Communication methods, apparatuses, and devices

Abstract

The application provides a communication method, device and equipment, the method comprising: a first access point generates a first frame; the first access point sends the first frame to a first station; the first access point determines that the first station switches to a main sub-band or is in a DSO sub-band based on the type of the first frame and first feedback information. The application provides a scheme in which an AP does not need to rely on the explicit reporting of a STA to determine whether the STA has returned to the main sub-band, which is beneficial to improving communication reliability and transmission efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically, to a communication method, apparatus, and device. Background Technology

[0002] In order to improve spectrum utilization and system throughput in wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, the Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mechanism is proposed.

[0003] The DSO mechanism allows an access point (AP) to allocate resource units (RUs) outside the operating bandwidth of a non-access point station (non-AP station) within a transmission opportunity (TXOP).

[0004] In this protocol, the operating bandwidth of a non-AP station corresponds to the main subband, while the equal-width channel located outside the main subband but within the basic service set (BSS) bandwidth is called the DSO subband. The DSO is initiated by the AP. If a non-AP station is assigned a RU within the DSO subband, it must switch to that subband and send an initial control response; subsequent communication takes place on the DSO subband. When a non-AP station fails to receive a signal after frame switching, receives a non-directional frame, or fails to respond in time, it will autonomously switch back to the main subband. Since this switch does not require notification to the AP, and the existing protocol does not specify how the AP determines whether a STA has returned to the main subband, inconsistencies in the states of the two sides may occur, affecting communication reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and device that allows the AP to determine whether the STA has returned to the main subband without relying on explicit reporting from the STA, thereby improving communication reliability.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: a first access point sending a first frame to a first site; the first access point recording the physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) end time of the first frame; and the first access point determining, based on the type of the first frame, the time interval from the PPDU end time, and feedback information from the first site, whether the first site is switching to a main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband.

[0007] Based on the first aspect mentioned above, in its first implementation, the type of the first frame includes: frames that require understanding and confirmation and frames that do not require immediate confirmation.

[0008] Based on the first aspect or its first implementation, in its second implementation, determining whether the first station is switching to the main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information includes: if the type of the first frame is a frame that requires immediate confirmation, and the first feedback information is that no response signal from the first station has been received within a first preset time window since the end of the first frame, then the first station is determined to switch to the main subband.

[0009] Based on the first aspect and any one of its first and second implementations, in its third implementation, determining whether the first station is switching to the main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information includes: if the type of the first frame is a frame that requires immediate confirmation, the first feedback information is a response signal received from the first station within a first preset time window from the end of the first frame, and the MAC layer protocol data unit (MPDU) carried by the response signal does not belong to the expected response frame, then it is determined that the first station is switching to the main subband.

[0010] Based on the first aspect and any one of its first to third implementations, in its fourth implementation, the step of determining whether the first station is switching to a main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information includes: if the type of the first frame is a frame that requires immediate confirmation, the first feedback information is that a response signal from the first station is received within a first preset time window from the end of the first frame, the MAC layer protocol data unit (MPDU) carried by the response signal belongs to an expected response frame, and no next downlink frame is sent to the first station within a second preset time window from the end time of the first station's response frame, then it is determined that the first station is switching to a main subband; wherein, the MPDU is a frame that does not require immediate confirmation.

[0011] Based on any one of the second to fourth implementations of the first aspect, in its fifth implementation, the first preset time window is determined according to the short frame interval time, the time slot time, and the reception physical layer startup delay.

[0012] Based on the first aspect and any one of its first and fourth implementations, in its sixth implementation, the step of determining whether the first station is switching to the main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information includes: if the type of the first frame is a frame that does not require immediate confirmation, and the first feedback information is that no next downlink frame has been sent to the first station within a second preset time window from the end of the first frame, then the first station is determined to switch to the main subband.

[0013] In the seventh implementation of the first aspect, based on the fourth or sixth implementation, the second preset time window is determined according to the short frame interval time, the time slot time, and the reception physical layer startup delay.

[0014] Based on the first aspect and any one of the first to seventh implementations, in the eighth implementation, the method further includes: the first access point receiving the second frame sent by the first station in the DSO subband; if the response signal of the second frame is not successfully sent within a third preset time window from the end time of the second frame, then it is determined that the first station switches to the main subband.

[0015] Based on the eighth implementation of the first aspect, in its ninth implementation, the third preset time window is determined according to the short frame interval time.

[0016] Based on the first aspect and any one of its first to ninth implementations, in its tenth implementation, the method further includes: sending an initial control frame (ICF) to the first station before sending the first frame to the first station; receiving an initial control response (ICR) frame sent by the first station, the ICR frame being used to respond to the DSO operation indication of the first access point; and using the DSO subband of the first station for transmission when sending a downlink frame to the first station for the first time within the current transmission opportunity (TXOP).

[0017] Based on the first aspect and any one of its first to ninth implementations, in its eleventh implementation, the method further includes: if it is determined that the first station is switching to the main subband, then sending the next downlink frame in the main subband; or, if it is determined that the first station is in the DSO subband, then sending the next downlink frame in the DSO subband.

[0018] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: a first station receiving a first frame sent by a first access point; wherein the first access point determines, based on the type of the first frame and first feedback information, whether the first station is switching to a main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband.

[0019] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, configured in an access point device, the device comprising: a processing module for generating a first frame; a transceiver module for sending the first frame to a first station; and the processing module further comprising determining, based on the type of the first frame and first feedback information, whether the first station is switching to a main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband.

[0020] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, configured in a site device, the device comprising: a transceiver module for receiving a first frame sent by a first access point; wherein the first access point determines, based on the type of the first frame and first feedback information, whether the first site is switching to a main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband.

[0021] Fifthly, an access point device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the methods described in the first aspect or its various implementations.

[0022] In a sixth aspect, a site device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to invoke and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method provided in the second aspect above.

[0023] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided for implementing the methods of the first aspect or the second aspect or their respective implementations described above. Specifically, the chip includes: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a device equipped with the chip to perform the methods of the first aspect or the second aspect or their respective implementations described above.

[0024] Eighthly, a readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program that causes a computer to perform the methods described in the first or second aspect or their implementations.

[0025] A ninth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the methods described in the first aspect or the second aspect or their implementations.

[0026] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, including an access point device and a terminal device, wherein the access point device is configured to perform the method of the first aspect or its implementations described above, and the terminal device is configured to perform the method of the second aspect or its implementations described above.

[0027] In the technical solution provided in this application, the access point device dynamically determines the subband where the station is located by analyzing the type of the downlink frame sent, the time interval from the end time of the downlink frame PPDU, and the station feedback information. This enables effective judgment on whether the station is attempting to switch back to the main subband. Therefore, this application can solve the problem of inconsistent frequency band status caused by the AP's inability to detect autonomous station switching in the DSO mechanism, and it does not require explicit reporting of the DSO status by the STA, thus improving communication reliability and spectrum utilization efficiency in DSO scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A flowchart of a DSO mechanism provided by related technologies is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a comparison of spectrum resource utilization with and without the DSO mechanism.

[0032] Figure 4 One of the information interaction diagrams of a communication method applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 One of the schematic diagrams illustrating an interaction between an AP and a STA applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a second schematic diagram illustrating an interaction between an AP and a STA applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0035] Figure 7 The third illustration shows an AP interacting with a STA, applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 8The fourth illustration shows an AP interacting with a STA, applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 9 The second schematic diagram illustrates an information interaction method applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 10 The fourth illustration shows an AP interacting with a STA, applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0039] Figure 11 One of the schematic block diagrams of a communication device applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0040] Figure 12 A second schematic block diagram of a communication device applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0041] Figure 13 A schematic block diagram of a communication device applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0042] Figure 14 A schematic block diagram of a chip applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0043] Figure 15 A schematic block diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort regarding the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second," etc., used herein are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order.

[0046] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, "at least one item" refers to one item or more items, "more items" refers to two items or more, and "at least two items" refers to two items or more. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions can refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one item of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0047] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "and / or" indicates that the connected objects can have three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three scenarios: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" relationship.

[0048] It should be understood that the "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction or an indirect instruction. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, such as B being obtainable through A; or it can mean that A indirectly instructs B, such as A instructing C, where B is obtainable through C, for example, B and C are related.

[0049] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, such as the Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) protocol. This WiFi protocol may include, but is not limited to, the 802.11 series protocols, such as 802.11a, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11be, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11bn, or next-generation protocols. The method provided in this application can be implemented by a communication device in a wireless communication system or by a chip or processor within that device. Accordingly, the communication device supports 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.

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a communication system 100 applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. The communication system 100 may include an access point device 110 and a site device 120. The site device 120 can access the network through the access point device 110.

[0051] Access points can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11a, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11be, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11bn, or next-generation protocols.

[0052] The site can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11a, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11be, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11bn, or next-generation protocols.

[0053] The communication in the communication system 100 can be communication between access points and stations, or communication between stations, or communication between access points.

[0054] An access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet.

[0055] A station (STA) includes access point stations (AP STA) and non-access point stations (non-AP stations). For simplicity, access point stations are usually referred to as access points (AP), and non-access point stations as stations (STA). Station equipment is also called a station, a non-access point station (Non-AP STA), or a non-access point node.

[0056] In some scenarios, access points and sites can be devices used in vehicle networking, IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0057] In some scenarios, the access point can be a terminal device with a WiFi chip (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router).

[0058] In this application 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 it can be a chip, processing system, or functional module installed in a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can implement the methods and functions of this application embodiment under the control of the chips, processing systems, or functional modules. The AP in this application embodiment is a device that provides 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.

[0059] In the embodiments of this application, the site may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless device in industrial control, set-top box, wireless device in self-driving, vehicle communication device, wireless device in remote medical care, wireless device in smart grid, wireless device in transportation safety, wireless device in smart city or smart home, wireless device, wireless communication chip, etc. that support WLAN or WiFi technology.

[0060] It should be understood that Figure 1 Only one access point and two sites are shown in the example. Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple access points or other numbers of sites. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0061] Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include other devices, such as network controllers, gateways, and other network entities, which are not limited in this application.

[0062] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the related technologies are described.

[0063] In WLAN systems, there are significant differences in bandwidth capabilities between access points (APs) and non-AP STAs. For example, an AP might support 320MHz of bandwidth, while some non-AP STAs only support 80MHz. In this case, if the bandwidth capabilities of all target STAs are less than those of the AP, some of the AP's frequency domain resources will not be effectively utilized, thus affecting the overall throughput.

[0064] IEEE 802.11bn draft D0.3 defines a DSO mechanism to address the aforementioned issues. This mechanism allows an AP to allocate RUs (Resource Runtimes) beyond its operating bandwidth to a non-AP STA with DSO capability during a TXOP (Turn-Turn-Operate) period, thereby fully utilizing the BSS (Band-Side Grid) bandwidth. Specifically, when the operating bandwidth of a non-AP STA with DSO capability is narrower than that of a DSO AP, the STA can dynamically allocate frequency resources beyond its current operating bandwidth within the AP's BSS bandwidth, granularly at each TXOP, thus optimizing the utilization of BSS frequency domain resources.

[0065] The roles and their definitions in the DSO mechanism are as follows.

[0066] DSO AP: Responsible for initiating and managing DSO operations; DSO non-AP STA: A STA that can participate in DSO operation. DSO AP and DSO non-AP STAs can use the DSO subband of this STA to exchange frames. non-AP STA: STAs that do not participate in DSO operations. DSO APs and non-AP STAs use the main subband of this STA for frame exchange.

[0067] in, Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a DSO mechanism provided by related technologies is shown. The following is combined with... Figure 2 This section introduces the process of the DSO mechanism. (Reference) Figure 2 STA1 and STA2 have the same main subband, for example, both are P80. Among them, STA2 is a site that supports DSO; STA1 can be a site that supports DSO or a site that does not support DSO, and this application does not limit this.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the total bandwidth corresponding to the current BSS is 160MHz. The DSP AP and STA1 exchange data in the main subband, and the DSP AP and STA2 exchange data in their DSO subband (such as S80).

[0069] The DSO AP transmits an initial control frame (ICF) to initiate the DSO procedure, instructing the DSO non-AP STA to allocate resources. (See reference...) Figure 2 The DSO AP initiates the DSO process by sending a Beamforming Status Report Polling Trigger frame (BSRP) as an ICF frame. The BSRP frame structure may also include padding bits to meet physical layer transmission format or duration requirements.

[0070] After receiving an ICF frame, if the assigned RU is located within its DSO subband, the DSO non-APSTA will switch to that subband and send an initial control response (ICR) frame on the designated RU. For example... Figure 2 As shown, STA1 and STA2 send Buffer Status Reports (BSRs) as ICR frames. (Reference) Figure 2If STA2 is a DSO non-AP STA, then STA2 is instructed by BSRP to transmit on S80, and thus it switches to the instructed S80 for data transmission. If STA1 is a non-AP STA, then STA1 transmits data on P80 according to BSRP instructions. That is, STA1 sends a BSR response on the P80 uplink (UL), and STA2 sends a BSR response on the S80 UL.

[0071] After the ICF / / ICR exchange is completed, communication based on the DSO subband will proceed. Specifically, subsequent frame switching will occur on the DSO subband until the DSO non-AP STA switches back to the main subband. (See reference...) Figure 2 If STA2's primary subband is P80 and its DSO subband is S80, then STA2 receives downlink (DL) transmissions from the AP on its DSO subband (S80) and sends uplink ACK acknowledgments on S80, completing frame exchange. For example, the AP and STA2 can exchange multiple Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) separated by Short Interframe Spaces (SIFS) on the DSO subband.

[0072] Among them, DSO non-AP STA switches back from DSO subband to main subband under the following conditions: Case 1. No new signal was received within the timeout period.

[0073] Within the timeout interval after the frame exchange ends (aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + 20 microseconds), such as Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, if the PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive is not received, the STA will automatically switch back to the main sub-band.

[0074] refer to Figure 2 After STA2 sends the uplink ACK, STA2 continues to wait on S80 for an additional timeout interval Δt1, where Δt1 represents the duration of aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + 20 microseconds. When no frame is sent to STA2 within the timeout of Δt1, STA2 will initiate a handover back to its main subband. For example, at the end of the DSO handover delay (Δt2), STA2 has restored its radio frequency to its main subband.

[0075] Scenario 2. Receive a signal that is not directed at itself.

[0076] If a new signal is received within the timeout interval, but RA or AID does not match its own, STA should also switch back to the main sub-band.

[0077] Case 3. Frame exchange not completed.

[0078] If the STA fails to respond to the most recently received DSO AP frame within the SIFS interval, it must also switch back to the main subband.

[0079] in, Figure 3 This diagram illustrates a comparison of spectrum resource utilization with and without the DSO mechanism. (Reference) Figure 3 Without the DSO mechanism (Normal case), since both STA1 and STA2 only support 80MHz bandwidth, the AP's remaining bandwidth resources will be unutilized when transmitting data to them. However, with the DSO mechanism (Dual Spectrum Optimization), the AP can allocate additional frequency resources to STA2, achieving more efficient spectrum utilization. This means that without affecting STA1's communication, STA2 can utilize previously idle frequency bands for data transmission, thereby improving the overall network throughput and spectrum efficiency.

[0080] It is evident that the DSO mechanism, by dynamically allocating frequency domain resources, can effectively solve the problem of spectrum resource waste caused by differences in STA bandwidth capabilities, and significantly improve the overall performance of the WLAN system.

[0081] However, the existing DSO mechanism has the following problem: Since the switching back to the main subband by a DSO non-AP STA does not require signaling notification to the DSO AP, the DSO AP needs to determine whether the DSO non-AP STA still belongs to the DSO subband or has switched to the main subband before sending, thus avoiding inconsistencies in the subband states at both ends. The current protocol does not provide specific descriptions of the relevant decision conditions.

[0082] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and device that enables an AP to determine whether a STA has returned to the main subband without relying on explicit reporting from the STA. Specifically, in this application embodiment, the DSO AP can dynamically determine the subband where the DSO non-AP is located by analyzing the type of the transmitted downlink frame, the time interval from the end time of the downlink frame PPDU, and the STA feedback information.

[0083] The technical solutions of this application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above-mentioned related technologies are optional solutions and can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application in any way, all of which fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0084] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating information interaction of a communication method P100 applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown. (Reference) Figure 4 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following: In S110, the first access point generates the first frame.

[0085] The first access point refers to the access point responsible for initiating and managing DSO operations, i.e., the DSO AP.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the type of the first frame mentioned above includes acknowledgment (ACK) that requires immediate confirmation and ACK that does not require immediate confirmation.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first frame described above is a frame that requires immediate confirmation, such as a Quality of Service (QoS) data frame.

[0088] In other embodiments, the first frame mentioned above may be a frame that does not require immediate acknowledgment, such as a block acknowledgment (BA) frame.

[0089] In S120, the first access point sends the first frame to the first station.

[0090] The first site refers to a STA capable of participating in DSO operations, i.e., a DSO non-AP STA. In this embodiment, the first site is a DSO non-AP STA associated with the first access point.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the first access point (DSO AP) transmits the first frame on the DSO subband of the first site (DSO non-AP STA). See exemplary reference... Figure 2 If STA2 is the first station mentioned above, in one implementation of S110, the DSO AP transmits the first frame mentioned above on the DSO subband of STA2.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the first frame mentioned above is any frame sent by the first access point on the DSO subband of the first site. Specifically, for the i-th (i≥2) frame exchange process performed after the completion of ICF / ICR exchange, the first access point determines whether the current (i-th) frame exchange should be conducted in the DSO subband based on the downlink frame in the previous (i-1) frame exchange process and the feedback from the first site on that frame.

[0093] For the first frame exchange after an ICF / ICR exchange, in some embodiments, the AP determines whether the current (first) frame exchange should be conducted in the DSO subband based on the previously transmitted frame (ICF) and its subsequent feedback. This method ensures that each frame exchange occurs in the optimal frequency band, thereby guaranteeing communication efficiency and stability, while also enabling the receiver to respond promptly and maintain synchronization.

[0094] For the first frame exchange after ICF / ICR exchange, in some embodiments, the AP can establish initial trust based on the ICF / ICR negotiation result, and therefore can directly transmit in the DSO subband. This eliminates the need to rely on "the previously transmitted frame and its subsequent feedback" for judgment, thus ensuring a rapid start to the first data transmission and allowing the receiving end to quickly enter operational status.

[0095] In S130, the first access point determines, based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information, whether the first station is switching to the main subband or is in the DSO subband.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first feedback information includes whether a response from the first station to the first frame has been received within a preset time window after the transmission of the downlink frame (such as the first frame). In other embodiments, the first feedback information may further include information on whether the first access point has transmitted the next downlink frame within a preset time window after receiving the uplink frame (such as the response frame to the first frame) sent by the first station.

[0097] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the first access point determines whether the first station is currently in the DSO subband or has attempted to switch from its DSO subband to its main subband based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information. Then, the first access point interacts with the first station on the corresponding subband based on the determination result. Specifically, if it is determined that the first station is switching to the main subband, the first access point sends the next downlink frame in its main subband; if it is determined that the first station is in the DSO subband, the first access point sends the next downlink frame in that DSO subband. This scheduling strategy enables accurate link matching for downlink communication, effectively avoiding frame loss and retransmission caused by subband mismatch, and is beneficial for improving air interface resource utilization and overall system throughput.

[0098] The following will be combined with Figures 5-8 This section introduces different implementations of S130. Among them, Figures 5-8 In the diagram, STA1 and STA2 are associated with the first access point and share the same main and subband, for example, both are P80. The first access point interacts with STA1 in the main and subband, and with STA2 in its DSO subband (e.g., S80). STA2 can be considered as the first site to be determined.

[0099] The following combination Figure 5 The first implementation of S130 is introduced.

[0100] In this embodiment, S130 can be: In S130-1, if the type of the first frame is a frame that requires immediate confirmation, and the first feedback information is that no response signal from the first station has been received within the first preset time window since the end of the first frame, then it is determined that the first station is switching to the main sub-band.

[0101] refer to Figure 5 The AP sends the first frame to STA2 on the DSO subband of STA2, and the type of the first frame is a frame that requires immediate acknowledgment.

[0102] Since timing mechanisms in wireless communication (such as SIFS, frame response timing, etc.) are based on the start and end times of the PPDU, the receiver (such as the first station) needs to wait for the SIFS time after the PPDU ends before initiating a response. Therefore, in this embodiment, the start time of the timer can be determined based on the end time of the first frame PPDU. Specifically, the end time of the first frame PPDU is used as the starting point of the first preset time window in this embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the first access point records the time point at which the PPDU transmission of the first frame ends, denoted as T_end. The first access point, as the sender of the first frame, can accurately calculate the duration of the PPDU based on its physical layer configuration parameters (such as bandwidth, modulation and coding scheme, frame length, preamble type, etc.), and accurately determine T_end using a timer in the baseband module or the PHY-TXEND.confirm primitive in the physical layer.

[0103] In this embodiment, the first access point initiates a listening window (i.e., a first preset time window T1) based on T_end. Within the first preset time window T1, the first access point continuously listens to the DSO subband of STA2 at the physical layer to determine whether STA2 has sent a response signal (such as a BA frame) on the DSO subband. For example, the first access point can use the PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive to detect whether a new PPDU has started to be received.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first preset time window T1 is determined based on the short inter-frame interval SIFSTime, the slot time SlotTime, and the receive physical layer start delay. For example, the duration of the first preset time window T1 can be expressed as: aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + 20us, where 20us originates from the duration of aRxPHYStartDelay. That is, the first preset time window T1 can be expressed as [T_end, T_end+aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + 20us].

[0105] It should be noted that the duration of the first preset time window in the embodiments of this application can also be determined according to other influencing factors, such as the first preset time window being a smaller time window, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0106] If, within the first preset time window T1, the AP does not detect a response signal on any subband, i.e., the PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive is not triggered, then... Figure 5 If no response is detected on either of the two subbands shown, it can be concluded that the first site is not responding in the DSO subband. In the embodiments of this application, under the above circumstances, the first access point (AP) can infer that the first site (such as STA2) may be switching to the main subband, such as attempting to switch back to the main subband or having already switched back to the main subband.

[0107] like Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, after the first access point (AP) sends a first frame requiring immediate acknowledgment to the first station, if the first station does not respond to the first frame within a first preset time window, it can be inferred that the first station (e.g., Figure 5 The method involves the STA2 switching to the main subband, such as when it is attempting to switch to the main subband or has already switched back to the main subband. This method complies with the timing requirements of existing protocols for the DSO mechanism and can effectively cope with complex scenarios in dynamic spectrum operations. It enables the first access point (AP) to dynamically perceive the subband status of the STA based on the downlink frame type and uplink feedback, even without the STA explicitly reporting the DSO status. This can significantly improve communication reliability and resource scheduling efficiency in DSO scenarios.

[0108] In other embodiments, if the AP detects a response signal on the DSO subband of STA2 within the first preset time window T1, thus triggering the PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive, the first access point can also base its response on the following: Figure 6 or Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment is used to determine whether STA2 is still in the DSO subband.

[0109] The following combination Figure 6 The second implementation of S130 is introduced.

[0110] In this embodiment, S130 can be: S130-2: If the type of the first frame is a frame that requires immediate confirmation, and the first feedback information is a response signal received from the first station within a first preset time window from the end of the first frame, and the MPDU carried by the response signal does not belong to the expected response frame, then it is determined that the first station switches to the main sub-band.

[0111] The methods for determining the end time T_end of the first frame's PPDU transmission, the duration of the first preset time window T1, and the specific implementation methods for whether the first access point detects a response signal within the first preset time window can all be found in [reference 1]. Figure 5 The corresponding implementation methods will not be described in detail here.

[0112] refer to Figure 6 The AP sends the first frame to STA2 on the DSO subband of STA2, and the type of the first frame is a frame that requires immediate acknowledgment.

[0113] The AP starts its first preset time window T1 at T_end. Within this window, the AP can detect whether a new PPDU has begun receiving data via the PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive. (See reference) Figure 6 If the AP successfully receives the signal within the first preset time window T1, for example, if the PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive is detected at a time interval Δt3 from T_end, where Δt3 ≤ T1.

[0114] If the AP receives a PPDU but the MPDU carried by that PPDU is not the expected response frame, it indicates that STA2 did not respond as expected on the DSO subband. In the embodiments of this application, if the above description is met, the first access point can infer that STA2 may have attempted to switch to the main subband or has switched back to the main subband.

[0115] like Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, after the first access point (AP) sends a first frame requiring immediate acknowledgment to the first site, it monitors the first site's response to the first frame within a first preset time window. If the MPDU carried by the PPDU does not belong to the expected response frame, it can be inferred that the first site (e.g., Figure 6The STA2 (in the middle) switches to or has switched back to the main subband. This method complies with the timing requirements of existing protocols for the DSO mechanism, and can maximize compatibility with existing standards; it can also effectively cope with complex scenarios in dynamic spectrum operations, enabling the first access point (AP) to dynamically sense the subband status of the STA based on the downlink transmission frame type and uplink feedback, even without the STA explicitly reporting the DSO status, which can significantly improve the communication reliability and resource scheduling efficiency in DSO scenarios.

[0116] In other embodiments, if the AP detects a response signal on the DSO subband of STA2 within the first preset time window T1, and the MPDU carried by the PPDU of the response signal belongs to the expected response frame, then the first access point can also base its actions on the following: Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment is used to determine whether STA2 is in the DSO subband.

[0117] Among them, in such Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the first feedback information is information on whether the first access point receives a response to the first frame from the first station within a preset time window after sending the downlink frame, and this is combined with the type of the first frame to determine the subband in which the first station is located. In the following (e.g.) Figure 7 , Figure 8 In this embodiment, the first feedback information is information on whether the first access point sends the next downlink frame within a preset time window starting from the end time of the uplink frame sent by the first site, and the subband in which the first site is located is determined in combination with the first frame type.

[0118] The following combination Figure 7 Introducing the third implementation method of S130.

[0119] In this embodiment, S130 can be: S130-3: If the type of the first frame is a frame that requires immediate confirmation, and the first feedback information is that a response signal from the first station is received within a first preset time window from the end of the first frame, the MPDU carried by the response signal belongs to the expected response frame, and no next downlink frame is sent to the first station within a second preset time window from the end time of the response frame of the first station, then it is determined that the first station is switching to the main subband.

[0120] The methods for determining the end time T_end of the first frame's PPDU transmission, the duration of the first preset time window T1, and the specific implementation methods for whether the first access point detects a response signal within the first preset time window can all be found in [reference 1]. Figure 5 The corresponding implementation methods will not be described in detail here.

[0121] refer to Figure 7 The AP sends the first frame to STA2 on the DSO subband of STA2, and the type of the first frame is a frame that requires immediate acknowledgment.

[0122] The AP starts its first preset time window T1 at T_end. Within this window, the AP can detect whether a new PPDU has begun receiving data via the PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive. (See reference) Figure 7 If the AP successfully receives the signal within the first preset time window T1, for example, if the PHY-RXSTART.indication primitive is detected at a time interval Δt3 from T_end, where Δt3 ≤ T1.

[0123] If the MPDU carried by the PPDU received by the AP is the expected response frame (e.g., a BA frame), then STA2 responded as expected on the DSO subband. It should be noted that the response frame sent by the first station is a frame that does not require immediate acknowledgment, such as... Figure 7 The BA frame returned by STA2 is shown in the image.

[0124] In a further embodiment, the AP determines the PPDU end time T_resp_end carrying the MPDU, and starts a timer with T_resp_end as the starting point to monitor whether the next downlink frame is sent to the first station within a second preset time window T2 starting from T_resp_end.

[0125] refer to Figure 7 If, within the second preset time window T2 (ΔT1≥T2) starting from the end time T_resp_end of the PPDU carrying the MPDU, the AP does not send the next downlink frame to the first site STA2, then in this embodiment of the application, the first access point can infer that the first site has switched to or has already switched to its main subband.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, the duration of the second preset time window T2 can be determined based on the short inter-frame interval (SIFSTime), the slot time (SlotTime), and the receive physical layer startup delay. For example, the duration of the second preset time window T2 is consistent with the local handover timeout for DSO non-AP STAs in IEEE 802.11bn draft D0.3, which is expressed as: aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + 20μs, where the 20μs originates from the duration of aRxPHYStartDelay. It should be noted that the duration of the second preset time window in this embodiment can also be determined based on other influencing factors, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0127] Among them, in the IEEE 802.11bn D0.3 draft, the condition for DSO NON-AP STA to switch back to the main subband is: DSO non-AP STA does not receive any new signal within the timeout interval after the end of the frame exchange (i.e., PHY-RXSTART.indication is not triggered). The timeout interval is aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + 20μs from the end of the STA's own response frame PPDU.

[0128] Example reference Figure 7 If the AP sends an immediately acknowledged DL frame to STA2 on the DSO subband, and STA2 successfully responds on the DSO subband (e.g., sending a BA frame or ACK), and within a time window of T_resp_end + aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + 20μs starting from the PPDU response end time T_resp_end, the AP does not send any new frames to STA2 on the DSO subband (i.e., there is no opportunity for PHY-RXSTART), then STA2 will inevitably be unable to detect PHY-RXSTART, thus satisfying draft handover condition 1. Therefore, the AP can reasonably infer that STA2 will automatically switch back to the main subband after this timeout.

[0129] like Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, by reverse-modeling the local handover logic of DSO non-AP STAs, the first access point can dynamically and accurately infer the subband dwell status of a STA based on downlink frame type, response behavior, and timing characteristics, even without explicit STA status reporting. Specifically, the AP utilizes the DSO NON-AP STA handover mechanism defined in the IEEE 802.11bn draft (switching back to the main subband if there is no signal after timeout) to combine its own behavior (whether to schedule the STA in the DSO subband) with the STA's preset time window, achieving implicit awareness of the STA's status. This method is not only highly compatible with existing protocol standards, avoiding the introduction of additional signaling overhead, but also effectively addresses the communication interruption problem caused by STA autonomous handover in DSO scenarios, significantly improving the accuracy of AP resource scheduling and the reliability of communication links.

[0130] The above are as follows Figure 5-7 The embodiment provides that, when the first frame is a frame requiring immediate response, the first access point dynamically determines the implementation mode of the subband in which the station is located based on the feedback information from the first station within the time interval starting from the end time of the first frame PPDU. The following embodiment provides that, when the first frame is a frame not requiring immediate response, the first access point dynamically determines the implementation mode of the subband in which the station is located based on the feedback information from the first station within the time interval starting from the end time of the first frame PPDU.

[0131] The following combination Figure 8 Introducing the fourth implementation method of S130.

[0132] In this embodiment, S130 can be: S130-4: If the type of the first frame is a frame that does not require immediate confirmation, and the first feedback information is that no next downlink frame has been sent to the first station within the second preset time window from the end of the first frame, then it is determined that the first station is switching to the main subband.

[0133] refer to Figure 8 The AP sends a first frame on the DSO subband of STA2 that does not require immediate acknowledgment. Because this frame does not require immediate acknowledgment, STA2 does not immediately send a response signal after receiving this frame.

[0134] Starting from the time T_end when the AP finishes sending the first frame's PPDU, a timer is started. That is, the AP starts the first preset time window T2 at T_end to monitor whether the next downlink frame is sent to the first station within the second preset time window T2 starting from T_end.

[0135] refer to Figure 8 If, within the second preset time window T2 (ΔT2≥T2) starting from the end time T_end of the PPDU transmission of the first frame, the AP does not send a new downlink frame to the first site STA2, then in this embodiment of the application, the first access point can infer that the first site has met the DSO handover condition, that is, the first access point has switched to the main sub-band or has switched back to the main sub-band.

[0136] The duration of the second preset time window T2 can be determined by reference. Figure 7 The corresponding implementation examples will not be described in detail here.

[0137] It should be noted that within the second preset time window T2, starting from the PPDU T_end of the first frame, the AP can send a CTS frame with the RA address equal to the AP's (i.e., CTS2self). In other words, within the second preset time window T2, such as... Figure 8 During the ΔT2 period shown, even if the first access point sends CTS2self, the first access point can still infer that the first site has met the DSO handover condition, that is, the first access point has switched to the main sub-band or has switched back to the main sub-band. In such cases... Figure 8 The reason why CTS-to-self transmission is allowed during the ΔT2 period shown is that this frame is not sent to a DSO NON-AP STA (e.g., Figure 8A frame sent by the AP (STA2) will not trigger the "new signal received" judgment of the DSO NON-AP STA; CTS-to-self is only used for physical layer channel reservation (such as RTS / CTS or CFAck) and does not indicate that the AP is communicating with the STA; therefore, even if the AP sends CTS-to-self during the above period, the first station (such as STA2) will still think that "no new signal has been received" and continue to execute the local handover logic.

[0138] Figure 8 The proposed solution addresses the scenario of "downlink frames that do not require immediate acknowledgment" by proposing a state inference mechanism based on AP transmission behavior and timing modeling. The AP monitors its own scheduling interval for STAs in the DSO subband and, combined with the DSO handover timeout (aSIFSTime + aSlotTime + 20μs) defined in the IEEE 802.11bn draft, achieves dependency-free inference as to whether a STA has switched back to the main subband. This method eliminates the need for STAs to report DSO status and forces response frames, making it suitable for scenarios such as broadcast, multicast, and low-frequency communication where ACK / BA cannot be triggered, significantly expanding the applicability of DSO state awareness.

[0139] The above embodiments (such as) Figures 5-8 This paper describes a specific implementation scheme for a first access point (DSO AP) to dynamically determine the subband of a first site (DSO non-AP STA) based on the type of the first frame it sends to the first site (DSO non-AP STA) and the first feedback information. In some embodiments, the first access point can also dynamically determine whether the first site should switch back to the main subband based on the type of the second frame fed back by the first site in its DSO subband and whether the first access point sends the next downlink frame within a preset time window after receiving the second frame.

[0140] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating information interaction of a communication method P200 applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown. (Reference) Figure 9 The embodiment described in the figure includes at least the following: In S210, the first access point receives the second frame sent by the first site.

[0141] In this embodiment, the second frame is the frame that requires an immediate response from the first access point.

[0142] In S220, if the response signal of the second frame is not successfully sent within a third preset time window starting from the end time of the second frame, it is determined that the first station switches to the main sub-band.

[0143] The PPDU end time of the second frame (denoted as T_end') will be used as the starting time of the third preset time window.

[0144] According to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the AP should begin sending a response frame after the end time of the PPDU in the second frame, T_end' + SIFS. Therefore, the third preset time window T3, which is the time window during which the AP should complete the response, can be defined as starting from T_end', with the duration determined according to the short inter-frame interval. For example, the third preset time window T3 = aSIFS; or, T3 = aSIFS + δ, where δ has a preset margin (e.g., 5–10 μs).

[0145] Figure 10 STA1 and STA2 are respectively associated with the first access point and share the same main and subband, for example, both are P80. The first access point interacts with STA1 in the main and subband, and with STA2 in its DSO subband (such as S80). STA2 can be considered as the first site to be determined.

[0146] refer to Figure 10 The AP receives the second frame sent by STA2 on the DSO subband of STA2, and this second frame is a frame that needs to be acknowledged immediately.

[0147] AP determines the PPDU end time T_end' of the second frame and uses it as the starting time of the third preset time window T3.

[0148] Within the T3 time window (i.e., from T_end' to T_end' + T3), the AP attempts to send the response frame of the second frame mentioned above on the DSO subband of STA2.

[0149] However, for some reason, the AP failed to successfully transmit the second response frame on the DSO subband of STA2, and failed to successfully transmit the relevant response frame on the main subband of STA1.

[0150] like Figure 10 As shown, within the T3 time window, the AP failed to send the second response frame to STA2.

[0151] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, based on whether the AP can respond to the uplink frame in a timely manner, it can infer whether the DSO NON-AP STA is still listening to the subband. Therefore, the subband status of the DSO NON-AP STA can be determined without explicit signaling. If the DSO NON-AP STA is an energy-saving device, it may switch back to the main subband immediately after sending the uplink frame to save power. Even so, the AP can still accurately identify its status through the failure response mechanism, improving system scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, this embodiment is fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11 protocol mechanism and is easy to implement.

[0152] In the method provided in this application embodiment, the DSO AP dynamically determines the subband of the DSO NON-AP STA by analyzing the type of the downlink frame (such as the first frame mentioned above) sent to the DSO NON-AP STA, the time interval from the end time of the downlink frame PPDU, and the station feedback information. This enables effective judgment of whether the station is attempting to switch back to the main subband. Furthermore, after the DSO NON-AP STA sends an uplink frame (such as the second frame), the DSO AP can infer whether the DSO NON-AP STA is still listening to the subband based on whether it can respond to the uplink frame in a timely manner. Therefore, the subband status of the DSO NON-AP STA can be determined without explicit signaling. Thus, this application can solve the problem of inconsistent frequency band status caused by the AP's inability to perceive the site's autonomous switching in the DSO mechanism, and it does not rely on the STA's explicit reporting of the DSO status, thereby improving communication reliability and spectrum utilization efficiency in DSO scenarios. At the same time, the solution provided in this application embodiment is compatible with existing standards to the greatest extent and is easy to implement.

[0153] The above text combined Figures 4 to 10 The method embodiments of this application are described in detail below, in conjunction with... Figures 11 to 12 The present application describes the device embodiments in detail. It should be understood that the device embodiments correspond to the method embodiments, and similar descriptions can be referred to the method embodiments.

[0154] Figure 11 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 200 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication device 200 may be a first access point (such as a DSO AP) as described above, or a component within the access point device, such as a chip, circuit, or module. Figure 11 The communication device 200 includes: Processing module 201 is used to generate the first frame; Transceiver module 202 is used to send the first frame to the first station; and, The processing module 201 is further configured to determine, based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information, whether the first station is switching to the main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband.

[0155] Based on the above-described communication device 200, in its first implementation, the type of the first frame includes: frames that require understanding and confirmation and frames that do not require immediate confirmation.

[0156] Based on the above-mentioned communication device 200 or its first implementation, in its second implementation, the processing module 201 is specifically used to: if the type of the first frame is a frame that needs to be confirmed immediately, and the first feedback information is that no response signal from the first station has been received within a first preset time window from the end of the first frame, then determine that the first station switches to the main subband.

[0157] Based on the above-mentioned communication device 200 and any one of its first and second implementations, in its third implementation, the processing module 201 is specifically used to: if the type of the first frame is a frame that needs to be confirmed immediately, the first feedback information is a response signal received from the first station within a first preset time window from the end of the first frame, and the MAC layer protocol data unit MPDU carried by the response signal does not belong to the expected response frame, then determine that the first station switches to the main subband.

[0158] Based on the above-mentioned communication device 200 and any one of its first to third implementations, in its fourth implementation, the processing module 201 is specifically used to: if the type of the first frame is a frame that requires immediate confirmation, the first feedback information is that a response signal from the first station is received within a first preset time window from the end of the first frame, the MAC layer protocol data unit (MPDU) carried by the response signal belongs to the expected response frame, and no next downlink frame is sent to the first station within a second preset time window from the end time of the response frame of the first station, then it is determined that the first station switches to the main subband; wherein, the MPDU is a frame that does not require immediate confirmation.

[0159] In the fifth implementation of the communication device 200, based on any one of the first to fourth implementations, the first preset time window is determined according to the short frame interval time, the time slot time, and the receiving physical layer startup delay.

[0160] Based on the above-mentioned communication device 200 and any one of its first and fourth implementations, in its sixth implementation, the processing module 201 is specifically used to: if the type of the first frame is a frame that does not require immediate confirmation, and the first feedback information is that no next downlink frame has been sent to the first station within a second preset time window from the end of the first frame, then determine that the first station is switching to the main subband.

[0161] In the seventh implementation of the communication device 200, based on the fourth or sixth implementation of the above-mentioned communication device 200, the second preset time window is determined according to the short frame interval time, the time slot time, and the receiving physical layer start-up delay.

[0162] Based on the above-mentioned communication device 200 and any one of its first to seventh implementations, in its eighth implementation, the transceiver module 202 is further configured to: receive the second frame sent by the first station in the DSO subband; The processing module 201 is further configured to: if the response signal of the second frame is not successfully sent within a third preset time window starting from the end time of the PPDU of the second frame, then determine that the first station switches to the main sub-band.

[0163] In the ninth implementation of the communication device 200 described above, the third preset time window is determined based on the short frame interval time.

[0164] Based on the above-described communication device 200 and any one of its first to ninth implementations, in its tenth implementation, the transceiver module 202 is further configured to send an initial control frame (ICF) to the first station before sending the first frame; the transceiver module 202 is further configured to receive an initial control response (ICR) frame sent by the first station, the ICR frame being used to respond to the DSO operation indication of the first access point; the transceiver module 202 is further configured to use the DSO subband of the first station for transmission when sending a downlink frame to the first station for the first time within the current transmission opportunity (TXOP).

[0165] Based on the above-described communication device 200 and any one of its first to ninth implementations, in its eleventh implementation, the transceiver module 202 is further configured to: if it is determined that the first station is switching to the main subband, then send the next downlink frame in the main subband; or, if it is determined that the first station is in the DSO subband, then send the next downlink frame in the DSO subband.

[0166] In the communication apparatus and method provided in this application embodiment, the processing module dynamically determines the subband where the DSO NON-AP STA is located by analyzing the type of downlink frame (such as the first frame mentioned above), the time interval from the end time of the downlink frame PPDU, and the station feedback information. This enables effective determination of whether the station is attempting to switch back to the main subband. Furthermore, after the DSO NON-AP STA sends an uplink frame (such as the second frame), the processing module can infer whether the DSO NON-AP STA is still listening to the subband based on whether it can respond to the uplink frame in a timely manner. Therefore, the determination of the DSO NON-AP STA subband status can be achieved without explicit signaling.

[0167] As can be seen, the communication device described in this application can solve the problem of inconsistent frequency band status caused by the DSO AP's inability to detect autonomous site handover in the DSO mechanism, and it does not require explicit reporting of DSO status by the STA, thereby improving communication reliability and spectrum utilization efficiency in DSO scenarios. Furthermore, the solution provided in this application's embodiments is compatible with existing standards to the greatest extent possible and is easy to implement.

[0168] It should be understood that the communication device 200 described in the embodiments of this application may correspond to the first access point in the method embodiments of this application, and the various units in the device 200 and the other operations and / or functions described above are respectively for implementing Figure 4 or Figure 9 The corresponding processes applied to the first access point in the embodiments described herein will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0169] Figure 12 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 300 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication device 300 may be a site device (such as a first site), or a component within the site device, such as a chip, circuit, or module. Figure 12 The communication device 300 includes: The transceiver module 301 is used to receive a first frame sent by the first access point; wherein, the first access point determines, based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information, whether the first station is switching to the main subband or is in the dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband.

[0170] Based on the aforementioned communication device 300, in its first implementation, the communication device 300 further includes a processing module 302. The processing module 302 is used to parse the first frame; the transceiver module 301 is further used to: if it is determined that the first frame is a frame requiring immediate response, send a response frame to the first access point.

[0171] Based on the above-described communication device 300 or its first implementation, in its second implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to: send a second frame to the first access point.

[0172] It should be understood that the communication device 300 described in the embodiments of this application may correspond to the station in the method embodiments of this application, and the various units in the device 300 and the other operations and / or functions described above are respectively for implementing Figure 4 or Figure 9 The corresponding processes applied to the first site in the embodiments described herein will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0173] This application provides an access point device, characterized in that it includes: a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, and the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to implement the method applied to the access point device in this application embodiment.

[0174] This application provides a site device, characterized in that it includes: a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, and the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to implement the method applied to the site device in this application embodiment.

[0175] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 The communication device 400 shown includes a processor 410, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0176] Optionally, such as Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 400 may further include a memory 420. The processor 410 can call and run a computer program from the memory 420 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application. For example, when the communication device 400 is an access point device, the processor 410 can call and run a computer program from the memory 420 to implement the various steps of the method embodiments executed by the access point device, achieving the same technical effect. When the communication device 400 is a terminal device, the processor 410 can call and run a computer program from the memory 420 to implement the various steps of the method embodiments executed by the site device, achieving the same technical effect.

[0177] Alternatively, the memory 420 may be a separate device independent of the processor 410, or it may be integrated into the processor 410.

[0178] Optionally, such as Figure 13 As shown, the communication device 400 may also include a transceiver 430, and the processor 410 may control the transceiver 430 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0179] Optionally, transceiver 430 may include a transmitter and a receiver. Transceiver 430 may further include antennas, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0180] Figure 14 This is a schematic structural diagram of the chip 500 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 14The chip 500 shown includes a processor 510, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0181] Optionally, such as Figure 14 As shown, chip 500 may further include memory 520. Processor 510 can retrieve and run computer programs from memory 520 to implement the methods described in this embodiment.

[0182] Alternatively, the memory 520 may be a separate device independent of the processor 510, or it may be integrated into the processor 510.

[0183] Optionally, the chip 500 may also include an input interface 530. The processor 510 can control the input interface 530 to communicate with other devices or chips, for example, to acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0184] Optionally, the chip 500 may also include an output interface 540. The processor 510 can control the output interface 540 to communicate with other devices or chips, for example, to output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0185] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the access point device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the access point device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0186] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the site device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the site device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0187] 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.

[0188] Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 15 As shown, the communication system 600 includes an access point device 610 and a site device 620.

[0189] The access point device 610 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the access point device in the above method, and the site device 620 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the site device in the above method. For the sake of brevity, these will not be elaborated here.

[0190] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the steps of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor described above may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0191] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0192] It should be understood that the above-described memory is exemplary and not a limiting description. For example, the memory in the embodiments of this application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DR RAM), etc. In other words, the memory in the embodiments of this application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0193] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0194] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the access point device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the access point device in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0195] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the site device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the third site device in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0196] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0197] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the access point device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the access point device in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0198] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the site device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the third site device in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0199] This application also provides a computer program. When executed by a processor, this computer program implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0200] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the access point device in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the access point device in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0201] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the site device in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the third site device in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0202] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0203] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0204] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0205] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0206] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0207] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0208] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first access point generates the first frame; The first access point sends the first frame to the first site; Based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information, the first access point determines whether the first station is switching to the main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frame includes frames that require understanding and confirmation and frames that do not require immediate confirmation.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the first station is switching to a main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information includes: If the first frame is a frame that requires immediate confirmation, and the first feedback information is that no response signal from the first station is received within a first preset time window from the end of the first frame, then it is determined that the first station is switching to the main sub-band.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the first station is switching to a main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information includes: If the first frame is a frame that requires immediate confirmation, and the first feedback information is a response signal received from the first station within a first preset time window from the end of the first frame, and the MAC layer protocol data unit (MPDU) carried by the response signal does not belong to the expected response frame, then it is determined that the first station is switching to the main subband.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the first station is switching to a main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information includes: If the first frame is a frame that requires immediate confirmation, and the first feedback information is that a response signal from the first station is received within a first preset time window from the end of the first frame, the MAC layer protocol data unit (MPDU) carried by the response signal belongs to the expected response frame, and no next downlink frame is sent to the first station within a second preset time window from the end time of the first station's response frame, then it is determined that the first station is switching to the main subband. The MPDU is a frame that does not require immediate acknowledgment.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The first preset time window is determined based on the short frame interval time, time slot time, and the physical layer startup delay.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the first station is switching to a main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information includes: If the first frame is a frame that does not require immediate confirmation, and the first feedback information indicates that no next downlink frame has been sent to the first station within a second preset time window from the end of the first frame, then it is determined that the first station is switching to the main subband.

8. The method according to claim 5 or 7, characterized in that, The second preset time window is determined based on the short frame interval time, time slot time, and the physical layer startup delay.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first access point receives the second frame sent by the first site in the DSO subband; If the response signal for the second frame is not successfully sent within the third preset time window starting from the end time of the second frame, it is determined that the first station is switching to the main sub-band.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third preset time window is determined based on the short frame interval time.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, Before the first access point sends the first frame to the first site, the method further includes: Send an initial control frame (ICF) to the first station; Receive an Initial Control Response (ICR) frame sent by the first site, the ICR frame being used to respond to the DSO operation instruction of the first access point; When a downlink frame is first sent to the first station within the current transmission opportunity TXOP, the DSO subband of the first station is used for transmission.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, Also includes: If it is determined that the first station is switching to the main subband, then the next downlink frame is sent in the main subband; or, If it is determined that the first station is in the DSO subband, then the next downlink frame is sent in the DSO subband.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first station receives the first frame sent by the first access point; The first access point determines, based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information, whether the first site is switching to the main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, Configured in an access point device, the device includes: The processing module is used to generate the first frame; The transceiver module is used to send the first frame to the first station; The processing module is further configured to determine, based on the type of the first frame and the first feedback information, whether the first station is switching to a main subband or is in a dynamic subband operation (DSO) subband.

15. An access point device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-12.

16. A site device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory for storing computer programs, the processor for calling and running the computer programs stored in the memory to perform the method as described in claim 13.

17. A chip, characterized in that, include: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device on which the chip is mounted to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-13.

18. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program that causes a computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-13.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes an access point device and a site device, the access point device being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-12, and the site device being configured to perform the method as described in claim 13.

Images