA parameters for the first site group is a first duration, and the duration of the NPCA parameters for the second site group is a second duration, wherein the first duration is longer than the second duration.

[0414] In some embodiments, the minimum duration threshold of NPCA is determined based on at least one of NPCA handover delay, NPCA handover back delay, the duration of the third frame, and the duration of the fourth frame, wherein the third frame is used to request the execution of NPCA primary channel handover, and the fourth frame is used to respond to the request of the third frame.

[0415] In some embodiments, the first frame or the second frame includes a first element, the first element including at least one of the following fields:

[0416] The channel number field of the NPCA main channel;

[0417] NPCA minimum duration field;

[0418] NPCA switching delay field;

[0419] NPCA switches back to the delayed field;

[0420] Effective date field.

[0421] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 610 is further configured to: receive a fifth frame sent by the access point, the fifth frame including NPCA parameters supported by the access point; and

[0422] A sixth frame is sent to the access point, the sixth frame including the NPCA parameters supported by the site.

[0423] In some embodiments, the fifth frame or the sixth frame includes a second element, the second element including at least one of the following fields:

[0424] NPCA switching delay field;

[0425] NPCA switches back to the delay field.

[0426] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 610 is further configured to: receive a seventh frame sent by the access point, the seventh frame including NPCA parameters corresponding to at least one TWT group respectively.

[0427] In some embodiments, the seventh frame includes at least one third element, each element corresponding to a TWT group, and each element includes at least one of the following fields:

[0428] The NPCA minimum duration field indicates the minimum NPCA duration used by the corresponding TWT group;

[0429] The NPCA handover delay field indicates the NPCA handover delay used by the corresponding TWT group;

[0430] The NPCA switchback delay field indicates the NPCA switchback delay used by the corresponding TWT group.

[0431] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 610 is further configured to: send a first request frame to the access point, the first request being used to request the establishment of a first Target Wake-up Time (TWT) group, the first request frame including the NPCA parameters requested by the site; and

[0432] Receive a first response frame sent by the access point, the first response frame being used to indicate permission to establish the first TWT group.

[0433] In some embodiments, the first request frame includes at least one of the following fields;

[0434] The NPCA Minimum Duration field indicates the minimum duration of the NPCA requested by the site.

[0435] The NPCA handover delay field is used to indicate the NPCA handover delay requested by the site;

[0436] The NPCA switchback delay field indicates the NPCA switchback delay requested by the site.

[0437] Optionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may be a communication interface or transceiver, or an input / output interface of a communication chip or system-on-a-chip.

[0438] It should be understood that the apparatus 600 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the station in the method embodiments of this application, and the above and other operations and / or functions of each unit in the apparatus 600 are respectively for implementing Figures 4 to 19 The corresponding processes of the site in the method embodiment shown are not described in detail here for the sake of simplicity.

[0439] Figure 22 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 22 The communication device 700 shown includes a processor 710, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0440] Optionally, such as Figure 22 As shown, the communication device 700 may further include a memory 720. The processor 710 can call and run a computer program from the memory 720 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application. For example, when the communication device 700 is a station, the processor 710 can call and run a computer program from the memory 720 to implement the various steps of the method embodiments executed by the station, achieving the same technical effect. When the communication device 700 is an access point, the processor 710 can call and run a computer program from the memory 720 to implement the various steps of the method embodiments executed by the access point, achieving the same technical effect.

[0441] Alternatively, the memory 720 may be a separate device independent of the processor 710, or it may be integrated into the processor 710.

[0442] Optionally, such as Figure 22 As shown, the communication device 700 may also include a transceiver 730, and the processor 710 may control the transceiver 730 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0443] Optionally, transceiver 730 may include a transmitter and a receiver. Transceiver 730 may further include antennas, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0444] Figure 23 This is a schematic structural diagram of the chip according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 23 The chip 800 shown includes a processor 810, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0445] Optionally, such as Figure 23 As shown, chip 800 may further include memory 820. Processor 810 can retrieve and run computer programs from memory 820 to implement the methods described in this embodiment.

[0446] Alternatively, the memory 820 may be a separate device independent of the processor 810, or it may be integrated into the processor 810.

[0447] Optionally, the chip 800 may also include an input interface 830. The processor 810 can control the input interface 830 to communicate with other devices or chips, for example, to acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0448] Optionally, the chip 800 may also include an output interface 840. The processor 810 can control the output interface 840 to communicate with other devices or chips, for example, to output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0449] In some embodiments, the input interface 830 and the output interface 840 can be implemented through a single input / output interface.

[0450] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the access point in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the access point in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0451] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the site in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the site in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0452] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0453] Figure 24 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 24 As shown, the communication system 900 includes a site 910 and an access point 920.

[0454] The site 910 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the site in the above method, and the access point 920 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the access point in the above method. For the sake of brevity, these will not be elaborated here.

[0455] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the steps of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor described above can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0456] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0457] It should be understood that the above-described memory is exemplary and not a limiting description. For example, the memory in the embodiments of this application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DR RAM), etc. That is to say, the memory in the embodiments of this application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0458] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the various processes of the above method embodiments.

[0459] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the access point in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0460] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the site in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the site in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0461] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0462] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the access point in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0463] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the site in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the site in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0464] This application also provides a computer program. When executed by a processor, this computer program implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0465] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the access point in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0466] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the site in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the site in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0467] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0468] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0469] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0470] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0471] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0472] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0473] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for non-master channel access NPCA transmission, characterized in that, include: The access point sends a first frame, which includes NPCA parameters for the first site group; The access point sends a second frame, which includes NPCA parameters for the second site group; The NPCA channel switching capabilities of the stations in the first station group are different from those of the stations in the second station group.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The NPCA parameters include at least one of the following: NPCA minimum duration threshold; NPCA switching delay; NPCA switchback delay; Effective date.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The NPCA channel handover capability of the sites in the first site group differs from that of the sites in the second site group, including at least one of the following: The NPCA handover latency of the sites in the first site group is less than that of the sites in the second site group; The NPCA handover latency of the sites in the first site group is less than that of the sites in the second site group; The minimum NPCA duration threshold for stations in the first station group is less than the minimum NPCA duration threshold for stations in the second station group.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The minimum duration threshold for NPCA in the NPCA parameters used for the first site group is less than the minimum duration threshold for NPCA in the NPCA parameters used for the second site group; and / or The NPA handover delay in the NPA parameters used for the first site group is less than the NPA handover delay in the NPA parameters used for the second site group; and / or The NPCA handover delay used in the NPCA parameters for the first site group is less than the NPCA handover delay used in the NPCA parameters for the second site group.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The duration of the NPCA parameters used for the first site group is a first duration, and the duration of the NPCA parameters used for the second site group is a second duration, wherein the first duration is longer than the second duration.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The minimum duration threshold of NPCA is determined based on at least one of NPCA handover delay, NPCA handover back delay, the duration of the third frame, and the duration of the fourth frame, wherein the third frame is used to request the execution of NPCA primary channel handover, and the fourth frame is used to respond to the request of the third frame.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first frame or the second frame includes a first element, which includes at least one of the following fields: The channel number field of the NPCA main channel; NPCA minimum duration field; NPCA switching delay field; NPCA switches back to the delayed field; Effective date field.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The access point sends a fifth frame to at least one station, the fifth frame including NPCA parameters supported by the access point; The access point receives a sixth frame sent by each of the at least one site, the sixth frame including NPCA parameters supported by the site.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fifth or sixth frame includes a second element, which includes at least one of the following fields: NPCA switching delay field; NPCA switches back to the delay field.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The NPCA parameters supported by at least one site are used to determine the NPCA parameters for the first site group and the NPCA parameters for the second site group.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The access point sends a seventh frame, which includes NPCA parameters corresponding to at least one TWT group.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The seventh frame includes at least one third element, each element corresponding to a TWT group, and each element includes at least one of the following fields: The NPCA minimum duration field indicates the minimum NPCA duration used by the corresponding TWT group; The NPCA handover delay field indicates the NPCA handover delay used by the corresponding TWT group; The NPCA switchback delay field indicates the NPCA switchback delay used by the corresponding TWT group.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The access point receives a first request frame sent by the station. The first request is used to request the establishment of a first target wake-up time (TWT) group. The first request frame includes the NPCA parameter requested by the station. The access point sends a first response frame to the site, the first response frame indicating permission to establish the first TWT group.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first request frame includes at least one of the following fields; The NPCA Minimum Duration field indicates the minimum duration of the NPCA requested by the site. The NPCA handover delay field is used to indicate the NPCA handover delay requested by the site; The NPCA switchback delay field indicates the NPCA switchback delay requested by the site.

15. A method for non-master channel access NPCA transmission, characterized in that, include: The site receives a first frame sent by the access point, the first frame including NPCA parameters for the first site group; The station receives a second frame sent by the access point, the second frame including NPCA parameters for the second station group; The NPCA channel switching capabilities of the stations in the first station group are different from those of the stations in the second station group.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The station receives a fifth frame sent by the access point, the fifth frame including information supported by the access point. NPCA parameters; The station sends a sixth frame to the access point, the sixth frame including NPCA parameters supported by the station.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The station receives a seventh frame sent by the access point, the seventh frame including NPCA parameters corresponding to at least one TWT group.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15-17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The station sends a first request frame to the access point. The first request is used to request the establishment of a first target wake-up time (TWT) group. The first request frame includes the NPCA parameter requested by the station. The station receives a first response frame sent by the access point, the first response frame indicating permission to establish the first TWT group.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to send a first frame, the first frame including NPCA parameters for a first site group; as well as Send a second frame, which includes NPCA parameters for the second site group; The NPCA channel switching capabilities of the stations in the first station group are different from those of the stations in the second station group.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first frame sent by the access point, the first frame including information for the first site group. NPCA parameters; and receiving a second frame sent by the access point, the second frame including information for the second site group. NPCA parameters; wherein, the NPCA channel switching capability of the stations in the first station group is different from that of the stations in the second station group.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18.

22. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program that causes a computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 18.

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