Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more particularly to a communication method and apparatus. This application can be applied to IEEE 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn standards, and other standards in the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.15, 802.11bf, IMW, or StarScan standards. The responding AP and its associated site continue TXOP before the start time of the SP, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions include: switching to a second channel based on an OBSS PPDU received on a first channel, where the OBSS PPDU originates from the BSS where the requesting AP is located, and the second channel does not overlap with the first channel; or, the responding AP switches to the second channel; and the first and second channels of the requesting AP do not overlap. This effectively ensures smooth communication between the responding AP and its associated site, improving channel utilization.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Improving throughput is a continuous technological goal in the evolution of cellular networks and wireless local area networks (WLANs). WLAN system standards are primarily discussed within the IEEE 802.11 standards group, and throughput has been continuously improved in previous standards such as 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be. Currently, the next-generation WLAN standard, IEEE 802.11bn, or Ultra High Reliability (UHR), is under research.

[0003] Transmission reliability is a key concern for UHR. The IEEE 802.11bn standard introduces several reliability-related technical features, such as non-primary channel access (NPCA) and coordinated restricted target wakeup time (Co-RTWT).

[0004] Therefore, how to combine the NPCA mechanism and the Co-RTWT mechanism urgently needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that effectively improves channel utilization.

[0006] Firstly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a response access point (AP). This method can be implemented by the response AP or by components on the response AP side. Components on the response AP side include, but are not limited to, chips, functional modules, or processing systems within the response AP. The method includes: The responding AP receives a first restricted target wakeup time (RTWT) from the requesting AP, which indicates the service period (SP) of the requesting AP. Under certain conditions, the responding AP continues its transmission opportunity (TXOP) before the start time of the SP. These conditions include: the responding AP switches to a second channel based on the overlapping basic service set (OBSS) physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) received on the first channel, where the OBSS PPDU originates from the basic service set (BSS) of the requesting AP, and the second channel does not overlap with the first channel.

[0007] The first RTWT information is used to indicate one or more SPs. This first RTWT information may be carried in the first frame. Optionally, the first frame may be used to request the establishment of a co-RTWT. Optionally, the bandwidth of the first channel is the bandwidth of the OBSS PPDU. The second channel may be a non-primary channel or an NPCA primary channel.

[0008] In this embodiment, when the responding AP switches to the second channel based on the PPDU of the BSS where the requesting AP is located, since the responding AP uses a different channel than the requesting AP, the responding AP can continue TXOP before the start time of SP. This behavior of the responding AP (continuing TXOP) not only does not affect the communication or channel contention of the requesting AP, but also effectively ensures the smooth communication of the responding AP and improves channel utilization.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the above condition further includes: requesting the AP to transmit the OBSS PPDU on the first channel during the time the responding AP resides on the second channel. That is, the responding AP can reside on the second channel during the transmission duration of the OBSS PPDU.

[0010] In this embodiment, the responding AP can implement an NPCA mechanism based on PPDU, thereby effectively ensuring that the responding AP and the requesting AP use different channels. The responding AP continues TXOP, which not only does not affect the communication of the requesting AP, giving the requesting AP and its associated sites more opportunities to obtain channel usage rights, but also ensures the smooth transmission of the responding AP's own data, allowing the responding AP to communicate on the second channel, effectively improving channel utilization.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: responding to the AP by sending a second RTWT message and requesting information from the AP, the second RTWT message being used to instruct the SP.

[0012] Optionally, the second RTWT information and the information of the requesting AP are carried in the same frame (such as the second frame).

[0013] In this embodiment, by sending second RTWT information and requesting AP information, the responding AP enables its associated non-access point station (non-AP STA) to continue TXOP before the start time of SP, even if the PPDU of the requesting AP's BSS switches to the second channel. This effectively ensures smooth communication between the responding AP's associated non-AP STA and also improves channel utilization.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the information requested from the AP includes at least one of the following: the AP's identifier (ID), the BSS color of the BSS where the AP is located, or the AP's basic service set identifier (BSS ID).

[0015] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a response access point (AP). This method can be implemented by the response AP or by components on the response AP side. Components on the response AP side include, but are not limited to, chips, functional modules, or processing systems within the response AP. The method includes: The responding AP receives first RTWT information from the requesting AP, which is used to indicate SP; if certain conditions are met, the responding AP continues TXOP before the start time of SP; the conditions include: the responding AP switches to the second channel; the first channel operated by the requesting AP and the second channel do not overlap.

[0016] Optionally, the first channel is the operating channel of the requesting AP. The second channel is either a non-primary channel or the NPCA primary channel.

[0017] For details regarding the first RTWT information and the first frame, please refer to the first aspect; further details will not be provided here.

[0018] In this embodiment, the responding AP can switch to the second channel based on the PPDU of the BSS where the requesting AP is located, or it can switch to the second channel based on the PPDU of another BSS outside the BSS where the requesting AP is located. After the responding AP switches to the second channel, since the first channel and the second channel where the requesting AP is operating do not overlap, the behavior of the responding AP (such as continuing TXOP) will not only not affect the communication or channel contention of the requesting AP, but can also effectively ensure the smooth communication of the responding AP and improve channel utilization.

[0019] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the conditions further include at least one of the following: requesting the AP to allow the use of a fourth channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel, and the fourth channel on which the requesting AP operates does not overlap with the second channel; requesting the AP not to allow the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel; requesting the AP not to support dynamic bandwidth extension (DBE); requesting the AP not to enable DBE.

[0020] In this embodiment of the application, by using the above conditions to determine whether the responding AP continues TXOP, it is possible to more accurately determine that the behavior of the responding AP (such as continuing TXOP) will not affect the communication or channel contention of the requesting AP, and it can also effectively ensure the smooth communication of the responding AP and improve the channel utilization.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: responding to the AP receiving first bandwidth indication information, the first bandwidth indication information being used to indicate at least one of the following: requesting the AP to allow the use of a fourth channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel; requesting the AP to allow the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel; requesting the AP to support DBE; or requesting the AP to enable DBE.

[0022] In this embodiment of the application, the responding AP can clearly know the above content by receiving the first bandwidth indication information, thereby more accurately determining whether the behavior of the responding AP (such as continuing the TXOP behavior) will affect the communication or channel contention of the requesting AP.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first bandwidth indication information is included in at least one of the following: a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or a MAPC negotiation request frame.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, if the first bandwidth indication information is included in the MAPC negotiation request frame, the MAPC negotiation request frame also includes second bandwidth indication information, which is used to indicate the channel through which the requesting AP operates when cooperating with the responding AP.

[0025] For example, the first bandwidth indication information is used to indicate whether the requesting AP is allowed to use a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel. That is: the first bandwidth indication information indicates that the requesting AP is not allowed to use a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel, and the second bandwidth indication information is used to indicate the channel through which the requesting AP operates when cooperating with the responding AP, such as the first channel; or, the first bandwidth indication information indicates that the requesting AP is allowed to use a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel, and the second bandwidth indication information is used to indicate the channel through which the requesting AP operates when cooperating with the responding AP, such as the first channel.

[0026] For example, the first bandwidth indication information is used to indicate that the requesting AP is allowed to use the bandwidth of the fourth channel, which is larger than the bandwidth of the first channel, and the second bandwidth indication information is used to indicate the channel through which the requesting AP works, such as the first channel, when cooperating with the responding AP.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: the responding AP sending a second RTWT message and an indication message, the second RTWT message being used to instruct the SP, and the indication message being used to instruct the associated non-APSTA of the responding AP to continue TXOP before the start time of the SP.

[0028] Optionally, the indication information is used to instruct the associated non-AP STA of the responding AP to continue TXOP before the start time of SP in the case of switching to the second channel.

[0029] In this embodiment, the responding AP, by sending second RTWT information and requesting AP information, enables its associated non-AP STAs to continue TXOP before the start time of SP, provided that the first and second channels of the requesting AP do not overlap when switching to the second channel. This effectively ensures smooth communication between the responding AP's associated non-AP STAs and also effectively improves channel utilization.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the response to the AP switching to the second channel includes: The responding AP switches to the second channel based on the OBSS PPDU, which comes from the BSS where the requesting AP is located, or from a BSS other than the BSS where the requesting AP is located.

[0031] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the response AP continues TXOP, including: The responding AP, as the holder of the TXOP, does not terminate the TXOP; or, the responding AP continues transmission from the time it backs off to 0 until the start time of the SP.

[0032] In this embodiment, before the start time of the SP, the responding AP is the TXOP holder; or, before the start time of the SP, the responding AP backs off to 0 and will obtain the right to use the channel. Regardless of whether the responding AP can complete a frame exchange during the period from the time it backs off to 0 to the start time of the SP, the responding AP does not give up this transmission and can perform frame exchange as the TXOP holder.

[0033] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: Before the transmission of the OBSS PPDU ends, the responding AP switches to the third channel; or, before the end of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU, the responding AP switches to the third channel.

[0034] In this embodiment, the responding AP can implement either a PPDU-based NPCA mechanism or a TXOP-based NPCA mechanism. By switching to the third channel in a timely manner, the responding AP can effectively ensure that it can re-compete for channel contention on the primary channel.

[0035] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the third channel is the same as the first channel, or the third channel partially overlaps with the first channel. For example, the primary 20MHz of the first channel is the same as the primary 20MHz of the third channel.

[0036] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the transmission duration of the OBSS PPDU is greater than a first threshold, or the remaining duration of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU is greater than a second threshold.

[0037] In this embodiment of the application, by satisfying the above conditions, it can be effectively ensured that the responding AP can complete frame interaction on the second channel, thereby improving the utilization rate of the second channel.

[0038] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: In the event that the AP switches to the third channel, the responding AP ends the TXOP before the SP's start time; or, If, in the event that the responding AP switches to the third channel, the time between the responding AP's backoff time to 0 and the start time of the SP is less than a preset duration, the responding AP will abandon (or delay) the transmission. The backoff time to 0 is earlier than the start time of the SP.

[0039] Therefore, priority can be given to ensuring that the requesting AP and its associated non-AP STA have more opportunities to obtain channel access, thereby meeting the latency requirements of low-latency services of the requesting AP and its associated non-AP STA.

[0040] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first RTWT information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the SP, the duration of the SP, or the period of the SP.

[0041] In one possible implementation, in conjunction with the first or second aspect, the second RTWT information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the SP, the duration of the SP, or the period of the SP.

[0042] Optionally, the first RTWT information and the second RTWT information satisfy at least one of the following: the start time of the SP indicated by the first RTWT information is the same as the start time of the SP indicated by the second RTWT information; the period of the SP indicated by the first RTWT information is the same as the period of the SP indicated by the second RTWT information; the duration of the SP indicated by the first RTWT information is the same as the duration of the SP indicated by the second RTWT information. Optionally, the first RTWT information includes the start time of the SP, the duration of the SP, and the period of the SP; the second RTWT information includes the start time of the SP and the period of the SP.

[0043] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a non-access point station (non-AP STA). This method can be implemented by the non-AP STA or by components on the non-AP STA side. Components on the non-AP STA side include, but are not limited to, chips, functional modules, or processing systems within the non-AP STA. The method includes: The non-AP STA receives a second RTWT message and a request for an AP message, the second RTWT message being used to instruct the SP; if certain conditions are met, the non-AP STA continues TXOP before the start time of the SP; the conditions include: the non-AP STA switches to the second channel based on an OBSS PPDU received on the first channel, the OBSS PPDU originating from the BSS where the requesting AP is located.

[0044] Optionally, the first channel and the second channel do not overlap. For a description of the second frame and beneficial effects related to the third aspect, refer to the first or second aspect; details are not provided here.

[0045] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the information requested from the AP includes at least one of the following: requesting the AP's ID (such as AP ID), requesting the BSS color of the BSS where the AP is located, or requesting the AP's BSSID.

[0046] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a non-access point station (non-AP STA). This method can be implemented by the non-AP STA or by components on the non-AP STA side. Components on the non-AP STA side include, but are not limited to, chips, functional modules, or processing systems within the non-AP STA. The method includes: The non-AP STA receives a second RTWT message and an indication message. The second RTWT message is used to instruct the SP (Service Point Service) to continue TXOP (Turn-Only Operation) before the start time of the SP. The indication message is used to instruct the associated non-AP STA to continue TXOP before the start time of the SP, provided that certain conditions are met. These conditions include the non-AP STA switching to the second channel.

[0047] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the condition also includes: the first channel requesting the AP to operate does not overlap with the second channel.

[0048] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the non-AP STA switches to the second channel, including: The non-AP STA switches to the second channel based on the OBSS PPDU, which comes from the BSS where the requesting AP is located, or from a BSS other than the BSS where the requesting AP is located.

[0049] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the non-AP STA continues TXOP, including: A non-AP STA holding a TXOP does not terminate the TXOP; or, from the time the non-AP STA backs off to 0 until the start time of the SP, the non-AP STA continues transmission.

[0050] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: Before the transmission of the OBSS PPDU ends, the non-AP STA switches to the third channel; or, before the end of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU, the non-AP STA switches to the third channel.

[0051] In this embodiment, the non-AP STA can implement either a PPDU-based NPCA mechanism or a TXOP-based NPCA mechanism. By switching to the third channel in a timely manner, the non-AP STA can effectively ensure that it can re-compete for channel on the main channel.

[0052] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the third channel is the same as the first channel, or the third channel partially overlaps with the first channel.

[0053] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the transmission duration of the OBSS PPDU is greater than the first threshold, or the remaining duration of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU is greater than the second threshold.

[0054] In this embodiment of the application, by satisfying the above conditions, it can be effectively ensured that non-AP STAs can complete frame interaction on the second channel, thereby improving the utilization rate of the second channel.

[0055] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: In the case of a non-AP STA switching to the third channel, the non-AP STA ends TXOP before the start time of SP; or, When a non-AP STA switches to the third channel, if the time between the backoff time to 0 and the start time of the SP is less than a preset time, the non-AP STA will abandon the transmission (or delay the transmission).

[0056] Therefore, priority can be given to ensuring that the requesting AP and its associated non-AP STA have more opportunities to obtain channel access, thereby meeting the latency requirements of low-latency services of the requesting AP and its associated non-AP STA.

[0057] In conjunction with the third or fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the second RTWT information includes at least one of the following: the start time of the SP, the duration of the SP, or the period of the SP.

[0058] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for executing the method in the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation. The communication device includes a module for executing the method in the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation.

[0059] The communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module performs the sending or receiving actions as described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation. The processing module performs the processing actions as described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or any possible implementation. The communication device is a response to an access point (AP), or a response to a chip or circuit within an AP, or a response to a functional module within an AP, etc.

[0060] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device for executing the methods in the third or fourth aspect or any possible implementation. The communication device includes a module for executing the methods in the third or fourth aspect or any possible implementation.

[0061] The communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module performs the sending or receiving actions as described in the third or fourth aspect or any possible implementation, while the processing module performs the processing actions as described in the third or fourth aspect or any possible implementation. The communication device is a non-AP STA, or a chip or circuit within a non-AP STA, or a functional module within a non-AP STA, etc.

[0062] The modules in aspects five and six can also be replaced with units or means. The aforementioned modules can be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of both.

[0063] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication apparatus comprising at least one processor and a transceiver; wherein the transceiver is configured to receive first RTWT information from a requesting AP; and the processor is configured to continue TXOP before the start time of SP, provided that certain conditions are met. For example, the processor may be configured to determine whether the conditions for channel switching are met. Furthermore, the processor may be configured to determine whether the conditions for continuing TXOP are met.

[0064] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver is also used to send at least one of the following: second RWT information, indication information, or information requesting the AP.

[0065] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to switch to the third channel before the transmission of the OBSS PPDU ends. Alternatively, the processor is further configured to switch to the third channel before the end of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0066] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to terminate TXOP before the start time of SP in the case of switching to the third channel; or, the processor is further configured to abandon the current transmission (or delay the current transmission) if the duration between the backoff time to 0 and the start time of SP is less than a preset duration in the case of switching to the third channel.

[0067] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication apparatus comprising at least one processor and a transceiver; wherein the transceiver is configured to receive at least one of second RTWT information, indication information, or AP request information; and the processor is configured to, based on a second frame, continue TXOP before the start time of SP, provided that certain conditions are met. For example, the processor can be used to determine whether the conditions for channel switching are met. Furthermore, the processor can be used to determine whether the conditions for continuing TXOP are met.

[0068] In conjunction with aspect eight, in one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to switch to the third channel before the transmission of the OBSS PPDU ends. Alternatively, the processor is further configured to switch to the third channel before the end of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0069] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processor is further configured to terminate the TXOP before the start time of the SP in the case of switching to the third channel; or, the processor is configured to abandon the transmission (or delay the transmission) if the duration between the backoff time to 0 and the start time of the SP is less than a preset duration before the start time of the SP in the case of switching to the third channel.

[0070] For explanations of the terms involved in aspects seven through eight, please refer to aspects one through four; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0071] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip including logic circuitry and an interface; wherein the interface is used to input first RTWT information from a requesting AP; the logic circuitry is used to continue TXOP before the start time of SP, provided that certain conditions are met. For example, the logic circuitry can be used to determine whether the conditions for channel switching are met. Furthermore, the logic circuitry can be used to determine whether the conditions for continuing TXOP are met.

[0072] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the interface is also used to output the second frame.

[0073] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the logic circuit is further configured to switch to the third channel before the transmission of the OBSS PPDU ends. Alternatively, the logic circuit is further configured to switch to the third channel before the end of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0074] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the logic circuit is further configured to terminate TXOP before the start time of SP in the case of switching to the third channel; or, the logic circuit is configured to abandon the transmission (or delay the transmission) if the duration between the backoff time to 0 and the start time of SP is less than a preset duration before the start time of SP in the case of switching to the third channel.

[0075] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip including logic circuitry and an interface; wherein the interface is used to input a second frame; and the logic circuitry is used to continue TXOP before the start time of SP, based on the second frame and provided that certain conditions are met. For example, this logic circuitry can be used to determine whether the conditions for channel switching are met. Furthermore, this logic circuitry can be used to determine whether the conditions for continuing TXOP are met.

[0076] In conjunction with aspect eight, in one possible implementation, the logic circuit is further configured to switch to the third channel before the transmission of the OBSS PPDU ends. Alternatively, the logic circuit is further configured to switch to the third channel before the end of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0077] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the logic circuit is further configured to terminate TXOP before the start time of SP in the case of switching to the third channel; or, the logic circuit is configured to abandon the transmission (or delay the transmission) if the duration between the backoff time to 0 and the start time of SP is less than a preset duration before the start time of SP in the case of switching to the third channel.

[0078] For explanations of the terms involved in aspects nine through ten, please refer to aspects one through four; they will not be elaborated upon here.

[0079] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the methods shown in any of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementation thereof to be executed.

[0080] This computer program can also be called an instruction, or a computer instruction, etc. That is, a computer program can be replaced by an instruction or a computer instruction.

[0081] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the methods in any of the first to fourth aspects or any possible implementations described above to be executed.

[0082] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system including a responsive AP and a non-AP STA. The responsive AP can be an apparatus as provided in the fifth, seventh, and ninth aspects, and the non-AP STA can be an apparatus as provided in the sixth, eighth, and tenth aspects. The responsive AP can be used to implement the methods in the first or second aspect or any possible implementation described above, and the non-AP STA is used to implement the methods in the third or fourth aspect or any possible implementation described above. Attached Figure Description

[0083] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the non-master channel access mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the non-master channel access mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4a and Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of the non-master channel access process provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the format of an extremely high throughput (EHT) PPDU provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of the format of the ultra-high reliability (UHR) PPDU provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the r-TWT mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8a This is a schematic diagram of the format of a TWT element provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8b This is a schematic diagram of the format of the first frame provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 10a This is a schematic diagram of a scenario involving the first channel and the second channel provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 10b This is a schematic diagram of another scenario for the first channel and the second channel provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 12a This is a schematic diagram illustrating the format of the TWT parameter information field in the TWT element provided in this application embodiment; Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of the format of a TWT element used to carry instruction information, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12c This is a schematic diagram of the format of a TWT element used to carry information about a request AP, provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 14 This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0084] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this application, the application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0085] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used only to distinguish different objects and not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0086] In this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, and "at least two (items)" means two or three or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three cases: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. "Or" indicates that two relationships can exist, such as only A or only B exists; when A and B are not mutually exclusive, it can also represent three relationships, such as only A exists, only B exists, or both A and B exist simultaneously. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0087] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which can include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which can include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, trace, or interface.

[0088] The following describes the communication system involved in this application.

[0089] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems. For example, the methods provided in this application can be applied to the IEEE 802.11 series standards, such as 802.11a / b / g, 802.11bf, 802.11az, 802.11bk, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or next-generation standards. Other examples include 802.11ad, 802.11ay, 802.11bq, or next-generation standards, which will not be listed here. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to wireless personal area networks (WPANs) based on ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to integrated millimeter wave (IMMW) technology. The method provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to the IEEE 802.15 series standards, such as the 802.15.4a, 802.15.4z, or 802.15.4ab standards, or a future generation of UWB WPAN standards. The method provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to the StarFlash standard. The technical solution provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to the following communication systems, for example, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle to X (V2X) systems (where X can represent anything), Device to Device (D2D), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, and 5th Generation (5G) communication systems, etc. V2X can include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0090] WLAN systems can provide high-speed, low-latency transmission. As WLAN application scenarios continue to evolve, WLAN systems will be applied to more scenarios and industries, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) industry, the banking industry, enterprise offices, stadiums, exhibition halls, concert halls, hotel rooms, dormitories, hospital wards, classrooms, supermarkets, squares, streets, production workshops, and warehouses. Of course, devices supporting WLAN communication or sensing (such as access points or sites) can be sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air quality monitoring nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, speakers, refrigerators, and washing machines), nodes in the IoT, entertainment terminals (such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) wearable devices), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, loudspeakers, and speakers), IoV devices, infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, supermarket self-service navigation kiosks, self-checkout machines, and self-ordering machines), and equipment in large sports and music venues.

[0091] Although the embodiments of this application primarily use WLAN as an example, especially networks applied to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards, the various aspects involved in the embodiments of this application can be extended to other networks employing various standards or protocols. For example, Bluetooth, high-performance radio LAN (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard, mainly used in Europe), and wide area networks (WANs) or other networks now known or to be developed in the future.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the method provided in this application embodiment can be implemented by a communication device in a communication system. For example, the communication device can be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). Alternatively, the communication device can be a chip or circuit in the AP, or a functional module within the AP. Another example is that the communication device is a chip or circuit in a non-AP STA, or a functional module within a non-AP STA. The method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, but is not limited to, single-user uplink / downlink transmission and multi-user uplink / downlink transmission.

[0093] An access point is a device with wireless communication capabilities, supporting communication or sensing using WLAN protocols. It has the ability to communicate or sense other devices in the WLAN network (such as non-AP STAs or other access points), and can also communicate or sense 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. In a WLAN system, an access point can be called an Access Point Station (AP STA). In this embodiment, the AP is a device that provides services to non-AP STAs and can support 802.11 series protocols or subsequent protocols. For example, an access point can be an access point for terminals (such as mobile phones) to enter a wired (or wireless) network, mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters; it can also be deployed outdoors. Furthermore, an AP can be a communication server, router, switch, bridge, or other communication entity; an AP can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeaters, etc. Of course, an AP can also include APs belonging to a multi-link device (MLD), or co-located APs, etc.

[0094] A non-AP STA is a device with wireless communication capabilities that supports communication or sensing using WLAN protocols. It has the ability to communicate or sense other non-AP STAs or access points within a WLAN network. For example, a non-AP STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate or sense with an AP and thus with the WLAN. For instance, a non-AP STA can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. Furthermore, a non-AP STA can be a mobile phone supporting Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer supporting Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV supporting Wi-Fi communication, a smart wearable device supporting Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting Wi-Fi communication, and a computer supporting Wi-Fi communication. Of course, non-AP STAs can also include non-AP STAs belonging to an MLD (Multi-Level Device) or co-located STAs.

[0095] A multi-link device comprises multiple affiliated sites, which can be physical or logical sites. Each site can operate on a link, a frequency band, or a channel, etc. The affiliated sites shown here can be APs or non-AP STAs.

[0096] In this application, AP and non-AP STA can be collectively referred to as a station (STA). That is to say, the steps (or functions) implemented by STA in this application can also be implemented by AP or non-AP STA.

[0097] The communication system provided in this application includes at least one AP / AP MLD and at least one non-AP STA / non-AP MLD. Figure 1 The communication system is illustrated as an example.

[0098] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system includes one or more access points (APs) and one or more non-AP STAs. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an access point such as an AP, and two sites such as non-AP STA1 and non-AP STA2. Exemplarily, the method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to data communication between an AP and one or more non-AP STAs (e.g.,...). Figure 1 The communication shown is between the AP and non-AP STA1, or between AP1 and non-AP STA1, non-AP STA2, or between APs, or between non-AP STAs.

[0099] Figure 1 The example of a non-AP STA (phone) and an AP (router) is provided and is not intended to limit the types of APs and non-AP STAs in this application. Furthermore, Figure 1 Only one AP and two non-AP STAs are shown as an example, but the number of APs or non-AP STAs may be more or less, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0100] The following is a description of the terms used in this application.

[0101] 1. Main channel access Primary channel access mechanism: Stations are only allowed to access and transmit data when the primary 20MHz channel is idle. If the primary 20MHz channel is busy, stations are not allowed to access and transmit data even if multiple non-primary channels are idle.

[0102] Channels other than the primary 20MHz channel are called secondary channels. Secondary channels can also be called non-primary channels. That is, non-primary channels and secondary channels can be interchanged. The non-primary channel to which a site switches can be called the NPCA primary channel.

[0103] 2. Non-primary channel access (NPCA) NPCA (Non-Paced Basic Service Set) refers to the operation performed by an AP or non-AP STA to improve channel utilization after the primary 20MHz channel is occupied by an overlapping basic service set (OBSS) (or, for other reasons, at least one party occupies the primary channel while the other party can access a non-primary channel with a fixed start and end time for communication, such as during periodic in-device non-Wi-Fi interference of the AP). Optionally, the BSS operating on the same channel (such as the primary 20MHz channel) as the site's BSS, with partially or completely overlapping basic service areas, is considered the site's OBSS.

[0104] While the mechanism based on primary channel access is logically sound and easy to operate, the frequency of spectrum usage caused by primary channel access is decreasing as equipment deployment becomes denser and equipment bandwidth increases.

[0105] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the non-master channel access mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 An exemplary 160MHz channel allocation is shown. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the 160 MHz station is detected as busy on the primary 20 MHz channel, while all other non-primary channels are detected as idle. According to the primary channel access mechanism, this 160 MHz station cannot use any non-primary channels and must back off. This reduces channel utilization and the frequency of spectrum usage.

[0106] According to the non-primary channel access mechanism, the 160 MHz station can switch to a non-primary channel and compete for channel rights on that channel. In other words, when the primary 20 MHz channel is busy, the station can access an idle non-primary channel and transmit through it. In this application, "switch" or "jump" can be replaced with "switch".

[0107] Non-primary channel access mechanisms can be used between infrastructure basic service sets (ISS). A characteristic of an infrastructure BSS is that one site within a set of sites is called an Access Point (AP), which is responsible for accessing the large distributed system (DS), while other sites access the DS through the AP. For non-AP STAs within an infrastructure BSS, the non-primary channel access mechanism can only be used when an OBSSPPDU is detected on the primary 20MHz channel. If a non-AP STA within an infrastructure BSS detects its own BSS PPDU on the primary 20MHz channel, it indicates that the AP of that BSS is participating in the transmission of that BSS site. At this time, even if a site not participating in the transmission switches to a non-primary channel, it cannot communicate with the AP. In this application, the infrastructure BSS can also be referred to as a structured basic service set.

[0108] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the non-primary channel access mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application. For example, if a station in BSS 1 discovers an OBSS TXOP (such as a TXOP in BSS 2) on the primary 20MHz channel, the station in BSS 1 can switch to a non-primary channel (such as...). Figure 3 The non-primary channel 6 is shown. Stations in BSS 1 can perform packet detection (PD) on this non-primary channel to compete for the channel. After successfully competing for the channel, stations in BSS 1 can transmit on this non-primary channel.

[0109] Considering compatibility with legacy devices (such as those supporting previous generations of Wi-Fi standards) and issues related to NAV settings, as a possible implementation, when the primary 20MHz channel is detected to be busy, the station can use an idle non-primary channel for transmission and hop back to the primary 20MHz channel before the primary 20MHz channel becomes idle again. For example, the station can hop back to the primary 20MHz channel from a non-primary channel before the NAV timeout on the primary channel ends. In other words, the station can hop back to the primary 20MHz channel from a non-primary channel before the OBSS TXOP ends. Another example is that the station can hop back to the primary 20MHz channel from a non-primary channel before the OBSS PPDU transmission ends. OBSS PPDUs can also be called PPDUs from other cells (i.e., inter-BSS PPDUs) or PPDUs from other BSSs outside this BSS. The primary channel mentioned below includes the primary 20MHz channel.

[0110] Figure 4a and Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of the non-master channel access process provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4a This example illustrates how a station might hop back to the main channel before the OBSS PPDU transmission ends. Figure 4b This example illustrates how a station might jump back to the main channel before the NAV timeout ends. Figure 4a The NPCA mechanism shown can be called a PPDU-based NPCA mechanism. Figure 4b The NPCA mechanism shown can be called a TXOP-based NPCA mechanism. The following combines... Figure 4a and Figure 4b The process of the NPCA mechanism is illustrated by example.

[0111] Step 1: When a station receives a PPDU from an external cell on the main channel, and the length of the PPDU from the external cell is greater than the first threshold or the length of the NAV from the external cell is greater than the second threshold, the station can switch from the main channel to a non-main channel.

[0112] The PPDU length of an external cell refers to the transmission duration of the PPDU of that external cell, or the transmission duration of the OBSS PPDU. The NAV length of an external cell refers to the timing duration of the NAV of that external cell, or the remaining duration of the OBSS TXOP. The NAV length of an external cell can be set according to the PPDU of the external cell. The specific values ​​of the first threshold and the second threshold are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0113] The non-primary channel that a site switches to can be a pre-determined non-primary channel. Optionally, this non-primary channel can be set by the AP or defined by a standard, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0114] Step 2: The station completes the channel handover within one handover delay. After the handover is complete, the station can communicate on a non-primary channel. In other words, the station can send or receive PPDUs on a non-primary channel.

[0115] As an example, the start time of channel handover corresponds to the end time of the universal signal (U-SIG) field in the PPDU of the outer cell. As another example, the start time of channel handover corresponds to the end time of all fields following the U-SIG field in the PPDU of the outer cell. For instance, the start time of channel handover may correspond to the end time of transmission of the PPDU of the outer cell. Figure 4a and Figure 4b The channel switching start time shown is merely an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0116] Figure 5aThis is a schematic diagram of the format of an Extremely High Throughput (EHT) PPDU provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5a As shown, the EHT PPDU includes at least one of the following: legacy short training field (L-STF), legacy long training field (L-LTF), legacy signal (L-SIG) field, repeated legacy signal (RL-SIG) field, universal signal (U-SIG) field, EHT signal (EHT-SIG) field, EHT-STF, EHT-LTF, data field, or packet extension (PE) (or signal extension)).

[0117] Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of the format of the ultra-high reliability (UHR) PPDU provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5b As shown, the UHR PPDU includes at least one of the following: L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG, UHR-SIG, UHR-STF, UHR-LTF, data, or PE.

[0118] Figure 5a and Figure 5b The PPDU shown can be used for multi-user transmission or single-user transmission. Figure 5a and Figure 5b The format of the PPDU shown is only an example. As the standard progresses, other formats of PPDU may appear in the future. The same applies to other formats of PPDU.

[0119] Step 3: The station performs channel access and frame exchange on a non-primary channel. For example... Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, the AP and non-AP STA perform frame interaction on the non-primary channel. Frame interaction means that the station can send or receive PPDUs (or radio frames) on the non-primary channel.

[0120] Step 4: After completing frame interaction on the non-primary channel, the station switches to the primary channel.

[0121] As an example, such as Figure 4aAs shown, the AP and non-AP STA switch back to the primary channel before the PPDU of the external cell ends. As another example, such as... Figure 4b As shown, AP and non-AP STA switch back to the primary channel before the NAV of the outer cell ends.

[0122] Step 5: The station operates on the main channel. For example, the station can transmit PPDUs (or radio frames) or receive PPDUs (or radio frames) on the main channel.

[0123] The explanation of the NPCA mechanism here also applies to the following text, and will not be repeated here.

[0124] 3. r-TWT (or RTWT) r-TWT is a mechanism derived from broadcast TWT to ensure low-latency services. For example, under the 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) standard, non-AP EHT STAs (hereinafter referred to as EHT STAs) have many real-time applications (RTAs) with very strict stringent latency requirements. The r-TWT mechanism was proposed based on this.

[0125] An Access Point (AP) broadcasts one or more r-TWT SPs via beacon frames or probe response frames. EHT STAs within the BSS containing the AP receive these beacon frames or probe response frames. When an EHT STA receives information about any r-TWT SP, if its RTWT support parameter (e.g., dot11RestrictedTWTptionImplemented) is set to true, then the EHT STA must terminate its transmission opportunity (TXOP) before the r-TWT SP start time. If the EHT STA backs off to 0 at time t0 before the r-TWT SP start time, and the time between t0 and the r-TWT SP start time is insufficient to complete a frame exchange, then the EHT STA abandons (or delays) this transmission, and can back off again if possible.

[0126] Optionally, the beacon frame or probe response frame may also include a quiet interval indication, the start time of which is the same as the start time of the r-TWT SP, such as a quiet interval duration of 1 millisecond (ms). EHT STAs belonging to this r-TWT SP group (grouped by broadcast TWT ID) can ignore the aforementioned quiet interval and thus compete for the channel after the r-TWT SP starts. Other EHT STAs need to remain silent according to the quiet interval, thereby effectively reducing the number of stations competing for the channel within the BSS, thereby increasing the probability of EHT STAs with low-latency service requirements winning the channel.

[0127] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the r-TWT mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the EHT AP broadcasts the r-TWT SP via beacon frames. EHT STA 2 and non-EHT STAs that do not belong to the r-TWT group remain silent for a period of time (i.e., the silence interval) at the beginning of the r-TWT SP. EHT STA 1 that belongs to the r-TWT group can compete for the channel after the r-TWT SP begins, thereby accessing the channel and transmitting.

[0128] 4. co-RTWT (or Co-RTWT) Extending r-TWT to multiple access points (APs) is called the co-RTWT mechanism. In the Co-RTWT mechanism, the Co-RTWT requesting AP and the Co-RTWT responding AP negotiate. The Co-RTWT requesting AP requests the Co-RTWT responding AP and its associated sites to protect certain r-TWT schedules of the requesting AP. For example, the Co-RTWT requesting AP sends the r-TWT information that needs protection to the Co-RTWT responding AP. Then, the Co-RTWT responding AP broadcasts the r-TWT schedules that need protection via a beacon frame. Upon receiving the beacon frame, the associated sites of the Co-RTWT responding AP protect the r-TWT schedules. Protecting an r-TWT schedule means either ending the TXOP before the start time of the SP (i.e., the r-TWT SP) corresponding to the r-TWT schedule, or backing up to 0 at time t0 before the start time of the r-TWT SP, where the time between t0 and the start time of the r-TWT SP is insufficient to complete a frame exchange, abandoning the transmission (or delaying the transmission), and backing up again if possible. This gives Co-RTWT requesting APs and their r-TWT sites a greater chance of competing for channel usage rights.

[0129] When a Co-RTWT Response AP supports both NPCA and Co-RTWT, during the period when it camps on a non-primary channel while switching channels based on NPCA, it may encounter the start time of the r-TWT SP. Therefore, the Co-RTWT Response AP will either end the TXOP before the r-TWT SP start time or abandon the transmission (or delay the transmission). This gives the Co-RTWT Requesting AP and its associated sites a greater chance to compete for channel usage rights. However, ending the TXOP will affect the Co-RTWT Response AP's own data transmission, reducing channel utilization.

[0130] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and apparatus that can ensure that the Co-RTWT response AP can transmit smoothly and improve channel utilization.

[0131] After a Co-RTWT Response AP performs a channel switch, it uses a different channel than the Co-RTWT Requesting AP. In this case, whether the Co-RTWT Response AP ends its TXOP before the r-TWT SP start time will not affect the channel contention of the Co-RTWT Requesting AP. For ease of description, the Co-RTWT Requesting AP will be referred to as the Requesting AP, the Co-RTWT Response AP as the Response AP, and the r-TWT SP as the SP.

[0132] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to a communication device, a chip or circuit within a communication device, or a functional module within a communication device, etc. For relevant descriptions of the communication device, please refer to the above text; they will not be detailed here. Figure 7 As shown, the method includes: 701. Request the AP to send a first RTWT message, which is used to instruct the SP. Correspondingly, the responding AP receives the first RTWT message.

[0133] The first RTWT information is used to indicate one or more SPs. Alternatively, the first RTWT information is used to indicate one or more SPs that the responding AP needs to protect. Or, the first RTWT information is used to request the responding AP to protect the SP corresponding to the r-TWT schedule indicated by the first RTWT information. Optionally, the first RTWT information is used to indicate the SP requesting the AP. The first RTWT information may include at least one of the following: the start time of the SP, the period of the SP, or the duration of the SP. Other relevant descriptions of the SP can be found in the above description of r-TWT SPs. The first RTWT information may also be called RTWT scheduling information, or co-RTWT scheduling information, etc. The specific name of the first RTWT information is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0134] Optionally, the first TWT information is carried in the TWT element. Figure 8a The format of this TWT element is shown as an example. It is understood that... Figure 8a The format shown is merely an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit the order or length of the various fields.

[0135] Figure 8a This is a schematic diagram of the format of a TWT element provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 8a As shown, the TWT element includes at least one of the following: element ID, length, and control or TWT parameter information. The TWT parameter information field includes at least one of the following: request type, TWT, nominal minimum TWT wake duration, TWT wake interval mantissa (or TWT wake interval last digit), broadcast TWT information, or restricted TWT traffic information. The broadcast TWT ID is carried in the broadcast TWT information field.

[0136] The TWT field can be used to indicate the start time of the SP, the minimum TWT wake-up duration field can be used to indicate the duration of the SP, and the TWT wake-up interval decimal field can be used to indicate the period of the SP.

[0137] Figure 8aAn example is shown for a TWT element. TWT parameter information can also include multiple TWT elements, the format of which can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 8a This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0138] The first RTWT information can be carried in the first frame. This first frame can be a management frame. Optionally, the first frame is used to request the establishment of a co-RTWT. Or, the first frame is used to request the establishment of a co-RTWT schedule. Or, the first frame is used to instruct the AP to protect the co-RTWT schedule indicated by the first RTWT information. Or, the first frame is used to request the AP to protect the SP indicated by the first RTWT information.

[0139] Figure 8b This is a schematic diagram of the format of the first frame provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 8b As shown, the first frame includes at least one of the following: frame control, duration (or duration), address 1, address 2, address 3, sequence control, HT control, framebody, or framecheck sequence (FCS).

[0140] Optionally, the first frame can be indicated by the type field and subtype field in the frame control field. For example, if the type field is 00 and the subtype field is 1101, it indicates that the corresponding action frame is the first frame, used to implement the function of the first frame. For example, the frame body field includes at least one of the following: category, protected UHR action, or TWT element. The category field indicates that the current frame is a protected UHR action type, and the protected UHR action field indicates that the current frame is the first frame. The TWT element is used to carry one or more first RTWT information. For an explanation of the TWT element, refer to [link to documentation]. Figure 8a This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0141] Figure 8b The frame format, the order of the fields, or the length shown are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0142] 702. Under certain conditions, before the start time of the SP, the responding AP continues TXOP. These conditions include: the responding AP switches to the second channel based on the OBSS PPDU received on the first channel, which originates from the BSS where the requesting AP is located, and the first and second channels do not overlap.

[0143] In other words, under certain conditions, the responding AP can continue its current operation before the start time of the SP. Alternatively, under certain conditions, the responding AP can choose not to protect the r-TWT schedule indicated by the requesting AP before the start time of the SP. Or, under certain conditions, the responding AP can ignore the first RTWT information before the start time of the SP. This could occur if the responding AP performs a transmission within the current TXOP, or if the responding AP continues operation after backoffing to 0.

[0144] As an example, before the start time of the SP, the responding AP continues the TXOP, including: before the start time of the SP, the responding AP does not close its own TXOP. That is, the responding AP, as the TXOP holder, can still continue to transmit within the TXOP before the start time of the SP.

[0145] As another example, before the start time of the SP, the responding AP continues TXOP, including: before the start time of the SP, the responding AP continues transmission from the time it backs off to 0 until the start time of the SP.

[0146] For example, if the time between the backoff time to 0 and the start time of the SP is less than a preset duration, the responding AP will not abandon the transmission. In other words, even if the responding AP does not have enough time to complete frame interaction before the start time of the SP, it will still continue the transmission (or transmit without delay). Alternatively, if the responding AP backs off to 0 at time t0 before the start time of the SP, and the time between t0 and the start time of the SP is insufficient to complete a frame interaction, the responding AP can still continue to perform frame interaction.

[0147] For example, if, before the start time of the SP, the duration from when the responding AP backs off to 0 until the start time of the SP is greater than or equal to a preset duration, the responding AP will not abandon the current transmission (or will not delay the current transmission). In other words, before the start time of the SP, the responding AP has sufficient time to complete frame interaction, and the responding AP continues the current transmission. Alternatively, if the responding AP backs off to 0 at time t0 before the start time of the SP, and the duration between time t0 and the start time of the SP is sufficient to complete one or more frame interactions, the responding AP can continue executing frame interactions.

[0148] The above instructions regarding continuing TXOP in response to AP also apply. Figure 9 This will not be elaborated upon further below.

[0149] The following describes the conditions involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0150] The conditions include: the responding AP switches to the second channel based on the OBSS PPDU received on the first channel, where the OBSS PPDU originates from the BSS where the requesting AP resides, and the first and second channels do not overlap. In other words, the responding AP receives a PPDU from within the BSS where the requesting AP resides on the first channel, performs NPCA based on this PPDU, and switches to the second channel.

[0151] Optionally, the bandwidth of the first channel is the bandwidth of the OBSS PPDU. For example, the responding AP determines the bandwidth of the OBSS PPDU based on the bandwidth field. As another example, the responding AP determines the bandwidth of the OBSS PPDU based on the service field. The second channel is a non-primary channel, or in other words, the second channel is the NPCA primary channel.

[0152] If the responding AP performs a channel switch based on the PPDU of the BSS where the requesting AP is located, then according to the principle of the NPCA mechanism, the channel used by the responding AP on a non-primary channel (such as the second channel) does not overlap with the channel used by the site within the BSS where the requesting AP is located (such as the first channel). In this case, the responding AP can continue TXOP before the SP start time. The sites within the BSS where the requesting AP is located include, but are not limited to, the requesting AP and its associated sites. The PPDU of the BSS where the requesting AP is located refers to the PPDU transmitted by the site within the BSS where the requesting AP is located.

[0153] The method provided in this application can be applied to both PPDU-based and TXOP-based NPCA mechanisms. The following descriptions of the NPCA mechanism also apply. Figure 9 This will not be elaborated upon further below.

[0154] In one possible implementation, for the PPDU-based NPCA mechanism, the condition further includes: the transmission duration of the OBSSPPDU is greater than a first threshold. That is, during the time the AP resides on the second channel, a request is made for the AP to transmit the aforementioned OBSSPPDU on the first channel.

[0155] Optionally, the responding AP determines that the PPDU is an OBSS PPDU based on its medium access control (MAC) address. Alternatively, the responding AP determines that the PPDU is an OBSS PPDU based on its BSS color field. For example, for an HE PPDU, the BSS color field is carried in the HE SIG A field. Or, for an EHT PPDU or UHR PPDU, the BSS color field is carried in the U-SIG field. The specific method used by the responding AP to determine the OBSS PPDU is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0156] Optionally, the responding AP determines the transmission duration of the OBSS PPDU based on the rate and length fields in the L-SIG field of the OBSS PPDU. For example, the transmission duration of the OBSS PPDU is equal to the number of bytes indicated by the length field / the physical layer transmission rate indicated by the rate field. The specific method used by the responding AP to determine the transmission duration of the OBSS PPDU is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the responding AP switches to a third channel before the transmission of the OBSS PPDU ends. This third channel is the same as the first channel, or it partially overlaps with the first channel. For example, the primary 20MHz channel of the first channel is the same as the primary 20MHz channel of the third channel. When the responding AP switches to the third channel, the responding AP ends its TXOP before the start time of the SP. Alternatively, if the responding AP does not have enough time to complete a frame interaction before the start time of the SP (i.e., the responding AP backs off to 0 at time t0 before the start time of the SP, and the time between t0 and the start time of the SP is less than a preset duration), the responding AP abandons (or delays) this transmission, if backsoff can be performed again. The TXOP of the responding AP on the first channel and the TXOP of the responding AP on the third channel can be different TXOPs. The relevant explanations regarding switching to the third channel also apply here. Figure 9 This will not be elaborated upon further below.

[0158] In the PPDU-based NPCA mechanism, during the time the responding AP remains on a non-primary channel (i.e., the NPCA primary channel), the requesting AP and its associated site are sending or receiving PPDUs on the primary channel, and the responding AP and the requesting AP use different channels. Therefore, the responding AP continuing TXOP before the SP start time will not affect the communication of the requesting AP, and the requesting AP and its associated site will still have more opportunities to compete for the channel. Moreover, it can effectively ensure the smooth communication of the responding AP and improve channel utilization.

[0159] In one possible implementation, for the TXOP-based NPCA mechanism, the condition further includes: the remaining duration of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSSPPDU is greater than the second threshold. Alternatively, the NAV duration indicated by the OBSSPPDU is greater than the second threshold.

[0160] Optionally, the responding AP determines that the PPDU is an OBSS PPDU based on its MAC address. Optionally, the responding AP determines that the PPDU is an OBSS PPDU based on the BSS color field in the PPDU. The specific method used by the responding AP to determine the OBSS PPDU is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0161] Optionally, the responding AP determines the remaining duration of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU based on the TXOP duration field (or TXOP field, or duration field) in the OBSS PPDU. The TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU can also be referred to as the TXOP containing the OBSS PPDU. Optionally, the responding AP sets the NAV duration based on the TXOP duration field (or duration field, or TXOP field) in the OBSS PPDU, and this NAV duration can determine the remaining duration of the TXOP. This TXOP duration field (or TXOP field, or duration field) may be carried in the HE SIG A field or the U-SIG field. The specific method used by the responding AP to determine the remaining duration of the TXOP is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the responding AP switches to the third channel before the end of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU. Alternatively, the responding AP switches to the third channel before the end of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU. If the responding AP switches to the third channel, the responding AP ends the TXOP before the start time of the SP. Alternatively, if the responding AP does not have enough time to complete a frame exchange before the start time of the SP, the responding AP abandons (or delays) the transmission, such as by backoffing. The TXOP of the responding AP on the first channel and the TXOP of the responding AP on the third channel can be different TXOPs.

[0163] In the TXOP-based NPCA mechanism, during the time the responding AP remains on a non-primary channel (or the NPCA primary channel), the requesting AP and its associated sites may send or receive PPDUs on the primary channel, and the responding AP and the requesting AP use different channels. Therefore, the responding AP continuing TXOP before the SP start time will not affect the communication of the requesting AP, and the requesting AP and its associated sites will still have more opportunities to compete for the channel. Moreover, it can effectively ensure the smooth communication of the responding AP and improve channel utilization.

[0164] In this embodiment, when the responding AP switches to the second channel based on the PPDU of the BSS where the requesting AP is located, since the responding AP uses a different channel than the requesting AP, the responding AP can continue TXOP before the start time of SP. This behavior of the responding AP (continuing TXOP) not only does not affect the communication or channel contention of the requesting AP, but also effectively ensures the smooth communication of the responding AP and improves channel utilization.

[0165] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to a communication device, a chip or circuit within a communication device, or a functional module within a communication device, etc. For relevant descriptions of the communication device, please refer to the above text; they will not be detailed here. Figure 9 As shown, the method includes: 901. Request the AP to send the first RTWT information, which is used to instruct the SP. Correspondingly, the responding AP receives the first RTWT information.

[0166] For details regarding the first frame and the first RTWT information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 The description of step 701 will not be detailed here.

[0167] 902. Under certain conditions, before the start time of the SP, the responding AP continues TXOP. These conditions include: the responding AP switches to the second channel; and the first and second channels requesting the AP to operate do not overlap.

[0168] For instructions on continuing TXOP in response to AP, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 The description of step 702 will not be detailed here.

[0169] The following describes the conditions involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0170] The response AP switches to the second channel, including: the response AP switches to the second channel based on the OBSS PPDU, which comes from the BSS where the requesting AP is located, or the OBSS PPDU comes from a BSS other than the BSS where the requesting AP is located.

[0171] Optionally, the first channel is the operating channel of the requesting AP. For example, the responding AP can determine the operating channel of the requesting AP based on the beacon frame sent by the requesting AP. The bandwidth of the operating channel can be called the operating bandwidth.

[0172] Generally, the bandwidth of the requesting AP's working channel is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the PPDU sent by the requesting AP. In other words, for a given site, the bandwidth of its working channel is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the PPDU sent by that site. For details regarding the second channel, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0173] Since the first channel on which the requesting AP operates does not overlap with the second channel on which the responding AP switches, the responding AP can continue TXOP before the SP start time, regardless of whether the responding AP switched channels based on the PPDU of the BSS where the requesting AP is located.

[0174] The following example illustrates the relationship between the first channel and the second channel.

[0175] Figure 10a This is a schematic diagram of a scenario involving the first channel and the second channel provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 10a As shown in (1), the operating bandwidth of the BSS where the requesting AP is located is less than the operating bandwidth of the BSS where the responding AP is located. The operating bandwidth of the BSS where the requesting AP is located is 160MHz, and the operating bandwidth of the BSS where the responding AP is located is 320MHz. In this case, as... Figure 10a As shown in (2), the NPCA primary channel of the responding AP can be a non-primary channel outside the operating bandwidth of the BSS where the requesting AP is located. In this case, after the responding AP and its associated sites switch to a non-primary channel, they will operate on a different channel than the requesting AP and its associated sites. Therefore, the responding AP and its associated sites can continue TXOP before the start time of the requesting AP's SP. Figure 10a The example shown is that the working bandwidth of the BSS where the requesting AP is located is 160MHz and the working bandwidth of the BSS where the responding AP is located is 320MHz. This embodiment of the application is also applicable to other similar scenarios, such as the working bandwidth of the BSS where the requesting AP is located is 80MHz and the working bandwidth of the BSS where the responding AP is located is 160MHz.

[0176] Figure 10b This is a schematic diagram illustrating another scenario of the first and second channels provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 10bAs shown, the requesting AP and the responding AP operate on channels 320MHz-1 and 320MHz-2 respectively, with their primary 160MHz channels overlapping. In this case, the NPCA primary channel of the responding AP can be a secondary channel outside the operating bandwidth of the BSS where the requesting AP is located. After the responding AP and its associated sites switch to the NPCA primary channel, they will operate on a different channel than the requesting AP and its associated sites. Therefore, the responding AP and its associated sites can continue TXOP before the start time of the requesting AP's SP.

[0177] Figure 10b In this configuration, the first channel is 320MHz-1, and the second channel is 160MHz in response to the AP. Optionally, the third channel can be either 160MHz or 320MHz-2.

[0178] The method provided in this application can be applied to NPCA mechanisms based on PPDU or NPCA mechanisms based on TXOP.

[0179] In one possible implementation, for the PPDU-based NPCA mechanism, the condition also includes: the transmission duration of the OBSSPPDU is greater than a first threshold. For further details on the PPDU-based NPCA mechanism, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0180] In one possible implementation, the responding AP switches to the third channel before the transmission of the OBSS PPDU ends. For details on switching to the third channel, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 7 This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0181] In one possible implementation, for the TXOP-based NPCA mechanism, the condition also includes: the remaining duration of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSSPPDU is greater than the second threshold. For further details on the TXOP-based NPCA mechanism, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the AP switches to the third channel before the end of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU. For details on switching to the third channel, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 7 This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0183] Figure 9 For further details regarding step 902, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 The description of step 702 will not be detailed here.

[0184] In this embodiment, the responding AP can switch to the second channel based on the PPDU of the BSS where the requesting AP is located, or it can switch to the second channel based on the PPDU of another BSS outside the BSS where the requesting AP is located. After the responding AP switches to the second channel, since the first channel and the second channel where the requesting AP is operating do not overlap, the behavior of the responding AP (such as continuing TXOP) will not only not affect the communication or channel contention of the requesting AP, but can also effectively ensure the smooth communication of the responding AP and improve channel utilization.

[0185] The above text Figure 7 and Figure 9 In the method shown, the responding AP can continue TXOP before the start time of SP if the conditions are met. However, the associated station of the responding AP (i.e., the associated non-AP STA) is unaware of this information, which causes the associated station of the responding AP to end TXOP or abandon transmission (or delay transmission) even after switching to the second channel, affecting its own communication.

[0186] In view of this, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method and apparatus that can ensure that associated sites of the responding AP can transmit smoothly and improve channel utilization.

[0187] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to a communication device, a chip or circuit within a communication device, or a functional module within a communication device, etc. For relevant descriptions of the communication device, please refer to the above text; they will not be detailed here. Figure 11 As shown, the method includes: 1101. The responding AP sends a second RTWT message, which is used to instruct the SP. Correspondingly, the associated site of the responding AP receives the second RTWT message.

[0188] The second RTWT information is used to indicate one or more SPs. Alternatively, the second RTWT information is used to indicate one or more SPs that the associated site responding to the AP needs to protect. Or, the second RTWT information is used to request the associated site responding to the AP to protect the SP corresponding to the r-TWT schedule indicated by the second RTWT information. Optionally, the second RTWT information is used to indicate the SP requesting the AP. The second RTWT information may include at least one of the following: the start time of the SP, the period of the SP, or the duration of the SP. Other relevant descriptions of the SP can be found in the above description of r-TWT SPs. The second RTWT information may also be called RTWT scheduling information, or co-RTWT scheduling information, etc. The specific name of the second RTWT information is not limited in this application embodiment. For ease of description, the following explanation will use a non-AP STA as an example of the associated site requesting the AP.

[0189] The second RTWT information can be carried in the second frame. In one possible implementation, the second frame also includes at least one of the following: information requesting the AP, or indication information.

[0190] Optionally, the requesting AP information can be used to instruct the associated site protection requesting AP to perform r-TWT scheduling, or in other words, the requesting AP information can be used to instruct that the associated site protection r-TWT scheduling of the responding AP is for the requesting AP. Optionally, the requesting AP information can be used to instruct the associated site of the responding AP to continue TXOP after switching channels according to the PPDU of the BSS where the requesting AP is located, provided that certain conditions are met.

[0191] The information requested by an AP includes at least one of the following: the ID of the requesting AP, the BSS color of the BSS where the requesting AP resides, or the BSS ID of the requesting AP. For example, the information requested by the AP includes the ID of the requesting AP, i.e., the AP ID. Therefore, when a non-APSTA switches to the NPCA main channel using a PPDU based on the BSS containing that AP ID, it can continue TXOP before the start time of those SPs. Another example is that the information requested by the AP includes the BSS color of the BSS where the requesting AP resides. Therefore, when a non-APSTA switches to the NPCA main channel using a PPDU based on the BSS corresponding to that BSS color, it can continue TXOP before the start time of the SP corresponding to the RTWT scheduling for that BSS color. Yet another example is that the information requested by the AP includes both the BSS color and the BSS ID of the BSS where the requesting AP resides. The specific information requested by the AP will not be listed here.

[0192] Optionally, Figure 11The method also includes: responding to the AP by sending a third frame, which indicates the correspondence between BSS colors and BSSIDs. Correspondingly, the non-AP STA receives this third frame. The non-AP STA determines the correspondence between each BSS color and BSSID based on this third frame. For example, the information requesting the AP includes the BSS color requested by the AP. The non-AP STA can determine whether the BSS color belongs to the requesting AP based on the BSS color and the correspondence.

[0193] The indication information is used to instruct the non-AP STA to continue TXOP before the start time of SP. Optionally, the indication information is used to instruct the non-AP STA to continue TXOP before the start time of SP when switching to the second channel. The non-AP STA can switch to the second channel based on the PPDU of the BSS where the requesting AP is located, or based on the PPDU of a BSS other than the BSS where the requesting AP is located. For example, this indication information occupies 1 bit, which instructs the non-AP STA to continue TXOP before the start time of SP when switching to the second channel. If the value of this 1 bit is 1, it indicates that the non-AP STA should continue TXOP before the start time of SP when switching to the second channel; if the value of this 1 bit is 0, it indicates that the non-AP STA should end TXOP or abandon the transmission (delay transmission) before the start time of SP when switching to the second channel.

[0194] Optionally, the second TWT information is carried in the TWT element. Figure 12a The format of this TWT element is shown as an example. It is understood that... Figure 12a The format shown is merely an example and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. The embodiments of this application do not limit the order or length of the various fields.

[0195] Figure 12a This is a schematic diagram illustrating the format of the TWT parameter information field in the TWT element provided in this application embodiment. For further explanation of the TWT element, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8a The embodiments of this application will not be described in detail.

[0196] Optionally, setting the restricted TWT schedule info field to 3 and the broadcast TWT ID field to a specific value (e.g., 31, 30, or 0) can indicate that the TWT parameter information field corresponds to a Co-RTWT schedule. In this case, the trigger field (e.g., 1 bit in length) can be used to carry indication information. For example, setting the trigger field to 0 indicates that the non-AP STA needs to protect the start time of the SP corresponding to the Co-RTWT on the NPCA main channel; setting the trigger field to 1 indicates that the non-AP STA does not need to protect the start time of the SP corresponding to the Co-RTWT on the NPCA main channel. The original purpose of the trigger field is to indicate whether the AP will send at least one trigger frame within the corresponding SP. However, when the restricted TWT schedule info field and the broadcast TWT ID field meet the above conditions, the trigger field has no practical function, and therefore can be reused to carry indication information.

[0197] Optionally, for non-AP STAs, it is not necessary to know the duration of the SP. Therefore, the minimum TWT wake duration field can be reused to carry the information requesting the AP. For example, if the restricted TWT schedule info field is set to 3 and the broadcast TWT ID field is set to a specific value (such as 31, 30 or 0), the normal minimum TWT wake duration field can be used to indicate the BSS color of the BSS where the requesting AP is located.

[0198] Figure 12a The TWT element shown can carry both second RTWT information and indication or AP request information. As another possible implementation, the second RTWT information and indication information can be carried in different elements; similarly, the second RTWT information and AP request information can also be carried in different elements. In this embodiment, a new element can be introduced to indicate which Co-RTWTs correspond to SPs whose start times can continue the current TXOP.

[0199] Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of the format of a TWT element used to carry indication information, provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 12bAs shown, the TWT element includes a status list field, which contains one or more status fields. Each status field corresponds sequentially to the second RTWT information (i.e., R-TWT scheduling or Co-RTWT scheduling) carried in the current second frame (e.g., a beacon frame). For example, if the length of the status field is 1 bit, setting the status field to 1 indicates that the current TXOP can continue on the NPCA main channel before the start time of the corresponding Co-RTWT scheduling SP, while setting the status field to 0 indicates that the current TXOP cannot continue on the NPCA channel before the start time of the corresponding Co-RTWT scheduling SP.

[0200] Figure 12c This is a schematic diagram of the format of a TWT element used to carry information about a request AP, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12c This example uses the request for an AP in BSS color. The request for AP information can also be in BSSID or AP ID, which will not be detailed here. Figure 12c As shown, this TWT element includes a BSS color list field, which contains one or more BSS color fields. Each BSS color field corresponds sequentially to the second RTWT information (i.e., R-TWT scheduling or Co-RTWT scheduling) carried in the current second frame (such as a beacon frame). For example, the length of the BSS color field is 6 bits. For instance, a non-zero BSS color field indicates the BSS color of the requesting AP corresponding to the Co-RTWT scheduling. Conversely, a zero BSS color field indicates that the corresponding R-TWT scheduling does not originate from the requesting AP.

[0201] The specific formats for second RTWT information, instruction information, or request AP information are not listed here.

[0202] For example, the second frame can be a broadcast frame or a beacon frame. Optionally, the second frame is used to instruct the associated site of the responding AP to establish a co-RTWT, or the second frame is used to instruct the associated site to protect the co-RTWT schedule. In other words, the second frame is used to request the associated site of the responding AP to protect the SP indicated by the second RTWT information.

[0203] The second frame includes the second RTWT information and the requesting AP information; or, if the second frame includes the second RTWT information and indication information, the associated station responding to the AP can determine from this second frame that, if the conditions are met, TXOP should continue before the start time of the SP. In other words, if the conditions are met, co-RTWT scheduling does not need to be protected. However, when the second frame includes the second RTWT information but does not carry the requesting AP information (e.g., the TWT element does not carry the requesting AP information), or the ID of the requesting AP is set to a default value (e.g., 0), or the BSS color of the BSS where the requesting AP is located is set to a default value (e.g., 0), the associated station responding to the AP can determine from this second frame that the associated station needs to protect the co-RTWT scheduling when switching to the second channel. That is, the TXOP should end before the start time of the SP corresponding to the co-RTWT scheduling of the requesting AP, or the transmission should be abandoned (or the transmission delayed).

[0204] In one possible implementation, before the AP sends the second RTWT information, the method further includes: The request is made to the AP to send the first RTWT information, which is used to instruct the SP. Correspondingly, the response is made to the AP receiving the first RTWT information. For further explanation regarding the first frame and the first RTWT information, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 or Figure 9 The description will not be elaborated here.

[0205] Optionally, the first RTWT information and the second RTWT information satisfy at least one of the following: the start time of the SP indicated by the first RTWT information is the same as the start time of the SP indicated by the second RTWT information; the period of the SP indicated by the first RTWT information is the same as the period of the SP indicated by the second RTWT information; the duration of the SP indicated by the first RTWT information is the same as the duration of the SP indicated by the second RTWT information. Optionally, the first RTWT information includes the start time of the SP, the duration of the SP, and the period of the SP; the second RTWT information includes the start time of the SP and the period of the SP. Optionally, the second frame may be generated based on the first frame.

[0206] Optionally, in Figure 7 The method shown is the same as Figure 11 When the method shown is used in combination, the second frame may include second RTWT information and information requesting the AP. Optionally, in Figure 9 The method shown is the same as Figure 11 When the methods shown are combined, the second frame may include second RTWT information and indication information; or, the second frame may include second RTWT information, indication information and AP request information; or, the second frame may include second RTWT information and AP request information.

[0207] The above example illustrates how the second RTWT information and indication information can be carried in the same frame. As another possible implementation, the second RTWT information and indication information can be carried in different frames. Similarly, the above example illustrates how the second RTWT information and AP request information can be carried in the same frame. As another possible implementation, the second RTWT information and AP request information can also be carried in different frames.

[0208] 1102. Under certain conditions, non-AP STAs continue TXOP before the start time of SP.

[0209] In one possible implementation, the above condition includes: the non-AP STA switches to the second channel based on an OBSS PPDU received on the first channel, where the OBSS PPDU originates from the BSS where the requesting AP resides. Optionally, the first and second channels do not overlap. Details regarding this condition and the continuation of TXOP are as follows... Figure 7 Similarly, please refer to the relevant instructions regarding this condition and continuing TXOP. Figure 7 This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0210] In this embodiment, the associated non-AP STA of the responding AP can determine whether the bandwidth of the OBSS PPDU overlaps with the non-primary channel (such as the second channel) it has switched to. Alternatively, the associated non-AP STA of the responding AP may not determine whether the bandwidth of the OBSS PPDU overlaps with the non-primary channel it has switched to. For example, before sending the second frame, the responding AP can determine that the bandwidth of the OBSS PPDU of the BSS where the requesting AP is located does not overlap with the second channel it has switched to. In this case, after the non-AP STA switches to the second channel based on the OBSS PPDU received on the first channel, the non-AP STA can continue TXOP before the start time of SP. The specific implementation behavior of the non-AP STA and the responding AP is not limited in this embodiment.

[0211] In one possible implementation, the above condition includes: the non-AP STA switching to the second channel. The non-AP STA switching to the second channel includes: the non-AP STA switching to the second channel based on the OBSS PPDU, where the OBSS PPDU originates from the BSS where the requesting AP resides, or the OBSS PPDU originates from a BSS other than the BSS where the requesting AP resides. Optionally, the first channel and the second channel requesting the AP to operate do not overlap. Details regarding this condition and continuing TXOP are as follows... Figure 9 Similarly, please refer to the relevant instructions regarding this condition and continuing TXOP. Figure 9 This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0212] In this embodiment, before the responding AP sends the second frame, it can be determined that the first channel on which the requesting AP is operating does not overlap with the non-primary channel (such as the second channel) it has switched to. Optionally, the non-AP STA may not determine whether the first channel on which the requesting AP is operating overlaps with the second channel. Alternatively, before the responding AP sends the second frame, it may not determine whether the first channel on which the requesting AP is operating overlaps with the non-primary channel (such as the second channel) it has switched to. Optionally, the non-AP STA can determine for itself whether the first channel on which the requesting AP is operating overlaps with the non-primary channel (such as the second channel) it has switched to. This embodiment does not limit the specific implementation behavior of the non-AP STA and the responding AP.

[0213] The method provided in this application can be applied to NPCA mechanisms based on PPDU or NPCA mechanisms based on TXOP.

[0214] In one possible implementation, for the PPDU-based NPCA mechanism, the condition also includes: the transmission duration of the OBSSPPDU is greater than a first threshold. For further details on the PPDU-based NPCA mechanism, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 or Figure 9 The descriptions of these will not be elaborated here.

[0215] In one possible implementation, the associated site responding to the AP switches to the third channel before the OBSS PPDU transmission ends. In the case of a non-AP STA switching to the third channel, the non-AP STA ends the TXOP before the SP start time; or abandons the transmission (or delays the transmission), such as by backoffing again. For further details on switching to the third channel, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 or Figure 9 The descriptions of these will not be elaborated here.

[0216] In one possible implementation, for the TXOP-based NPCA mechanism, the condition also includes: the remaining duration of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSSPPDU is greater than the second threshold. For further details on the TXOP-based NPCA mechanism, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 or Figure 9 The descriptions of these will not be elaborated here.

[0217] In one possible implementation, the associated station responding to the AP switches to the third channel before the end of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU. In the case of a non-AP STA switching to the third channel, the non-AP STA ends the TXOP before the start time of the SP; or, it abandons the transmission (or delays the transmission), such as by backoffing again. For further details on switching to the third channel, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 This will not be elaborated upon here.

[0218] Figure 11 For further details regarding step 1102, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 or Figure 9 The relevant descriptions will not be elaborated here.

[0219] Optionally, if the second frame includes indication information, the condition also includes: the BSS where the responding AP resides does not use static preamble puncture. This is because if static preamble puncture is used, a situation might arise where the responding AP and its associated sites switch based on a 20MHz bandwidth non-requesting AP's other OBSS PPDU. In this case, after switching to the NPCA primary channel, the requesting AP and its associated sites might use static preamble puncture to access channels from 160MHz and part of the primary 160MHz (excluding the primary 20MHz) (e.g., ...). Figure 10a At this point, it may overlap with the transmission channel of the requesting AP, causing interference.

[0220] In this embodiment of the application, after the associated site of the responding AP obtains the second frame, when the associated site switches to the second channel, since the first channel and the second channel do not overlap, the behavior of the responding AP (such as continuing the TXOP behavior) will not only not affect the communication or channel contention of the requesting AP, but can also effectively ensure the smooth communication of the associated site and improve the channel utilization.

[0221] In the method described above, the associated site of the responding AP and the responding AP continue TXOP before the start time of SP, provided the conditions are met. As a possible implementation, if the conditions are not met and the associated site switches to the second channel, the associated site switches from the second channel to the third channel. Similarly, if the conditions are not met and the responding AP switches to the second channel, the responding AP switches from the second channel to the third channel. That is, if the conditions are not met, the associated site of the responding AP and the responding AP can switch from the NPCA main channel to the main channel. Optionally, the associated site of the responding AP and the responding AP do not need to wait for the end time of the OBSS PPDU transmission, or the end time of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU. In other words, the associated site of the responding AP and the responding AP can ignore the end time of the OBSS PPDU transmission, or the end time of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU. This effectively ensures that the requesting AP and its associated site have a greater chance of obtaining channel usage rights.

[0222] As mentioned above Figure 9 As shown, under certain conditions, the responding AP continues TXOP before the start time of SP. These conditions include: the responding AP switching to the second channel; and the first and second channels requesting AP operation not overlapping. For example... Figure 9 As shown in step 902, the first channel can be the working channel of the requesting AP, that is, the operation channel (also known as the BSS operation channel).

[0223] However, considering the following scenario, the requesting AP will be allowed to use a channel with a larger bandwidth than the first channel (hereinafter referred to as the fourth channel). The scenario includes at least one of the following: Scenario 1: The requesting AP is a UHR AP with an operating channel of 80MHz, but it also supports the next-generation UHR standard, which supports operating channels of at least one of the following: 160MHz, 320MHz, or 640MHz. The responding AP has an operating channel of 160MHz bandwidth.

[0224] Scenario 2: A responding AP operates as a UHR AP with a 320MHz-1 channel. A requesting AP operates as a UHR AP with a 320MHz-2 channel, but also supports the next-generation UHR standard, which supports 640MHz channels, covering 320MHz-1. For example, 320MHz-1 is defined as a 320MHz channel with center frequencies of 31, 95, and 159 MHz. 320MHz-2 is defined as a 320MHz channel with center frequencies of 63, 127, and 191 MHz.

[0225] Scenario 3: The requesting AP's operating channel is 80MHz, but it also supports the DBE mechanism. The DBE mechanism can be used to request that the AP's operating channel be extended to 160MHz. The response from the AP is that its operating channel is 160MHz.

[0226] In the above scenario, because the operating channel of the requesting AP is extended, the fourth channel may overlap with the second channel, causing the transmission of the responding AP on the second channel to affect the requesting AP. Therefore, this application embodiment also provides the following conditions: If the conditions are met, the response AP continues TXOP before the start time of SP. These conditions also include at least one of conditions 1 through 4. The condition numbers shown herein are for convenience of hereinafter referred to and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0227] Condition 1: The AP is requested to allow the use of a fourth channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel, and the fourth channel that the AP is requested to operate on does not overlap with the second channel.

[0228] For example, the request may include support for the operating channel in a next-generation standard, where the bandwidth of the operating channel is greater than that of the first channel. Another example is the request for the AP to support a mechanism for extending the operating channel, allowing the requesting AP's operating channel to a fourth channel. Yet another example is the request for the AP to support a mechanism for extending the operating channel, allowing the requesting AP's operating channel to a fourth channel, and the requesting AP to enable this mechanism. These mechanisms include, but are not limited to, the DBE mechanism. The reasons for requesting the AP to allow the use of a fourth channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel are not limited.

[0229] Regarding the method by which the AP learns that it has requested permission to use a fourth channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel, please refer to the description of the first bandwidth indication information below, which will not be detailed here.

[0230] For example, under certain conditions, the responding AP continues TXOP before the start time of SP. These conditions include: the responding AP switching to the second channel; the first and second channels requesting the AP to operate not overlapping; and the AP requesting permission to use a fourth channel with a bandwidth greater than the first channel, and the fourth channel requesting the AP to operate not overlapping with the second channel. Alternatively, considering that the bandwidth of the fourth channel is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the first channel, the conditions include: the responding AP switching to the second channel; and the fourth channel requesting the AP not overlapping with the second channel.

[0231] Optionally, if certain conditions are met, the responding AP continues TXOP before the start time of SP. These conditions include: the responding AP switches to the second channel; the first and second channels requesting AP operation do not overlap; the AP requests support for the DBE mechanism and the fourth channel extended through the DBE mechanism does not overlap with the second channel. Alternatively, these conditions include: the responding AP switches to the second channel; the first and second channels requesting AP operation do not overlap; the AP requests support for the DBE mechanism and enables the DBE mechanism, and the fourth channel extended through the DBE mechanism does not overlap with the second channel. Alternatively, these conditions include: the responding AP switches to the second channel; the first and second channels requesting AP operation do not overlap; the AP requests support for the operating channel in the next-generation standard, and the operating channel in the next-generation standard does not overlap with the second channel.

[0232] Optionally, in conjunction with the following description of the MAPC negotiation request frame and the first bandwidth indication information, the responding AP may continue TXOP before the start time of the SP, provided that certain conditions are met. These conditions include: the responding AP switching to the second channel; the first channel requesting the AP to operate not overlapping with the second channel; and the fourth channel indicated by the requesting AP via the latest MAPC negotiation request frame not overlapping with the second channel.

[0233] Condition 2: The AP is requested not to use a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel.

[0234] For example, the request may state that the AP does not support mechanisms for extending the operating channel. Another example is that while the request may state that the AP supports the operating channel in the next-generation standard, the bandwidth of the operating channel in the next-generation standard is less than or equal to the bandwidth of the first channel.

[0235] Regarding the method for responding to an AP's request that the AP not allow the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel, please refer to the description of the first bandwidth indication information below, which will not be detailed here.

[0236] For example, under certain conditions, the responding AP continues TXOP before the start time of the SP. These conditions include: the responding AP switching to the second channel; the first channel requesting the AP to operate not overlapping with the second channel; and the requesting the AP not allowing the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than the first channel.

[0237] Condition 3: The requested AP does not support DBE.

[0238] For example, under certain conditions, before the start time of the SP, the response AP continues TXOP. These conditions include: the response AP switches to the second channel; the first and second channels requested by the AP do not overlap; and the request AP does not support DBE. As another example, under certain conditions, before the start time of the SP, the response AP continues TXOP. These conditions include: the response AP switches to the second channel; the first and second channels requested by the AP do not overlap; the request AP does not support DBE; and the request AP does not allow the use of channels with bandwidth greater than the first channel. As yet another example, under certain conditions, before the start time of the SP, the response AP continues TXOP. These conditions include: the response AP switches to the second channel; the first and second channels requested by the AP do not overlap; the request AP does not support DBE; and the request AP allows the use of a fourth channel with bandwidth greater than the first channel, and the request AP to operate on the fourth channel does not overlap with the second channel. Combinations of these conditions are not listed here.

[0239] For the method of responding to the AP to find out whether the AP supports DBE, please refer to the description of the first bandwidth indication information below, which will not be detailed here.

[0240] Condition 4: Request AP to disable DBE.

[0241] The requesting AP may support DBE, but not enable DBE. For example, under certain conditions, before the start time of the SP, the responding AP continues TXOP. These conditions include: the responding AP switches to the second channel; the first and second channels of the requesting AP do not overlap; and the requesting AP does not enable DBE. As another example, under certain conditions, before the start time of the SP, the responding AP continues TXOP. These conditions include: the responding AP switches to the second channel; the first and second channels of the requesting AP do not overlap; and the requesting AP supports DBE but does not enable DBE. Combinations of condition 4 and conditions 1 through 3 are not listed here.

[0242] Regarding the method for responding to an AP to determine whether it has enabled DBE, please refer to the description of the first bandwidth indication information this afternoon, which will not be elaborated here.

[0243] The following describes the first bandwidth indication information. The first bandwidth indication information shown below can be combined with the methods described above regarding conditions 1 to 4, or the first bandwidth indication information shown below can be a standalone embodiment.

[0244] The requesting AP sends a first bandwidth indication message, and the corresponding responding AP receives the first bandwidth indication message. The first bandwidth indication message indicates at least one of the following: requesting the AP to allow the use of a fourth channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel; requesting whether the AP allows the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel; requesting whether the AP supports DBE; or requesting whether the AP enables DBE. There is no limit to the number of fields used in the first bandwidth indication message. The indication method of the first bandwidth indication message is described in detail below.

[0245] As an example, the first bandwidth indication information occupies 1 bit. This 1 bit is used to indicate whether the requesting AP allows the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than the first channel. For example, a value of 1 indicates that the requesting AP allows the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than the first channel, and a value of 2 indicates that the requesting AP does not allow the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than the first channel. For example, the first value = 1, and the second value = 0. Requesting the AP to allow the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than the first channel can be done in ways including, but not limited to, at least one of the following: requesting the AP to allow the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than the first channel in a next-generation standard; requesting the AP to support mechanisms for extending the operating channel, such as the DBE mechanism.

[0246] As another example, the first bandwidth indication information occupies 1 bit, which is used to indicate whether the requesting AP supports mechanisms such as DBE for extending the operating channel.

[0247] As yet another example, the first bandwidth indication information occupies 1 bit, which is used to indicate whether the requesting AP has enabled mechanisms such as DBE for extending the operating channel.

[0248] As another example, the first bandwidth indication information occupies multiple bits, such as 2 bits. The first bit of these bits indicates whether the requesting AP is permitted to use a channel with a bandwidth greater than the first channel in the next-generation standard. The second bit of these bits indicates whether the requesting AP supports mechanisms for extending the operating channel, such as the DBE mechanism. For example, a value of 1 for the first bit indicates that the requesting AP is permitted to use a channel with a bandwidth greater than the first channel in the next-generation standard, while a value of 0 for the first bit indicates that the requesting AP is not permitted to use a channel with a bandwidth greater than the first channel in the next-generation standard. Similarly, a value of 1 for the first bit indicates that the requesting AP supports mechanisms for extending the operating channel, while a value of 0 for the second bit indicates that the requesting AP does not support mechanisms for extending the operating channel. For example, the first value = 1, and the second value = 0.

[0249] As another example, the first bandwidth indication information occupies multiple bits, which are used to indicate the bandwidth of the fourth channel. The bandwidth of the fourth channel is greater than or equal to the bandwidth of the first channel. Optionally, if the bandwidth of the fourth channel is greater than the bandwidth of the first channel, these multiple bits are used to indicate that the AP is requested to allow the use of a fourth channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel. Optionally, if the bandwidth of the fourth channel indicated by the first bandwidth indication information is greater than the bandwidth of the first channel, the first bandwidth indication information also implicitly indicates that the AP is requested to allow the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel.

[0250] For example, the bandwidth of the fourth channel is the maximum bandwidth after the requesting AP extends the operational channel using a mechanism for extending the operational channel. Another example is that the bandwidth of the fourth channel is the maximum bandwidth of the operational channels in the next-generation standard that the requesting AP supports. Yet another example is that the bandwidth of the fourth channel is the maximum of the following two: the bandwidth of the first channel, and the maximum bandwidth of the operational channels in the next-generation standard that the requesting AP supports. Yet another example is that the fourth channel is the maximum of the following two: the first channel, and the maximum bandwidth after the requesting AP extends the operational channel using a mechanism for extending the operational channel. Yet another example is that the fourth channel is the maximum of the following three: the bandwidth of the first channel, the maximum bandwidth of the operational channels in the next-generation standard that the requesting AP supports, and the maximum bandwidth after the requesting AP extends the operational channel using a mechanism for extending the operational channel. Optionally, the first channel is the largest channel in the entire set or a subset of the HT BSS operational channels, VHT BSS operational channels, HE BSS operational channels, EHT BSS operational channels, and UHR BSS operational channels (if they exist). This example illustrates a specific way in which the requesting AP allows the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than the first channel, and the same applies below.

[0251] For example, the relationship between the values ​​and meanings of these bits is as follows: 0 represents 20MHz, 1 represents 40MHz, 2 represents 80MHz, 3 represents 160MHz, 4 represents 320MHz-1, 5 represents 320MHz-2, and 6 represents 640MHz. If the value of these bits is 6, it means that the bandwidth of the fourth channel is 640MHz.

[0252] An example illustrating the indication method for the first channel: The HT operation information field in the HT operation element indicates the size and location of the HT BSS operation channel, that is, the bandwidth and location of the first channel.

[0253] The VHT operation information field in the VHT operation element indicates the size and location of the VHT BSS operation channel, that is, the bandwidth and location of the first channel.

[0254] The 6GHz operationInformation field in the HE operation element indicates the size and location of the HE BSS operation channel, that is, the bandwidth and location of the first channel.

[0255] The EHT operation information field in the EHT operation element indicates the size and location of the EHT BSS operation channel, that is, the bandwidth and location of the first channel.

[0256] Since the UHR standard and the EHT standard support the same maximum bandwidth, the UHR BSS operation channel is the same as the EHT operation channel. Therefore, the UHR BSS operation channel does not need to be indicated in the UHR operation element. Of course, the size and location of the UHR BSS operation channel can also be indicated in the UHR operation element, thereby setting different operation channels for UHR and EHT, and making management more flexible.

[0257] The first bandwidth indication information shown above is included in at least one of the following: a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or a MAPC negotiation request frame. For example, the first bandwidth indication information is included in the UHR operation parameter field or the UHR operation information field of the UHR operation element in the beacon frame. As another example, the first bandwidth indication information is included in the UHR operation parameter field or the UHR operation information field of the UHR operation element in the probe response frame. As yet another example, the first bandwidth indication information is included in the UHR parameter update element in the beacon frame or the probe response frame.

[0258] When establishing or updating Co-RTWT cooperation parameters, the requesting AP can send a MAPC negotiation request frame to the responding AP, and the responding AP will then send a MAPC negotiation response frame to the requesting AP. This MAPC negotiation request frame includes a MAPC element, which includes a MAPC common information field and a MAPC schemes information field. For example, first bandwidth indication information may be included in the MAPC common information field. Alternatively, first bandwidth indication information may be included in the per-scheme profile corresponding to Co-RTWT within the MAPC schemes information field.

[0259] Optionally, the MAPC negotiation request frame may also include second bandwidth indication information, which is used to indicate the channel through which the requesting AP operates when cooperating with the responding AP, such as the first channel.

[0260] For example, the first bandwidth indication information is used to indicate whether the requesting AP is allowed to use a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel. That is: the first bandwidth indication information indicates that the requesting AP is not allowed to use a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel, and the second bandwidth indication information is used to indicate the channel through which the requesting AP operates when cooperating with the responding AP, such as the first channel; or, the first bandwidth indication information indicates that the requesting AP is allowed to use a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel, and the second bandwidth indication information is used to indicate the channel through which the requesting AP operates when cooperating with the responding AP, such as the first channel.

[0261] For example, the first bandwidth indication information is used to indicate that the requesting AP is allowed to use the bandwidth of the fourth channel, which is larger than the bandwidth of the first channel, and the second bandwidth indication information is used to indicate the channel through which the requesting AP works, such as the first channel, when cooperating with the responding AP.

[0262] For instructions regarding continuing TXOP, first channel, or second channel, please refer to the above text. Figure 7 or Figure 9 Etc., will not be elaborated here.

[0263] The following describes the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0264] This application divides the communication device into functional modules according to the above-described method embodiments. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules. It should be noted that the module division in this application is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The following will combine... Figures 13 to 15 The communication device of the embodiments of this application is described in detail.

[0265] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the communication device includes a processing module 1301 and a transceiver module 1302. The transceiver module 1302 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 1301 is used to implement corresponding processing functions. The transceiver module 1302 can also be referred to as an interface, a communication interface, or a communication module, etc.

[0266] In some embodiments of this application, the communication device can be used to perform actions in response to the AP in the above method embodiments. In this case, the device can be the device itself or a chip or functional module configurable in the device. The transceiver module 1302 is used to perform operations related to transmitting and receiving in response to the AP in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1301 is used to perform operations related to processing in response to the AP in the above method embodiments.

[0267] Transceiver module 1302 is used to receive or input first RTWT information; Processing module 1301 is used to continue TXOP before the start time of SP, provided that certain conditions are met.

[0268] Optionally, the transceiver module 1302 is also used to send or output second RTWT information.

[0269] Optionally, the processing module 1301 is further configured to switch to the third channel before the transmission of the OBSS PPDU ends. Alternatively, the processing module 1301 is further configured to switch to the third channel before the end time of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0270] Optionally, the processing module 1301 is also configured to, in the case of switching to the third channel, terminate the TXOP before the start time of the SP; or, abandon the current transmission (or delay the current transmission) before the start time of the SP. Reuse Figure 13In other embodiments of this application, the device can be used to perform the actions performed by the non-AP STA (i.e., the associated site responding to the AP) in the above method embodiments. In this case, the device can be the device itself or a chip or functional module configurable in the device. The transceiver module 1302 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the non-AP STA in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1301 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the non-AP STA in the above method embodiments.

[0271] The transceiver module 1302 is used to receive or input the first frame; the processing module 1301 is used to continue TXOP before the start time of SP if the conditions are met.

[0272] Optionally, the processing module 1301 is further configured to switch to the third channel before the transmission of the OBSS PPDU ends. Alternatively, the processing module 1301 is further configured to switch to the third channel before the end time of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU.

[0273] Optionally, the processing module 1301 is also configured to, in the case of switching to the third channel, terminate the TXOP before the start time of the SP; or, abandon the current transmission (or delay the current transmission) before the start time of the SP.

[0274] For example, the transceiver module 1302 described above can be an antenna module. Alternatively, the transceiver module 1302 can be an input / output module. Optionally, in the above embodiments, the device may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 1301 can read the instructions and / or data from the storage module to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0275] For details regarding the specific explanations of each term, noun, or step in the above embodiments, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments; they will not be detailed here.

[0276] The specific descriptions of the transceiver module and processing module shown in the above embodiments are merely examples. For the specific functions or execution steps of the transceiver module and processing module, please refer to the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0277] It is understandable that the module division in the above-mentioned device is merely a logical functional division. Each function can correspond to a functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one functional module. In actual implementation, all or some modules can be integrated into one physical entity, or they can be distributed across different physical entities. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functional modules can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0278] In one example, the functional unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as: one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microcontroller units (MCUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms.

[0279] The apparatus of the embodiments of this application has been described above. The possible product forms of the described apparatus are described below. Any device possessing the above-described features... Figure 13 Any form of product that incorporates the functionality of the described device falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. The following description is merely illustrative and does not limit the product form of the device in the embodiments of this application to this specific example.

[0280] In one possible implementation, Figure 13 In the illustrated device, processing module 1301 can be one or more processors, and transceiver module 1302 can be a transceiver, or transceiver module 1302 can also be a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module can be a transmitter, and the receiving module can be a receiver. The transmitting module and the receiving module are integrated into one device, such as a transceiver. In this embodiment, the processor and transceiver can be coupled, etc., and the connection method between the processor and the transceiver is not limited in this embodiment. During the execution of the above method, the process of sending information in the above method can be the process of the processor outputting the above information. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver so that the transceiver can transmit it. After the above information is output by the processor, it may need to undergo other processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information in the above method can be the process of the processor receiving the input above information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to undergo other processing before being input into the processor.

[0281] Figure 14 This is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 14As shown, the communication device 140 includes one or more processors 1420 and transceivers 1410.

[0282] In some embodiments of this application, the above-described apparatus can be used to perform steps, methods, or functions in response to AP execution, such as the processor 1420 being used to perform... Figure 13 The transceiver 1410 can be used to perform the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 1301 shown. Figure 13 The transceiver module 1302 shown illustrates the functions or steps implemented by it. For detailed information on the processor 1420 and transceiver 1410, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 13 Alternatively, the method embodiments shown above will not be described in detail here.

[0283] In other embodiments of this application, the above-described apparatus is used to perform steps, methods, or functions performed by non-AP STA, such as the processor 1420 being used to perform such... Figure 13 The transceiver 1410 can be used to perform the functions or steps implemented by the processing module 1301 shown. Figure 13 The transceiver module 1302 shown illustrates the functions or steps implemented by it. For detailed information on the processor 1420 and transceiver 1410, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 13 Alternatively, the method embodiments shown above will not be described in detail here.

[0284] exist Figure 14 In various implementations of the communication apparatus shown, the transceiver may include a receiver for performing a receiving function (or operation) and a transmitter for performing a transmitting function (or operation). The transceiver is also used to communicate with other devices / appliances via a transmission medium.

[0285] Optionally, the communication device 140 may further include one or more memories 1430 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memories 1430 are coupled to the processor 1420. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between communication devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between the communication devices, units, or modules. The processor 1420 may operate in conjunction with the memories 1430. The processor 1420 can execute program instructions stored in the memories 1430. Optionally, at least one of the aforementioned memories may be included in the processor.

[0286] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the transceiver 1410, processor 1420, and memory 1430. This application embodiment... Figure 14 The memory 1430, processor 1420, and transceiver 1410 are connected via a bus 1440. Figure 14The connections between other components are shown in bold and are for illustrative purposes only, not as limiting information. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 14 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0287] In the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc., and can implement or execute the various 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 manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0288] In this application embodiment, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), read-only memory (ROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. Memory is any storage medium capable of carrying or storing program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and capable of being read and / or written by a computer (such as the communication device shown in this application), but is not limited to this. The memory in this application embodiment may also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing storage functions, used to store program instructions and / or data.

[0289] Processor 1420 is primarily used to process communication protocols (or standards) and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process the data from those programs. Memory 1430 is primarily used to store software programs and data. Transceiver 1410 may include control circuitry and an antenna. The control circuitry is primarily used for converting baseband signals to radio frequency signals and processing radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used to receive user input data and output data to the user.

[0290] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1420 can read the software program in the memory 1430, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor 1420 performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1420. The processor 1420 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0291] In another implementation, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be set up independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna can be arranged remotely, independent of the communication device.

[0292] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application may also have a higher... Figure 14 This application does not limit the use of other components or other related elements. The methods performed by the processor and transceiver shown above are merely examples; the specific steps performed by the processor and transceiver can be found in the methods described above. Figure 14 The dashed section indicates that it is optional.

[0293] In another possible implementation Figure 13 In the communication device shown, the processing module 1301 can be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver module 1302 can be an input / output interface, or a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Alternatively, the transceiver module 1302 can also be a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module can be an output interface, and the receiving module can be an input interface. The transmitting module and the receiving module are integrated into one module, such as an input / output interface.

[0294] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a chip provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 15 As shown, Figure 15 The chip shown includes logic circuitry 1501 and interface 1502. That is, the processing module 1301 can be implemented using logic circuitry 1501, and the transceiver module 1302 can be implemented using interface 1502. The logic circuitry 1501 can be a chip, processing circuit, integrated circuit, or system-on-chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 1502 can be a communication interface, input / output interface, pins, etc. For example, Figure 15 The above device is used as an example of a chip, which includes logic circuit 1501 and interface 1502.

[0295] In this embodiment, the logic circuit and the interface can also be coupled to each other. The specific connection method between the logic circuit and the interface is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the logic circuit 1501 can be used to perform... Figure 13 The processing module 1301 shown implements the functions or steps, and the interface 1502 can be used to execute such functions or steps. Figure 13 The transceiver module 1302 shown illustrates the functions or steps implemented by this module. For detailed information on the logic circuit 1501 and interface 1502, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 13 Alternatively, the method embodiments shown above will not be described in detail here.

[0296] The communication device shown in the embodiments of this application can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application in hardware form, or it can implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application in software form, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not limit it in this way.

[0297] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system including a responsive AP and a non-AP STA, which can be used to perform the methods in any of the foregoing embodiments. Optionally, the communication system further includes a request AP for sending a first frame.

[0298] This application also provides a computer program for implementing the operations and / or processes performed by various communication devices in the methods provided in this application.

[0299] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer code that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform the operations and / or processes performed by various communication devices in the methods provided in this application.

[0300] This application also provides a computer program product comprising computer code or a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the operations and / or processes performed by various entities in the method provided in this application to be executed.

[0301] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, communication devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the communication device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, communication devices, or modules, or it may be an electrical, mechanical, or other form of connection.

[0302] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0303] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0304] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it 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 all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a readable 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 readable storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The responding access point (AP) receives first target wake-up time (RTWT) information from the requesting AP, the first RTWT information being used to indicate the service period (SP). Under certain conditions, prior to the start time of the SP, the responding AP continues transmission opportunities (TXOPs); the conditions include: The responding AP switches to the second channel based on the Overlapping Basic Service Set Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (OBSS PPDU) received on the first channel. The OBSS PPDU comes from the Basic Service Set (BSS) where the requesting AP is located. The second channel does not overlap with the first channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conditions also include: During the time the responding AP resides on the second channel, the requesting AP transmits the OBSS PPDU on the first channel.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The responding AP sends a second RTWT message and information from the requesting AP, the second RTWT message being used to instruct the SP.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The information requested by the AP includes at least one of the following: The requesting AP's identifier ID, the BSS color of the BSS where the requesting AP is located, or the requesting AP's basic service set identifier BSSID.

5. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The responding access point (AP) receives first target wake-up time (RTWT) information from the requesting AP, the first RTWT information being used to indicate the service period (SP). Under certain conditions, prior to the start time of the SP, the responding AP continues transmission opportunities (TXOPs); the conditions include: The response AP switches to the second channel; The first channel requesting the AP to operate does not overlap with the second channel.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The conditions also include at least one of the following: The requesting AP is allowed to use a fourth channel with a larger bandwidth than the first channel, and the fourth channel operated by the requesting AP does not overlap with the second channel; The requesting AP is not allowed to use a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel; The requested AP does not support Dynamic Bandwidth Extension (DBE). The requested AP does not enable DBE.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive first bandwidth indication information, the first bandwidth indication information being used to indicate at least one of the following: the requesting AP allows the use of a fourth channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel; whether the requesting AP allows the use of a channel with a bandwidth greater than that of the first channel; whether the requesting AP supports DBE; or whether the requesting AP enables DBE.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first bandwidth indication information is included in at least one of the following: a beacon frame, a probe response frame, or a MAPC negotiation request frame.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein if the first bandwidth indication information is included in the MAPC negotiation request frame, the MAPC negotiation request frame further includes second bandwidth indication information, the second bandwidth indication information being used to indicate the channel through which the requesting AP operates when the requesting AP cooperates with the responding AP.

10. The method according to any one of claims 5-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The responding AP sends a second RTWT message and an indication message. The second RTWT message is used to instruct the SP, and the indication message is used to instruct the associated non-AP STA of the responding AP to continue TXOP before the start time of the SP.

11. The method according to any one of claims 5-9, characterized in that, The response AP switches to the second channel, including: The responding AP switches to the second channel based on the OBSS PPDU, which comes from the BSS where the requesting AP is located, or the OBSS PPDU comes from a BSS other than the BSS where the requesting AP is located.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The response AP continues TXOP, including: The responding AP, as the holder of the TXOP, does not terminate the TXOP; or... From the time the response AP backs off to 0 until the start time of the SP, the response AP continues to transmit.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Before the transmission of the OBSS PPDU ends, the responding AP switches to the third channel; or, Before the end time of the TXOP corresponding to the OBSS PPDU, the responding AP switches to the third channel.

14. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third channel is the same as the first channel, or the third channel partially overlaps with the first channel.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The first RTWT information includes at least one of the following: The start time of the SP, the duration of the SP, or the period of the SP.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The non-AP STA receives the second Target Wake-Up Time (RTWT) information and the request information from the AP. The second RTWT information is used to indicate the service period (SP). Under certain conditions, the non-AP STA continues to transmit opportunities (TXOPs) before the start time of the SP; the conditions include: The non-AP STA switches to the second channel based on the Overlapping Basic Service Set Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (OBSSPPDU) received on the first channel, wherein the OBSSPPDU originates from the Basic Service Set (BSS) where the requesting AP is located.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first channel and the second channel do not overlap.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The non-AP STA receives second limited target wake-up time (RTWT) information and indication information. The second RTWT information is used to indicate the service period (SP), and the indication information is used to instruct the associated non-AP STA of the responding AP to continue transmission opportunity (TXOP) before the start time of the SP. Under certain conditions, the non-AP STA continues TXOP before the start time of the SP; the conditions include: The non-AP STA switches to the second channel.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The non-AP STA switching to the second channel includes: The non-AP STA switches to the second channel based on the OBSS PPDU, which comes from the BSS where the requesting AP is located, or the OBSS PPDU comes from a BSS other than the BSS where the requesting AP is located.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16-19, characterized in that, The non-AP STA continues TXOP, including: The non-AP STA, as the holder of the TXOP, does not terminate the TXOP; or... From the time the non-AP STA backs off to 0 until the start time of the SP, the non-AP STA continues to transmit.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a transceiver, the processor and the transceiver being coupled such that the communication device implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

23. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes logic circuitry and an interface, the logic circuitry and the interface being coupled such that the chip implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-20.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is executed by a computer, the method described in any one of claims 1-20 is performed.

26. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes a responsive access point (AP) and a non-AP STA, wherein the responsive AP is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-15, and the non-AP STA is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 16-20.

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