Communication method, apparatus, and related device

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method, device and related equipment, and belongs to the technical field of communication. Wherein, the access point sends a first frame to the station, uses the first frame to indicate the non-primary channel access (NPCA) basic service set (BSS) information, limits the NPCA operation range through the NPCA BSS information, realizes the OBSS identification mechanism of the NPCA, and in the case of receiving the overlapping basic service set (OBSS) physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU), the access point analyzes the OBSS PPDU to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU; the access point selects the corresponding operation in the NPCA operation and the OBSS PD-based SR operation according to the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, ensures that the access point and the station can synchronously select the same operation in the NPCA operation and the OBSS PD-based SR operation, and reduces the probability of the occurrence of the asynchronous communication of the two.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, and in particular relates to a communication method, apparatus and related equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Key technologies for resolving interference from overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) on the primary channel include non-primary channel access (NPCA) operations and spatial reuse (SR) operations.

[0003] Spatial reuse operations include Overlapping Basic Service Set packet detect-based spatial reuse (OBSS PD-based SR) and parameterized spatial reuse-based spatial reuse (PSR-based SR).

[0004] However, when faced with the same OBSS interference, the relevant technologies lack a corresponding mechanism to guide access points or sites to choose between NPCA operation and OBSS PD-based SR operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and related equipment.

[0006] Firstly, a communication method is provided, executed by an access point, the method comprising:

[0007] The access point sends a first frame to the site, which is used to indicate the non-primary channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information.

[0008] Upon receiving an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), the access point parses the OBSS PPDU to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0009] The access point selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information.

[0010] Secondly, a communication method is provided, executed by a station, the method comprising:

[0011] The station receives a first frame from the access point, which is used to indicate non-primary channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information.

[0012] Upon receiving the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), the station parses the OBSS PPDU to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0013] The site communicates by enabling SR operation or NPCA operation based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information.

[0014] Optionally, when the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, the station selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, including:

[0015] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0016] Optionally, when the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the station selects to enable SR or NPCA operations for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, including at least one of the following:

[0017] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0018] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0019] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the station performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel; or,

[0020] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation and SR operation, and when at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met, the station accordingly selects to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

[0021] Optionally, the site selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, including:

[0022] The station selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information and the first BSS information;

[0023] The first BSS information includes information about at least one OBSS that supports SR operation.

[0024] Optionally, when the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, the station selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information, and the first BSS information, including at least one of the following:

[0025] When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, and the station supports NPCA operation and SR operation, the station shall, in accordance with at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition, select to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

[0026] If the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, and the station supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0027] When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, the station supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the station performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel.

[0028] If the target BSS information is only located in the first BSS information, the station supports SR operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the station performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel; or,

[0029] If the target BSS information is only located in the second BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0030] Optionally, when the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the station selects to enable SR or NPCA operations for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information, and the first BSS information, including at least one of the following:

[0031] When the target BSS information is located in the first BSS information, the station supports SR operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the station performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel.

[0032] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0033] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, and the station supports NPCA operation and SR operation, the station will correspondingly select to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication if at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met.

[0034] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA primary channel for communication; or...

[0035] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing conditions are met, the station performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel.

[0036] Optionally, the first frame includes an NPCA operation field, which includes the NPCA BSS information field and the NPCA BSS information presence field. The NPCA BSS presence field is used to indicate whether the NPCA BSS information field exists.

[0037] Optionally, the first frame includes one of the following:

[0038] beacon frame;

[0039] Detection response frame;

[0040] Associated response frames or reassociated response frames;

[0041] Ultra-high reliability operating mode and parameters UHR OMP response frame.

[0042] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0043] The first transceiver module is used to send a first frame to the station. The first frame is used to indicate the non-main channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information.

[0044] The first processing module is used to parse the OBSS PPDU upon receiving the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0045] The first processing module is further configured to select whether to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information.

[0046] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0047] The second transceiver module is used to receive a first frame from the access point, the first frame being used to indicate the non-main channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information.

[0048] The second processing module is used to parse the OBSS PPDU upon receiving the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0049] The second processing module is further configured to select whether to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information.

[0050] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, the device being configured to perform the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or to implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0051] In a sixth aspect, an access point is provided, the access point including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the first aspect.

[0052] In a seventh aspect, an access point is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send a first frame to a station, the first frame being used to indicate non-primary channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information; the processor is used to parse the OBSSPPDU upon receiving the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSSPPDU; and select to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCABS information.

[0053] In an eighth aspect, a site is provided that includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the second aspect.

[0054] In a ninth aspect, a site is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive a first frame from an access point, the first frame indicating non-primary channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information; the processor is configured to, upon receiving an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), parse the OBSSPPDU to obtain target BSS information corresponding to the OBSSPPDU; and enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCSSPPDU information.

[0055] In a tenth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0056] Eleventhly, a wireless communication system is provided, comprising: an access point and a site, wherein the access point is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the first aspect, and the site is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0057] In a twelfth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to run a program or instructions to implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or to implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0058] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, which is stored in a storage medium and is executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0059] In this embodiment, the access point sends a first frame to the station, using the first frame to indicate the non-primary channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information. The NPCA BSS information restricts the NPCA operation range, implementing the NPCA OBSS identification mechanism. Upon receiving an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), the access point parses the OBSS PPDU to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to it. The access point selects between NPCA operation and OBSS PD-based SR operation based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, ensuring that the access point and the station can synchronously select the same operation between NPCA operation and OBSS PD-based SR operation, reducing the probability of asynchronous communication between the two. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating data transmission on the NPCA main channel after the AP and STA switch to the NPCA main channel;

[0062] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of an NPCA operation parameter field format;

[0063] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ICF frame;

[0064] Figure 5 This is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 6 This is the second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an NPCA operation field provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 8 This is one of the schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of NPCA BSS information through NPCA operation parameters provided in this application embodiment;

[0068] Figure 9 This is the second schematic diagram of configuring NPCA BSS information through NPCA operation parameters provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spatial reuse parameter set element provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 11 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figure 12a This is a second schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0072] Figure 12b This is an interactive schematic diagram of interference measurement provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 13 This is the third flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0074] Figure 14 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 15 This is a second schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0076] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0078] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0079] The term "instruction" in this application can be either a direct instruction (or explicit instruction) or an indirect instruction (or implicit instruction). A direct instruction can be understood as one in which the sender explicitly informs the receiver of specific information, the operation to be performed, or the requested result, etc., in the instruction sent. An indirect instruction can be understood as one in which the receiver determines the corresponding information based on the instruction sent by the sender, or makes a judgment and determines the operation to be performed or the requested result, etc., based on the judgment result.

[0080] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, and are applicable to any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series protocols used in WLANs, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, and future 802.11 protocols. The methods provided in this application can be implemented by communication devices in a wireless communication system or by chips or processors within those devices. Accordingly, the communication device supports communication using the IEEE 802.11 series protocols. Although the embodiments of this application are 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), wireless personal area network systems based on ultra-wideband (UWB), 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 protocol, the 802.15.4z protocol, or the 802.15.4ab protocol, or a future generation of UWB WPAN protocol, etc., which will not be listed one by one.The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to the following communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-X (V2X) systems, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, devices used in 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. Alternatively, they can also be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th-generation (5G) communication systems, and new communication systems that will emerge in future communication developments. 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.

[0081] In the Wi-Fi 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).

[0082] For example, please refer to Figure 1 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system 100 provided in some embodiments of this application. The communication system 100 may include an access point AP 110 and a station STA 120 that accesses the network through the access point 110.

[0083] In this application embodiment, the access point can also be referred to as an access point device, and the site can also be referred to as a site device.

[0084] The communication in the communication system 100 can be communication between an AP and a non-AP STA, communication between two non-AP STAs, or communication between a STA and a peer STA. Here, a peer STA can refer to a device that communicates with a STA on an equal footing. For example, a peer STA may be an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0085] An access point (AP) acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. AP devices can be terminal devices with Wi-Fi chips (such as mobile phones) or network devices (such as wireless routers, wireless switches, or wireless repeaters).

[0086] It should be understood that the role of a STA in a communication system is not absolute. For example, in some scenarios, when a mobile phone connects to a router, it is a non-AP STA; when the mobile phone acts as a hotspot for other mobile phones, it plays the role of an AP.

[0087] Access points can support communication or sensing based on Wi-Fi protocols, such as 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation or later protocols.

[0088] The site can support communication or sensing based on Wi-Fi protocols, such as 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation or later protocols.

[0089] 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), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, loudspeakers, 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] In the embodiments of this application, the site can be a user terminal device supporting WLAN or Wi-Fi technology, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless device in industrial control, a set-top box, a wireless device in autonomous driving, a vehicle communication device, a wireless device in remote medical care, a wireless device in a smart grid, a wireless device in transportation safety, a wireless device in a smart city or a wireless device in a smart home, a wireless communication chip / application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) / system on chip (SOC), etc.

[0092] WLAN technology can support frequency bands including but not limited to: low frequency bands (e.g., 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) and high frequency bands (e.g., 45GHz or 60GHz).

[0093] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment shows one AP 110 and two non-AP STAs 120. Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple AP STAs and other numbers of non-AP STAs, which is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0094] It should be understood that devices with communication functions in the network / system of this application embodiment can be referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 Taking the communication system 100 shown as an example, the communication equipment may include an access point 110 and a station 120 with communication functions. The access point 110 and the station 120 may be the specific equipment described above, which will not be repeated here. The communication equipment may also include other equipment in the communication system 100, such as network controllers, gateways and other network entities. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0095] It should be understood that the terms “system” and “network” used in this application are often used interchangeably herein.

[0096] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "correspondence" may indicate that there is a direct or indirect correspondence between two things, or that there is an association between two things, or that there is a relationship of instruction and being instructed, configuration and being configured, etc.

[0097] In this application embodiment, "predefined" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including access points and sites). This application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, predefined can refer to what is defined in the protocol.

[0098] In this application embodiment, the "protocol" may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communication, such as the Wi-Fi protocol and related protocols applied in future Wi-Fi communication systems, and this application does not limit it.

[0099] Access point 110 and site 120 can associate and communicate via wireless LAN technology. Association refers to the process of negotiating wireless link services between the STA and AP to establish a wireless link between them.

[0100] Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) and spatial multiplexing are both technical solutions used to address interference from OBSS transmissions on the primary channel.

[0101] The NPCA mechanism allows a STA to dynamically switch to a secondary channel for data transmission when the primary channel is busy due to interference from the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) or other preset conditions.

[0102] Space reuse includes two techniques:

[0103] Spatial reuse based on Overlapping Basic Service Set packet detect (OBSS PD-based SR) allows a device to transmit data on the same or overlapping channels even when it detects an OBSS signal on the main channel and the detected OBSS signal is less than the OBSS_PD threshold. This is achieved by reducing the transmit power through power backoff to avoid interference with adjacent OBSS physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs).

[0104] Parameterized spatial reuse based on spatial reuse (PSR-based SR): Used for triggered transmissions, it is designed to inform neighboring STAs on the OBSS how much power they can transmit without affecting the reference AP's ability to correctly decode uplink frames of its own associated STAs.

[0105] The conclusions of the discussion regarding space reuse and NPCA are as follows:

[0106] When NPCA operation is enabled in the AP, PSR-based SR must not be enabled simultaneously; the two operations are mutually exclusive. However, the coexistence of OBSS PD-based SR (spatial reuse based on OBSS detection thresholds) and NPCA requires further discussion. It should be noted that the SR operation mentioned below refers to OBSS PD-based SR operation.

[0107] The coexistence of NPCA and SR operations presents the following key problems, leading to operational ambiguity and performance loss:

[0108] Mechanism Selection Conflict: In Wi-Fi 6, the protocol defines BSS information supporting SR operation (hereinafter referring to OBSS PD-based SR) for Spatial Reuse Groups (SRGs) to limit the scope of application of OBSS PD-based SR operation. However, a similar identification mechanism is lacking for NPCA operation to define BSS information supporting NPCA operation. Furthermore, in situations where the application scenarios of NPCA and SR operations overlap, there is a lack of clear guidance on how to choose between NPCA and SR operations. For example, when AP and STA face the same OBSS, they may choose NPCA or SR respectively due to differences in received power, causing resource competition between the main channel and the NPCA channel (such as in-band conflict). This conflict is particularly prominent in high-density scenarios (dense OBSS distribution), significantly reducing communication efficiency.

[0109] Lack of scenario adaptability: Some solutions rely on static Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) thresholds to determine OBSS interference intensity, which cannot be dynamically adjusted based on BSS density, interference persistence, and Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. For example, static thresholds are difficult to match with actual scenarios in dense or non-dense scenarios, or for services with different QoS levels, resulting in suboptimal coordination between NPCA and SR operations.

[0110] Non-primary channel access (NPCA) occurs when the primary channel is subject to OBSS interference. In this case, the AP and STA switch to the NPCA primary channel for non-primary channel access, extending their reliance on the primary channel and better utilizing transmission opportunities on idle non-primary channels, thus improving spectrum utilization. For example... Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This diagram illustrates data transmission on the NPCA main channel after an AP and STA switch to it. The parameters involved include the NPCA HE handover time, NPCA handover delay, NPCA_Timer, and NPCA handover back-off delay. NPCA_Timer is a MAC variable representing the time the AP or STA spends on the NPCA main channel, calculated by subtracting the handover back-off delay indicated in the most recently transmitted NPCA operation parameter field from the largest non-zero value of the following three variables:

[0111] NPCA_PPDU_REM_DUR: The remaining PPDU duration (in microseconds) derived from the received OBSS PPDU.

[0112] NPCA_PHY_TXOP_REM_DUR: The remaining PHY layer TXOP duration (in microseconds) derived from the received OBSS PPDU.

[0113] NPCA_CFRAME_TXOP_REM_DUR: The duration of the remaining control frame TXOP (in microseconds) derived from the received OBSS initial control frame.

[0114] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the NPCA operation parameter field format. The NPCA operation parameters fields include: NPCA Primary Channel, NPCA Minimum Duration Threshold, NPCA Switch Delay, NPCA Switch Back Delay, Initial NPCA QSRC, MOPLEN NPCA, NPCA DisabledSubchannelBitmap Present, Reserved, and NPCA Disabled SubchannelBitmap.

[0115] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, NPCA parameters and NPCA operation parameters can be interchanged.

[0116] The following is an explanation of the NPCA operation parameters:

[0117] NPCA Primary Channel: The NPCA Primary Channel field indicates the channel number within the BSS bandwidth corresponding to the handover of the NPCA AP and its associated NPCA non-AP STA to perform NPCA operations.

[0118] NPCA Minimum Duration Threshold: The NPCA Minimum Duration Threshold field indicates the minimum duration of cross-BSS activity (cross-BSS PPDU or cross-BSS TXOP) indicated on the BSS primary channel, which is a necessary condition for allowing an NPCA STA to switch to the NPCA primary channel to perform NPCA operations.

[0119] NPCA Switch Delay: The NPCA Switch Delay field indicates the time required for an NPCA STA to switch from the BSS primary channel to the NPCA primary channel, in 4 microseconds.

[0120] NPCA Switch Back Delay: The NPCA Switch Back Delay field indicates the time required for NPCASTA to switch back from the NPCA primary channel to the BSS primary channel, in 4 microseconds.

[0121] InitialNPCA QSRC field: The InitialNPCA QSRC field indicates the value of the EDCAF QSRC[AC] variable when switching from NPCASTA to NPCA operation in BSS.

[0122] MOPLEN NPCA Field: The MOPLEN NPCA field indicates whether NPCA based on Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) length is enabled. A value of 1 indicates that both PHYLEN NPCA (PPDU-based NPCA) and MOPLEN NPCA (TXOP-based NPCA) operations are enabled; a value of 0 indicates that NPCA is enabled.

[0123] The PHYLENNPCA operation disables NPCA based on the length of TXOP.

[0124] It should be noted that a PHYLEN NPCA operation can be understood as a PPDU-based NPCA operation. The duration of a PHYLEN NPCA operation is calculated based on the length of the PPDU, which is included in the PHY header. Similarly, a MOPLEN NPCA operation can be understood as a TXOP-based NPCA operation. The duration of a MOPLEN NPCA operation is calculated based on the length of the TXOP, which is included in the MAC header.

[0125] The NPCA Disabled Subchannel Bitmap Present field indicates whether the NPCA Disabled Subchannel Bitmap field exists. A value of 1 indicates that the NPCA Disabled Subchannel Bitmap field exists.

[0126] NPCA Disabled Subchannel Bitmap: The NPCA Disabled Subchannel Bitmap subfield is a 16-bit bitmap where the lowest-numbered bit corresponds to the lowest-frequency 20MHz subchannel within the Basic Service Set (BSS) bandwidth. Each consecutive bit in the bitmap corresponds to the next higher-frequency 20MHz subchannel. In the bitmap, a bit set to 1 indicates that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel has been punctured; a bit set to 0 indicates that the corresponding 20MHz subchannel has not been punctured.

[0127] NPCA operations initiate transmission using an Initial Control Frame (ICF). For example, an ICF frame can be a Buffer Status Report Poll (BSRP) frame. It's understood that ICF frames include various types; the BSRP frame is just one example. An Initial Control Response Frame (ICR) can be a Multi-Site Block Ack (MSA) frame.

[0128] Multi-STA BA frames, etc. It is understandable that ICR frames include various types; the multi-site block acknowledgment frame is one example of an ICR frame.

[0129] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ICF frame. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the ICF frame includes a common information field, a special user information field, and a user information field. The special user information flag in the common information field is set to 0, indicating the presence of a special user information field in the trigger frame that includes the ultra-high reliability (UHR) variant common information field. The special user information field is identified by the AID12 value 2007 and does not carry user-specific information; instead, it carries extended common information not provided in the common information field. For example, the NPCA primary channel indication subfield indicates whether the trigger frame is transmitted on the NPCA primary channel.

[0130] This application aims to address the problem of lacking a corresponding mechanism to guide the AP or STA in selecting between NPCA and SR operations. To solve this problem, this application provides a communication method. In the communication method provided by this application, both the AP and STA sides introduce an NPCA OBSS identification mechanism, providing a clear basis for the AP or STA to select between NPCA and SR operations, thus resolving operational ambiguity between the two. Furthermore, the NPCA OBSS identification mechanism provided by this application ensures that the mechanism selection of the AP and STA is synchronized, thereby standardizing the transmission process between the AP and STA and reducing the probability of communication asynchrony caused by differences in received power between the AP and STA.

[0131] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details a communication method provided by the embodiments of this application through some examples and application scenarios.

[0132] Figure 5 This is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication method includes steps 502 to 508a.

[0133] Step 502: The access point sends a first frame to the station. The first frame indicates the non-primary channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information. Accordingly, the station receives the first frame from the access point.

[0134] In this embodiment, NPCA BSS information is used to limit the scope of application of NPCA operations. As an OBSS identification mechanism related to NPCA operations, NPCA BSS information can be information about OBSS that only supports NPCA operations but prohibits SR operations, or information about OBSS that supports both NPCA and SR operations. NPCA BSS information can be presented in various forms, such as bitmaps or lists.

[0135] Optionally, the NPCA BSS information includes one of the following:

[0136] Second BSS information supporting NPCA operations;

[0137] The second BSS information supports NPCA operations, and the third BSS information supports both NPCA and SR operations.

[0138] Access points can pre-configure NPCA BSS information via NPCA operation parameters. In one example, the NPCA BSS information is the second BSS information supporting NPCA operations. The second BSS information includes information on at least one OBSS that supports NPCA operations. The second BSS information can be presented as a list, meaning that information on at least one OBSS that supports NPCA operations is stored in a BSS list, denoted as the second BSS list.

[0139] In another example, the NPCA BSS information includes not only second BSS information supporting NPCA operations, but also third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations. The third BSS information includes information on at least one OBSS supporting both NPCA and SR operations. This third BSS information can be presented as a list, meaning that information on at least one OBSS supporting both NPCA and SR operations is stored in a BSS list, denoted as the third BSS list.

[0140] In this embodiment, the access point can send NPCA BSS information to the site through NPCA operation parameters. If the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information that supports NPCA operations, the site can generate a second BSS list based on the NPCA BSS information. If the NPCA BSS information includes a second BSS information that supports NPCA operations and a third BSS information that supports both NPCA and SR operations, the site can generate a second BSS list and a third BSS list based on the NPCA BSS information.

[0141] Optionally, the NPCA operation parameters are carried in the first frame, which includes one of the following:

[0142] beacon frame;

[0143] Detection response frame;

[0144] Associated response frames or reassociated response frames;

[0145] Ultra-high reliability operating mode and parameters UHR OMP response frame.

[0146] Step 504a: The access point receives the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU). Correspondingly, the site also receives the same OBSS PPDU, as in step 504b.

[0147] In this embodiment, the OBSS PPDU is the signal received by the access point when it is subjected to OBSS interference, i.e., the OBSS interference signal. Both the access point and the site are subject to OBSS traffic interference; the access point receives the OBSS interference signal, and the site may also receive the same OBSS interference signal.

[0148] Step 506a: The access point parses the OBSS PPDU to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU. Correspondingly, the site parses the OBSS PPDU to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU, as in step 506b.

[0149] In this embodiment of the application, the target BSS information is used to uniquely identify the OBSS interference signal (OBSS PPDU) received by the access point. The target BSS information can be the basic service set BSS color corresponding to the OBSS PPDU, or it can be the partial basic service set identifier BSSID corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0150] Step 508a: The access point selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information. Correspondingly, the site selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, as in step 508b.

[0151] In this embodiment of the application, the access point uses the target BSS information to match the NPCA BSS information. The matching results show the actual situation of the OBSS interference suffered by the access point, providing a data basis for subsequent selection of SR operation or NPCA operation for communication.

[0152] In this embodiment, the NPCA BSS information may include BSS information supporting NPCA operations. If the target BSS information matches the BSS information supporting NPCA operations, it is further determined whether to switch to the NPCA main channel. If the determination is yes, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0153] In this embodiment, the NPCA BSS information may include BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations. If the target BSS information matches the BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, it is further determined whether to switch to the NPCA main channel and whether spatial multiplexing transmission can be performed on the main channel. If both are possible, either SR or NPCA operation is selected for communication. If switching to the NPCA main channel is possible, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication. If SR operation is possible, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel.

[0154] In situations where NPCA and SR operations coexist, i.e., the access point supports both NPCA and SR operations, the access point selects to enable either SR or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information. Examples include at least one of the following:

[0155] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication; or...

[0156] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point, if at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met, will correspondingly select to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

[0157] For example, when the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information and both the primary channel spatial multiplexing condition and the NPCA handover condition are met, the access point can make an autonomous decision. For instance, it can choose to enable either NPCA operation or SR operation for communication based on at least one of the following: Signal-to-Interference-Noise Ratio (SINR), Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), service type, transmission accuracy, and idle channel assessment (CCA) detection capability. When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information and the primary channel spatial multiplexing condition is met but the NPCA handover condition is not met, the access point correspondingly chooses to enable SR operation for communication. When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information and the NPCA handover condition is met but the primary channel spatial multiplexing condition is not met, the access point correspondingly chooses to enable NPCA operation for communication.

[0158] Since NPCA and SR are two independent operations, in addition to the situation where NPCA and SR operations coexist, in some cases, AP or STA may not necessarily support both NPCA and SR operations. Therefore, even if the target BSS information is determined to be in the second BSS information, it is still necessary to further determine whether the access point supports NPCA operations and whether the NPCA handover conditions are met.

[0159] For example, if the NPCA BSS information is second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, and the second BSS information is presented as a second BSS list supporting NPCA operation, then step 508a includes: matching the parsed target BSS information against the second BSS list supporting NPCA operation; if the target BSS information is in the second BSS list, and the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, then the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0160] Optionally, when the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the access point selects to enable SR or NPCA operations for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, including at least one of the following:

[0161] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0162] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0163] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel; or,

[0164] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation and SR operation, and when at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met, the access point accordingly selects to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

[0165] As mentioned earlier, APs or STAs do not necessarily support NPCA and SR operations. Therefore, even if the target BSS information is determined to be in the second BSS information, it is still necessary to further determine whether the access point supports NPCA operations and whether the NPCA handover conditions are met. Similarly, even if the target BSS information is determined to be in the third BSS information, it is still necessary to further determine whether the access point supports NPCA and SR operations and whether the NPCA handover conditions and the primary channel space reuse conditions are met.

[0166] For example, when the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the NPCA BSS information is presented as a second BSS list supporting NPCA operations and a third BSS list supporting both NPCA and SR operations. Accordingly, step 508a may include: the access point can use the target BSS information to match between the second and third BSS lists; after matching, the access point can perform at least one of the following operations:

[0167] If the target BSS information is in the second BSS list, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0168] If the target BSS information is in the third BSS list, the access point supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0169] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS list, the access point supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel; or,

[0170] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS list, the access point supports NPCA operation and SR operation, and when at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met, the access point accordingly selects to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

[0171] It should be noted that the spatial multiplexing condition is: the power RSSI of the detected OBSS interference signal is less than the OBSS PD level. The OBSS PD level (denoted as OBSS_PD) level This can be understood as the threshold for spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel. If the power of the detected OBSS interference signal is greater than or equal to the threshold for spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel, the OBSS interference signal cannot be ignored and the main channel is considered busy. If the power of the detected OBSS interference signal is less than the threshold for spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel, the OBSS interference signal can be ignored and spatial multiplexing transmission can be performed on the main channel.

[0172] It should be noted that NPCA switching conditions can be based on a single PPDU, and all of the following conditions must be met:

[0173] The STA receives HE / EHT / UHR PPDU (or its PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive) on the BSS main channel, and:

[0174] 1) This PPDU is classified as an inter-BSS PPDU;

[0175] 2) Its exported NPCA_PPDU_REM_DUR is greater than the corresponding OBSS's minimum NPCA duration threshold, or when MOPLEN is enabled, NPCA_PHY_TXOP_REM_DUR is greater than the corresponding OBSS's minimum NPCA duration threshold.

[0176] 3) The OBSS PPDU bandwidth is 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 / 320MHz, and the occupied channel does not overlap with the NPCA main channel;

[0177] 4) If the internal NAV of the BSS is maintained, its value is 0.

[0178] It should be noted that the NPCA switching conditions can be based on three PPDU sequences, and all of the following conditions must be met:

[0179] The STA identified three PPDU sequences on the BSS main channel (including the initial control frame, the inferred initial response frame, and the third PPDU), and:

[0180] 1) Receive at least the HY-RXSTART / PHY-RXEARLYSIG.indication primitives for the first and third PPDUs;

[0181] 2) A valid TXOP instruction for the third PPDU is received within a specific time window;

[0182] 3) At least one PPDU in the sequence is an inter-BSS PPDU;

[0183] 4) The NPCA_PPDU_REM_DUR exported by the third PPDU (or the NPCA_CFRAME_TXOP_REM_DUR of the first PPDU when MOPLEN is enabled) is greater than the corresponding minimum NPCA duration threshold;

[0184] 5) The bandwidth of the third PPDU is 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 / 320MHz, and the channel it occupies does not overlap with the NPCA main channel;

[0185] 6) If the NAV within the BSS is maintained, its value is 0.

[0186] Optionally, when the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information that supports NPCA operation, the access point selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, including: when the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA switching conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0187] It should be noted that the execution process on the site side is similar to that on the access point side, so the execution process on the site side will not be described again.

[0188] In the above embodiments, the OBSS identification mechanism of NPA is implemented by introducing NPCA BSS information. The OBSS PPDU received by the access point is parsed to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU. The target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information used to limit the scope of NPCA operation are used as selection guidelines for NPCA operation or SR operation to ensure that the access point and the site can synchronously select the same operation in NPCA operation and SR operation, thereby reducing the probability of asynchronous communication between the two.

[0189] Figure 6 This is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication method includes steps 602 to 608a.

[0190] Step 602: The access point sends a first frame to the site. The first frame is used to indicate the NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information for non-primary channel access.

[0191] Step 604a: The access point receives the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU).

[0192] Accordingly, the site also receives the same OBSS PPDU, as in step 604b.

[0193] Step 606a: The access point parses the OBSS PPDU to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0194] Accordingly, the site parses the OBSS PPDU to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU, as in step 606b.

[0195] Step 608a: The access point selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information and the first BSS information corresponding to the SR operation.

[0196] Accordingly, the site selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information and the first BSS information corresponding to the SR operation, as in step 608b.

[0197] The first BSS information includes information about at least one OBSS that supports SR operation. The access point can pre-configure the NPCA BSS information using NPCA operation parameters. The access point can also pre-set the first BSS information using a Spatial Reuse Parameter Set element. It should be noted that the first BSS information and the NPCA BSS information are independent of each other. The first BSS information and the NPCA BSS information can be bound together in the first frame, or they can be indicated in different frames. As mentioned earlier, the NPCA BSS information can be presented in a list format, and the information about at least one OBSS that supports SR operation can also be presented in a list format; that is, the information about at least one OBSS that supports SR operation is stored in the first BSS list.

[0198] In scenarios where NPCA and SR operations coexist, i.e., the access point supports both NPCA and SR operations, the access point selects to enable either SR or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information, and the first BSS information corresponding to the SR operation, including at least one of the following:

[0199] When the target BSS information is located in the first BSS information and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel;

[0200] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0201] If the target BSS information is located within the third BSS information, the access point, provided that at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and the NPCA handover condition is met, will accordingly select to enable either NPCA operation or SR operation for communication; or,

[0202] When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in both the first BSS information and the second BSS information, the access point, in accordance with at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and the NPCA handover condition, selects to enable either NPCA operation or SR operation for communication.

[0203] It is understandable that when the NPCA BSS information is the second BSS information supporting NPCA operations, the AP side only has the first BSS information and the second BSS information. The first BSS information includes information on OBSSs supporting SR operations, and the second BSS information includes information supporting NPCA operations. Therefore, if the target BSS information is simultaneously located in both the first and second BSS information, it indicates that the OBSS corresponding to the target BSS information supports both SR and NPCA operations, so it is possible to choose not to construct the third BSS information. For example, by determining whether the target BSS information is simultaneously located in both the first and second BSS information, it can be determined whether the target BSS information supports both SR and NPCA operations.

[0204] Since NPCA and SR are two independent operations, in addition to the situation where NPCA and SR operations coexist, in some cases, AP or STA may not necessarily support both NPCA and SR operations. Therefore, even if it is determined that the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information or the first BSS information, it is still necessary to further determine whether the access point supports NPCA or SR operations.

[0205] Optionally, when the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, the access point selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information, and the first BSS information, including at least one of the following:

[0206] When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, and the access point supports both NPCA and SR operations, the access point, in accordance with at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition, selects to enable one of the NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

[0207] If the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, and the access point supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0208] When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, the access point supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel.

[0209] If the target BSS information is only located in the first BSS information, the access point supports SR operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel; or,

[0210] If the target BSS information is only located in the second BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0211] Optionally, when the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the access point selects to enable SR or NPCA operations for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information, and the first BSS information, including at least one of the following:

[0212] When the target BSS information is located in the first BSS information, the access point supports SR operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel.

[0213] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0214] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, and the access point supports NPCA operation and SR operation, the access point will correspondingly select to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication if at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met.

[0215] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA primary channel for communication; or...

[0216] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel.

[0217] It should be noted that, regarding Figure 5 Corresponding embodiments and Figure 6 The differences between the corresponding implementations take into account that SR operations and NPCA operations are independent of each other. Figure 5The corresponding implementation does not consider the SR operation OBSS identification mechanism, but directly introduces the NPCA operation OBSS identification mechanism. Figure 6 The corresponding implementation adds an NPCA operation OBSS identification mechanism to the SR operation OBSS identification mechanism. Specifically, the scope of application for SR operations is limited by the first BSS information, and the scope of application for NPCA operations is limited by the NPCA BSS information. After the access point or site has both NPCA BSS information and the first BSS information, the access point uses the NPCA BSS information, the first BSS information, and the parsed target BSS information to select either SR operation or NPCA operation for communication. This enables the access point and site to synchronously select the same operation for synchronous communication, whether SR or NPCA.

[0218] It should be noted that the execution process on the site side is similar to that on the access point side, so the execution process on the site side will not be described again.

[0219] In the above embodiments, there are multiple ways to determine the third BSS information that supports NPCA and SR operations.

[0220] For example, the access point directly obtains the third BSS information through measurement. For instance, a specified interference power range is set for OBSSs that support NPCA and SR operations. The interference power of the OBSS is obtained by measurement, and based on the measured interference power, OBSSs whose interference power falls within the specified interference power range are determined. The information of the determined OBSSs is then added to the third BSS information.

[0221] For example, the access point indirectly obtains the third BSS information based on the second BSS information and the first BSS information. For instance, information on OBSSs that appear in both the first and second BSS information is added to the third BSS information; or, the intersection of the first and second BSS information is used to obtain the third BSS information. Further, if the first, second, and third BSS information are presented in a list format, information on OBSSs that appear in both the first and second BSS lists is added to determine the third BSS list.

[0222] This application provides two schemes for setting NPA BSS information through NPA operation parameters. The NPA BSS information is indicated by an NPA BSS information field, which is carried in the first frame. Optionally, the first frame includes an NPA operation field, which includes the NPA BSS information field and an NPA BSS presence field, wherein the NPA BSS presence field is used to indicate whether the NPA BSS information field exists.

[0223] Understandably, if the NPCA BSS information has a field indicating that NPCA BSS information does not exist, then the OBSS for switching NPCA operations is not restricted. If the NPCA BSS information has a field indicating that NPCA BSS information exists, then the NPCA BSS information is used to restrict the OBSS for switching NPCA operations.

[0224] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the NPCA operation fields provided in the embodiments of this application. The NPCA operation fields include the NPCA Primary Channel field, the NPCA Minimum DurationThreshold field, the NPCA Switch Delay field, the NPCA Switch Back Delay field, the Initial NPCA QSRC field, the MOPLEN NPCA field, the NPCA Disabled Subchannel Bitmap Present field, the NPCA BSS Information Present field, the Reserved field, the NPCA Disabled Subchannel Bitmap field, and the NPCA BSS Information field.

[0225] The first approach is the approach adopted when the NPCA BSS information is the second BSS information that supports NPCA operation.

[0226] In the first embodiment, the NPCA BSS information field includes an NPCA OBSS bitmap information field. Optionally, the first frame includes an NPCA BSS information field, which is used to indicate the NPCA BSS information. When the NPCA BSS information is the second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, the NPCA BSS information field includes an NPCA OBSS bitmap information field.

[0227] Optionally, the NPCA OBSS bitmap information field includes at least one of the following:

[0228] The first BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA operations;

[0229] The first part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the portion of BSSIDs that support NPCA operations; or...

[0230] The second BSS information supporting NPCA operation includes at least one of the BSS color supporting NPCA operation and the partial BSSID supporting NPCA operation.

[0231] In this embodiment, the first BSS color bitmap field can be an NPCA BSS color bitmap field to indicate the BSS Color that supports NPCA operations. The first part BSSID bitmap field can be an NPCA partial BSSID bitmap field to indicate the partial BSSIDs that support NPCA operations. The NPCA OBSS bitmap information field may also include an NPCA partial BSSID presence field to indicate whether an NPCA partial BSSID bitmap field exists. The MOPLEN NPCA field can be set to 1 when it is 1, indicating that partial BSSIDs may exist when MOPLEN NPCA operations are allowed in the BSS.

[0232] In one example, the NPCA BSS bitmap information field includes one of the following:

[0233] First BSS color bitmap field;

[0234] The first BSS color bitmap field and the first part of the BSSID bitmap field.

[0235] In this example, if the NPCA BSS bitmap information field includes a first BSS color bitmap field, then the second BSS information supporting NPCA operations includes the BSS color supporting NPCA operations. If the NPCA BSS bitmap information field includes a first BSS color bitmap field and a first partial BSSID bitmap field, then the second BSS information supporting NPCA operations includes the BSS color supporting NPCA operations and the partial BSSID supporting NPCA operations.

[0236] Figure 8 This is one of the schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of NPCA BSS information through NPCA operation parameters provided in this application embodiment. When the NPCA BSS information is the second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the NPCA BSS information fields include the NPCA OBSS bitmap information field. The NPCA OBSS bitmap information field may include the NPCA BSS Control field, the NPCA BSS Color Bitmap field, and the NPCA Partial BSSID Bitmap field. The NPCA BSS Control field may include the NPCA PartialBSSID Present field and the Reserved field.

[0237] In some other embodiments, the NPCA OBSS bitmap information field may include an NPCA Partial BSSID Present field, an NPCA BSS Color Bitmap field, an NPCA Partial BSSID Bitmap field, and a Resvered field.

[0238] In this embodiment, the NPCA partial BSSID exists as a field to indicate whether an NPCA partial BSSID bitmap field exists. It can be set to 1 when the MOPLEN NPCA field is 1, and partial BSSIDs may exist when MOPLEN NPCA operations are allowed in the BSS.

[0239] In this embodiment of the application, the NPCA BSS color bitmap field indicates the BSS Color that supports NPCA operations.

[0240] In this embodiment of the application, the NPCA partial BSSID bitmap field is used to indicate the partial BSSIDs that support NPCA operations.

[0241] It should be noted that the first approach can be to add an NPAOBSS identification mechanism to the existing SR operation OBSS identification mechanism. The first BSS information supporting SR operations is stored in the SRG SR OBSS table, and the second BSS information supporting NPCA operations is stored in the NPCA OBSS table.

[0242] The following explanation will be based on the scenario where SR operations and NPCA operations coexist.

[0243] The SRG SR OBSS table can be identified by the SRG BSS Color Bitmap and the SRG PartialBSSID Bitmap, which are used to indicate the BSS Color and partial BSSID that allow SR operations.

[0244] The NPCA OBSS table, identified by the NPCA BSS Color Bitmap and NPCA PartialBSSID Bitmap, indicates the BSS Color and some BSSIDs that require NPCA operation due to interference. The selected interference types include high-interference OBSSs (e.g., OBSSs with concentrated interference in high-density scenes). When the STA or AP detects interference with the corresponding OBSS in the NPCA OBSS table, the NPCA operation is triggered.

[0245] Among them, when an OBSS that exists in both the SRG SR OBSS table and the NPCA OBSS table is detected by the STA or AP, the STA or AP will choose either NPCA operation or SR operation. The selection criteria are, for example, based on at least one of SINR, RSSI or service type, transmission accuracy, CCA detection capability, etc.

[0246] In the above embodiments, the first approach minimizes protocol modifications to introduce the NPCA OBSS identification mechanism, avoiding the communication asynchrony caused by inconsistent judgments between the AP and STA, and thus balancing flexibility and reliability.

[0247] The second approach is adopted when the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations, and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations.

[0248] In the second scheme, the NPCA BSS information field includes an NPCA OBSS bitmap information field, as well as NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields. Optionally, the first frame includes an NPCA BSS information field, which is used to indicate the NPCA BSS information. When the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations, and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the NPCA BSS information field includes an NPCAOBSS bitmap information field, as well as NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields.

[0249] Optionally, the NPCA OBSS bitmap information field includes at least one of the following:

[0250] The first BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA operations;

[0251] The first part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the portion of BSSIDs that support NPCA operations; or...

[0252] The second BSS information supporting NPCA operation includes at least one of the BSS color supporting NPCA operation and the partial BSSID supporting NPCA operation.

[0253] Optionally, the NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields include at least one of the following:

[0254] The second BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA and SR operations;

[0255] The second part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the portion of the BSSID that supports NPCA and SR operations; or...

[0256] The third BSS information supporting NPCA and SR operations includes at least one of the following: the BSS color supporting NPCA and SR operations, and a portion of the BSS ID supporting NPCA and SR operations.

[0257] In this embodiment, the second BSS color bitmap field can be an NPCA and SR BSS color bitmap field to indicate the BSS Color that supports NPCA and SR operations. The second part of the BSSID bitmap field can be an NPCA and SR partial BSSID bitmap field to indicate the partial BSSID that supports NPCA and SR operations. The NPCA and SR BSSID bitmap information field may also include an NPCA and SR partial BSSID presence field to indicate whether the NPCA and SR partial BSSID bitmap fields exist.

[0258] In one example, the NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields include one of the following:

[0259] Second BSS color bitmap field;

[0260] The second BSS color bitmap field and the second part of the BSSID bitmap field.

[0261] In this example, if the NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields include a second BSS color bitmap field, the third BSS information supporting NPCA and SR operations includes the BSS color supporting NPCA and SR operations. If the NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields include a second BSS color bitmap field and a second partial BSSID bitmap field, the third BSS information supporting NPCA and SR operations includes the BSS color supporting NPCA and SR operations, as well as the partial BSSID supporting NPCA and SR operations.

[0262] Figure 9 This is the second schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of NPCA BSS information via NPCA operation parameters provided in this application embodiment. When the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations, and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, as follows... Figure 9As shown, the NPCA BSS information fields include the NPCA BSSControl field, the NPCA BSS Color Bitmap field, the NPCA PartialBSSID Bitmap field, the NPCA AND SR BSS Color Bitmap field, and the NPCA AND SR PartialBSSID Bitmap field. The NPCA BSSControl fields include the NPCA PartialBSSID Present field, the NPCA AND SR PartialBSSID Present field, and the Resvered field.

[0263] In some other embodiments, the NPCA OBSS bitmap information field may include the NPCA Partial BSSID Present field, the NPCA AND SR Partial BSSID Present field, the Resvered field, the NPCA BSS Color Bitmap field, the NPCA Partial BSSID Bitmap field, the NPCA AND SR BSS Color Bitmap field, and the NPCA AND SR Partial BSSID Bitmap field.

[0264] It is understandable that the NPCA OBSS bitmap information fields include the NPCA partial BSSID presence field, the NPCA BSS color bitmap field, and the NPCA partial BSSID bitmap field. The NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields include the NPCA and SR partial BSSID presence field, the NPCA and SR BSS color bitmap field, and the NPCA and SR partial BSSID bitmap field.

[0265] In this embodiment of the application, the NPCA and SR part BSSID exist fields, which are used to indicate whether there are NPCA and SR part BSSID bitmap fields. When the MOPLEN NPCA field can be set to 1, some BSSIDs may exist in the BSS under the MOPLEN NPCA operation.

[0266] In this embodiment of the application, the NPCA and SR BSS color bitmap fields are used to indicate the BSS Color that supports NPCA and SR operations.

[0267] In this embodiment of the application, the NPCA and SR partial BSSID bitmap fields are used to indicate the partial BSSIDs that support NPCA and SR operations.

[0268] It should be noted that the second approach could be to add an NPAOBSS identification mechanism to the existing SR operation OBSS identification mechanism. The first BSS information supporting SR operations is stored in the SRG SR OBSS table, and the second BSS information supporting NPCA operations is stored in the NPCA OBSS table. The third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations is stored in both the NPCA and SROBSS tables.

[0269] The following explanation will be based on the scenario where SR operations and NPCA operations coexist.

[0270] The NPCA OBSS table, identified by the NPCA BSS Color Bitmap and NPCA Partial BSSID Bitmap, indicates the BSS Color and some BSSIDs that require NPCA operation due to interference. The selected interference types include high-interference OBSSs (e.g., OBSSs with concentrated interference in high-density scenes). When the STA or AP detects interference with the corresponding OBSS in the NPCA OBSS table, only the NPCA operation is triggered, while the SR operation is disabled.

[0271] The NPCA and SR OBSS tables, identified by the NPCA AND SR BSS Color Bitmap and NPCA AND SR Partial BSSID Bitmap, indicate the BSSColor and a portion of the BSSID that can be used for either NPCA or SR operations when interference occurs. The selected interference type includes medium-interference OBSS, low-interference OBSS, etc. (such as OBSS with interfering fluctuations). When a STA or AP detects interference with the corresponding OBSS in the NPCA and SR OBSS tables, the STA autonomously chooses either NPCA or SR operation, based on at least one of the following conditions: SINR, RSSI, service type, transmission accuracy, CCA detection capability, etc.

[0272] SRG SR OBSS Table: Identified by SRG BSS Color Bitmap and SRG Partial BSSID Bitmap, it indicates the BSS Color and partial BSSID that allow only SR operations and prohibit NPA operations.

[0273] In the second approach, the corresponding operation OBSS identifiers are clearly defined in the NPAOBSS table and the NPA and SR OBSS tables, eliminating the conflict between AP and STA mechanism selection caused by the lack of unified guidance, and especially solving the problem of in-band resource contention in high-density scenarios.

[0274] It is understandable that the structure of the NPCA BSS information field described in the first and / or second schemes above can be either an NPCA OBSS identification mechanism introduced for NPCA operations to limit the scope of application of NPCA operations, or an NPCA OBSS identification mechanism added on the basis of the SR operation OBSS identification mechanism.

[0275] In this embodiment of the application, the access point sets the first BSS information that supports SR operation through the Spatial Reuse Parameter Set element. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the spatial reuse parameter set elements provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 10As shown, the spatial multiplexing parameter set elements include the Element ID field, Length field, Element ID Extension field, SR Control field, Non-SRG OBSS PD Max Offset field, SRG OBSS PD Min Offset field, SRG OBSS PD Min Offset field, SRG BSS Color Bitmap field, and SRG Partial BSSID Bitmap field.

[0276] Among them, SRG BSS Color Bitmap (64bit): The SRG BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color value used by the members of the Spatial Multiplexing Group (SRG) to which the sending station (STA) belongs.

[0277] Among them, SRG PartialBSSID Bitmap (64bit): The SRG Partial BSSID Bitmap field is used to indicate the partial BSSID value used by the members of the Spatial Multiplexing Group (SRG) to which the sending station (STA) belongs.

[0278] Understandably, the BSS Color Bitmap is represented as follows: each bit of the bitmap corresponds one-to-one with 64 BSSColor values, where the least significant bit corresponds to the BSS Color value 0, and the most significant bit corresponds to the BSS Color value 63. When a bit in the bitmap is 1, it indicates that a BSS using that BSS Color value exists in the OBSS; when a bit in the bitmap is 0, it indicates that a BSS using that BSS Color value does not exist in the OBSS. The bit corresponding to the BSS Color value 0 is a reserved bit.

[0279] Understandably, the PartialBSSID Bitmap is represented as follows: each bit in the bitmap corresponds to one of the 64 possible values ​​of BSSID[39:44], where the least significant bit corresponds to a partial BSSID value of 0, and the most significant bit corresponds to a partial BSSID value of 63. When a bit in the bitmap is 1, it indicates that a BSS using that partial BSSID value exists in the OBSS; when a bit in the bitmap is 0, it indicates that a BSS using that partial BSSID value does not exist in the OBSS. The bit corresponding to a partial BSSID value of 0 is a reserved bit.

[0280] Figure 11This is one of the schematic diagrams of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Taking the case of coexistence of NPCA and SR operations as an example, the communication method includes steps 1110 to 1130.

[0281] Step 1110: Parameter Distribution

[0282] The AP sends out NPCA BSS information for different operations through NPCA operation parameters, which are carried in any type of frame such as beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame, or UHR OMP response (UHR Operating mode and parameters (OMP) response) frame.

[0283] Step 1120: STA receives OBSS table parameters.

[0284] The STA receives the NPA BSS information and generates the NPA OBSS table, NPA and SR OBSS table, and SRG SR OBSS table on the STA side based on the received NPA BSS information.

[0285] Step 1130: STA is interfered with by OBSS.

[0286] When the STA receives an OBSS interference signal (i.e., receives an OBSS PPDU), it parses the OBSS PPDU to obtain the corresponding target BSS information. The target BSS information can be the BSS Color or a partial BSSID. If it is the BSS Color, the BSS Color is compared with the NPAOBSS table, the NPA and SR OBSS tables, and the SRG SR OBSS table; if it is a partial BSSID, the partial BSSID is compared with the NPAOBSS table, the NPA and SR OBSS tables, and the SRG SR OBSS table.

[0287] If the OBSS interference belongs to the NPCA OBSS table, the STA triggers an NPCA operation. For example, it checks whether the NPCA handover conditions are met. If the NPCA handover conditions are met, it switches to the NPCA main channel, starts the NPCA_Timer, and waits for the AP's ICF frame to initiate NPCA transmission. If the NPCA handover conditions are not met, the STA listens on the main channel and does not perform any operation.

[0288] If the OBSS interference belongs to the SRG SR OBSS table, the STA triggers an SR operation. For example, it checks whether the interference power is less than the OBSS PD level. If it is less than the OBSS PD level, it transmits on the main channel through power backoff and simultaneously listens to the PPDU of the neighboring OBSS to avoid interference. If the interference power is not less than the OBSS PD level, the STA listens on the main channel and does not perform any operation.

[0289] If the OBSS interference belongs to the NPCA and SR OBSS tables, the STA enters autonomous decision-making, and the selection criteria include, for example, SINR, RSSI or service type, transmission accuracy, CCA detection capability, etc.

[0290] If the OBSS interference type does not belong to the above table, check whether the OBSS interference belongs to the non-SRG group (non-spatial multiplexing). If it belongs to the non-SRG group and meets the spatial multiplexing conditions of the non-SRG group, perform spatial multiplexing according to the rules corresponding to the non-SRG group; otherwise, monitor the main channel and wait for the main channel to become idle.

[0291] Understandably, if OBSS information exists in both the SRG SR OBSS table and the NPCA OBSS table (i.e., the first scenario), STA will also make autonomous decisions.

[0292] It is understandable that after the AP sends parameters to the STA, the AP side performs similar actions to the STA side, which will not be elaborated here.

[0293] In the above embodiments, by limiting the scope of application of different operations through NPCA BSS information and SRG SR OBSS tables, it is possible to clearly guide APs or STAs affected by OBSS interference to make corresponding choices in NPCA and SR operations, ensuring that APs and STAs work together in a consistent manner and improving the transmission efficiency of APs and STAs in interference scenarios.

[0294] Figure 12a This is a second schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, the communication method may further include steps 1210 and 1220.

[0295] Step 1210: The access point receives OBSS interference information reported by at least one site.

[0296] In this embodiment, Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of interference measurement provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 12bAs shown, the AP obtains neighboring AP information on the primary channel from the associated non-AP STA via Beacon request and response frames. The STA feeds back the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of the OBSS, assisting the AP in setting at least one of the OBSS first BSS information, the second BSS information, and the third BSS information.

[0297] Step 1220: The access point determines at least one of the first BSS information, the second BSS information, and the third BSS information based on the OBSS interference information.

[0298] In this embodiment, when initially constructing BSS information adapted to different operations, the access point can establish at least one of the first BSS information, the second BSS information, and the third BSS information based on the OBSS interference information. Given that BSS information adapted to different operations has already been constructed, the access point can dynamically adjust at least one of the first BSS information, the second BSS information, and the third BSS information based on the OBSS interference information.

[0299] For example, for the BSS density of the reference scenario, the interference power threshold corresponding to the NPCA operation is set to -65dBm; the interference power threshold corresponding to the SR operation is set to -75dBm. The AP determines the first BSS information, the second BSS information, and the third BSS information in the following ways:

[0300] Information on OBSS with RSSI ≥ -65dBm is added to the second BSS information that supports NPCA operation.

[0301] Information from OBSSs with RSSI < -75dBm is added to the first BSS information that supports SR operations.

[0302] Information from OBSSs with values ​​between -75dBm and RSSI < -65dBm is added to the third BSS information that supports NPCA and SR operations.

[0303] Furthermore, the AP dynamically adjusts the first BSS information, the second BSS information, and the third BSS information by combining its own monitoring and the information such as the number of OBSSs and interference intensity reported by the STA.

[0304] If the BSS density is higher than that of the reference scenario, it is considered a high-density scenario. Therefore, the number of OBSSs in the third BSS information is reduced, and the range for flexibly selecting NPCA and SR operations is compressed to reduce operational ambiguity. For example, the interference power threshold corresponding to NPCA operations is lowered to -70dBm. The interference power threshold corresponding to SR operations remains unchanged. The AP is adjusted in the following ways:

[0305] Information on OBSS with RSSI ≥ -70dBm is added to the second BSS information that supports NPCA operation.

[0306] In the third BSS information, information on a small number of OBSSs with moderate interference (-75dBm≤RSSI<-70dBm), such as 5, is retained. It should be noted that in some cases, the number of OBSSs with moderate interference (-75dBm≤RSSI<-70dBm) can be omitted to reduce operational ambiguity;

[0307] If the BSS density is lower than that of the reference scenario, it is considered a low-density scenario. The number of OBSSs in the third BSS information is increased to expand the range of flexible NPCA and SR operations, improving scheduling flexibility. For example, the interference power threshold corresponding to SR operations is lowered to -78dBm. The interference power threshold corresponding to NPCA operations remains unchanged. The AP is adjusted in the following ways:

[0308] Information on OBSS with moderate interference (-78dBm≤RSSI<-65dBm) is added to the third BSS information.

[0309] Optionally, the OBSS interference information includes OBSS interference power; the access point determines at least one of the first BSS information, the second BSS information, and the third BSS information based on the OBSS interference information reported by the site, including at least one of the following:

[0310] The access point determines the first OBSS, wherein the first OBSS is an OBSS whose interference power reported by more than a preset proportion of stations is less than the first interference power threshold, and the information of the first OBSS is added to the first BSS information.

[0311] The access point determines a second OBSS, wherein the second OBSS is an OBSS whose interference power reported by sites exceeding a preset proportion is greater than or equal to a second interference power threshold, and the information of the second OBSS is added to the second BSS information; or...

[0312] The access point determines the third OBSS, wherein the third OBSS is an OBSS reported by a site exceeding a preset proportion whose interference power is greater than or equal to the first interference power threshold and less than the second interference power threshold, and the information of the third OBSS is added to the third BSS information;

[0313] In this embodiment, the site reports OBSS interference information to the access point, including OBSS interference power. A first interference power threshold and a second interference power threshold are preset. The first interference power threshold is lower than the second interference power threshold. It is understood that the first and second interference power thresholds can be adjusted based on the actual BSS density. In different BSS density scenarios, selecting a more suitable first and second interference power threshold provides a more accurate selection guidance mechanism for NPCA and SR operations.

[0314] In this embodiment, the access point receives OBSS interference information reported by multiple sites. OBSSs reported by sites exceeding a preset proportion with interference power less than a first interference power threshold are identified as first OBSSs supporting SR operation, and their information is added to the first BSS information. OBSSs reported by sites exceeding a preset proportion with interference power greater than or equal to a second interference power threshold are identified as second OBSSs supporting NPCA operation, and their information is added to the second BSS information. OBSSs reported by sites exceeding a preset proportion with interference power greater than or equal to the first interference power threshold and less than the second interference power threshold are identified as third OBSSs supporting both SR and NPCA operations, and their information is added to the third BSS information.

[0315] In the above embodiments, a dynamic adjustment mechanism for NPCA BSS information and first BSS information is constructed. By dynamically adjusting the two operation ranges corresponding to the third OBSS information according to the BSS density, conflicts are reduced in high-density scenarios and spectrum utilization is improved in low-density scenarios. This not only reduces the cost of protocol modification but also enhances the practicality of the solution.

[0316] Figure 13 This is the third flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 13 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0317] Step 1310: The station receives a first frame from the access point, the first frame being used to indicate the non-primary channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information;

[0318] Step 1320: Upon receiving the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), the station parses the OBSS PPDU to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0319] Step 1330: The site enables SR operation or NPCA operation to communicate based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information.

[0320] It should be noted that the station receives the first frame from the access point, which is used to indicate the NPCA BSS information. For an understanding of the first frame, the NPCA BSS information, and steps 1310 to 1330, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the aforementioned access point-side communication method embodiments, and the same technical effects can be achieved, so they will not be repeated here.

[0321] Optionally, the NPCA BSS information includes one of the following:

[0322] Second BSS information supporting NPCA operations;

[0323] The second BSS information supports NPCA operations, and the third BSS information supports both NPCA and SR operations.

[0324] Optionally, when the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, the station selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, including:

[0325] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0326] Optionally, when the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the station selects to enable SR or NPCA operations for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, including at least one of the following:

[0327] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0328] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0329] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the station performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel; or,

[0330] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation and SR operation, and when at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met, the station accordingly selects to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

[0331] Optionally, the site selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, including:

[0332] The station selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information and the first BSS information;

[0333] The first BSS information includes information about at least one OBSS that supports SR operation.

[0334] Optionally, when the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, the station selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information, and the first BSS information, including at least one of the following:

[0335] When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, and the station supports NPCA operation and SR operation, the station shall, in accordance with at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition, select to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

[0336] If the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, and the station supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0337] When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, the station supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the station performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel.

[0338] If the target BSS information is only located in the first BSS information, the station supports SR operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the station performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel; or,

[0339] If the target BSS information is only located in the second BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0340] Optionally, when the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the station selects to enable SR or NPCA operations for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information, and the first BSS information, including at least one of the following:

[0341] When the target BSS information is located in the first BSS information, the station supports SR operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the station performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel.

[0342] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0343] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, and the station supports NPCA operation and SR operation, the station will correspondingly select to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication if at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met.

[0344] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the station switches to the NPCA primary channel for communication; or...

[0345] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing conditions are met, the station performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel.

[0346] Optionally, the first frame includes an NPA BSS information field, which is used to indicate the NPA BSS information;

[0347] When the NPCA BSS information is the second BSS information supporting NPCA operations, the NPCABSS information field includes the NPCA OBSS bitmap information field; or,

[0348] When the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the NPCA BSS information fields include an NPCA OBSS bitmap information field, as well as NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields.

[0349] Optionally, the NPCA OBSS bitmap information field includes at least one of the following:

[0350] The first BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA operations;

[0351] The first part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the portion of BSSIDs that support NPCA operations; or...

[0352] The second BSS information supporting NPCA operation includes at least one of the BSS color supporting NPCA operation and the partial BSSID supporting NPCA operation.

[0353] Optionally, the NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields include at least one of the following:

[0354] The second BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA and SR operations;

[0355] The second part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the portion of the BSSID that supports NPCA and SR operations; or...

[0356] The third BSS information supporting NPCA and SR operations includes at least one of the following: the BSS color supporting NPCA and SR operations, and a portion of the BSS ID supporting NPCA and SR operations.

[0357] Optionally, the first frame includes an NPCA operation field, which includes the NPCA BSS information field and the NPCA BSS information presence field. The NPCA BSS presence field is used to indicate whether the NPCA BSS information field exists.

[0358] Optionally, the first frame includes one of the following:

[0359] beacon frame;

[0360] Detection response frame;

[0361] Associated response frames or reassociated response frames;

[0362] Ultra-high reliability operating mode and parameters UHR OMP response frame.

[0363] The executing entity of this application embodiment is a site device. The behavior of the site device corresponds to the behavior of the access point device mentioned above. For an understanding of the embodiment of this application, please refer to the relevant description of the communication method embodiment on the access point device side, which can achieve the same technical effect, and will not be repeated here.

[0364] The communication method provided in this application can be executed by a communication device. This application uses a communication device to perform the communication method as an example to illustrate the communication device provided in this application.

[0365] This application provides a communication device. As an example, the communication device may be a communication equipment or a component within a communication equipment, such as a chip. The communication equipment may be an access point, a station, etc. Exemplarily, the access point may include, but is not limited to, the type of access point 110 listed above, and the station may include, but is not limited to, the type of station 120 listed above. This application does not impose specific limitations.

[0366] The communication device includes a receiving module, a transmitting module, and a processing module. These modules can be implemented in software or hardware. When implemented in hardware, the processing module can be implemented by a processor. For example, the processor can include general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, etc., such as central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), artificial intelligence (AI) processors, graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), network processors (NPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, gate circuits, transistors, discrete hardware components, etc. The receiving and transmitting modules can be implemented by a communication interface, which can include one or more of the following: transceivers, pins, circuits, buses, radio frequency units, etc.

[0367] Figure 14This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. For details, see [link to specific diagram]. Figure 14 When the communication device is an access point or a component within an access point, the communication device 1400 includes:

[0368] The first transceiver module 1410 is used to send a first frame to the station, the first frame being used to indicate non-main channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information.

[0369] The first processing module 1420 is used to parse the OBSS PPDU upon receiving the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0370] The first processing module is further configured to select whether to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information.

[0371] Optionally, the NPCA BSS information includes one of the following:

[0372] Second BSS information supporting NPCA operations;

[0373] The second BSS information supports NPCA operations, and the third BSS information supports both NPCA and SR operations.

[0374] Optionally, if the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information that supports NPCA operation, the first processing module is further configured to switch to the NPCA main channel for communication when the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA switching conditions are met.

[0375] Optionally, if the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the first processing module is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0376] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, then the communication is switched to the NPCA main channel.

[0377] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, then the communication is switched to the NPCA main channel.

[0378] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, then spatial multiplexing transmission is performed on the main channel; or,

[0379] The target BSS information is located in the third BSS information. The access point supports NPCA operation and SR operation, and if at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met, it will correspondingly select to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

[0380] Optionally, the first processing module 1420 is further configured to select whether to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information and the first BSS information;

[0381] The first BSS information includes information about at least one OBSS that supports SR operation.

[0382] Optionally, if the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, the first processing module 1420 is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0383] When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, and the access point supports both NPCA operation and SR operation, and at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met, one of the NPCA operation and SR operation is selected to be enabled for communication accordingly.

[0384] If the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, and the access point supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0385] When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, the access point supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, spatial multiplexing transmission is performed on the main channel.

[0386] If the target BSS information is only located in the first BSS information, the access point supports SR operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, then spatial multiplexing transmission is performed on the main channel; or,

[0387] If the target BSS information is only located in the second BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA switching conditions are met, then the communication is switched to the NPCA main channel.

[0388] Optionally, if the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the first processing module 1420 is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0389] When the target BSS information is located in the first BSS information, the access point supports SR operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, spatial multiplexing transmission is performed on the main channel.

[0390] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, then the communication is switched to the NPCA main channel.

[0391] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, and the access point supports NPCA operation and SR operation, and satisfies at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition, then one of the NPCA operation and SR operation shall be selected to enable communication accordingly.

[0392] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, then the communication is switched to the NPCA primary channel; or...

[0393] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing conditions are met, spatial multiplexing transmission is performed on the main channel.

[0394] Optionally, the first frame includes an NPA BSS information field, which is used to indicate the NPA BSS information;

[0395] When the NPCA BSS information is the second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, the NPCABSS information field includes the NPCA OBSS bitmap information field;

[0396] When the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the NPCA BSS information fields include an NPCA OBSS bitmap information field, as well as NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields.

[0397] Optionally, the NPCA OBSS bitmap information field includes at least one of the following:

[0398] The first BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA operations;

[0399] The first part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the portion of BSSIDs that support NPCA operations; or...

[0400] The second BSS information supporting NPCA operation includes at least one of the BSS color supporting NPCA operation and the partial BSSID supporting NPCA operation.

[0401] Optionally, the NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields include at least one of the following:

[0402] The second BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA and SR operations;

[0403] The second part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the portion of the BSSID that supports NPCA and SR operations; or...

[0404] The third BSS information supporting NPCA and SR operations includes at least one of the following: the BSS color supporting NPCA and SR operations, and a portion of the BSS ID supporting NPCA and SR operations.

[0405] Optionally, the first frame includes an NPCA operation field, which includes the NPCA BSS information field and the NPCA BSS information presence field. The NPCA BSS presence field is used to indicate whether the NPCA BSS information field exists.

[0406] Optionally, the first transceiver module 1410 is also used to receive OBSS interference information reported by at least one station;

[0407] The first processing module 1420 is further configured to determine at least one of the first BSS information, the second BSS information, and the third BSS information based on the OBSS interference information.

[0408] Optionally, the OBSS interference information includes OBSS interference power; the first processing module 1420 is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0409] Determine the first OBSS, wherein the first OBSS is the OBSS reported by stations exceeding a preset proportion whose interference power is less than a first interference power threshold, and add the information of the first OBSS to the first BSS information;

[0410] A second OBSS is identified, wherein the second OBSS is an OBSS whose reported interference power is greater than or equal to a second interference power threshold from stations exceeding a preset proportion; the information of the second OBSS is added to the second BSS information; or...

[0411] A third OBSS is determined, wherein the third OBSS is an OBSS whose interference power reported by stations exceeding a preset proportion is greater than or equal to the first interference power threshold and less than the second interference power threshold, and the information of the third OBSS is added to the third BSS information;

[0412] Wherein, the first interference power threshold is smaller than the second interference power threshold.

[0413] Optionally, the first frame includes one of the following:

[0414] beacon frame;

[0415] Detection response frame;

[0416] Associated response frames or reassociated response frames;

[0417] Ultra-high reliability operating mode and parameters UHR OMP response frame.

[0418] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The various processes implemented in the communication method embodiment achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0419] Figure 15 This is a second schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. For details, see [link to specific diagram]. Figure 15 When the communication device is a site or a component within a site, the communication device 1500 includes:

[0420] The second transceiver module 1510 is used to receive a first frame from the access point, the first frame being used to indicate the non-main channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information.

[0421] The second processing module 1520 is used to parse the OBSS PPDU when it receives the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0422] The second processing module 1520 is further configured to select whether to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information.

[0423] Optionally, the NPCA BSS information includes one of the following:

[0424] Second BSS information supporting NPCA operations;

[0425] The second BSS information supports NPCA operations, and the third BSS information supports both NPCA and SR operations.

[0426] Optionally, if the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information that supports NPCA operation, the second processing module 1520 is further configured to switch to the NPCA main channel for communication when the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the site supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA switching conditions are met.

[0427] Optionally, if the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the second processing module 1520 is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0428] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the site supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, then the site switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0429] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, then the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0430] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing conditions are met, then spatial multiplexing transmission is performed on the main channel; or,

[0431] The target BSS information is located in the third BSS information. The station supports NPCA operation and SR operation, and if at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met, it will correspondingly select to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

[0432] Optionally, the second processing module 1520 is further configured to select whether to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information and the first BSS information;

[0433] The first BSS information includes information about at least one OBSS that supports SR operation.

[0434] Optionally, if the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, the second processing module 1520 is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0435] When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation and SR operation, and when at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met, it accordingly selects to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

[0436] If the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, and the station supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, then the station switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0437] When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, the station supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, spatial multiplexing transmission is performed on the main channel.

[0438] If the target BSS information is only located in the first BSS information, the station supports SR operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing conditions are met, then spatial multiplexing transmission is performed on the main channel; or,

[0439] If the target BSS information is only located in the second BSS information, the site supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA switching conditions are met, then the communication is switched to the NPCA main channel.

[0440] Optionally, if the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the second processing module 1520 is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0441] When the target BSS information is located in the first BSS information, the station supports SR operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing conditions are met, spatial multiplexing transmission is performed on the main channel.

[0442] If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the site supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, then the site switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0443] The target BSS information is located in the third BSS information. The station supports NPCA operation and SR operation, and if at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met, it will correspondingly select to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

[0444] If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, then the station switches to the NPCA primary channel for communication; or...

[0445] When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the station supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing conditions are met, spatial multiplexing transmission is performed on the main channel.

[0446] Optionally, the first frame includes an NPA BSS information field, which is used to indicate the NPA BSS information;

[0447] When the NPCA BSS information is the second BSS information supporting NPCA operations, the NPCABSS information field includes the NPCA OBSS bitmap information field; or,

[0448] When the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the NPCA BSS information fields include an NPCA OBSS bitmap information field, as well as NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields.

[0449] Optionally, the NPCA OBSS bitmap information field includes at least one of the following:

[0450] The first BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA operations;

[0451] The first part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the portion of BSSIDs that support NPCA operations; or...

[0452] The second BSS information supporting NPCA operation includes at least one of the BSS color supporting NPCA operation and the partial BSSID supporting NPCA operation.

[0453] Optionally, the NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields include at least one of the following:

[0454] The second BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA and SR operations;

[0455] The second part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the portion of the BSSID that supports NPCA and SR operations; or...

[0456] The third BSS information supporting NPCA and SR operations includes at least one of the following: the BSS color supporting NPCA and SR operations, and a portion of the BSS ID supporting NPCA and SR operations.

[0457] Optionally, the first frame includes an NPCA operation field, which includes the NPCA BSS information field and the NPCA BSS information presence field. The NPCA BSS presence field is used to indicate whether the NPCA BSS information field exists.

[0458] Optionally, the first frame includes one of the following:

[0459] beacon frame;

[0460] Detection response frame;

[0461] Associated response frames or reassociated response frames;

[0462] Ultra-high reliability operating mode and parameters UHR OMP response frame.

[0463] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The various processes implemented in the communication method embodiment achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0464] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 16As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a communication device 1600, including a processor 1601 and a memory 1602. The memory 1602 stores a program or instructions that can run on the processor 1601. For example, when the communication device 1600 is an access point, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1601 implement the various steps of the above-described communication method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1600 is a station, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1601 implement the various steps of the above-described communication method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0465] In some embodiments, the communication device 1600 may further include a transceiver, and the processor 1201 may control the transceiver to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0466] The transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver may further include antennas, which may be one or more.

[0467] This application embodiment also provides an access point, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface and the processor are coupled, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps in the above-described access point-side method embodiment. This access point embodiment corresponds to the above-described access point-side method embodiment; all implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this access point embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. The access point can be... Figure 14 The communication device shown.

[0468] This application embodiment also provides a site, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps in the above-described site-side method embodiments. This site embodiment corresponds to the above-described site-side method embodiments; all implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this site embodiment and achieve the same technical effects. The site can be... Figure 15 The communication device shown.

[0469] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described communication method embodiments and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0470] The processor mentioned above refers to the processor in the access point or the processor in the site described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transient readable storage medium.

[0471] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-described communication method embodiments and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0472] 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.

[0473] This application also provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium and executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-described communication method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0474] This application also provides a wireless communication system, including: an access point and a station, wherein the access point can be used to perform the steps of the communication method described above, and the station can be used to perform the steps of the communication method described above.

[0475] 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. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0476] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of computer software products plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, they can also be implemented by hardware. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.), and the computer software product includes several instructions to cause the terminal or network-side device to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0477] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other implementations under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. All of these implementations are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The access point sends a first frame to the site, which is used to indicate the non-primary channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information. Upon receiving an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), the access point parses the OBSS PPDU to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU. The access point selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The NPCA BSS information includes one of the following: Second BSS information supporting NPCA operations; The second BSS information supports NPCA operations, and the third BSS information supports both NPCA and SR operations.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, the access point selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, including: If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the access point selects to enable SR or NPCA operations for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, including at least one of the following: If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication. If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication. If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel; or, When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation and SR operation, and when at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met, the access point accordingly selects to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The access point selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information, including: The access point selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information and the first BSS information; The first BSS information includes information about at least one OBSS that supports SR operation.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the NPCA BSS information is a second BSS information supporting NPCA operation, the access point selects to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information, and the first BSS information, including at least one of the following: When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, and the access point supports both NPCA and SR operations, the access point, in accordance with at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition, selects to enable one of the NPCA operation and SR operation for communication. If the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, and the access point supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication. When the target BSS information is simultaneously located in the first BSS information and the second BSS information, the access point supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel. If the target BSS information is only located in the first BSS information, the access point supports SR operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel; or, If the target BSS information is only located in the second BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the access point selects to enable SR or NPCA operations for communication based on the target BSS information, the NPCA BSS information, and the first BSS information, including at least one of the following: When the target BSS information is located in the first BSS information, the access point supports SR operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel. If the target BSS information is located in the second BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA main channel for communication. When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, and the access point supports NPCA operation and SR operation, the access point will correspondingly select to enable one of NPCA operation and SR operation for communication if at least one of the main channel space multiplexing condition and NPCA handover condition is met. If the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports NPCA operation but does not support SR operation, and the NPCA handover conditions are met, the access point switches to the NPCA primary channel for communication; or... When the target BSS information is located in the third BSS information, the access point supports SR operation but does not support NPCA operation, and the main channel spatial multiplexing condition is met, the access point performs spatial multiplexing transmission on the main channel.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The first frame includes an NPCA BSS information field, which is used to indicate the NPCA BSS information; When the NPCA BSS information is the second BSS information supporting NPCA operations, the NPCA BSS information fields include NPCA OBSS bitmap information fields; or, When the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the NPCA BSS information fields include an NPCA OBSS bitmap information field, as well as NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The NPCA OBSS bitmap information fields include at least one of the following: The first BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA operations; The first part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the portion of BSSIDs that support NPCA operations; or... The second BSS information supporting NPCA operation includes at least one of the BSS color supporting NPCA operation and the partial BSSID supporting NPCA operation.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields include at least one of the following: The second BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA and SR operations; The second part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the BSSIDs that support NPCA and SR operations. or, The third BSS information supporting NPCA and SR operations includes at least one of the following: the BSS color supporting NPCA and SR operations, and a portion of the BSS ID supporting NPCA and SR operations.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The first frame includes an NPCA operation field, which includes an NPCA BSS information field and an NPCA BSS information presence field. The NPCA BSS presence field is used to indicate whether the NPCA BSS information field exists.

12. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The access point receives OBSS interference information reported by at least one site; The access point determines at least one of the first BSS information, the second BSS information, and the third BSS information based on the OBSS interference information.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The OBSS interference information includes OBSS interference power; the access point determines at least one of the first BSS information, the second BSS information, and the third BSS information based on the OBSS interference information reported by the site, including at least one of the following: The access point determines the first OBSS, wherein the first OBSS is an OBSS whose interference power reported by more than a preset proportion of stations is less than the first interference power threshold, and the information of the first OBSS is added to the first BSS information. The access point determines a second OBSS, wherein the second OBSS is an OBSS whose interference power reported by sites exceeding a preset proportion is greater than or equal to a second interference power threshold, and the information of the second OBSS is added to the second BSS information; or... The access point determines the third OBSS, wherein the third OBSS is an OBSS reported by a site exceeding a preset proportion whose interference power is greater than or equal to the first interference power threshold and less than the second interference power threshold, and the information of the third OBSS is added to the third BSS information; Wherein, the first interference power threshold is smaller than the second interference power threshold.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The first frame includes one of the following: beacon frame; Detection response frame; Associated response frames or reassociated response frames; Ultra-high reliability operating mode and parameters UHR OMP response frame.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The station receives a first frame from the access point, which is used to indicate non-primary channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information. Upon receiving the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), the station parses the OBSS PPDU to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU. The site communicates by enabling SR operation or NPCA operation based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The NPCA BSS information includes one of the following: Second BSS information supporting NPCA operations; The second BSS information supports NPCA operations, and the third BSS information supports both NPCA and SR operations.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first frame includes an NPCA BSS information field, which is used to indicate the NPCA BSS information; When the NPCA BSS information is the second BSS information supporting NPCA operations, the NPCA BSS information fields include NPCA OBSS bitmap information fields; or, When the NPCA BSS information includes second BSS information supporting NPCA operations and third BSS information supporting both NPCA and SR operations, the NPCA BSS information fields include an NPCA OBSS bitmap information field, as well as NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The NPCA OBSS bitmap information fields include at least one of the following: The first BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA operations; The first part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the portion of BSSIDs that support NPCA operations; or... The second BSS information supporting NPCA operation includes at least one of the BSS color supporting NPCA operation and the partial BSSID supporting NPCA operation.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The NPCA and SR OBSS bitmap information fields include at least one of the following: The second BSS color bitmap field is used to indicate the BSS color that supports NPCA and SR operations; The second part, the BSSID bitmap field, is used to indicate the BSSIDs that support NPCA and SR operations. or, The third BSS information supporting NPCA and SR operations includes at least one of the following: the BSS color supporting NPCA and SR operations, and a portion of the BSS ID supporting NPCA and SR operations.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The first transceiver module is used to send a first frame to the station. The first frame is used to indicate the non-main channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information. The first processing module is used to parse the OBSS PPDU upon receiving the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU. The first processing module is further configured to select whether to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The second transceiver module is used to receive a first frame from the access point, the first frame being used to indicate the non-main channel access NPCA Basic Service Set (BSS) information. The second processing module is used to parse the OBSS PPDU upon receiving the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) to obtain the target BSS information corresponding to the OBSS PPDU. The second processing module is further configured to select whether to enable SR operation or NPCA operation for communication based on the target BSS information and the NPCA BSS information.

22. An access point, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

23. A site, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 15 to 19.

24. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 15 to 19.

Images