P2p twt negotiation method, apparatus, and device

Abstract

The application provides a P2P TWT negotiation method, device and equipment, wherein the method comprises: generating a first frame, wherein the first frame carries unavailable time period range or default information of P2P TWT, and the default information indicates that the unavailable time period of the first STA is designated by a first access point (AP); and sending the first frame to the first AP, wherein the first frame is used to instruct the first AP to determine the target periodic unavailable time period of P2P TWT according to the unavailable time period range or the default information. The method can avoid the problem of large signaling overhead caused by frequent use of the DUO mode due to insufficient computing capacity of the first station or other reasons that the first station cannot determine the periodic unavailable time period, and the first access point can also plan the channel resources of all stations participating in the P2P TWT scheduling as a whole, thereby avoiding the problems of resource conflict or waste and resource fragmentation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a P2P TWT negotiation method, apparatus, and device. Background Technology

[0002] Dynamic Unavailability Operation (DUO) allows a non-AP STA to dynamically declare its unavailability period to its associated Access Point (AP) (such as a sudden interference covering current or recent transmission opportunities), so that the AP temporarily stops sending data to the STA during the unavailability period.

[0003] Periodic Unavailability Operation (PUO) allows a site to instruct its associated access point (APT) to enter an unavailable state during a preset periodic unavailability period. During this period, the APT temporarily stops sending data to the STA. This technology provides core values ​​for Wi-Fi networks, including energy saving optimization, resource planning, and support for multi-technology coexistence. Compared to DUO, PUO has significant advantages in key performance indicators (such as signaling overhead and energy consumption).

[0004] Peer-to-Peer Target Wake Time (P2P TWT) is a technology introduced in 802.11ax and its subsequent standards. It is an extension of Target Wake Time (TWT) and is specifically designed to optimize power consumption when two Wi-Fi devices communicate directly.

[0005] Currently, in P2P TWT, when a site and access point negotiate unavailable periods, the site is allowed to send a specific time parameter (such as the unavailable period) to the access point. The access point then decides whether to accept the specific time parameter. Once the two reach an agreement, no data exchange will occur during the specified unavailable period. This negotiation relies on the STA. If the STA cannot determine its periodic unavailable period due to insufficient computing power or other reasons, it will frequently use the DUO mode, which not only results in high signaling overhead but also easily leads to resource conflicts or waste and fragmentation of access point time domain resources due to the specific time parameter. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a P2P TWT negotiation method, apparatus, and device.

[0007] Firstly, a P2P TWT negotiation method is provided, applied to a first site, the method comprising: Generate a first frame, which carries the unavailable time range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable time of the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP). Send the first frame to the first AP. The first frame is used to instruct the first AP to determine the target period of the P2P TWT based on the unavailable period range or the default information.

[0008] Secondly, a P2P TWT negotiation method is provided, applied to a first access point, the method comprising: Receive the first frame sent by the first STA, the first frame carrying the unavailable time range or default information of P2P TWT, the default information indicating that the unavailable time of the first STA is specified by the first access point AP; The target period of unavailable time for the P2P TWT is determined based on the unavailable time range or the default information.

[0009] Thirdly, a P2P TWT negotiation device is provided, comprising: The generation module is used to generate a first frame, which carries the unavailable time range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable time of the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP). The first transceiver module is used to send the first frame to the first AP. The first frame is used to instruct the first AP to determine the target period of the P2P TWT unavailable time based on the unavailable time range or the default information.

[0010] Fourthly, a P2P TWT negotiation device is provided, comprising: The second transceiver module is used to receive the first frame sent by the first STA. The first frame carries the unavailable time period range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable time period of the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP). The determination module is used to determine the target periodic unavailable time period of the P2P TWT based on the unavailable time period range or the default information.

[0011] Fifthly, a site device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the methods described in the first aspect or its various implementations.

[0012] Sixthly, an access point device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the methods in the second aspect or its implementations described above.

[0013] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided for implementing the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations. Specifically, the chip includes: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a device on which the chip is installed to perform the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations.

[0014] Eighthly, a readable storage medium is provided for storing a computer program that causes a computer to perform the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations.

[0015] A ninth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: a processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the methods of any one of the first to second aspects or their respective implementations.

[0016] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, including an access point device and a terminal device, wherein the access point device is configured to perform a method in any of the first aspects or implementations thereof, and the access point device is configured to perform a method in any of the second aspects or implementations thereof.

[0017] With the above technical solution, the first frame sent by the first station to the first access point no longer carries a fixed time parameter, but carries the unavailable period range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable period of the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP). After receiving the first frame, the first access point determines the target periodic unavailable period of P2P TWT according to the unavailable period range or default information. That is, the target periodic unavailable period of the first station is determined by the first access point. This can avoid the problem of high signaling overhead caused by the frequent use of DUO mode due to insufficient computing power or other reasons that the first station cannot determine its periodic unavailable period. Moreover, the first access point can also plan the channel resources of all stations participating in P2P TWT scheduling as a whole, avoiding resource conflicts or waste and resource fragmentation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process interaction of P2P TWT technology in traditional technology.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a time-domain resource diagram showing the P2P TWT scheduling established between the AP and multiple STAs.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a P2P TWT negotiation method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 5 This is an interactive schematic diagram of another P2P TWT negotiation method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of a P2P TWT negotiation device provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of another P2P TWT negotiation device provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of a chip provided according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort regarding the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second," etc., used herein are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order.

[0031] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, "at least one item" refers to one item or more items, "more items" refers to two items or more, and "at least two items" refers to two items or more. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions can refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one item of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0032] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "and / or" indicates that the connected objects can have three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three scenarios: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" relationship.

[0033] It should be understood that the "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction or an indirect instruction. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, such as B being obtainable through A; or it can mean that A indirectly instructs B, such as A instructing C, where B is obtainable through C, for example, B and C are related.

[0034] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, such as WiFi protocols. These WiFi protocols may include, but are not limited to, the 802.11 series protocols, such as 802.11a, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11be, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11bn, or next-generation protocols.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a communication system 100 applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. The communication system 100 may include an access point device 110 and a site device 120. The site device 120 can access the network through the access point device 110.

[0036] Access points can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11a, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11be, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11bn, next-generation protocols of 802.11bn, or even later WiFi protocols.

[0037] The site can support communication or sensing based on WiFi protocols, such as 802.11a, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11be, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11bn, next-generation protocols of 802.11bn, or even later WiFi protocols.

[0038] The communication in the communication system 100 can be communication between access points and stations, or communication between stations, or communication between access points.

[0039] An access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. Its main function is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet.

[0040] A station (STA) includes access point stations (AP STA) and non-access point stations (non-APstation). For simplicity, access point stations are usually referred to as access points (AP), and non-access point stations as stations (STA). Station equipment is also called a station, a non-access point station (Non-APSTA), or a non-access point node.

[0041] In some scenarios, access points and sites can be devices used in vehicle networking, IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0042] In some scenarios, the access point can be a terminal device with a WiFi chip (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router).

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, the site may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless device in industrial control, set-top box, wireless device in self-driving, vehicle communication device, wireless device in remote medical care, wireless device in smart grid, wireless device in transportation safety, wireless device in smart city or smart home, wireless device, wireless communication chip, etc. that support WLAN or WiFi technology.

[0044] It should be understood that Figure 1 Only one access point and two sites are shown in the example. Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple access points or other numbers of sites. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0045] Optionally, the communication system 100 may also include other devices, such as network controllers, gateways, and other network entities, which are not limited in this application.

[0046] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the related technologies are described.

[0047] DUO technology allows a site to dynamically declare its unavailable periods (such as sudden interference covering current or near-term transmission opportunities) to its associated access point, so that the AP temporarily stops sending data to the STA during the unavailable period. After the site enables DUO mode, the AP must send an Initial Control Frame (ICF) to the STA before each data transmission. The STA replies to the AP with relevant information about its unavailable period in an Initial Control Response Frame (ICR), including the start time and duration of the unavailable period. That is, in DUO mode, the unavailable period information reported by the STA is control level signaling.

[0048] PUO technology allows a station to indicate to its associated access point that it will enter an unavailable state during a preset periodic unavailable period. During this periodic unavailable period, the access point temporarily stops sending data to the STA. This periodic unavailable period is a longer time period compared to the unavailable period in DUO technology, which can reduce signaling overhead between the access point and the station and reduce energy consumption. It should be noted that the definition of AP / STA unavailable state in the protocol is: if the AP / STA is in an unavailable state (i.e., during the AP / STA's unavailable period), the AP / STA cannot passively receive any PPDU (Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit).

[0049] A flowchart of P2P TWT technology is shown below. Figure 2As shown, this technology allows a station to initiate a P2P TWT establishment request by sending a Channel Usage Request frame to the access point. This Channel Usage Request frame carries a Channel Usage Element, a TWT Element, and a TimeoutInterval Element. The Usage Mode field in the Channel Usage Element identifies the request as being for P2P TWT establishment; a value of 3 indicates that the P2P TWT SP is unavailable during the STA's (Stationary Access Point) period. The Channel Usage Element does not carry a Channel Entry field and does not specify a specific channel. The TWT Element carries the specific time parameters of the P2P TWT, including the SP's start time, duration, and interval. The TWT Group Assignment subfield, Responder PM Mode subfield, Trigger subfield, Flow Type subfield, and TWT Channel subfield in the TWT Element are reserved fields. The Timeout Interval Element is used to identify the lifecycle of the P2P TWT and is defined by the Timeout Interval Value in the Timeout Interval Element. When the lifecycle expires, the AP must send a TWT Teardown frame to terminate the P2P TWT.

[0050] After receiving a Channel Usage Request frame from a STA, the AP will reply with a Channel Usage Response frame. This Channel Usage Response frame carries a Channel Usage element (same as the Channel Usage element in the Channel Usage Request frame, but without the Channel Entry field), a TWT element, and a Timeout Interval element. The TWT element is used to respond to P2P TWT requests (usually configured by setting the TWT request field in the TWT element to 0). Furthermore, the TWT Setup Command field must be set to Accept TWT, and all other field values ​​must be exactly the same as the TWT element field values ​​in the Channel Usage Request frame. If the Channel Usage Response frame contains a Timeout Interval Value field, its value must be the same as that in the Channel Usage Request frame.

[0051] After P2P TWT negotiation is established, if the STA switches to an off-frequency channel within the P2P TWT SP, the AP will suspend data transmission to the STA. The STA can send a TWT Information frame to the AP to temporarily suspend / resume P2P TWT. The AP is prohibited from sending TWT Information frames to the STA to temporarily suspend / resume P2P TWT scheduling, and the AP is prohibited from sending TWT Teardown frames to terminate the P2P TWT scheduling before the lifetime expires. The AP is prohibited from actively sending unsolicited Channel Usage Response frames carrying TWT elements to the STA.

[0052] The P2P TWT process interaction reveals that the STA is the primary agent in establishing P2P TWT scheduling, while the AP passively receives specific time parameters from the STA. If the STA cannot determine its periodic unavailability period due to insufficient computing power or other reasons, following the existing protocol, on the one hand, the STA may choose DUO mode, which may lead to high signaling overhead or channel congestion due to prolonged DUO requests; on the other hand, the STA can only establish P2P TWT scheduling with specific periodic unavailability parameters (only fixed-parameter P2P TWT is supported). Even if the STA may not strictly achieve unavailability within the negotiated SP, for the AP, the individual negotiation of P2P parameters by each STA may increase the fragmentation of AP time-domain channel resources, making it difficult for the AP to plan a continuous period for AP resource reuse or AP hibernation. Figure 3 Within the corresponding SP, even if the STA is in an unavailable state, the STA may still actively send data to the AP, and the AP needs to remain available.

[0053] The technical solutions of this application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. The above-mentioned related technologies are optional solutions and can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application in any way, all of which fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0054] Figure 4 This is an interactive schematic diagram of the P2P TWT negotiation method according to an embodiment of this application. The method is applied to a first site and includes at least the following: S110, Generate the first frame. The first frame carries the unavailable time range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable time of the first STA is specified by the first AP.

[0055] S120, send the first frame to the first AP. The first frame is used to instruct the first AP to determine the target period of unavailable time for P2P TWT based on the unavailable time range or default information.

[0056] Correspondingly, such as Figure 5 As shown, this method is applied to the first access point and includes at least the following: S210, receive the first frame sent by the first STA. The first frame carries the unavailable time period range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable time period of the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP).

[0057] S220, determine the target period of unavailable time for P2P TWT based on the unavailable time range or default information.

[0058] The P2P TWT negotiation method provided in this application embodiment no longer carries a definite time parameter in the first frame sent by the first station to the first access point. Instead, it carries the unavailable time period range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable time period of the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP). After receiving the first frame, the first access point determines the target periodic unavailable time period of P2P TWT according to the unavailable time period range or default information. That is, the target periodic unavailable time period of the first station is determined by the first access point. This can avoid the problem of high signaling overhead caused by the frequent use of DUO mode due to insufficient computing power or other reasons that the first station cannot determine its periodic unavailable time period. Moreover, the first access point can also plan the channel resources of all stations participating in P2P TWT scheduling as a whole, avoiding resource conflicts or waste and resource fragmentation.

[0059] It is worth noting that if the first access point determines the target period's unavailable time period based on the unavailable time period range, then the target period's unavailable time period must meet the requirements of the unavailable time period range. For example, if the unavailable time period range has a maximum and a minimum value, then the target period's unavailable time period must fall within that maximum and minimum value range. If the first access point determines the target period's unavailable time period based on default information, then the determined target period's unavailable time period must at least meet the scheduling requirements of the first site.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first frame can be a Channel Usage Request frame, using existing or newly added fields in the Channel Usage Request frame to indicate the unavailable time range or default information, avoiding the overhead and complexity of designing a new frame.

[0061] In some embodiments, the unavailable time period range is determined by a first TWT information and a second TWT information; wherein the first TWT information is used to indicate the minimum value of the unavailable time period range, and the second TWT information is used to indicate the maximum value of the unavailable time period range.

[0062] Specifically, the first TWT information is carried in the first TWT element field of the first frame. The first TWT information includes a first start time, a first duration, and a first time interval. The minimum value of the unavailable time period range is determined by the first start time, the first duration, and the first time interval.

[0063] Specifically, the second TWT information is carried in the second TWT element field of the first frame. The second TWT information includes a second start time, a second duration, and a second time interval. The maximum value of the unavailable time period range is determined by the second start time, the second duration, and the second time interval.

[0064] In this embodiment, if the first station indicates the unavailable time range of a P2P TWT, the first frame needs to include at least first TWT information and second TWT information indicating the minimum and maximum values ​​of the unavailable time range, respectively. The minimum value of the unavailable time range can be determined by a first start time, a first duration, and a first time interval. The minimum value of the unavailable time range can also be determined by a second start time, a second duration, and a second time interval. It is understood that the first start time represents the first start time of the P2P TWT SP, the first duration represents the maximum duration of the P2P TWT SP, and the first time interval represents the minimum interval between two adjacent P2P TWT SPs. These three parameters determine the minimum value of the unavailable time range for each P2P TWT SP. Similarly, the second start time represents the first start time of the P2P TWT SP, the second duration represents the minimum duration of the P2P TWT SP, and the second time interval represents the maximum interval between two adjacent P2P TWT SPs. These three parameters determine the maximum value of the unavailable time range for each P2P TWT SP.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first frame further includes: a first usage mode field, used to indicate that the unavailable period of the first STA is a range value, or to indicate that the unavailable period of the first STA is the default information.

[0066] Specifically, different values ​​from the reserved values ​​in the first usage mode field are configured to indicate either a range of unavailable periods for the first STA or a default unavailable period for the first STA. For example, the reserved values ​​for the first usage mode field are 6 to 254. Taking one value from 6 to 254 indicates that the unavailable period for the first station is a range, while taking another value from 6 to 254 indicates that the unavailable period for the first station is a default. The first usage mode field is a subfield under the Channel Usage Element. In the existing protocol, a value of 3 for the first usage mode field indicates that the unavailable period is indicated by the first station, and the specific value of the unavailable period is indicated by carrying a TWT element in the first frame.

[0067] Understandably, if the first usage mode field indicates a range of unavailable periods for the first STA, then the first frame will include the aforementioned first TWT element field and second TWT element field. If the first usage mode field indicates that the unavailable periods for the first STA are default information, then the first frame may not include the TWT element field. The default information indicates that the first site does not carry an indication of its periodic unavailable periods, which can be specified or planned by the first access point.

[0068] In some embodiments, after step S120, the method further includes: The system receives a second frame from the first AP, which carries the target period of unavailability. The second frame is used to indicate that the first STA is in a period of unavailability according to the target period of unavailability.

[0069] Correspondingly, after step S220, the method further includes: A second frame is sent to the first STA, the second frame carrying the target period of period unavailability, the second frame being used to indicate that the first STA is in a period unavailability state according to the target period of period unavailability.

[0070] In this embodiment, after the first access point determines the target periodic unavailable time period of P2P TWT based on the unavailable time period range or default information, it sends the target periodic unavailable time period to the first station in the second frame. The first station is in the periodic unavailable state according to the target periodic unavailable time period, thereby realizing the P2P TWT negotiation between the first station and the first access point.

[0071] In some embodiments, the second frame includes at least one of the following: The first TWT sets a command field to indicate that the second frame carries a period in which the target period is unavailable; The third TWT element field is used to carry the target period unavailable time period, which includes the target start time, target duration and target time interval.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first TWT setting command field is used to indicate that the second frame carries a target period unavailable time period. For example, configuring the first TWT setting command field to a dictated TWT indicates that there is a target period unavailable time period in the second frame. Further, the target start time, target duration, and target time interval of the target period unavailable time period are represented by configuring the third TWT element field in the second frame.

[0073] In some embodiments, after step S120, the method further includes: When the first AP receives a second frame that indicates that the first frame carries the default information, the first AP indicates the target period is unavailable through a third frame.

[0074] Correspondingly, after step S220, the method further includes: When the first AP sends a second frame to the first STA, the second frame being used to indicate that the first frame carries the default information, the first AP then indicates the target period is unavailable through a third frame.

[0075] Understandably, in addition to the first access point indicating the target period unavailable time period to the first station through the second frame in the aforementioned embodiment, the first access point can also indicate the target period unavailable time period through the unsolicited third frame. However, it needs to inform the first station through the second frame that it will subsequently indicate the target period unavailable time period by sending the third frame. In this case, the first TWT setting command field in the second frame fed back by the first access point to the first station can be configured to accept TWT, and the second frame may no longer carry the third TWT element field.

[0076] It should be noted that the third frame is only used to indicate the unavailable periods of the target period when the first frame carries default information. In this case, the first access point may need to plan before determining the unavailable periods of the target period, hence the need for a third frame. If the first frame carries a range of unavailable periods, the second frame directly indicates the unavailable periods of the target period, avoiding the overhead of too many frame interactions. Of course, it is understandable that even if the first frame carries default information, the second frame can still indicate the unavailable periods of the target period.

[0077] In some embodiments, the second frame may be a Channel Usage Response frame, and the third frame may be an unsolicited Channel Usage Response frame.

[0078] In some embodiments, the third frame includes at least one of the following: The second TWT setting command field is used to indicate that the third frame carries a period when the target period is unavailable.

[0079] The fourth TWT element field is used to carry the target period unavailable time period, which includes the target start time, target duration and target time interval.

[0080] The second usage mode field is used to indicate that the third frame is for the first STA where the unavailable period is the default information.

[0081] The receive address field is used to indicate that the receive address of the third frame is the address of the first STA, whose default information is that the unavailable period is used.

[0082] The timeout interval field is used to indicate the timeout interval value, which is used by the first AP to send a fourth frame when the timeout interval value expires. The fourth frame is used to indicate the termination of the P2P TWT scheduling.

[0083] In this embodiment, if the first access point indicates a target period unavailable time period through the third frame, the third frame can adopt a configuration method similar to that of the second frame indicating the target period unavailable time period. For example, the second TWT setting command field is configured as a dictated TWT, indicating that there is a target period unavailable time period in the third frame, and the target start time, target duration and target time interval of the target period unavailable time period are further indicated by configuring the fourth TWT element field in the third frame.

[0084] In addition, the third frame may also include a second usage mode field, indicating that the third frame is for the first STA where the unavailability period is the default information. The value of the second usage mode field can be configured to be the same as the value of the first usage mode field when the first STA's unavailability period is the default information. A receive address field indicates that the receive address of the third frame is the address of the first STA, which is the site where the unavailability period is the default information. A timeout interval field indicates the timeout interval value. When the timeout interval value expires, the first AP sends a fourth frame to the first STA, instructing the first STA to terminate P2P TWT scheduling. The fourth frame can be a TWT Teardown frame.

[0085] In some embodiments, after receiving the second frame fed back by the first AP, the method further includes: The first STA sends a fifth frame to the first AP during the first service period. The fifth frame carries the availability status information of the first STA for the remaining time of the first service period. The fifth frame is used to instruct the first AP to determine whether to perform downlink data transmission with the first STA during the remaining time based on the availability status information. The first service period is determined by the target period unavailable period.

[0086] Correspondingly, after sending the second frame to the first STA, the method further includes: The first AP receives a fifth frame sent by the first STA during a first service period. The fifth frame carries availability status information of the first STA for the remaining time during the first service period, wherein the first service period is determined by the target period unavailable period. The first AP determines whether to perform downlink data transmission with the first STA during the remaining time based on the availability status information.

[0087] After the first access point and the first site establish a P2P TWT schedule and negotiate the unavailable period of the target cycle, the first access point cannot actively initiate downlink data transmission to the first site. Only after the first site sends the fifth frame to the first AP during the first service period can the first access point determine whether to initiate downlink data transmission to the first site during the remaining time of the first service period based on the availability status information carried in the fifth frame sent by the first site. This availability status information indicates whether the first site is available during the remaining time of the first service period. If the first site is available during the remaining time of the first service period, the first access point can initiate downlink data transmission to the first site during the remaining time of the first service period. If the first site is unavailable during the remaining time of the first service period, the first access point cannot initiate downlink data transmission to the first site during the remaining time of the first service period. This avoids the impact of the first access point actively initiating data transmission on the unavailable period of the target cycle and achieves maximum optimization of power consumption between the first access point and the first site.

[0088] The first service period is any available service period in the P2P TWT scheduling, which can be determined by the unavailable period of the target period.

[0089] The above text combined Figures 1 to 5 The method embodiments of this application are described in detail below, in conjunction with... Figures 6 to 10 The present application describes the device embodiments in detail. It should be understood that the device embodiments correspond to the method embodiments, and similar descriptions can be referred to the method embodiments.

[0090] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of a P2P TWT negotiation device 200 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The P2P TWT negotiation device 200 can be an access point device, or a component within an access point device, such as a chip, circuit, or module. Figure 6 The P2P TWT negotiation device 200 includes: The generation module 210 is used to generate a first frame, which carries an unavailable period range or default information for the P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable period for the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP). The first transceiver module 220 is used to send the first frame to the first AP. The first frame is used to instruct the first AP to determine the target period unavailable period of the P2P TWT based on the unavailable period range or the default information.

[0091] With the P2P TWT negotiation device provided in this embodiment, the first frame sent by the first station to the first access point no longer carries a definite time parameter, but carries the unavailable period range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable period of the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP). Then, after receiving the first frame, the first access point determines the target periodic unavailable period of P2P TWT according to the unavailable period range or default information. That is, the target periodic unavailable period of the first station is determined by the first access point. In this way, the problem of high signaling overhead caused by frequent use of DUO mode due to insufficient computing power or other reasons that the first station cannot determine its periodic unavailable period can be avoided. Moreover, the first access point can also plan the channel resources of all stations participating in P2P TWT scheduling as a whole, avoiding resource conflicts or waste and resource fragmentation.

[0092] It should be understood that the apparatus 200 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the first access point in the method embodiments of this application, and the various units in the apparatus 200 and the other operations and / or functions described above are respectively for implementing Figure 4 The corresponding processes applied to the first site in the embodiments described herein will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0093] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of another P2P TWT negotiation device 300 provided according to an embodiment of this application. The device 300 can be a site device or a component within a site device, such as a chip, circuit, or module.

[0094] like Figure 7 As shown, the P2P TWT negotiation device 300 includes: The second transceiver module 310 is used to receive a first frame sent by the first STA. The first frame carries the unavailable time period range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable time period of the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP).

[0095] The determination module 320 is used to determine the target periodic unavailable time period of the P2P TWT based on the unavailable time period range or the default information.

[0096] With the P2P TWT negotiation device provided in this embodiment, the first frame sent by the first station to the first access point no longer carries a definite time parameter, but carries the unavailable period range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable period of the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP). Then, after receiving the first frame, the first access point determines the target periodic unavailable period of P2P TWT according to the unavailable period range or default information. That is, the target periodic unavailable period of the first station is determined by the first access point. In this way, the problem of high signaling overhead caused by frequent use of DUO mode due to insufficient computing power or other reasons that the first station cannot determine its periodic unavailable period can be avoided. Moreover, the first access point can also plan the channel resources of all stations participating in P2P TWT scheduling as a whole, avoiding resource conflicts or waste and resource fragmentation.

[0097] It should be understood that the apparatus 300 according to the embodiments of this application may correspond to the first station in the method embodiments of this application, and the various units in the apparatus 300 and the other operations and / or functions described above are respectively for implementing Figure 5 The corresponding process of the first access point in the method embodiment shown will not be described in detail here for the sake of simplicity.

[0098] This application provides an access point device, characterized in that it includes: a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, and the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to implement the method applied to a first access point in this application embodiment.

[0099] This application provides a site device, characterized in that it includes: a processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, and the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to implement the method applied to a first site in this application embodiment.

[0100] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 The communication device 500 shown includes a processor 510, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0101] Optionally, such as Figure 8As shown, the communication device 500 may further include a memory 520. The processor 510 can call and run a computer program from the memory 520 to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application. For example, when the communication device 500 is an access point device, the processor 510 can call and run a computer program from the memory 520 to implement the various steps of the method embodiment executed by the first access point, achieving the same technical effect. When the communication device 500 is a terminal device, the processor 510 can call and run a computer program from the memory 520 to implement the various steps of the method embodiment executed by the first site, achieving the same technical effect.

[0102] Alternatively, the memory 520 may be a separate device independent of the processor 510, or it may be integrated into the processor 510.

[0103] Optionally, such as Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 500 may also include a transceiver 530, and the processor 510 may control the transceiver 530 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0104] Optionally, transceiver 530 may include a transmitter and a receiver. Transceiver 530 may further include antennas, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0105] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of the chip according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 The chip 600 shown includes a processor 610, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0106] Optionally, such as Figure 9 As shown, chip 600 may further include memory 620. Processor 610 can retrieve and run computer programs from memory 620 to implement the methods described in this embodiment.

[0107] Alternatively, the memory 620 may be a separate device independent of the processor 610, or it may be integrated into the processor 610.

[0108] Optionally, the chip 600 may also include an input interface 630. The processor 610 can control the input interface 630 to communicate with other devices or chips, for example, to acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0109] Optionally, the chip 600 may also include an output interface 640. The processor 610 can control the output interface 640 to communicate with other devices or chips, for example, to output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0110] Optionally, the input interface 630 and the output interface 640 can be configured together.

[0111] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the access point device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding process of the first access point in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0112] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the site device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the first site in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0113] 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.

[0114] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 As shown, the communication system 700 includes an access point device 710 and a site device 720.

[0115] The access point device 710 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the first access point in the above method, and the site device 720 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the first site in the above method. For the sake of brevity, these will not be elaborated here.

[0116] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the steps of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor described above may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0117] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0118] It should be understood that the above-described memory is exemplary and not a limiting description. For example, the memory in the embodiments of this application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DR RAM), etc. In other words, the memory in the embodiments of this application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0119] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the various processes of the above method embodiments.

[0120] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the access point device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the first access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0121] Optionally, the readable storage medium can be applied to the site device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the first site in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0122] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0123] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the access point device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the first access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0124] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the site device in the embodiments of this application, and the computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the first site in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0125] This application also provides a computer program. When executed by a processor, this computer program implements the various processes of the above-described method embodiments.

[0126] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the access point device in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the first access point in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0127] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the site device in the embodiments of this application. The computer program causes the processor to execute the corresponding process implemented by the first site in the method embodiments of this application. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0128] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0129] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0130] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0131] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0132] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0133] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0134] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A point-to-point target wake-up time (P2P TWT) negotiation method, characterized in that, Applied to a first site STA, the method includes: Generate a first frame, which carries the unavailable time range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable time of the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP). Send the first frame to the first AP. The first frame is used to instruct the first AP to determine the target period of the P2P TWT based on the unavailable period range or the default information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unavailable time period range is determined by a first TWT information and a second TWT information; wherein, the first TWT information is used to indicate the minimum value of the unavailable time period range, and the second TWT information is used to indicate the maximum value of the unavailable time period range.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first frame also includes at least one of the following: The first usage mode field is used to indicate that the unavailable period of the first STA is a range value, or to indicate that the unavailable period of the first STA is the default information; The first TWT element field is used to carry the first TWT information, which includes a first start time, a first duration, and a first time interval. The minimum value of the unavailable time period range is determined by the first start time, the first duration, and the first time interval. The second TWT element field is used to carry the second TWT information, which includes a second start time, a second duration, and a second time interval. The maximum value of the unavailable time period range is determined by the second start time, the second duration, and the second time interval.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, After sending the first frame to the first AP, the method further includes: The system receives a second frame from the first AP, which carries the target period of unavailability. The second frame is used to indicate that the first STA is in an unavailable state according to the target period of unavailability.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second frame includes at least one of the following: The first TWT sets a command field to indicate that the second frame carries a period in which the target period is unavailable; The third TWT element field is used to carry the target period unavailable time period, which includes the target start time, target duration and target time interval.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, After sending the first frame to the first AP, the method further includes: When the first AP receives a second frame that indicates that the first frame carries the default information, the first AP indicates the target period is unavailable through a third frame.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The third frame includes at least one of the following: The second TWT setting command field is used to indicate that the third frame carries a period when the target period is unavailable. The fourth TWT element field is used to carry the target period unavailable time period, which includes the target start time, target duration and target time interval; The second usage mode field is used to indicate that the third frame is for the first STA where the unavailable period is the default information; The receive address field is used to indicate that the receive address of the third frame is the address of the first STA whose unavailable period is the default information; The timeout interval field is used to indicate the timeout interval value, which is used by the first AP to send a fourth frame when the timeout interval value expires. The fourth frame is used to indicate the termination of the P2P TWT scheduling.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that, After receiving the second frame fed back by the first AP, the method further includes: The first STA sends a fifth frame to the first AP during the first service period. The fifth frame carries the availability status information of the first STA for the remaining time of the first service period. The fifth frame is used to instruct the first AP to determine whether to perform downlink data transmission with the first STA during the remaining time based on the availability status information. The first service period is determined by the unavailable period of the target period.

9. A P2P TWT negotiation method, characterized in that, Applied to a first access point (AP), the method includes: Receive the first frame sent by the first STA, the first frame carrying the unavailable time range or default information of P2P TWT, the default information indicating that the unavailable time of the first STA is specified by the first access point AP; The target period of unavailable time for the P2P TWT is determined based on the unavailable time range or the default information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first frame also includes at least one of the following: The first usage mode field is used to indicate that the unavailable period of the first STA is a range value, or to indicate that the unavailable period of the first STA is the default information; The first TWT element field is used to carry the first TWT information, which includes a first start time, a first duration, and a first time interval. The minimum value of the unavailable time period range is determined by the first start time, the first duration, and the first time interval. The second TWT element field is used to carry the second TWT information, which includes a second start time, a second duration, and a second time interval. The maximum value of the unavailable time period range is determined by the second start time, the second duration, and the second time interval. The unavailable time period range is determined by the first TWT information and the second TWT information.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, After determining the target periodic unavailable time of the P2P TWT based on the unavailable time range or the default information, the method further includes: A second frame is sent to the first STA, the second frame carrying the target period of unavailability, the second frame being used to indicate that the first STA is in an unavailable state according to the target period of unavailability.

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, After determining the target periodic unavailable time of the P2P TWT based on the unavailable time range or the default information, the method further includes: When the first AP sends a second frame to the first STA, the second frame being used to indicate that the first frame carries the default information, the first AP then indicates the target period is unavailable through a third frame.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The second frame includes at least one of the following: The first TWT sets a command field to indicate that the second frame carries a period in which the target period is unavailable; The third TWT element field is used to carry the target period unavailable time period, which includes the target start time, target duration and target time interval; The third frame includes at least one of the following: The second TWT setting command field is used to indicate that the third frame carries a period when the target period is unavailable. The fourth TWT element field is used to carry the target period unavailable time period, which includes the target start time, target duration and target time interval; The second usage mode field is used to indicate that the third frame is for the first STA where the unavailable period is the default information; The receive address field is used to indicate that the receive address of the third frame is the address of the first STA whose unavailable period is the default information; The timeout interval field is used to indicate the timeout interval value, which is used by the first AP to send a fourth frame when the timeout interval value expires. The fourth frame is used to indicate the termination of the P2P TWT scheduling.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, After sending the second frame to the first STA, the method further includes: The first AP receives a fifth frame sent by the first STA during a first service period. The fifth frame carries the availability status information of the first STA for the remaining time of the first service period, wherein the first service period is determined by the target period unavailable period. The first AP determines whether to perform downlink data transmission with the first STA within the remaining time based on the available status information.

15. A P2P TWT negotiation device, characterized in that, include: The generation module is used to generate a first frame, which carries the unavailable time range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable time of the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP). The first transceiver module is used to send the first frame to the first AP. The first frame is used to instruct the first AP to determine the target period of the P2P TWT unavailable time based on the unavailable time range or the default information.

16. A P2P TWT negotiation device, characterized in that, include: The second transceiver module is used to receive the first frame sent by the first STA. The first frame carries the unavailable time period range or default information of P2P TWT. The default information indicates that the unavailable time period of the first STA is specified by the first access point (AP). The determination module is used to determine the target periodic unavailable time period of the P2P TWT based on the unavailable time period range or the default information.

17. A site device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-8.

18. An access point device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

19. A chip, characterized in that, include: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device on which the chip is mounted to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 9-14.

20. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store a computer program that causes a computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 9-14.

21. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes an access point device and a site device, the site device being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, and the access point device being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9-14.

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