Communication method, apparatus, access point, and station

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method, device, access point and station, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The communication method comprises the following steps: a first access point sends a first frame to a first station, wherein the first frame comprises dynamic bandwidth extension (DBE) signaling, and the DBE signaling is used for indicating DBE operation parameters; and the first access point performs DBE-based operation based on the DBE operation parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, and in particular relates to a communication method, device, access point and site. Background Technology

[0002] Current enterprise deployments lack methods for frequently or dynamically adjusting bandwidth based on load conditions to achieve high throughput gains (e.g., using 160MHz and 320MHz bandwidth). In enterprise deployments, when some APs experience temporary high loads while other nearby APs experience lower loads, the AP with higher load demands can expand its bandwidth to better serve its traffic needs. To address these needs and issues and enable greater bandwidth utilization in enterprise deployment scenarios, the IEEE 802.11 TGbn working group defined a method for dynamically expanding bandwidth for UHR APs—Dynamic Bandwidth Expansion (DBE). This allows STAs supporting DBE to serve temporary high loads without affecting legacy STAs. However, detailed signaling design for DBE is not currently provided in the TGbn standard. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application proposes a communication method, apparatus, access point, and site.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0005] The first access point sends a first frame to the first site. The first frame includes Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) signaling, which is used to indicate DBE operation parameters.

[0006] The first access point performs DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0008] The first site receives a first frame from the first access point, the first frame including Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) signaling, the DBE signaling being used to indicate DBE operation parameters;

[0009] The first station performs DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters.

[0010] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, which includes:

[0011] A first transmitting module is configured to transmit a first frame to a first site, the first frame including Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) signaling, the DBE signaling being used to indicate DBE operation parameters;

[0012] The first processing module is used to perform DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters.

[0013] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, which includes:

[0014] A first receiving module is configured to receive a first frame from a first access point, the first frame including Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) signaling, the DBE signaling being used to indicate DBE operation parameters;

[0015] The second processing module is used to perform DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters.

[0016] Fifthly, this application provides an access point including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the communication method described in the first aspect above.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a site including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the communication method described in the second aspect above.

[0018] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method as described in the first aspect above, or implements the communication method as described in the second aspect above.

[0019] Eighthly, this application provides a chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run programs or instructions to implement the communication method as described in the first aspect above, or to implement the communication method as described in the second aspect above.

[0020] Ninthly, this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method as described in the first aspect above, or implements the communication method as described in the second aspect above.

[0021] The communication method provided in this application embodiment carries DBE signaling in the first frame. The DBE signaling is used to indicate DBE parameters. The access point and the site perform DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters. Through the interaction of DBE signaling, this application embodiment can realize dynamic bandwidth expansion, enabling the access point and the site to work normally based on DBE, while avoiding the impact on legacy equipment and possible interoperability problems. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 One of the flowcharts of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 One of the format diagrams of the UHR Operation Element field provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 A second schematic diagram of the format of the UHR Operation Element field provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 An interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 A second schematic flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The term "instruction" in this application can be either a direct instruction (or explicit instruction) or an indirect instruction (or implicit instruction). A direct instruction can be understood as one in which the sender explicitly informs the receiver of specific information, the operation to be performed, or the requested result, etc., in the instruction sent. An indirect instruction can be understood as one in which the receiver determines the corresponding information based on the instruction sent by the sender, or makes a judgment and determines the operation to be performed or the requested result, etc., based on the judgment result.

[0034] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, and are applicable to any of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series protocols used in WLANs, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, and future 802.11 protocols. The methods provided in this application can be implemented by communication devices in a wireless communication system or by chips or processors within those devices. Accordingly, the communication device supports communication using the IEEE 802.11 series protocols. Although the embodiments of this application are mainly illustrated using a network deploying IEEE 802.11 as an example, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects involved in this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to IEEE 802.11, mainly used in Europe), wide area network (WAN), WLAN, personal area network (PAN), wireless personal area network systems based on ultra-wideband (UWB), sensing systems, or other networks now known or to be developed in the future. The methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the IEEE 802.15 series protocols, such as the 802.15.4a protocol, the 802.15.4z protocol, or the 802.15.4ab protocol, or a future generation of UWB WPAN protocol, etc., which will not be listed one by one.The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to the following communication systems, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-X (V2X) systems, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, devices used in V2X systems, IoT nodes and sensors in IoT systems, smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities. Alternatively, they can also be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th-generation (5G) communication systems, and new communication systems that will emerge in future communication developments. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0035] In the WiFi protocol, a station (abbreviated as STA) includes access point stations (abbreviated as AP STA) and non-access point stations (abbreviated as non-AP station). For the sake of simplicity, access point stations are usually called access points (abbreviated as AP), and non-access point stations are called stations (abbreviated as STA).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] Access points can support communication or sensing based on WiFi 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.

[0042] The site can support communication or sensing based on WiFi 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.

[0043] WLAN systems can provide high-speed, low-latency transmission. As WLAN application scenarios continue to evolve, WLAN systems will be applied to more scenarios or industries, such as the Internet of Things industry, the Internet of Vehicles industry, the banking industry, enterprise offices, stadiums and exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, hospital wards, classrooms, shopping malls, squares, streets, production workshops and warehouses, etc. Of course, devices that support WLAN communication or sensing (such as access points or sites) can be sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air quality monitoring nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, and washing machines), nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), entertainment terminals (such as wearable devices for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, loudspeakers, and speakers), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices, infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-service navigation kiosks in supermarkets, self-service checkout machines, and self-service ordering machines), and equipment in large sports and music venues.

[0044] In this embodiment, an access point is a device with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication or sensing using the WLAN protocol. It has the function of communicating or sensing with other devices in the WLAN network (such as non-AP STAs or other access points), and can also have the function of communicating or sensing with other devices. Alternatively, an access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, primarily connecting various wireless network clients together and then connecting the wireless network to the Ethernet. This wireless communication device can be a complete device, or a chip, processing system, or functional module installed within a complete device. Devices with these chips, processing systems, or functional modules can implement the methods and functions of this embodiment under the control of the chips, processing systems, or functional modules. The AP in this embodiment is a device providing services to non-AP STAs and can support 802.11 series protocols or subsequent protocols. For example, an access point can be an access point for terminals (such as mobile phones) to enter a wired (or wireless) network, mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and parks, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters; it can also be deployed outdoors. For example, an AP can be a communication server, router, switch, bridge, or other communication entity; APs can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeater stations, etc.

[0045] In the embodiments of this application, the site can be a user terminal device supporting WLAN or WiFi 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 self-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.

[0046] 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., 60GHz).

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] It should be understood that the terms “system” and “network” used in this application are often used interchangeably herein.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In this application embodiment, the "protocol" may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communication, such as the WiFi protocol and related protocols applied to future WiFi communication systems, and this application does not limit it.

[0053] 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.

[0054] For enterprise deployments, typical bandwidth is 20 / 40MHz at 5GHz and 40 / 80MHz at 6GHz. Larger bandwidths like 160MHz and 320MHz are rarely used in enterprise deployments. Traditional methods of changing channels or bandwidth, such as Channel Switch Announcement (CSA), Enhanced Channel Switch Announcement (ECSA), and Operating Mode Indication (OMI), change the bandwidth very infrequently, for example, once a day. Furthermore, using these mechanisms for dynamic bandwidth changes can impact legacy equipment. Therefore, current enterprise deployments lack a method for achieving high throughput gain (e.g., using 160MHz and 320MHz bandwidth) through frequent / dynamic (e.g., every 5 minutes) bandwidth changes based on load conditions.

[0055] In enterprise deployments, when some APs experience temporary high loads while other nearby APs are experiencing lower loads, the APs with higher load requirements can expand their bandwidth to better serve their traffic needs.

[0056] To address the aforementioned needs and issues and enable greater bandwidth utilization in enterprise deployment scenarios, the IEEE 802.11TGbn working group defined a method for dynamically expanding the bandwidth of UHR APs—Dynamic Bandwidth Expansion (DBE). This method allows STAs that support DBE to serve temporary high loads without affecting legacy STAs.

[0057] However, detailed signaling design for DBE is not currently provided in the TGbn standard and is considered a pending issue (ToBe Decided, TBD).

[0058] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application propose a communication method, apparatus, access point, and site. Figure 2 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0059] Step 200: The first access point sends a first frame to the first site. The first frame includes Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) signaling, which is used to indicate DBE operation parameters.

[0060] Step 201: The first access point performs a DBE-based operation based on the DBE operation parameters.

[0061] An AP that supports DBE mode is called a DBE AP. It has two types of bandwidth: one is BSS bandwidth, which is the bandwidth in normal working mode, and the other is DBE bandwidth, which is the extended bandwidth.

[0062] When DBE mode is enabled, the AP sets the DBE Enabled field in the Beacon and Probe Response frames to 1.

[0063] On the STA side, STAs that support DBE mode are called DBE non-AP STAs, and they need to report whether they support DBE mode in the DBE Support field of the UHR MAC capability information.

[0064] Optionally, the DBE operation parameters include at least one of the following: DBE bandwidth, used to indicate the extended bandwidth corresponding to the DBE; DBE center frequency location, used to indicate the center frequency corresponding to the DBE; DBE unavailable sub-channel indication, used to indicate the 20MHz sub-band that is deenabled within the DBE bandwidth; DBE minimum duration threshold, used to determine the minimum duration of load demand between Basic Servicesets (BSS); DBE handover count, used to indicate the time when the DBE takes effect; and DBE duration, used to indicate the duration of the DBE.

[0065] The communication method provided in this application embodiment carries DBE signaling in the first frame. The DBE signaling is used to indicate DBE parameters. The access point and the site perform DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters. Through the interaction of DBE signaling, this application embodiment can realize dynamic bandwidth expansion, enabling the access point and the site to work normally based on DBE, while avoiding the impact on legacy equipment and possible interoperability problems.

[0066] Optionally, the first frame includes at least one of the following:

[0067] Beacon frames;

[0068] (Re)Association Response frame;

[0069] UHR Link Reconfiguration frame;

[0070] Probe Response frame.

[0071] It is understood that DBE signaling exists in at least one of the following frames: Beacon frame, (Re)AssociationResponse frame, UHR Link Reconfiguration frame, Probe Response frame.

[0072] Optionally, the DBE signaling resides in the UHR Operation Element domain.

[0073] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the format of the UHR Operation Element field provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the UHR Operation Element field contains the UHR Operation Parameters field, and the UHROperation Parameters field contains the DBE Enabled field. Figure 4 In the UHR OperationParameters field, there are: DBE bandwidth indication and DBE unavailable sub-channel indication.

[0075] When the DBE enable field in the UHR Operation Parameters field of the first frame is set to 1, the UHR Operation Element field contains a DBE Operation Parameters field, and the length or size of the DBE Operation Parameters field is 3 bytes or octets. At this time, the DBE signaling is indicated through the DBE Operation Parameters field.

[0076] When the DBE enable field in the UHR Operation Parameters field of the first frame is set to 0, the DBE Operation Parameters field does not exist in the UHR Operation Element field, that is, the length or size of the DBE Operation Parameters field is 0 bytes or octets.

[0077] Optionally, the DBE Operation Parameters field includes at least one of the following indications:

[0078] 1) DBE bandwidth indicator, used to indicate the extended bandwidth corresponding to DBE;

[0079] 2) DBE center frequency position indicator, used to indicate the center frequency corresponding to the DBE;

[0080] 3) DBE unavailable sub-channel indicator, used to indicate the 20MHz sub-band that is deenabled within the DBE bandwidth;

[0081] 4) The DBE Minimum Duration Threshold indicator is used to determine the minimum duration of load requirements among basic service sets (BSS).

[0082] 5) DBE Switch Count indicator, used to indicate the time when DBE takes effect;

[0083] 6) DBE Duration (DBE Timer) Indicator, used to indicate the duration of DBE.

[0084] Optionally, the DBE signaling is indicated through the DBE Operation Parameters field. The DBE Operation Parameters field includes at least one of the following: a DBE bandwidth indication field, used to indicate the extended bandwidth corresponding to the DBE; a DBE center frequency location indication field, used to indicate the center frequency corresponding to the DBE; a DBE unavailable sub-channel indication field, used to indicate the 20MHz sub-band that is deenabled within the DBE bandwidth; a DBE minimum duration threshold indication field, used to determine the minimum duration of load demand between Basic Service Sets (BSS); a DBE handover count indication field, used to indicate the time when the DBE takes effect; and a DBE duration indication field, used to indicate the duration of the DBE.

[0085] This application provides a detailed signaling design scheme for DBE, which includes detailed design of DBE bandwidth, DBE center frequency location, DBE unavailable sub-channels, DBE minimum duration threshold, DBE handover count, and DBE duration. These designs enable DBE to operate normally while avoiding impact on legacy equipment and potential interoperability issues.

[0086] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth indication includes at least one of the following:

[0087] All possible DBE bandwidth sizes;

[0088] Minimum DBE bandwidth size.

[0089] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth may include at least 160MHz and 320MHz.

[0090] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth size includes 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320-1MHz, and 320-2MHz.

[0091] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth indication is indicated using 3 bits.

[0092] It is understandable that there may be two methods for indicating the DBE bandwidth mentioned above:

[0093] Method 1: This method does not limit the DBE bandwidth size and can directly indicate all possible DBE bandwidth sizes, including 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz. In this case, a maximum of 3 bits are required for indication.

[0094] Method 2: Limit the minimum DBE bandwidth size. For example, if the minimum DBE bandwidth size is 80MHz, then the DBE bandwidth can be 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz. In this case, a maximum of 2 bits are needed for indication.

[0095] Regardless of whether it is Method 1 or Method 2, the DBE bandwidth size includes at least 160MHz and 320MHz.

[0096] Optionally, the DBE center frequency position indicator is used to indicate one of the following:

[0097] Adding or expanding DBE bandwidth on the BSS bandwidth side;

[0098] Add or extend DBE bandwidth on both sides of the BSS bandwidth.

[0099] Regarding the DBE center frequency location indication mentioned above, there may be two situations:

[0100] The first scenario is when the newly added or extended DBE bandwidth is extended on the side of the original BSS bandwidth. In this case, it is necessary to re-indicate the position of the center frequency point after the DBE bandwidth is extended. For example, the Channel Center Frequency Segment (CCFS) field can be used for indication, which may include CCFS0 and CCFS1 subfields, each with a length of 1 byte.

[0101] The second scenario is: the newly added or extended DBE bandwidth is evenly extended on both sides of the original BSS bandwidth. In this case, it may not be necessary to re-indicate the position of the center frequency point after the DBE bandwidth is extended, and it is not necessary to use an indication similar to the CCFS domain.

[0102] Optionally, each bit of the DBE unavailable subchannel indicator is used to indicate whether a 20MHz subchannel within the DBW bandwidth is unavailable.

[0103] Optionally, the DBE can not be indicated by subchannel indication using 16 bits, 2 bytes, or octets.

[0104] That is, for the above-mentioned DBE unavailable sub-channel indication, if it exists, it is 2 bytes long, with each bit indicating whether a 20MHz sub-channel within the DBW bandwidth is unavailable.

[0105] Optionally, the DBE minimum duration threshold indication includes a single threshold, or,

[0106] The DBE minimum duration threshold indication includes a first threshold and a second threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold use different numbers of bits and are used for services with different latency requirements.

[0107] The minimum duration threshold indication for DBE is implemented through the minimum duration threshold field for DBE. The main purpose of the minimum duration threshold field for DBE is to determine the minimum duration of load requirements among Basic Service Sets (BSS). For example, it can determine whether to enable DBE based on the duration of temporary high load on the BSS or AP and the lower load on other nearby APs.

[0108] In NPCA, the minimum duration threshold field of DBE is mainly used to determine the minimum duration of interference between BSSs.

[0109] There are two design methods for indicating the minimum duration threshold of DBE in DBE signaling.

[0110] The first design method is to set a single threshold of x bits, for example, x = 4; the unit can be based on TU or us.

[0111] The second design method includes a first threshold and a second threshold, with the first threshold being y1 and the second threshold being y2 bits respectively, for example, y1 = 4 and y2 = 6; the unit can be based on TU or us.

[0112] Optionally, the first threshold is used for DBE STAs with low-latency services, and the second threshold is used for DBE STAs with other normal services.

[0113] Optionally, the DBE switch count (DBE Switch Count field) indicator uses M bytes, where M is greater than or equal to 1, and is based on a time unit (TU) or microseconds (µs). For example, the DBE switch count indicator uses 1 byte.

[0114] The DBE switch count indicates the time when the DBE takes effect. The DBE switch count is indicated by the DBE Switch Count field, which can be referenced from the Channel Switch Count or AID Switch Count field. For example, it can be set to 1 byte, which is 8 bits, with TU as the basic unit, such as 1 TU, 2 TU, or even larger 100 TU, etc.

[0115] Where 1TU = 1024 microseconds (µs) = 1.024 milliseconds (ms).

[0116] Optionally, the DBE duration indication uses N bytes, where N is greater than or equal to 1, with TU or us as the basic unit.

[0117] The DBE duration indication is implemented through the DBE Timer field, which is used to indicate the duration of the DBE operation. It is understood that the AP needs to indicate to the STA how long the DBE operation lasts after the DBE extension. For example, the DBE duration indication is set to 1 byte, with TU as the basic unit.

[0118] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction of the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 5As shown, the DBE STA reports its capabilities to the DBE AP. Once the DBE AP knows the STA has this capability, it can enable DBE operation via the DBE Enabled field when conditions are met. When DBE Enabled field = 1, the DBE Operation Parameters field will exist in the UHR Operation Element of the first frame (such as a Beacon frame or Probe Response frame). At this point, the DBE Minimum Duration Threshold field is checked first. The main purpose of this field is to determine the minimum duration of load demand between BSSs, such as whether the duration of temporary high load on the BSS or AP, and lower load on other nearby APs, exceeds this threshold to determine whether to enable DBE. Then, the DBE Switch Count field is read. Each time the STA receives a Beacon, the DBE Switch Count is decremented by 1. Before the DBE Switch Count reaches 0, the DBE AP and DBESTA perform corresponding preparatory work, such as bandwidth switching; the specific value is determined by the DBE Bandwidth field. Finally, when the DBE Switch Count decreases to 0, both the DBE AP and the DBE non-AP STA simultaneously perform DBE-based operations. The specific timing of the operation is determined by the DBE Timer.

[0119] This application provides a detailed signaling design scheme for DBE. This design scheme details the DBE bandwidth, DBE center frequency location, DBE unavailable sub-channels, DBE minimum duration threshold, DBE handover count, and DBE duration. These design features enable the DBE to operate normally while avoiding impacts on legacy equipment and potential interoperability issues.

[0120] Figure 6 This is a second schematic flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown, the communication method includes:

[0121] Step 500: The first site receives a first frame from the first access point. The first frame includes Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) signaling, which is used to indicate DBE operation parameters.

[0122] Step 501: The first station performs DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters.

[0123] The execution subject of this application embodiment is the first station. The behavior of the first station corresponds to the behavior of the first access point mentioned above. For an understanding of this application embodiment, please refer to the relevant description of the communication method embodiment on the first access point side, which can achieve the same technical effect, and will not be repeated here.

[0124] Optionally, the first frame includes at least one of the following:

[0125] Beacon frames;

[0126] (Re)Association Response frame;

[0127] UHR Link Reconfiguration frame;

[0128] Probe Response frame.

[0129] Optionally, the DBE signaling resides in the UHR Operation Element domain.

[0130] Optionally, when the DBE enable field in the UHR Operation Parameters field of the first frame is set to 1, the UHR Operation Element field contains a DBE Operation Parameters field, the length or size of the DBE Operation Parameters field is 3 bytes or octets, wherein the DBE signaling is indicated through the DBE Operation Parameters field.

[0131] When the DBE enable field in the UHR Operation Parameters field of the first frame is set to 0, the DBE Operation Parameters field does not exist in the UHR Operation Element field.

[0132] Optionally, the DBE Operation Parameters field includes at least one of the following indications:

[0133] DBE bandwidth indicator, used to indicate the extended bandwidth corresponding to DBE;

[0134] DBE center frequency location indicator, used to indicate the center frequency corresponding to DBE;

[0135] DBE unavailable sub-channel indicator, used to indicate the disabled 20MHz sub-band within the DBE bandwidth;

[0136] The DBE minimum duration threshold indicator is used to determine the minimum duration of load requirements between Basic Service Sets (BSS); the DBE switchover count indicator is used to indicate the time when the DBE takes effect.

[0137] DBE duration indicator, used to indicate the duration of DBE.

[0138] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth indication includes at least one of the following:

[0139] All possible DBE bandwidth sizes;

[0140] Minimum DBE bandwidth size.

[0141] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth may include at least 160MHz and 320MHz.

[0142] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth size includes 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320-1MHz, and 320-2MHz.

[0143] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth indication is indicated using 3 bits.

[0144] Optionally, the DBE center frequency position indicator is used to indicate one of the following:

[0145] Adding or expanding DBE bandwidth on the BSS bandwidth side;

[0146] Add or extend DBE bandwidth on both sides of the BSS bandwidth.

[0147] Optionally, each bit of the DBE unavailable subchannel indicator is used to indicate whether a 20MHz subchannel within the DBW bandwidth is unavailable.

[0148] Optionally, the DBE can not be indicated by subchannel indication using 16 bits, 2 bytes, or octets.

[0149] Optionally, the DBE minimum duration threshold indication includes a single threshold, or,

[0150] The DBE minimum duration threshold indication includes a first threshold and a second threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold use different numbers of bits and are used for services with different latency requirements.

[0151] Optionally, the DBE switching count indicator uses M bytes, where M is greater than or equal to 1, and the basic unit is TU or us.

[0152] Optionally, the DBE duration indication uses N bytes, where N is greater than or equal to 1, with TU or us as the basic unit.

[0153] The communication method provided in this application can be executed by a communication device. This application uses the example of a communication device executing the communication method to illustrate the communication device provided in this application.

[0154] This application provides a communication device. As an example, communication can be a communication equipment or a component within a communication equipment, such as a chip. The communication equipment can be a first access point or a first station, etc. Exemplarily, the first access point can be, but is not limited to, the type of access point 110 listed above, and the first station can be, but is not limited to, the type of station 120 listed above. This application does not impose specific limitations.

[0155] The communication device includes a receiving module, a transmitting module, and a processing module. These modules can be implemented in software or hardware. When implemented in hardware, the processing module can be implemented by a processor. For example, the processor can include general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, etc., such as central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), artificial intelligence (AI) processors, graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), network processors (NPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, gate circuits, transistors, discrete hardware components, etc. The receiving and transmitting modules can be implemented by a communication interface, which can include one or more of the following: transceivers, pins, circuits, buses, radio frequency units, etc.

[0156] For details, see Figure 7 When the communication device is an access point or a component within an access point, the communication device 600 includes a first transmitting module 601, used to transmit a first frame to a first station, the first frame including Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) signaling, the DBE signaling being used to indicate DBE operation parameters; and a first processing module 602, used to perform DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters.

[0157] Optionally, the first frame includes at least one of the following:

[0158] Beacon frames;

[0159] (Re)Association Response frame;

[0160] UHR Link Reconfiguration frame;

[0161] Probe Response frame.

[0162] Optionally, the DBE signaling resides in the UHR Operation Element domain.

[0163] Optionally, when the DBE enable field in the UHR Operation Parameters field of the first frame is set to 1, the UHR Operation Element field contains a DBE Operation Parameters field, the length or size of the DBE Operation Parameters field is 3 bytes or octets, wherein the DBE signaling is indicated through the DBE Operation Parameters field.

[0164] When the DBE enable field in the UHR Operation Parameters field of the first frame is set to 0, the DBE Operation Parameters field does not exist in the UHR Operation Element field.

[0165] Optionally, the DBE Operation Parameters field includes at least one of the following indications:

[0166] DBE bandwidth indicator, used to indicate the extended bandwidth corresponding to DBE;

[0167] DBE center frequency location indicator, used to indicate the center frequency corresponding to DBE;

[0168] DBE unavailable sub-channel indicator, used to indicate the disabled 20MHz sub-band within the DBE bandwidth;

[0169] The DBE minimum duration threshold indicator is used to determine the minimum duration of load requirements between Basic Service Sets (BSS); the DBE switchover count indicator is used to indicate the time when the DBE takes effect.

[0170] DBE duration indicator, used to indicate the duration of DBE.

[0171] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth indication includes at least one of the following:

[0172] All possible DBE bandwidth sizes;

[0173] Minimum DBE bandwidth size.

[0174] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth may include at least 160MHz and 320MHz.

[0175] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth size includes 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320-1MHz, and 320-2MHz.

[0176] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth indication is indicated using 3 bits.

[0177] Optionally, the DBE center frequency position indicator is used to indicate one of the following:

[0178] Adding or expanding DBE bandwidth on the BSS bandwidth side;

[0179] Add or extend DBE bandwidth on both sides of the BSS bandwidth.

[0180] Optionally, each bit of the DBE unavailable subchannel indicator is used to indicate whether a 20MHz subchannel within the DBW bandwidth is unavailable.

[0181] Optionally, the DBE can not be indicated by subchannel indication using 16 bits, 2 bytes, or octets.

[0182] Optionally, the DBE minimum duration threshold indication includes a single threshold, or,

[0183] The DBE minimum duration threshold indication includes a first threshold and a second threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold use different numbers of bits and are used for services with different latency requirements.

[0184] Optionally, the DBE switching count indicator uses M bytes, where M is greater than or equal to 1, and the basic unit is TU or us.

[0185] Optionally, the DBE duration indication uses N bytes, where N is greater than or equal to 1, with TU or us as the basic unit.

[0186] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figures 2 to 5 The various processes implemented in the method embodiments achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0187] See Figure 8When the communication device is a site or a component within a site, the communication device 700 includes a first receiving module 710 for receiving a first frame from a first access point, the first frame including Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) signaling, the DBE signaling being used to indicate DBE operation parameters; and a second processing module 720 for performing DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters.

[0188] Optionally, the first frame includes at least one of the following:

[0189] Beacon frames;

[0190] (Re)Association Response frame;

[0191] UHR Link Reconfiguration frame;

[0192] Probe Response frame.

[0193] Optionally, the DBE signaling resides in the UHR Operation Element domain.

[0194] Optionally, when the DBE enable field in the UHR Operation Parameters field of the first frame is set to 1, the UHR Operation Element field contains a DBE Operation Parameters field, the length or size of the DBE Operation Parameters field is 3 bytes or octets, wherein the DBE signaling is indicated through the DBE Operation Parameters field.

[0195] When the DBE enable field in the UHR Operation Parameters field of the first frame is set to 0, the DBE Operation Parameters field does not exist in the UHR Operation Element field.

[0196] Optionally, the DBE Operation Parameters field includes at least one of the following indications:

[0197] DBE bandwidth indicator, used to indicate the extended bandwidth corresponding to DBE;

[0198] DBE center frequency location indicator, used to indicate the center frequency corresponding to DBE;

[0199] DBE unavailable sub-channel indicator, used to indicate the disabled 20MHz sub-band within the DBE bandwidth;

[0200] The DBE minimum duration threshold indicator is used to determine the minimum duration of load requirements between Basic Service Sets (BSS); the DBE switchover count indicator is used to indicate the time when the DBE takes effect.

[0201] DBE duration indicator, used to indicate the duration of DBE.

[0202] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth indication includes at least one of the following:

[0203] All possible DBE bandwidth sizes;

[0204] Minimum DBE bandwidth size.

[0205] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth may include at least 160MHz and 320MHz.

[0206] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth size includes 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320-1MHz, and 320-2MHz.

[0207] Optionally, the DBE bandwidth indication is indicated using 3 bits.

[0208] Optionally, the DBE center frequency position indicator is used to indicate one of the following:

[0209] Adding or expanding DBE bandwidth on the BSS bandwidth side;

[0210] Add or extend DBE bandwidth on both sides of the BSS bandwidth.

[0211] Optionally, each bit of the DBE unavailable subchannel indicator is used to indicate whether a 20MHz subchannel within the DBW bandwidth is unavailable.

[0212] Optionally, the DBE can not be indicated by subchannel indication using 16 bits, 2 bytes, or octets.

[0213] Optionally, the DBE minimum duration threshold indication includes a single threshold, or,

[0214] The DBE minimum duration threshold indication includes a first threshold and a second threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold use different numbers of bits and are used for services with different latency requirements.

[0215] Optionally, the DBE switching count indicator uses M bytes, where M is greater than or equal to 1, and the basic unit is TU or us.

[0216] Optionally, the DBE duration indication uses N bytes, where N is greater than or equal to 1, with TU or us as the basic unit.

[0217] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figure 6 The various processes implemented in the method embodiments achieve the same technical effect, and will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0218] like Figure 9 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 800, including a processor 801 and a memory 802. The memory 802 stores a program or instructions that can run on the processor 801. For example, when the communication device 800 is an access point device, the program or instructions executed by the processor 801 implement the various steps of the above-described communication method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 800 is a site device, the program or instructions executed by the processor 801 implement the various steps of the above-described communication method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0219] This application embodiment 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, for example... Figure 2 The steps of the method embodiment shown are illustrated. This access point embodiment corresponds to the first access point side method embodiment described above. All implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this access point embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect.

[0220] This application embodiment 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, as shown in the example. Figure 6 The steps in the method embodiment shown are illustrated. This site embodiment corresponds to the first site-side method embodiment described above. All implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this site embodiment and achieve the same technical effect.

[0221] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described communication method embodiments and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0222] The processor is either the processor in the first access point or the processor in the first 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.

[0223] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-described communication method embodiments and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0224] 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.

[0225] This application also provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium and executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-described communication method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0226] This application also provides a communication system, including a first access point and a first station, wherein the first access point can be used to perform the steps of the communication method described above, and the first station can be used to perform the steps of the communication method described above.

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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.

[0229] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other implementations under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. All of these implementations are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first access point sends a first frame to the first site. The first frame includes Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) signaling, which is used to indicate DBE operation parameters. The first access point performs DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frame includes at least one of the following: Beacon frames; (Re)Association Response frame; UHR Link Reconfiguration frame; Probe Response frame.

3. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The DBE signaling exists in the UHR OperationElement domain.

4. The communication method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the DBE enable field in the UHR OperationParameters field of the first frame is set to 1, the UHR Operation Element field contains a DBE Operation Parameters field, the length or size of which is 3 bytes or octets, wherein the DBE signaling is indicated through the DBE Operation Parameters field. When the DBE enable field in the UHR Operation Parameters field of the first frame is set to 0, the DBE Operation Parameters field does not exist in the UHR Operation Element field.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The DBE Operation Parameters field includes at least one of the following indications: DBE bandwidth indicator, used to indicate the extended bandwidth corresponding to DBE; DBE center frequency location indicator, used to indicate the center frequency corresponding to DBE; DBE unavailable sub-channel indicator, used to indicate the disabled 20MHz sub-band within the DBE bandwidth; The DBE minimum duration threshold indicator is used to determine the minimum duration of load requirements among Basic Service Sets (BSS). DBE switching count indicator is used to indicate the time when DBE takes effect; DBE duration indicator, used to indicate the duration of DBE.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The DBE bandwidth indication includes at least one of the following: All possible DBE bandwidth sizes; Minimum DBE bandwidth size.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The DBE bandwidth includes at least 160MHz and 320MHz.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The DBE bandwidth sizes include 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320-1MHz, and 320-2MHz.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The DBE bandwidth indication uses 3 bits for indication.

10. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The DBE center frequency point position indicator is used to indicate one of the following: Adding or expanding DBE bandwidth on the BSS bandwidth side; Add or extend DBE bandwidth on both sides of the BSS bandwidth.

11. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each bit of the DBE unavailable subchannel indicator is used to indicate whether a 20MHz subchannel within the DBW bandwidth is unavailable.

12. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The DBE cannot be indicated by subchannels using 16 bits, 2 bytes, or octets.

13. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The DBE minimum duration threshold indication includes a single threshold, or, The DBE minimum duration threshold indication includes a first threshold and a second threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold use different numbers of bits and are used for services with different latency requirements.

14. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The DBE switching count indicator uses M bytes, where M is greater than or equal to 1, and the basic unit is TU or us.

15. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The DBE duration indication uses N bytes, where N is greater than or equal to 1, and is based on TU or us.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The first site receives a first frame from the first access point, the first frame including Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) signaling, the DBE signaling being used to indicate DBE operation parameters; The first station performs DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters.

17. The communication method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first frame includes at least one of the following: Beacon frames; (Re)Association Response frame; UHR Link Reconfiguration frame; Probe Response frame.

18. The communication method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The DBE signaling exists in the UHR OperationElement domain.

19. The communication method according to any one of claims 16-18, characterized in that, When the DBE enable field in the UHROperation Parameters field of the first frame is set to 1, the UHR Operation Element field contains a DBE Operation Parameters field, the length or size of which is 3 bytes or octets, and the DBE signaling is indicated through the DBE Operation Parameters field. When the DBE enable field in the UHR Operation Parameters field of the first frame is set to 0, the DBE Operation Parameters field does not exist in the UHR Operation Element field.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The DBE Operation Parameters field includes at least one of the following indications: DBE bandwidth indicator, used to indicate the extended bandwidth corresponding to DBE; DBE center frequency location indicator, used to indicate the center frequency corresponding to DBE; DBE unavailable sub-channel indicator, used to indicate the disabled 20MHz sub-band within the DBE bandwidth; The DBE minimum duration threshold indicator is used to determine the minimum duration of load requirements among Basic Service Sets (BSS). DBE switching count indicator is used to indicate the time when DBE takes effect; DBE duration indicator, used to indicate the duration of DBE.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The DBE bandwidth indication includes at least one of the following: All possible DBE bandwidth sizes; Minimum DBE bandwidth size.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The DBE bandwidth includes at least 160MHz and 320MHz.

23. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The DBE bandwidth sizes include 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, 320-1MHz, and 320-2MHz.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21-23, characterized in that, The DBE bandwidth indication uses 3 bits for indication.

25. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The DBE center frequency point position indicator is used to indicate one of the following: Adding or expanding DBE bandwidth on the BSS bandwidth side; Add or extend DBE bandwidth on both sides of the BSS bandwidth.

26. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, Each bit of the DBE unavailable subchannel indicator is used to indicate whether a 20MHz subchannel within the DBW bandwidth is unavailable.

27. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The DBE cannot be indicated by subchannels using 16 bits, 2 bytes, or octets.

28. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The DBE minimum duration threshold indication includes a single threshold, or, The DBE minimum duration threshold indication includes a first threshold and a second threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold use different numbers of bits and are used for services with different latency requirements.

29. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The DBE switching count indicator uses M bytes, where M is greater than or equal to 1, and the basic unit is TU or us.

30. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The DBE duration indication uses N bytes, where N is greater than or equal to 1, and is based on TU or us.

31. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A first transmitting module is configured to transmit a first frame to a first site, the first frame including Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) signaling, the DBE signaling being used to indicate DBE operation parameters; The first processing module is used to perform DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters.

32. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A first receiving module is configured to receive a first frame from a first access point, the first frame including Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE) signaling, the DBE signaling being used to indicate DBE operation parameters; The second processing module is used to perform DBE-based operations based on the DBE operation parameters.

33. An access point, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the program, it implements the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-15.

34. A site comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the program, it implements the communication method as described in any one of claims 16-30.

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