Communication method, apparatus and related device in dynamic sub-band operation (DSO) mode

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method and device in a dynamic sub-band operation (DSO) mode and related equipment, and belongs to the technical field of communication. A DSO access point generates a first control frame and sends the first control frame to a DSO station. The first control frame is used for a multi-user (MU) frame exchange process or a detection measurement process, and a first PPDU format adopted by the first control frame includes an MU PPDU format in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) form. Alternatively, the first PPDU format adopted by the first control frame includes a non-high-throughput (non-HT) repeated PPDU format. Thus, the control frame used for the MU frame exchange process or the detection measurement process in the DSO mode is required to follow the constraints, so that the PPDU format of the first control frame does not include a single-user (SU) PPDU format, thereby avoiding a DSO frame exchange failure and improving transmission efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, and in particular relates to a communication method, apparatus and related equipment in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode. Background Technology

[0002] In Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), access points may support operating bandwidths up to 320MHz, while most sites may only support 20MHz, 40MHz, or 80MHz. Therefore, next-generation wireless technologies aim to address the problem of insufficient spectrum utilization caused by site operating bandwidth being less than access point operating bandwidth. This is achieved by allowing narrowband sites to utilize portions of the operating bandwidth within a transmission opportunity (TXOP) that may not include the primary 20MHz channel (e.g., in a TXOP with 80MHz / 160MHz / 320MHz bandwidth obtained by the access point), known as Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode. However, in DSO mode, there are instances where DSO frame switching fails during frame exchange between the access point and the site. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and related equipment in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode, which can reduce the probability of DSO frame exchange failure in DSO mode.

[0004] Firstly, a communication method in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode is provided, executed by the access point, the method comprising: The DSO access point generates the first control frame; The DSO access point sends the first control frame to the DSO site. The first control frame is used to trigger the DSO site to transmit data or to trigger the DSO site to transmit an acknowledgment frame during the multi-user MU frame exchange process, or to notify the DSO site to perform channel measurement during the detection and measurement process. The first control frame adopts the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) format, and the first PPDU format includes at least one of the following: MU PPDU format transmitted via Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA); or, Non-high throughput non-HT repeating PPDU format.

[0005] Secondly, a communication method in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode is provided, executed by the station, the method comprising: The DSO site receives a first control frame from the DSO access point. The first control frame is used to trigger the DSO site to transmit data or to trigger the DSO site to transmit an acknowledgment frame during multi-user MU frame switching, or to notify the DSO site to perform channel measurement during the probe measurement process. The first control frame adopts the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) format, and the first PPDU format includes at least one of the following: MU PPDU format transmitted via Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA); or, Non-high throughput non-HT repeating PPDU format.

[0006] Thirdly, a communication device in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode is provided, comprising: The first processing unit generates the first control frame; The first transceiver unit is used to send the first control frame to the DSO station. The first control frame is used to trigger the DSO station to transmit data or trigger the DSO station to transmit an acknowledgment frame during the multi-user MU frame exchange process, or to notify the DSO station to perform channel measurement during the detection and measurement process. The first control frame adopts the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) format, and the first PPDU format includes at least one of the following: MU PPDU format transmitted via Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA); or, Non-high throughput non-HT repeating PPDU format.

[0007] Fourthly, a communication device in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode is provided, comprising: The second transceiver unit is used to receive a first control frame from the DSO access point. The first control frame is used to trigger the DSO site to transmit data or trigger the DSO site to transmit an acknowledgment frame during the multi-user MU frame exchange process, or to notify the DSO site to perform channel measurement during the probe measurement process. The first control frame adopts the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) format, and the first PPDU format includes at least one of the following: MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form; or, Non-high throughput non-HT repeating PPDU format.

[0008] Fifthly, a communication device in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode is provided, the device being configured to perform the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or to implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, an access point is provided, the access point including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the first aspect.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a site is provided that includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the second aspect.

[0011] Eighthly, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0012] A ninth aspect provides a wireless communication system, comprising: an access point and a site, wherein the access point is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the first aspect, and the site is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0013] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to run a program or instructions to implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or to implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0014] Eleventhly, a computer program / program product is provided, which is stored in a storage medium and is executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0015] In this embodiment, the DSO access point generates a first control frame and sends it to the DSO site. The first control frame is used in the multi-user MU frame exchange process or the probe-measurement process. The first PPDU format used by the first control frame includes the MU PPDU format transmitted in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) mode; or a non-high-throughput non-HT repetitive PPDU format. Thus, constraints are explicitly defined for the control frames used in the MU frame interaction process or probe-measurement process under DSO mode, ensuring that the PPDU format of the first control frame does not include the single-user SU PPDU format, thereby avoiding DSO frame interaction failures and improving transmission efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 The diagram shows a comparison of bandwidth resource utilization between DSO mode and traditional mode. Figure 3 The diagram shows the data transmission process in DSO mode. Figure 4 The diagram shows the timing sequence of uplink multi-user transmission. Figure 5 The diagram shows the timing sequence of the downlink multi-user transmission confirmation process. Figure 6 The diagram shows the timing sequence of the uplink multi-user transmission confirmation process. Figure 7 The diagram shows the timing sequence of the channel detection process. Figure 8 This is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method in DSO mode provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a detection and measurement process in DSO mode provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the MU frame switching process in DSO mode provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 11 This is a second schematic diagram of the MU frame switching process in DSO mode provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 12 This is the second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method in DSO mode provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 13 This is the third schematic diagram of the MU frame switching process in DSO mode provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 14 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the communication device in DSO mode provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 15 This is a second schematic diagram of the communication device in DSO mode provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a communication setup in DSO mode provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0020] The term "instruction" in this application can be either a direct instruction (or explicit instruction) or an indirect instruction (or implicit instruction). A direct instruction can be understood as one in which the sender explicitly informs the receiver of specific information, the operation to be performed, or the requested result, etc.; an indirect instruction can be understood as one in which the receiver determines the corresponding information based on the instruction sent by the sender, or makes a judgment and determines the operation to be performed or the requested result, etc., based on the judgment result.

[0021] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, and are applicable to any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series protocols used in WLANs, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, and future 802.11 protocols. The methods provided in this application can be implemented by communication devices in a wireless communication system or by chips or processors within those devices. Accordingly, the communication device supports communication using the IEEE 802.11 series protocols. Although the embodiments of this application are mainly illustrated using a network deploying IEEE 802.11 as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects involved in this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, mainly used in Europe), wide area network (WAN), WLAN, personal area network (PAN), wireless personal area network systems based on ultra-wideband (UWB), sensing systems, or other networks now known or to be developed in the future. The methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the IEEE 802.15 series protocols, such as the 802.15.4a protocol, the 802.15.4z protocol, or the 802.15.4ab protocol, or a future generation of UWB WPAN protocol, etc., which will not be listed one by one.The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to the following communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-X (V2X) systems, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, devices used in V2X systems, IoT nodes and sensors in IoT systems, smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities. Alternatively, they can 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.

[0022] In the Wi-Fi protocol, a station (abbreviated as STA) includes access point stations (abbreviated as AP STA) and non-access point stations (abbreviated as non-AP station). For the sake of simplicity, access point stations are usually called access points (abbreviated as AP), and non-access point stations are called stations (abbreviated as STA).

[0023] For example, please refer to Figure 1 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system 100 provided in some embodiments of this application. The communication system 100 may include an access point AP 110 and a station STA 120 that accesses the network through the access point 110.

[0024] In this application embodiment, the access point can also be referred to as an access point device, and the site can also be referred to as a site device.

[0025] The communication in the communication system 100 can be communication between an AP and a non-AP STA, communication between two non-AP STAs, or communication between a STA and a peer STA. Here, a peer STA can refer to a device that communicates with a STA on an equal footing. For example, a peer STA may be an AP or a non-AP STA. An access point (AP) acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. AP devices can be terminal devices with Wi-Fi chips (such as mobile phones) or network devices (such as wireless routers, wireless switches, or wireless repeaters). It should be understood that the role of a STA in a communication system is not absolute. For example, in some scenarios, when a mobile phone connects to a router, it is a non-AP STA; when the mobile phone acts as a hotspot for other mobile phones, it plays the role of an AP.

[0026] Access points can support communication or sensing based on Wi-Fi protocols, such as 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation or later protocols.

[0027] The site can support communication or sensing based on Wi-Fi protocols, such as 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation or later protocols.

[0028] It should be noted that protocols prior to 802.11n, such as 802.11a / b / g, can be collectively referred to as non-high throughput (non-HT) protocols; 802.11n can be called a high throughput (HT) protocol; 802.11ac can be called a very high throughput (VHT) protocol; 802.11ax can be called a high-efficient (HE) protocol, or the sixth wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi 6) protocol; and 802.11be can be called an extremely high throughput (EHT) protocol, or Wi-Fi 7 protocol. The 802.11bn protocol can be called the Wi-Fi 8 protocol, or Ultra High Reliability (UHR), Ultra High Reliability and Throughput (UHRT), or next-generation protocol, etc., and will not be listed in detail here.

[0029] WLAN systems can provide high-speed, low-latency transmission. As WLAN application scenarios continue to evolve, WLAN systems will be applied to more scenarios and industries, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) industry, the banking industry, enterprise offices, stadiums, exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, hospital wards, classrooms, supermarkets, squares, streets, production workshops, and warehouses. Of course, devices supporting WLAN communication or sensing (such as access points or sites) can be sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air quality monitoring nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, and washing machines), nodes in the IoT, entertainment terminals (such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) wearable devices), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, loudspeakers, and speakers), IoV devices, infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, supermarket self-service navigation kiosks, self-checkout machines, and self-ordering machines), and equipment in large sports and music venues.

[0030] 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.

[0031] In the embodiments of this application, the site can be a user terminal device supporting WLAN or Wi-Fi technology, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless device in industrial control, a set-top box, a wireless device in autonomous driving, a vehicle communication device, a wireless device in remote medical care, a wireless device in a smart grid, a wireless device in transportation safety, a wireless device in a smart city or a wireless device in a smart home, a wireless communication chip / application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) / system-on-chip (SOC), etc. WLAN technology can support frequency bands including but not limited to: low frequency bands (e.g., 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) and high frequency bands (e.g., 45GHz or 60GHz). Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment shows one AP 110 and two non-AP STAs 120. Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple AP STAs and other numbers of non-AP STAs, which is not limited in this application embodiment. It should be understood that devices with communication functions in the network / system of this application embodiment can be referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 Taking the communication system 100 shown as an example, the communication equipment may include an access point 110 and a station 120 with communication functions. The access point 110 and the station 120 may be the specific equipment described above, which will not be repeated here. The communication equipment may also include other equipment in the communication system 100, such as network controllers, gateways and other network entities. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0032] It should be understood that the terms “system” and “network” used in this application are often used interchangeably herein.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "correspondence" may indicate that there is a direct or indirect correspondence between two things, or that there is an association between two things, or that there is a relationship of instruction and being instructed, configuration and being configured, etc.

[0034] In this application embodiment, "predefined" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., including access points and sites). This application does not limit the specific implementation method. For example, predefined can refer to what is defined in the protocol.

[0035] In this application embodiment, the "protocol" may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communication, such as the Wi-Fi protocol and related protocols applied in future Wi-Fi communication systems, and this application does not limit it.

[0036] Access point 110 and site 120 can associate and communicate via wireless LAN technology. Association refers to the process of negotiating wireless link services between the STA and AP to establish a wireless link between them.

[0037] In this embodiment of the application, communication devices (such as access point 110) and communication devices (such as site 120) can communicate through physical protocol data units (PPDUs). PPDUs are carriers sent by the physical layer and can also be described as data packets, data packets, or physical layer data packets.

[0038] The frame formats involved in the embodiments of this application include frame formats for single-user (SU) transmission and frame formats for multi-user (MU) transmission.

[0039] In wireless LANs, bandwidth capabilities vary between stations. Access points often have a higher operating bandwidth than stations; for example, an access point might support 320 Mbps, while a station might only support 80 Mbps. If the bandwidth capabilities of all target stations in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) transmission are less than those of the associated access points, some frequency domain resources of those access points will be unusable, thus affecting throughput.

[0040] The purpose of Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) technology is to optimize the frequency domain resource utilization of the Basic Service Set (BSS) in such scenarios. Its core idea is that if the working bandwidth of a DSO site with DSO capability is narrower than that of the DSO access point, the DSO site can dynamically allocate frequency resources outside its current working bandwidth at the granularity of each TXOP within the BSS bandwidth range of the DSO access point.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a comparison of bandwidth resource utilization between DSO mode and traditional mode. Assuming both STA1 and STA2 are sites supporting 80MHz bandwidth, in traditional mode, both STA1 and STA2 are fixed on the same 80MHz subband consisting of a primary 20MHz channel (P20), a secondary 20MHz channel (S20), and a secondary 40MHz channel (S40) for communication. Other subbands (e.g., ...) Figure 2 The S80 spectrum is an unused resource, resulting in a waste of spectrum.

[0042] In DSO mode, the AP instructs at least one sub-channel to at least one associated STA, which then switches to the sub-channel instructed by the AP to transmit data with the AP. For example, STA1 continues to use its original 80MHz sub-band, while STA2 switches to another 80MHz sub-band for communication. In this way, STA1 and STA2 each exclusively occupy a complete 80MHz sub-band in DSO mode, effectively increasing the total available bandwidth from 80MHz to 160MHz, thereby significantly improving the overall throughput of the entire BSS.

[0043] DSO technology involves the AP instructing at least one sub-channel to at least one associated STA, which then switches to the sub-channel instructed by the AP to transmit data with the AP.

[0044] The roles in DSO transmission include DSO access points (DSO APs) and DSO sites (DSO non-AP STAs). A DSO access point can be any access point supporting DSO mode, and a DSO site can be any site supporting DSO mode. For a DSO site, the channel that includes the BSS primary channel and has a bandwidth equal to the DSO site's operating bandwidth is called the primary subband. For example, for STA2, which supports 80MHz, its primary subband is the channel that includes the BSS primary channel and has a bandwidth of 80MHz. Channels with bandwidth equal to the DSO site's operating bandwidth and located outside the DSO site's primary subband but within the BSS bandwidth are called the DSO subband of that DSO site. For example, STA2's DSO subband could be another 80MHz subband (such as...). Figure 2 (The area corresponding to S80 in the middle). It should be noted that the DSO subband has three bandwidth sizes: 20M, 80M, and 160M. Its frequency domain position in the BSS operating bandwidth is either fixed (e.g., 160M) or determined through negotiation (e.g., 80M).

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the data transmission process in DSO mode. During the transmission opportunity (TXOP) period, the AP allocates resource units (RUs) outside its operating bandwidth to the DSO non-AP STA to optimize throughput.

[0046] The DSO transmission process is initiated by the DSO access point. The DSO access point communicates with the DSO site to begin DSO frame exchange by sending an Initial Control Frame (ICF). Taking STA2 as an example, STA2 itself supports 80MHz bandwidth, and its main subband is an 80MHz subband that includes the BSS main channel (P20). The AP instructs STA2 to switch to its DSO subband (e.g., ...) via the DSO ICF frame. Figure 2(The S80 in this context corresponds to the 80MHz subband). When STA2 receives a DSO ICF frame and the RU assigned to STA2 is contained within the DSO subband of STA2, STA2 should switch to the indicated DSO subband and send the corresponding Initial Control Response (ICR) frame on the assigned RU.

[0047] After completing the ICF / ICR frame exchange, frame switching between STA2 and the DSO access point should be based on the DSO subband (i.e., the 80MHz subband currently operating on STA2, such as S80) until STA2 switches back from the DSO subband to the main subband (i.e., STA2's original 80MHz subband including P20). It should be noted that the DSO access point and STA2 can exchange multiple PPDUs separated by short interframe spaces (SIFS) on the DSO subband. The DSO access point and STA2 exchange and acknowledge data on the DSO subband. STA2 sends an Acknowledgement Frame (ACK) and enters the waiting and judgment phase. After STA2 sends an ACK frame, STA2 will wait on the DSO subband for an additional timeout interval (equal to the short inter-frame interval aSIFSTime + slot time aSlotTime + receive physical layer start delay aRxPHYStartDelay). If no frame is sent to STA2 within the timeout interval, STA2 will initiate the process of switching back to the main subband. When the DSO transition delay ends, STA2 switches back to its main subband (i.e., the 80MHz subband that STA2 originally included P20).

[0048] After the ICF / ICR frame exchange is completed, until the DSO site switches back from the DSO subband to the main subband, the DSO access point should follow the following rules (i.e., the RU rules during DSO frame exchange): 1) In all trigger frames, the RU allocation of DSO non-AP STA must be indicated with reference to the BSS master channel; 2) In all trigger frames and downlink MU PPDUs, indicate that the RU allocation for the DSO non-AP STA should be located within the DSO subband to which the DSO non-AP STA has switched; 3) Multi-User Request-to-Send (MU-RTS) frames or Non-Trigger-Based (NTB) Buffer Status Report Polling (BSRP) frames must not be used.

[0049] Analysis revealed that some rules for uplink and downlink multi-user MU transmission are incompatible with DSO mode, and some constraints need to be considered when interacting with DSO frames.

[0050] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the timing of uplink multi-user transmission. The access point sends a trigger frame to the station. If the protocol allows the trigger frame to use any PPDU format, and the trigger frame uses a PPDU format similar to the High Efficiency Single-User Physical Protocol Data Unit (HESU PPDU), its frequency domain resources will conflict with DSO transmission. For example, please refer to... Figure 4 The trigger frame highlighted by the dashed line, if transmitted using the SU PPDU format, will inevitably include the main and sub-bands of the DSO station within its bandwidth. Data will also be distributed across these main and sub-bands, while the DSO station is already operating on its sub-band. Therefore, the DSO station cannot correctly receive the trigger frame. It is evident that if the PPDU format of the trigger frame is not explicitly specified, the frequency position of the trigger frame will not match the DSO sub-band where the station is located after the handover. Therefore, in DSO mode, constraints need to be placed on the selection of the PPDU format for the trigger frame.

[0051] Figure 5The diagram illustrates the timing of the downlink DL multi-user MU transmission acknowledgment process. If the access point sends a Block Acknowledgment Request (BAR) frame using the Single-User Physical Protocol Data Unit (SU PPDU) format, the bandwidth used by the SU PPDU will necessarily include the main subband of the DSO site, and the data will also be distributed on the main subband. However, the DSO site is already operating on the DSO subband, so it cannot receive the BAR frame. The access point also cannot receive the Block Acknowledgment (BA) or ACK frame from the site. Therefore, the frequency domain resources of the PPDU involved in the BAR / BA / ACK frames will conflict with DSO transmission. Thus, in DSO mode, constraints need to be placed on the DL MU acknowledgment process selection.

[0052] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the timing of the uplink UL multi-user MU transmission confirmation process. The access point sends a Multi-STA BA frame back to the site. If the protocol allows the Multi-STA BA frame to be sent in the form of a SU PPDU, its frequency domain resources will conflict with DSO transmission. For example, please refer to... Figure 6 The Multi-STA BA frame highlighted by the dashed line indicates that if the access point sends the Multi-STA BA frame using the SU PPDU format, the bandwidth used by the SU PPDU will necessarily include the main subband of the DSO site. However, since the DSO site is already operating in the DSO subband, it cannot receive the Multi-STA BA frame. Therefore, if the PPDU format of the Multi-STA BA frame is not explicitly specified, the frequency position of the Multi-STA BA frame will not match the DSO subband where the site is located after handover. Thus, in DSO mode, constraints need to be placed on the UL MU's confirmation process selection.

[0053] Figure 7The diagram illustrates the timing of the channel probing process. During probing, the access point sends an Extremely High Throughput (EHT) Null Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) frame to notify the stations that channel probing is about to begin. After a short inter-frame interval (SIFS), the access point sends an EHT Sounding NDP. The access point can use a batch polling method. In each poll, the access point (i.e., the beamformer) sends a Beamforming Report Poll Trigger (BFRP Trigger) frame, specifying some beamforming recipients (beamformees, which can be understood as stations participating in beamforming) to be polled in the current round. After SIFS, they simultaneously upload their Extremely High Throughput EHT Compressed Beamforming / CQI Reports. Analysis revealed two issues. First, while the protocol allows NDPA frames to use any PPDU format, if the NDPA frame is transmitted using the SU PPDU format, the bandwidth used by the SUPPDU will inevitably include the main sub-band of the DSO station, and the data will also be distributed across the main sub-band. Since the DSO station is already operating on the DSO sub-band, it cannot correctly receive the NDPA frame. Therefore, if the NDPA frame uses a PPDU format similar to the efficient HE SUPPDU, its frequency domain resources will conflict with DSO transmission. Second, the relationship between the frequency domain location of the field indicating the measurement bandwidth within the NDPA and the DSO sub-band needs to be considered. Therefore, in DSO mode, constraints need to be placed on the PPDU format and RU resource selection for the probe measurement process.

[0054] To address some incompatibility issues between the aforementioned protocol and the DSO mode, this application proposes that during DSO frame interaction, control frames in the MU frame exchange process and control frames in the probe and measurement process should avoid being sent in SU PPDU format, and the measurement subband indicated by DSO non-AP STA in the probe and measurement process should be located within the DSO subband.

[0055] The communication method in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0056] Figure 8This is one of the interactive schematic diagrams of the communication method in DSO mode provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication method includes steps 802 to 806. It should be understood that the communication method in DSO mode involved in the embodiments of this application may include at least one of steps 802 to 806. Figure 8 Each step can be implemented as a separate embodiment, and Figure 8 The combination of any two steps can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] Step 802: The DSO access point generates the first control frame.

[0058] The Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) format of the first control frame does not include the single-user SU PPDU format. The first control frame is used in multi-user MU frame switching processes or probe-measurement procedures. Specifically, the first control frame triggers data transmission from the DSO station during multi-user MU frame switching, triggers acknowledgment frame transmission from the DSO station during multi-user MU frame switching, and notifies the DSO station to perform channel measurements during probe-measurement procedures.

[0059] In this embodiment of the application, the single-user SU PPDU format includes the PPDU format transmitted in a non-OFDMA manner.

[0060] Optionally, the SU PPDU format includes at least one of the following: Non-high throughput non-HT PPDU format; High-throughput HT PPDU format; Extremely high throughput VHT PPDU format; High-efficiency HE SU PPDU format; HE MU PPDU format transmitted in non-orthogonal frequency division multiple access (non-OFDMA) format; EHT MU PPDU format transmitted in non-OFDMA form; or, UHR MU PPDU format transmitted in non-OFDMA form.

[0061] In some cases, since the frequency domain resources occupied by the control frame in the air interface are affected by the PPDU format selected by the DSO access point, in order to solve the frame interaction failure problem in DSO mode, this application embodiment explicitly stipulates that the first control frame must not use the SU PPDU format. SU PPDU formats can include Non-High-Throughput Physical Protocol Data Unit (non-HT PPDU), High-Throughput Physical Protocol Data Unit (HT PPDU), Very High-Throughput Physical Protocol Data Unit (VHT PPDU), High-Efficiency Single-User Physical Protocol Data Unit (HE SU PPDU), High-Efficiency Multi-User Physical Protocol Data Unit (HE MU PPDU) transmitted in non-OFDMA format, and Extremely High-Throughput Multi-User Physical Protocol Data Unit (EHT MU) transmitted in non-OFDMA format. At least one of the following: PPDU and Ultra High Reliability Multi-User Physical Protocol Data Unit (UHR MU PPDU) transmitted in non-OFDMA format.

[0062] In this embodiment, the DSO access point can be an access point that supports DSO mode. The first control frame can adopt the MU PPDU format or the non-high throughput non-HT repetitive PPDU format. In this embodiment, the MU PPDU format can be a PPDU format transmitted using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), such as the High Efficiency Multi-User Physical Protocol Data Unit (HE MU PPDU) format (i.e., HE MU PPDU with OFDMA) transmitted using OFDMA, the Extremely High Throughput Multi-User Physical Protocol Data Unit (EHT MU PPDU) format (i.e., EHT MU PPDU with OFDMA) transmitted using OFDMA, and the Ultra-High Reliability UHR MU PPDU format (i.e., UHR MU PPDU with OFDMA) transmitted using OFDMA.

[0063] Optionally, the first control frame adopts a first PPDU format, which includes at least one of the following: MU PPDU format transmitted via Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA); or, Non-high throughput non-HT repeating PPDU format.

[0064] In this embodiment, on the one hand, to ensure that the DSO site can correctly receive the first control frame, a first control frame needs to be sent to each site. The PPDU carrying the first control frame needs to be located within the DSO subband for the RU allocated to the DSO site. The frequency domain resources of the first control frame can be specified through specific fields in the Wi-Fi physical layer frame header, such as the RU allocation field. Therefore, the first PPDU format used by the first control frame can be the MU PPDU (Multi-User Physical Protocol Data Unit) format transmitted in OFDMA form. On the other hand, if the first control frame uses the non-HT duplicate PPDU format, the first control frame is repeatedly sent on every basic channel (e.g., 20MHz) of the entire BSS bandwidth of the DSO access point to ensure successful frame interaction between the DSO site and the DSO access point. Therefore, the first PPDU format can also be the non-HT duplicate PPDU format.

[0065] Optionally, the MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form includes at least one of the following: High-efficiency HE MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA format; Extremely high throughput EHT MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form; or, Ultra-reliable UHR MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form.

[0066] Step 804: The DSO access point sends the first control frame to the DSO site.

[0067] Step 806: The DSO site receives the first control frame.

[0068] Specifically, when DSO mode is activated, the DSO access point generates a first control frame for the MU frame exchange process or probe measurement procedure under the constraints of the DSO subband, and the first control frame must not use the single-user SU PPDU format. The first control frame can be in the PPDU format transmitted in the downlink DL OFDMA form or the non-HT repeated PPDU format. The DSO access point sends the first control frame to the DSO site, and correspondingly, the DSO site receives the first control frame from the DSO access point.

[0069] In the above embodiments, since the DSO site has switched to the DSO subband, the constraints that need to be followed for the first control frame used in the MU frame interaction process or the sounding measurement process in DSO mode should be clearly stated, that is, the PPDU format of the first control frame does not include the single-user SU PPDU format, so as to avoid DSO frame interaction failure and improve transmission efficiency.

[0070] Optionally, the first control frame includes an empty data packet announcement (NDPA) frame. The DSO access point generates the first control frame and sends it to the DSO site, including: the DSO access point generating the NDPA frame and sending it to the DSO site. Correspondingly, the DSO site receives the NDPA frame from the DSO access point.

[0071] The NDPA frame carries first information, which indicates that the frequency domain position corresponding to the measurement bandwidth is located within the DSO subband.

[0072] In some cases, since the DSO site and DSO access point have already started DSO mode, constraints need to be placed on the PPDU format and RU resource selection for the sounding measurement process to ensure its smooth execution. Therefore, on the one hand, the DSO access point is not allowed to send NDPA frames to the DSO site using the SU PPDU format; instead, the MU PPDU with OFDMA format or the non-HT repeating PPDU format can be used. On the other hand, since the DSO site has switched to the DSO subband, the first information carried in the NDPA frame indicates that the frequency domain location corresponding to the measurement bandwidth is within the DSO subband. For example, the NDPA frame includes a Partial BW Info field, and the frequency domain location of the resource unit RU or multiple resource unit MRU corresponding to the Partial BW Info field must be within the DSO subband. The NDPA frame also includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: framecontrol field, duration field, receiving address (RA) field, transmitting address (TA) field, and sounding dialog token field.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first control frame may be an empty data packet announcement (NDPA) frame, and the NDPA frame must not use the SUPPDU format. The NDPA frame employs the MU PPDU format transmitted in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) mode, or a non-high-throughput non-HT repetitive PPDU format. See also... Figure 9 , Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the detection and measurement process in DSO mode provided in this application embodiment. The DSO access point sends an NDPA frame to the DSO site using MU PPDU with OFDMA format or non-HT repeating PPDU format to notify the DSO site that channel detection is about to begin. The DSO access point sends a SoundingNDP (Sounding Null Data Packet), a Beamforming Report Polling Trigger (BFRP Trigger) frame, and receives a Compressed Beamforming / Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) report.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the DSO access point generates and sends NDPA frames to the DSO site. NDPA frames are not allowed to use the SU PPDU format, but can use the MU PPDU with OFDMA format or the non-HT repeated PPDU format. This clarifies the rules that NDPA frames must follow in DSO mode, avoids NDPA frame interaction failures, and can improve transmission efficiency.

[0075] Optionally, the first control frame includes a trigger frame. The DSO access point generates the first control frame and sends it to the DSO site, including: during the MU frame exchange, the DSO access point generates a trigger frame and sends it to the DSO site. Correspondingly, the DSO site receives the trigger frame from the DSO access point.

[0076] In some cases, since both the DSO site and the DSO access point have already started DSO mode, it is necessary to constrain the selection of the PPDU format for the trigger frame during the MU frame switching process in order to ensure its smooth execution. Therefore, the DSO access point is not allowed to send trigger frames to the DSO site using the SU PPDU format; instead, it can use the MU PPDU with OFDMA format or the non-HT repeated PPDU format to send trigger frames to the DSO site.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the DSO access point generates and sends a trigger frame to the DSO site. The trigger frame is not allowed to use the SU PPDU format, but can use the MU PPDU with OFDMA format or the non-HT repeated PPDU format. This clarifies the rules that the trigger frame must follow in DSO mode, avoids trigger frame interaction failure, and can improve transmission efficiency.

[0078] Optionally, the first control frame includes a first acknowledgment (BA) frame or a multi-site BA frame. The DSO access point generates the first control frame and sends it to the DSO site, including: during the MU frame exchange, the DSO access point generates the first acknowledgment (BA) frame or the Multi-STA BA frame and sends it to the DSO site. Correspondingly, the DSO site receives the first acknowledgment (BA) frame or the Multi-STA BA frame from the DSO access point.

[0079] In some cases, since both the DSO site and DSO access point have started DSO mode, constraints need to be placed on the PPDU format selection for acknowledgment frames during uplink UL MU frame switching to ensure smooth execution of the MU frame switching process. Therefore, the DSO access point is not allowed to send acknowledgment frames to the DSO site using the SU PPDU format; instead, the MU PPDU with OFDMA format or the non-HT repeating PPDU format can be used.

[0080] Specifically, upon receiving a trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (TB PPDU) from a DSO site, the DSO access point sends a first BA frame or the Multi-STA BA frame to the DSO site.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first control frame may be a first acknowledgment (BA) frame, and the first BA frame must not use the SU PPDU format. The first BA frame uses the MU PPDU format transmitted in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) mode. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 10 , Figure 10 The diagram shown is one of the schematic diagrams of the MU frame switching process in DSO mode provided in the embodiments of this application. Upon receiving a high-efficiency trigger-based physical layer protocol data unit (HETB PPDU) from the DSO site, the DSO access point sends a first acknowledgment (BA) frame to the DSO site using downlink DL OFDMA (or MU PPDU with OFDMA format). Correspondingly, the DSO site receives the first BA frame from the DSO access point.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first control frame may be a Multi-STA BA frame, and the Multi-STA BA frame must not use the SU PPDU format. The Multi-STA BA frame uses a non-high-throughput non-HT repetitive PPDU format. Please refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is the second schematic diagram of the MU frame switching process in DSO mode provided in the embodiments of this application. Upon receiving a HETB PPDU frame from the DSO site, the DSO access point sends a Multi-STA BA frame to the DSO site using a non-HT repeated PPDU format. Correspondingly, the DSO site receives the Multi-STA BA frame from the DSO access point.

[0083] In the above embodiments, during the UL MU confirmation process, the DSO access point generates and sends confirmation frames to the DSO site. The confirmation frames are not allowed to use the SU PPDU format. The MU PPDU with OFDMA format or the non-HT repeated PPDU format can be used. This clarifies the rules that the UL MU confirmation process in DSO mode needs to follow, avoids confirmation frame interaction failures, and can improve transmission efficiency.

[0084] Figure 12 This is a second interactive schematic diagram of the communication method in DSO mode provided in the embodiments of this application. The communication method includes steps 1201 to 1206. It should be understood that the communication method in DSO mode involved in the embodiments of this application may include at least one of steps 1201 to 1206. Figure 12 Each step can be implemented as a separate embodiment, and Figure 12 The combination of any two steps can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] Step 1201: The DSO site receives the pending confirmation frame from the DSO access point.

[0086] In this embodiment of the application, the DSO site can be a site that supports DSO mode. The DSO access point can be an access point that supports DSO mode.

[0087] In this embodiment of the application, the DSO access point sends a pending acknowledgment frame (or downlink pending acknowledgment frame) to the DSO site. This pending acknowledgment frame can be an Aggregated Medium Access Control Protocol Data Unit (A-MPDU) carrying a trigger frame; it can also be a Medium Access Control Protocol Data Unit (MPDU), wherein the MPDU includes a triggered response scheduling (TRS) control field.

[0088] Step 1202: The DSO site generates a second control frame.

[0089] In this embodiment, after receiving the acknowledgment frame, the DSO station needs to generate a second control frame to respond to or acknowledge the acknowledgment frame. The second control frame is an acknowledgment message for the acknowledgment frame. It should be noted that the PPDU format of the second control frame is not chosen by the DSO station itself, but is controlled by the acknowledgment frame sent by the DSO access point. For example, the transmission format of the second control frame is determined by the control field contained in the acknowledgment frame, or the transmission format of the second control frame is indicated by the trigger frame carried in the acknowledgment frame.

[0090] The physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) format of the second control frame does not include the single-user SU PPDU format, and the second control frame is used for the multi-user MU frame exchange process.

[0091] In this embodiment of the application, the single-user SU PPDU format includes the PPDU format transmitted in a non-OFDMA manner.

[0092] Optionally, the SU PPDU format includes at least one of the following: Non-high throughput non-HT PPDU format; High-throughput HT PPDU format; Extremely high throughput VHT PPDU format; High-efficiency HE SU PPDU format; HE MU PPDU format transmitted in non-orthogonal frequency division multiple access (non-OFDMA) format; EHT MU PPDU format transmitted in non-OFDMA form; or, UHR MU PPDU format transmitted in non-OFDMA form.

[0093] Optionally, the second control frame adopts a second PPDU format, which includes a trigger-based TB PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form.

[0094] Step 1204: The DSO site sends the second control frame to the DSO access point.

[0095] Step 1206: The DSO access point receives the second control frame from the DSO site.

[0096] Specifically, when DSO mode is activated, the DSO station generates a second control frame for the MU frame exchange process based on the frame format indicated by the trigger frame or control field carried in the unacknowledged frame. It must not indicate the use of the single-user SU PPDU format; that is, the second control frame must not use the SU PPDU format. The second control frame can use the PPDU format transmitted in the uplink UL OFDMA mode. The DSO station sends the second control frame to the DSO access point, and correspondingly, the DSO access point receives the second control frame from the DSO station.

[0097] In the above embodiment, since the DSO site has switched to the DSO subband, when the DSO site receives a frame to be acknowledged from the DSO access point, the DSO site generates a second control frame to acknowledge the frame to be acknowledged, and should explicitly state the constraint rules that it needs to follow for the second control frame, that is, the PPDU format of the second control frame does not include the single-user SU PPDU format, thereby avoiding DSO frame interaction failure and improving transmission efficiency.

[0098] Optionally, the second control frame includes a second BA frame. The DSO station generating the second control frame and sending it to the DSO access point includes: during the MU frame exchange, the DSO station generating the second BA frame and sending it to the DSO access point. Correspondingly, the DSO access point receives the second BA frame from the DSO station.

[0099] In some cases, since both the DSO site and the DSO access point have already started DSO mode, constraints need to be placed on the selection of the PPDU format for acknowledgment frames during downlink DL MU frame switching to ensure the smooth execution of the MU frame switching process. Therefore, the DSO site is not allowed to send acknowledgment frames to the DSO access point using the SU PPDU format; instead, the UL OFDMA format or the trigger-based TB PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form can be used.

[0100] Specifically, when the DSO site receives a data packet carrying a trigger frame from the DSO access point, the DSO site generates a second BA frame and sends the second BA frame to the DSO access point using UL OFDMA.

[0101] In some embodiments, the second control frame may be a second BA frame. The second BA frame must not use the SU PPDU format; instead, it employs a trigger-based TB PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is the third schematic diagram of the MU frame exchange process in DSO mode provided in this application embodiment. Upon receiving an Aggregated Medium Access Control Protocol Data Unit (A-MPDU) carrying a trigger frame from the DSO access point, the DSO site sends a second BA frame to the DSO access point using a trigger-based TB PPDU format (or uplink UL OFDMA) transmitted in OFDMA form. Correspondingly, the DSO access point receives the second BA frame from the DSO site. It should be noted that the DSO site can also receive other forms of data packets carrying trigger frames from the DSO access point and send a second BA frame back to the DSO access point. For example, the DSO access point (AP) can send a Medium Access Control Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) to the DSO site and assign a RU to the DSO site via the triggered response scheduling (TRS) control field of the MPDU to send an acknowledgment frame (or response frame) after receiving the MPDU.

[0102] In the above embodiments, during the DL MU confirmation process, the DSO site generates and sends confirmation frames to the DSO access point. The confirmation frames are not allowed to use the SU PPDU format, but the UL OFDMA format can be used. This clarifies the rules that the DL MU confirmation process in DSO mode must follow, avoids confirmation frame interaction failures, and can improve transmission efficiency.

[0103] It is worth noting that although the various proposed solutions may be described individually or separately below, in actual implementation, some or all of the proposed solutions may be used in combination or implemented in other ways. Of course, each proposed solution can be used individually or separately or implemented in other ways.

[0104] The execution subject of this application embodiment can be a site device. The behavior of the site device corresponds to the behavior of the access point device mentioned above. For an understanding of the embodiments of this application, please refer to the relevant description of the communication method embodiment under the DSO mode on the access point device side, which can achieve the same technical effect, and will not be repeated here.

[0105] The communication method in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode provided in this application embodiment can be executed by a communication device in DSO mode. This application embodiment uses the execution of the communication method in DSO mode by a communication device in DSO mode as an example to illustrate the communication device in DSO mode provided in this application embodiment.

[0106] Figure 14 This is one of the schematic diagrams of a communication device in DSO mode provided in this application embodiment. This application embodiment provides a communication device 1400 in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode, including: The first processing unit 1410 generates the first control frame; The first transceiver unit 1420 is used to send the first control frame to the DSO station. The first control frame is used to trigger the DSO station to transmit data or trigger the DSO station to transmit an acknowledgment frame during the multi-user MU frame exchange process, or to notify the DSO station to perform channel measurement during the detection and measurement process. The first control frame adopts the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) format, which does not include the single-user SU PPDU format. The SU PPDU format includes at least one of the following: Non-high throughput non-HT PPDU format; High-throughput HT PPDU format; Extremely high throughput VHT PPDU format; High-efficiency HE SU PPDU format; HE MU PPDU format transmitted in non-orthogonal frequency division multiple access (non-OFDMA) format; EHT MU PPDU format transmitted in non-OFDMA form; or, UHR MU PPDU format transmitted in non-OFDMA form.

[0107] Optionally, the first control frame adopts a first PPDU format, which includes at least one of the following: MU PPDU format transmitted via Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA); or, Non-high throughput non-HT repeating PPDU format.

[0108] Optionally, the MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form includes at least one of the following: High-efficiency HE MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA format; Extremely high throughput EHT MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form; or, Ultra-reliable UHR MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form.

[0109] Optionally, the first control frame includes an empty data packet announcement (NDPA) frame, a first transceiver unit, and is further configured to send the NDPA frame to the DSO site; wherein the NDPA frame carries first information, the first information being used to indicate that the frequency domain position corresponding to the measurement bandwidth is located within the DSO subband.

[0110] Optionally, the first control frame includes a trigger frame; the first transceiver unit is further configured to send the trigger frame to the DSO station during the MU frame exchange process.

[0111] Optionally, the first control frame includes a first acknowledgment BA frame or a multi-site BA frame; the first transceiver unit is further configured to send the first acknowledgment BA frame or the multi-site BA frame to the DSO station during the MU frame exchange process.

[0112] Optionally, the first transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second control frame from the DSO site. The second control frame must not be in SU PPDU format. The second control frame may use a second PPDU format, which includes: a trigger-based TB PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA format.

[0113] Optionally, the second control frame includes a second BA frame; the first transceiver unit is further configured to receive the second BA frame from the DSO site during the MU frame exchange process.

[0114] Figure 15 This is a second schematic diagram of the communication device in DSO mode provided in this application embodiment. This application embodiment provides a communication device 1500 in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode, including: The second transceiver unit 1510 is used to receive a first control frame from the DSO access point. The first control frame is used to trigger the DSO site to transmit data or trigger the DSO site to transmit an acknowledgment frame during the multi-user MU frame exchange process, or to notify the DSO site to perform channel measurement during the detection and measurement process. The first control frame adopts the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) format, and the first PPDU format includes at least one of the following: MU PPDU format transmitted via Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA); or, Non-high throughput non-HT repeating PPDU format.

[0115] Optionally, the Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) format of the first control frame does not include the Single User SU PPDU format, wherein the SU PPDU format includes at least one of the following: High-throughput HT PPDU format; Extremely high throughput VHT PPDU format; High-efficiency HE SU PPDU format; HE MU PPDU format transmitted in non-OFDMA format; EHT MU PPDU format transmitted in non-OFDMA form; or, UHR MU PPDU format transmitted in non-OFDMA form.

[0116] Optionally, the first control frame adopts a first PPDU format, which includes at least one of the following: MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form; or, Non-high throughput non-HT repeating PPDU format.

[0117] Optionally, the MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form includes at least one of the following: High-efficiency HE MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA format; Extremely high throughput EHT MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form; or, Ultra-reliable UHR MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form.

[0118] Optionally, the first control frame includes an empty data packet announcement NDPA frame, and receiving the first control frame from the DSO access point includes: Receive the NDPA frame from the DSO access point; wherein the NDPA frame carries first information, the first information being used to indicate that the frequency domain position corresponding to the measurement bandwidth is located within the DSO subband.

[0119] Optionally, the first control frame includes a trigger frame; the second transceiver unit is further configured to receive the trigger frame from the DSO access point during the MU frame exchange process.

[0120] Optionally, the first control frame includes a first acknowledgment BA frame or a multi-site BA frame. The second transceiver unit is further configured to receive the first acknowledgment BA frame or the multi-site BA frame from the DSO access point during the MU frame exchange process.

[0121] Optionally, the communication device 1500 further includes a second processing module for generating a second control frame; The second transceiver unit 1510 is also configured to send the second control frame to the DSO access point. The second control frame adopts a second PPDU format, which includes a trigger-based TB PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form.

[0122] Optionally, the second control frame includes a second BA frame and a second transceiver unit, and is further configured to send the second BA frame to the DSO access point during the MU frame exchange process.

[0123] This application provides a communication device in DSO mode. As an example, the communication device in DSO mode can be a communication device or a component in a communication device, such as a chip. The communication device can be an access point, a station, etc. Exemplarily, the access point can include, but is not limited to, the type of access point 110 listed above, and the station can include, but is not limited to, the type of station 120 listed above. This application does not impose specific limitations.

[0124] The communication device in DSO mode includes a transceiver module and a processing module. These modules can be implemented in software or hardware. When implemented in hardware, the processing module can be implemented by a processor. For example, the processor can include general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, etc., such as central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), artificial intelligence (AI) processors, graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), network processors (NPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, gate circuits, transistors, discrete hardware components, etc. The transceiver module can be implemented by a communication interface, which can include one or more of the following: transceivers, pins, circuits, buses, radio frequency units, etc.

[0125] Specifically, when the communication device in DSO mode is an access point or a component within an access point, the communication device in DSO mode includes a first transceiver module. The first transceiver module is used to perform a first operation, which includes at least one of the following: Generate a first control frame and send the first control frame to the DSO site; or Receive the second control frame from the DSO site; The Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) format of the first control frame and / or the second control frame does not include the single-user SU PPDU format. The first control frame and / or the second control frame are used for multi-user MU frame exchange processes or probe measurement procedures.

[0126] The communication device in DSO mode provided in this application embodiment can implement the various processes implemented in the above method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0127] When the communication device in DSO mode is a site or a component within a site, the communication device in DSO mode includes a second transceiver module for performing a second operation, the second operation including at least one of the following: Receive the first control frame from the DSO access point; or Generate a second control frame and send the second control frame to the DSO access point; The Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) format of the first control frame and / or the second control frame does not include the single-user SU PPDU format. The first control frame and / or the second control frame are used for multi-user MU frame exchange processes or probe measurement procedures.

[0128] The communication in the DSO mode provided in this application embodiment can realize the various processes implemented in the above method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0129] like Figure 16 As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a communication device 1600, including a processor 1601 and a memory 1602. The memory 1602 stores a program or instructions that can run on the processor 1601. For example, when the communication device 1600 is an access point, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1601 implement the various steps of the communication method embodiment in the DSO mode described above, and achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1600 is a station, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1601 implement the various steps of the communication method embodiment in the DSO mode described above, and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, this will not be described again here.

[0130] This application also provides an access point, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps in the above method embodiments. This access point embodiment corresponds to the above access point-side method embodiments, and all implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this access point embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. The access point can be a communication device in the above-described DSO mode.

[0131] This application also provides a station, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps in the above method embodiments. This station embodiment corresponds to the above-described station-side method embodiments, and all implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this station embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. This station can be a communication device in the above-described DSO mode.

[0132] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the communication method embodiments in the DSO mode described above and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0133] The processor mentioned above refers to the processor in the access point or the processor in the site described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transient readable storage medium.

[0134] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the communication method embodiment in the above-described DSO mode, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0135] 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.

[0136] This application also provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium and executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the communication method embodiment in the DSO mode described above, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0137] This application embodiment also provides a communication system in DSO mode, including: an access point and a station, wherein the access point can be used to perform the steps of the communication method in DSO mode as described above, and the station can be used to perform the steps of the communication method in DSO mode as described above.

[0138] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0139] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of computer software products plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, they can also be implemented by hardware. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.), and the computer software product includes several instructions to cause the terminal or network-side device to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0140] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other implementations under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. All of these implementations are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode, characterized in that, include: The DSO access point generates the first control frame; The DSO access point sends the first control frame to the DSO site. The first control frame is used to trigger the DSO site to transmit data or to trigger the DSO site to transmit an acknowledgment frame during the multi-user MU frame exchange process, or to notify the DSO site to perform channel measurement during the detection and measurement process. The first control frame adopts the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) format, and the first PPDU format includes at least one of the following: MU PPDU format transmitted via Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA); or, Non-high throughput non-HT repeating PPDU format.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA format includes at least one of the following: High-efficiency HE MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA format; Extremely high throughput EHT MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form; or, Ultra-reliable UHR MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first control frame includes an empty data packet announcement NDPA frame. The DSO access point sends the first control frame to the DSO site, including: The DSO access point sends the NDPA frame to the DSO site; wherein the NDPA frame carries first information, the first information being used to indicate that the frequency domain position corresponding to the measurement bandwidth is located within the DSO subband.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first control frame includes a trigger frame; the DSO access point sends the first control frame to the DSO site, including: During the MU frame exchange process, the DSO access point sends the trigger frame to the DSO site.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first control frame includes a first acknowledgment BA frame or a multi-site BA frame; the DSO access point sends the first control frame to the DSO site, including: During the MU frame exchange process, the DSO access point sends the first acknowledgment BA frame or the Multi-STA BA frame to the DSO site.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The DSO access point receives a second control frame from the DSO site; The second control frame adopts a second PPDU format, which includes a trigger-based TB PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second control frame includes a second BA frame; the DSO access point receives the second control frame from the DSO site, including: During the MU frame exchange, the DSO access point receives the second BA frame from the DSO site.

8. A communication method in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode, characterized in that, include: The DSO site receives a first control frame from the DSO access point. The first control frame is used to trigger the DSO site to transmit data or to trigger the DSO site to transmit an acknowledgment frame during multi-user MU frame switching, or to notify the DSO site to perform channel measurement during the probe measurement process. The first control frame adopts the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) format, and the first PPDU format includes at least one of the following: MU PPDU format transmitted via Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA); or, Non-high throughput non-HT repeating PPDU format.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA format includes at least one of the following: High-efficiency HE MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA format; Extremely high throughput EHT MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form; or, Ultra-reliable UHR MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first control frame includes an empty data packet announcement NDPA frame. The DSO site receives the first control frame from the DSO access point, including: The DSO site receives the NDPA frame from the DSO access point; wherein the NDPA frame carries first information, the first information being used to indicate that the frequency domain position corresponding to the measurement bandwidth is located within the DSO subband.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first control frame includes a trigger frame; the DSO site receives the first control frame from the DSO access point, including: During the MU frame exchange, the DSO site receives the trigger frame from the DSO access point.

12. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The first control frame includes a first acknowledgment BA frame or a multi-site BA frame. The DSO site receives the first control frame from the DSO access point, including: During the MU frame exchange process, the DSO station receives either the first acknowledgment BA frame or the Multi-STA BA frame from the DSO access point.

13. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The DSO site generates a second control frame; The DSO site sends the second control frame to the DSO access point; The second control frame adopts a second PPDU format, which includes a trigger-based TB PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second control frame includes a second BA frame, which the DSO site sends to the DSO access point, including: During the MU frame exchange process, the DSO site sends the second BA frame to the DSO access point.

15. A communication device in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode, characterized in that, include: The first processing unit generates the first control frame; The first transceiver unit is used to send the first control frame to the DSO station. The first control frame is used to trigger the DSO station to transmit data or to trigger the DSO station to transmit an acknowledgment frame during the multi-user MU frame exchange process, or to notify the DSO station to perform channel measurement during the detection and measurement process. The first control frame adopts the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) format, and the first PPDU format includes at least one of the following: MU PPDU format transmitted via Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA); or, Non-high throughput non-HT repeating PPDU format.

16. A communication device in Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO) mode, characterized in that, include: The second transceiver unit is used to receive a first control frame from the DSO access point. The first control frame is used to trigger the DSO site to transmit data or trigger the DSO site to transmit an acknowledgment frame during the multi-user MU frame exchange process, or to notify the DSO site to perform channel measurement during the probe measurement process. The first control frame adopts the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) format, and the first PPDU format includes at least one of the following: MU PPDU format transmitted in OFDMA form; or, Non-high throughput non-HT repeating PPDU format.

17. An access point, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

18. A site, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

19. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or implement the steps of the communication method as described in any one of claims 10 to 18.

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