A communication method and a communication device

Abstract

The application provides a communication method and a communication device. The method comprises the following steps: a first device receives first information from a second device, the first information is used for starting first communication between the second device and the first device, and the first information comprises information of a dynamic unavailable operation of the second device; the first device sends second information to the second device according to the information of the dynamic unavailable operation, the second information is used for indicating whether the second device reports the information of the dynamic unavailable operation; and the first device receives third information from the second device. In the method, after the first device receives the information of the dynamic unavailable operation of the second device, the first device can instruct the second device to continue reporting the information of the dynamic unavailable operation or not to report the information of the dynamic unavailable operation, so that the problem of waste of overhead caused by repeated reporting of the information of the dynamic unavailable operation of the second device can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The device (or coexisting device) contains multiple technologies, such as Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), and Starflash. There may be coexistence issues between these technologies. For example, when the device is using Bluetooth, if the Wi-Fi peer sends a Wi-Fi physical-layer protocol data unit (PPDU), packet loss will occur. After detecting the packet loss, the Wi-Fi peer will reduce the data rate due to "poor channel quality." This will result in low data transmission efficiency when the device switches from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, current technology introduces a dynamic unavailability operation (DUO) mechanism, which allows coexisting devices to report unavailability periods to the peer. During these periods, the peer avoids sending PPDUs to the coexisting device and instead buffers them. If the peer sends a PPDU to the coexisting device during these periods and detects packet loss, it will not adjust the data rate accordingly.

[0004] DUOs can be categorized into two types based on their processes: index-based dynamic unavailability operations (solicited DUO) and unsolicited dynamic unavailability operations (unsolicited DUO). In index-based dynamic unavailability operations, after the peer sends an index frame to the coexisting device, the coexisting device (such as a station) can then use a reply frame to send a DUO report to the peer. The index frame can be an initial control frame (ICF), and the reply frame can be an initial control response (ICR). In unsolicited dynamic unavailability operations, the coexisting device can spontaneously send a DUO report to the peer via a control frame, and the control frame carrying this DUO report can be an ICF.

[0005] However, using the DUO mechanism has the problem of wasted resources. For example, when a non-APStation sends a DUO ICF request frame to the access point (AP) to request support for the non-APStation's DUO behavior, after the AP accepts the request, every time the AP needs to initiate a TXOP or frame interaction with the non-APStation, it must first send an ICF to the non-APStation and receive an ICR from the non-APStation (i.e., complete the ICF / ICR interaction process) before it can execute. The ICF has the function of indexing the unavailability time information sent by the non-APStation. This will cause the non-APStation to report duplicate DUO reports to the AP through the ICF / ICR interaction process, resulting in wasted resources (such as air interface overhead and power consumption overhead).

[0006] Therefore, how to avoid wasting resources when using the DUO mechanism is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application proposes a communication method and a communication device to avoid the problem of wasted resource overhead when using the DUO mechanism.

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a first device, or a component of the first device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first device, or a device compatible with the first device. Taking the application of this method to a first device as an example, the method includes: the first device receiving first information from a second device, the first information being used to initiate first communication between the second device and the first device, the first information including information about the dynamic unavailability operation of the second device; the first device sending second information to the second device based on the information about the dynamic unavailability operation, the second information being used to indicate whether the second device should report the information about the dynamic unavailability operation; and the first device receiving third information from the second device, the third information being used to respond to the second information.

[0009] In the above description, the first device and the second device are different devices or apparatuses. For example, if the above method is applied to a wireless local area network (WLAN), the first device can be an access point device, such as an access point (AP) or an AP multi-link device (MLD), and the second device can be a non-access point site device, such as a terminal (e.g., a Non-AP STA or Non-AP MLD). If the above method is applied to a StarFlash system, the first device can be a grant (G) node or management device, and the second device can be a terminal (T) node or terminal device. If the above method is applied to a wireless wide area network (WAN), the first device can be a base station, and the second device can be a terminal device.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the second information is further used to initiate a second communication between the second device and the first device. In embodiments of this application, both the first and second communication between the second and first devices can refer to a TXOP or frame interaction performed between the first and second devices. The first and second communication can be different TXOP or frame interactions performed between the first and second devices. For example, the first communication refers to the first TXOP or frame interaction performed between the first and second devices, and the second communication refers to the second TXOP or frame interaction performed between the first and second devices.

[0011] In the above, the time when the first device sends the second information to the second device can be after the first device receives the information about the dynamic unavailable operation from the second device, and before the dynamic unavailable operation event starts (or the dynamic unavailable operation event is canceled).

[0012] In the above communication method, after receiving the information about the dynamic unavailable operation from the second device by activating the first communication, the first device sends a second message to the second device to activate the second communication. The second message can instruct the second device to continue reporting the information about the dynamic unavailable operation, or it can instruct the second device to stop reporting the information about the dynamic unavailable operation. This can avoid the problem that when the first device and the second device activate communication, the first device can only instruct the second device to report the information about the dynamic unavailable operation to the first device, which may cause the second device to report the information about the dynamic unavailable operation repeatedly. This can effectively avoid the problem of wasting resources.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation includes the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation, which indicates the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation or indicates that the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation is uncertain. With this implementation, the first device can determine whether the second device should report the information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation based on whether it receives a valid or confirmed duration of the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a first device receiving fourth information from a second device, the fourth information being used to request support for performing a dynamic unavailability operation; the fourth information including first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate whether the second device updates the dynamic unavailability operation information after sending the dynamic unavailability operation information. Through this implementation, the first device can accurately and effectively determine whether the second device updates the dynamic unavailability operation information after sending it via the first indication information, and thus can accurately instruct the second device whether to report the dynamic unavailability operation information.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes second indication information, which instructs the second device whether to update the information about the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information. With this implementation, the first device can accurately and effectively determine whether the second device has updated the information about the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information, and thus can accurately instruct the second device whether to report the information about the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the frame type of the second information is used to indicate whether the second device reports information about dynamically unavailable operations. With this implementation, the first device can send different types of frames to the second device to implicitly indicate whether the second device reports information about dynamically unavailable operations.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first device sends second information to the second device based on information about dynamically unavailable operations, including:

[0018] The first device determines a first time difference; the first time difference is the time difference between the end time or the start time of the first device receiving the physical layer protocol data unit carrying the first information and the start time of the dynamic unavailable operation; if the first time difference is less than or equal to a first preset time threshold, the first device sends second information to the second device, the second information being used to instruct the second device not to report the information of the dynamic unavailable operation; or, if the first time difference is greater than or equal to the first preset time threshold, the first device sends second information to the second device, the second information being used to instruct the second device to report the information of the dynamic unavailable operation.

[0019] With this implementation, the first device can autonomously determine whether the second device should report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation, thereby reducing the overhead of the second device additionally instructing the first device.

[0020] In another possible implementation, the first device sends second information to the second device based on information about dynamically unavailable operations, including:

[0021] The first device determines a second time difference; the second time difference is the time difference between the end time or start time of the first device sending the physical layer protocol data unit carrying the second information and the start time of the dynamically unavailable operation; if the second time difference is greater than or equal to a second preset time threshold, the first device sends second information to the second device, the second information being used to instruct the second device not to report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation; or, if the second time difference is less than or equal to the second preset time threshold, the first device sends second information to the second device, the second information being used to instruct the second device to report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation. Through this implementation, the first device can autonomously determine whether the second device should report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation, thereby reducing the overhead of the second device additionally instructing the first device.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation also includes the start time information of the dynamically unavailable operation. This implementation allows the first device to accurately determine the start time of the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first information is a first initial control frame or a first initial control response frame. With this implementation, the second device can send information about the dynamically unavailable operation to the first device via the initial control frame or the initial control response frame.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the second information is a second initial control frame. With this implementation, if the first device instructs the second device to report information about the dynamically unavailable operation, the first device can simultaneously initiate communication with the second device via the initial control frame and instruct the second device to report the information about the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0025] In this embodiment of the application, if the first device instructs the second device not to report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation, the second information may not be the initial control frame (ICF), but other types of frames (such as request to send (RTS) or data frames).

[0026] In one possible implementation, the second information includes a first field, which indicates whether the second device should report the dynamically unavailable operation. With this implementation, the first device can explicitly indicate whether the second device should report the dynamically unavailable operation using the first field in the second information.

[0027] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to a second device, or a component of the second device (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second device, or a device compatible with the second device. Taking the application of this method to a second device as an example, the method includes: the second device sending first information to a first device, the first information being used to initiate first communication between the second device and the first device, the first information including information about the dynamic unavailability operation of the second device; the second device receiving second information from the first device, the second information being used to indicate whether the second device should report the information about the dynamic unavailability operation; and the second device sending third information to the first device, the third information being used to respond to the second information.

[0028] In the above description, the first device and the second device are different devices or apparatuses. For example, if the above method is applied to a wireless local area network (WLAN), the first device can be an access point device, such as an access point (AP) or an AP MLD, and the second device can be a non-access point site device, such as a terminal (e.g., a non-AP STA or a non-AP MLD). If the above method is applied to a StarFlash system, the first device can be a management node or management device, and the second device can be a terminal node or terminal device. If the above method is applied to a wireless wide area network (WAN), the first device can be a base station, and the second device can be a terminal device.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the second information can also be used to initiate a second communication between the second device and the first device. In this embodiment, both the first and second communication between the second device and the first device can refer to a TXOP or frame interaction performed between the first and second devices. The first and second communication can be different TXOP or frame interactions performed between the first and second devices. For example, the first communication is the first TXOP or frame interaction performed between the first and second devices, and the second communication is the second TXOP or frame interaction performed between the first and second devices.

[0030] In the above, the time when the first device sends the second information to the second device can be after the first device receives the information about the dynamic unavailable operation from the second device, and before the dynamic unavailable operation event starts (or the dynamic unavailable operation event is canceled).

[0031] In the above communication method, after the first device receives the information of the dynamic unavailable operation from the second device by initiating the first communication, the second device receives the second information from the first device. The second information can instruct the second device to continue reporting the information of the dynamic unavailable operation, or it can instruct the second device to stop reporting the information of the dynamic unavailable operation. This can avoid the problem that when the first device and the second device initiate communication, the second device can only instruct the first device to report the information of the dynamic unavailable operation, which may cause the second device to report the information of the dynamic unavailable operation repeatedly. This can effectively avoid the problem of wasting resources.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation includes the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation, which indicates the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation or indicates that the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation is uncertain. With this implementation, the first device can determine whether the second device should report the information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation based on whether it receives a valid or confirmed duration of the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the second device sending fourth information to the first device, the fourth information being used to request support for performing a dynamically unavailable operation; the fourth information including first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate whether the second device updates the dynamically unavailable operation information after sending the information. Through this implementation, the first device can accurately and effectively determine whether the second device updates the dynamically unavailable operation information after sending it through the first indication information, and thus can accurately instruct the second device whether to report the dynamically unavailable operation information.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes second indication information, which instructs the second device whether to update the information about the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information. With this implementation, the first device can accurately and effectively determine whether the second device has updated the information about the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information, and thus can accurately instruct the second device whether to report the information about the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the frame type of the second information is used to indicate whether the second device should report the information about the dynamically unavailable operation. With this implementation, the second device can determine whether to report the information about the dynamically unavailable operation based on the frame type of the second information.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the second information includes a first field, which indicates whether the second device should report the dynamically unavailable operation. With this implementation, the second device can effectively determine whether to report the dynamically unavailable operation based on the first field in the second information.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the information of the dynamically unavailable operation also includes the start time information of the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the first information is a first initial control frame or a first initial control response frame. With this implementation, the second device can send information about the dynamically unavailable operation to the first device via the initial control frame or the initial control response frame.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the second information is a second initial control frame. With this implementation, if the first device instructs the second device to report information about the dynamically unavailable operation, the first device can simultaneously initiate communication with the second device via the initial control frame and instruct the second device to report the information about the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0040] In this embodiment of the application, if the first device instructs the second device not to report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation, the second information may not be the initial control frame (ICF), but other types of frames (such as request to send (RTS) or data frames).

[0041] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, which is a first device or a chip corresponding to the first device. The communication device has the functions of implementing the first aspect described above and any of the possible embodiments therein. The communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0042] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions of the first device in the method described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. This application embodiment does not limit the number of the aforementioned processors and / or memories; there may be one or more.

[0043] Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface circuit for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices, such as the transmission and reception of data or signals. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0044] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0045] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the method provided in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0046] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, which is a second device or a chip corresponding to a second device. The communication device has the functions to implement the second aspect described above and any of the possible embodiments therein. The communication device can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0047] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions of the second device in the method described above. The communication device may also include a memory coupled to the processor, which stores necessary program instructions and data for the communication device. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of the aforementioned processors and / or memories; there may be one or more.

[0048] Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface circuit for supporting communication between the communication device and other communication devices, such as the transmission and reception of data or signals. For example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0049] In one possible design, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules, each used to implement the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

[0050] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples, as described in the method provided in the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0051] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is used to implement the methods described in the first aspect and any of the possible implementations therein through logic circuits or execution code instructions. The number of processors described in the fifth aspect is not limited in the embodiments of this application; there may be one or more processors.

[0052] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is used to implement the methods of the second aspect and any of the possible implementations described above through logic circuits or execution code instructions. The number of processors described in the sixth aspect is not limited in the embodiments of this application; there may be one or more processors.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication system that includes the first device described in the first aspect and the second device described in the second aspect.

[0054] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the methods of any one of the first and second aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0055] Ninthly, this application provides a computer program product storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement any one of the first, second, or third aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0056] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a chip system including a processor and potentially a memory, for implementing the methods of any one of the first and second aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0057] It should be noted that the technical effects that can be achieved by any of the third to tenth aspects or any of the third to tenth aspects can be referred to the description of the technical effects that can be achieved by any of the first and second aspects or any of the first and second aspects, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 A logical diagram illustrating the connection of three basic BSS types to the DS;

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a TXOP.

[0060] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between a coexisting device STA and an AP.

[0061] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between a coexisting device STA and an AP.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating two dynamically unavailable operations;

[0063] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of the format of a multi-user block acknowledgment frame carrying DUO information;

[0064] Figure 5B This is a diagram illustrating another field format that carries DUO information.

[0065] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a DUO ICF request process;

[0066] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a WLAN network architecture applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a method flow for one embodiment of this application is provided;

[0069] Figure 10A This application provides a schematic diagram of AP and Non-AP STA interaction in its implementation.

[0070] Figure 10B This application provides a schematic diagram of AP and Non-AP STA interaction in its implementation.

[0071] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a chip device structure according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0074] The scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0075] To better understand the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, some related technologies, concepts, and terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained below. These explanations are intended to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0076] (1) Infrastructure-based BSS:

[0077] A Basic Service Set (BSS) is a fundamental module of IEEE 802.11 local area networks, consisting of several Standalone (STAs). Different types of BSSs have different topologies formed by their member STAs. Based on their topology, functions, and other characteristics, BSSs can be categorized into basic infrastructure BSSs, independent basic service sets (IBSSs), and others.

[0078] In an infrastructure-based BSS, a special site acts as the access distribution system (DS), called the Access Point (AP). Other sites are called non-APSTAs. All non-APSTAs must access the DS through the AP, meaning they need to be associated with an AP, and non-APSTAs cannot communicate directly with each other by default. For example, Figure 1 This is a logical diagram of three infrastructure-type BSSs accessing the DS. In each infrastructure-type BSS, each non-access point site can access the DS through its corresponding associated AP.

[0079] Note that the term "site in an infrastructure-type BSS" is used in this application. This site can be an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0080] (2) Transmission opportunity (TXOP):

[0081] The IEEE 802.11 protocol stipulates that before a station can transmit data, it must first compete for the channel using the carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA) mechanism. That is, it must listen for available media; only when the media is idle for a certain duration can the station transmit. Figure 2 As shown, when STA1 meets the channel idle time requirement and STA1 can transmit (i.e., when STA1 successfully competes for the channel), STA1 is considered to have obtained a TXOP. STA1 can use this channel for transmission for the next period of time, and other stations will not actively attempt to transmit when they detect STA1's TXOP, so that STA1 can transmit without interference and efficiently during this period. After the TXOP period ends, all stations can continue to compete for the channel.

[0082] (3) Dynamic Unavailability Operation (DUO) technology:

[0083] A device may contain multiple technologies, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, and Wi-Fi. These technologies may share device resources, such as radio frequency resources and memory. Therefore, enabling one technology may prevent the device from using another. For example, see... Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, when devices coexist, i.e., device 3 communicates with device 1 using Bluetooth, device 3 cannot simultaneously send and receive Wi-Fi Physical Layer Protocol Data Units (PPDUs). If device 2, the Wi-Fi peer of device 3, sends a Wi-Fi PPDU to device 3 at this time, packet loss will occur. After detecting packet loss, the sending device 2 will treat it as "poor channel quality" and reduce the data rate. When device 3 stops using Bluetooth and turns on Wi-Fi, it may find that device 2 is sending data at a very low data rate, resulting in low data transmission efficiency between the two devices.

[0084] To address the aforementioned issues, current technologies introduce a Dynamic Unavailable Operation (DUO) mechanism, which allows coexistence of devices (such as...). Figure 3A 3) From the middle device to the other end (e.g. Figure 3A Device 2) reports a period of unavailability. During this period, the other end (e.g., Figure 3A 2) Avoid sending requests to the coexisting device (e.g., ...) Figure 3A The device in the middle (3) sends PPDU, but buffers PPDU; if the other end (e.g., Figure 3A Device 2) During this time period, send to the coexisting device (such as...) Figure 3A 3) The device in the middle sends a PPDU and detects packet loss. The other end (e.g., Figure 3A Device 2) will not adjust its data rate as a result.

[0085] DUOs can be divided into two categories based on their processes: index-based dynamic unavailability operations (solicited DUOs) and self-sent dynamic unavailability operations (unsolicited DUOs).

[0086] In index-based dynamic unavailability operations, after the peer sends an index frame to the coexisting device, the coexisting device (such as a site) can then use a reply frame to send a DUO report to the peer. The index frame can be an initial control frame (ICF), and the reply frame can be an initial control response (ICR). For example, Figure 4 As shown in (1), the Non-AP side performs index-based dynamic unavailability operation. The AP sends an ICF to the Non-AP. After receiving the ICF, the Non-AP sends an ICR to the AP, which carries a DUO report.

[0087] In a self-initiated dynamic unavailability operation, the coexisting device can spontaneously send a DUO report to the peer via a control frame, and the control frame carrying this DUO report can be an ICF (Independent Control Frame). For example, Figure 4 As shown in (2), the Non-AP side performs a dynamic unavailability operation by sending an ICF to the AP. The ICF carries a DUO report. After receiving the ICF, the AP sends an ICR to the Non-AP.

[0088] In addition to index-based dynamic unavailability operations and autonomously sent dynamic unavailability operations, coexisting devices can also report dynamic unavailability operation periods using block acknowledgment frames that confirm data. In this case, the block acknowledgment frame carrying the dynamic unavailability operation information and the acknowledgment data frame is called a control response frame (CRF). The way this CRF carries the dynamic unavailability operation information is similar to that of an ICR; for example, the dynamic unavailability operation information can be... Figure 5A The method is located in the Per AID TID Info field of the CRF.

[0089] For a non-AP, regardless of whether the DUO report is submitted via index-based dynamic unavailability operation or self-submitted dynamic unavailability operation, the AP will maintain at most one DUO report submitted by that non-AP. If the non-AP submits multiple DUO reports, only the last submitted DUO report will be valid.

[0090] In the DUO mechanism, the DUO report includes, but is not limited to, two fields: Unavailability Start Time and Unavailability Duration. The Unavailability Start Time field indicates the timing synchronization function (TSF) value corresponding to the start time of the DUO event. The value is in units of 64µs, and the field length is 9 or 10 bits. The Unavailability Duration field indicates the duration of the DUO event. The value is also in units of 64µs, and the field length is 9 or 10 bits. When the Unavailability Duration field is 0, the Unavailability Start Time field is retained, indicating / indicating that the site is in an available state. When the Unavailability Duration field is all (binary) 1s, it indicates / indicating that the site does not know the duration of the DUO event.

[0091] Table 1

[0092] The value of the Unavailability Duration field meaning 0 The site has entered an available state. 1 ~ (unsigned maximum value minus 1) Field value * 64us 0b111……11 (Binary all 1s, i.e., the unsigned maximum value) Uncertain duration of unavailability

[0093] The methods of carrying DUO information differ between index-based dynamic unavailability mechanisms and autonomously sent dynamic unavailability mechanisms.

[0094] In an index-based dynamic unavailability mechanism, DUO information (such as unavailability start time and unavailability duration) is carried in the ICR. The ICR can be a Multi-STABlockAck frame, such as... Figure 5A As shown, the block ack bitmap or feedback includes an unavailability start time field and an unavailability duration field.

[0095] In the autonomously transmitted dynamic unavailability mechanism, DUO information (such as unavailability start time and unavailability duration) is carried in the ICF (Information Frame for Buffer Status Report Poll). The ICF can be a Buffer Status Report Poll (BSRP) frame. Specifically, the Special User Info field (AID12 field 2008) of the BSRP can carry the unavailability start time and unavailability duration fields, such as... Figure 5B As shown, when the feedback type field is 0, it means that the special user information field carries an unavailable start time field and an unavailable duration field.

[0096] In the following embodiments, the DUO information (or DUO report) is not limited to the unavailability start time information and unavailability duration information mentioned above.

[0097] (5) DUO ICF request process:

[0098] like Figure 6 As shown, if the AP supports the DUO mechanism, a non-AP STA can request support for its DUO behavior from the AP. The non-AP STA can send a DUO ICF request frame to the AP to request support for its DUO behavior. If the AP accepts the request, it sends a response frame to the non-AP STA, instructing it to accept the request. After this, each time the AP initiates a TXOP or frame exchange with the non-AP STA, it must first send an ICF to the non-AP STA and receive an ICR from the non-AP STA (i.e., complete the ICF / ICR exchange process) before execution. The ICF needs to be able to index the non-AP STA's DUO report (including DUO unavailability time information).

[0099] In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one 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, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0100] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," or "1," "2," etc. (except in special cases indicating numerical values) mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For example, "first information" and "second information" are only used to distinguish different information, and do not indicate a difference in the size, priority, or importance of these two pieces of information. Similarly, "AP1" and "AP2" are only used to distinguish different APs, and do not indicate a difference in the size, priority, or importance of these two APs.

[0101] It should be noted that in this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "relevant," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be pointed out that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0102] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the following description of embodiments of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. Furthermore, the term "for indicating" used in the description of embodiments of this application can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message for indicating A, it may include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0103] The foregoing section introduced some terms, concepts, or processes involved in the embodiments of this application. The following section introduces the technical problems, solutions, and devices involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0104] From the above Figure 6As shown in the flowchart, after the AP receives a DUO ICF request frame from a non-access point site (NAP), each time the AP needs to initiate a TXOP or frame exchange with that NAP, it must first send an ICF to the NAP and receive an ICR from the NAP (i.e., complete the ICF / ICR exchange process) before it can execute the request. The ICF has the function of indexing the unavailability time information sent by the NAP. This could lead to the NAP potentially reporting duplicate DUO reports to the AP through the ICF / ICR exchange process. However, for a NAP, regardless of whether the DUO report is submitted via solicited DUO or unsolicited DUO, the AP will not accept duplicate reports. If a non-access point (NAP) site sends multiple DUO reports to the AP, the AP will only maintain one DUO report from that NAP site at most; that is, only the last sent DUO report is valid. This results in wasted resource overhead (e.g., the air interface and power consumption overhead of the AP transmitting ICF data while only indexing duplicate DUO reports, and the air interface and power consumption overhead of non-AP sites reporting duplicate DUO reports). Therefore, how to avoid the waste of resource overhead when using the DUO mechanism is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0105] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this application provide a communication method and a communication device to avoid resource waste when using the DUO mechanism. The communication method and the communication device are based on the same inventive concept, and their problem-solving principles are similar. Therefore, the implementations of the communication device and the communication method can be mutually referenced, and repeated details will not be elaborated further.

[0106] This application's embodiments can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios. For example, they can be applied to IEEE 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, or Extremely High Throughput (EHT), 802.11bf, and next-generation standards like Wi-Fi 8 or even later. Alternatively, this application's embodiments can also be applied to WLAN systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks or Vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Of course, this application's embodiments can also be applied to StarFlash communication systems, as well as other possible communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) systems, new radio (NR) systems, or future communication systems.

[0107] This application can support the Spark Link / NearLink standard protocol. It can also support IEEE protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 / EHT protocol, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / Wi-Fi 8 protocol, IEEE Integrated mmWave / IMMW protocol, IEEE 802.15 / UWB protocol, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing protocol.

[0108] It should be understood that WLAN has evolved from the 802.11a / g standard through 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and the currently discussed 802.11be. 802.11n can also be called high throughput (HT); 802.11ac can also be called very high throughput (VHT); 802.11ax can also be called high efficiency (HE) or Wi-Fi 6; 802.11be can also be called EHT or Wi-Fi 7. Standards prior to HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, can be collectively referred to as non-high throughput (Non-HT).

[0109] The communication systems described above are merely illustrative examples, and the communication systems applicable to this application are not limited thereto. The communication systems provided in this application do not impose any limitations on the solutions of this application. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated below.

[0110] For example, Figure 7 This application illustrates a network architecture diagram of a WLAN applicable to an embodiment of this application. See also: Figure 7 As shown, the network architecture of this WLAN includes APs and non-access point stations (Non-AP STAs). APs can interact with non-access point stations. For example, APs can send information, signals, or data to non-access point stations, and non-access point stations can also send information, signals, or data to APs.

[0111] Figure 7 The APs and non-access point sites shown are for illustrative purposes only. The number of APs and non-access point sites in this network architecture can be one or more, and the number of non-access point sites communicating with an AP can be one or more. This application embodiment can also be applied to communication between APs, for example, APs can communicate with each other through a distributed system (DS). Through the DS, an AP can communicate with its associated non-access point sites and / or unassociated non-access point sites. This application embodiment can also be applied to communication between STAs.

[0112] The above Figure 7 The WLAN network architecture diagram shown is not intended to limit the network architecture to which the embodiments of this application can be applied. The methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to various wireless network architectures or wireless communication systems, such as Wi-Fi systems, 5G communication systems, or future mobile communication systems, and this application does not limit them.

[0113] Access points, which are the points through which terminal devices (such as mobile phones) access wired (or wireless) networks, are primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. They can also be deployed outdoors. An access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, access points can be terminal devices (such as mobile phones) or network devices (such as routers) with Wi-Fi chips, or wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals with access point functionality. Access points can be devices that support the 802.11be standard. Access points can also be devices that support various WLAN standards within the 802.11 family, such as 802.11be next-generation standards.

[0114] A site can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. For example, a site 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, etc. Optionally, the site can support the 802.11be standard. The site can also support various WLAN standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11be next-generation.

[0115] For example, access points and sites can be devices used in the Internet of Vehicles, IoT nodes and sensors in the Internet of Things, smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters in smart homes, and sensors in smart cities.

[0116] The AP and STA involved in the embodiments of this application can be APs and STAs that comply with the IEEE 802.11 system standard. An AP is a device deployed in a wireless communication network to provide wireless communication functions for its associated STAs. The AP can serve as the hub of the communication system and is typically a network-side product that supports the MAC and PHY of the 802.11 system standard. Examples include base stations, routers, gateways, repeaters, communication servers, switches, or bridges. The base station can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, repeater stations, etc. For ease of description, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as APs. STAs are typically terminal products that support the 802.11 system standard's Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY), such as mobile phones and laptops.

[0117] The communication system architecture or network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication system or network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to similar technical problems.

[0118] Unless otherwise specified in this document, the terms "first device" and "second device" are used to describe the implementing entities.

[0119] "The first device" can be a network device, a device with network device functions, or a device that implements network device functions. For example,

[0120] "The first device" is an access network device (e.g., an AP or AP MLD), or it can be a module (e.g., a chip or circuit) within the access network device, or it can be a module or unit (e.g., a CU, DU, or RU), logic module, or software that fully or partially implements the access network device. "The first device" can also be a core network device, or a server, such as a cloud server. Alternatively, "the first device" can also be a device or apparatus with sensing and / or positioning capabilities, or a device or apparatus capable of performing artificial intelligence tasks. Among these, a device capable of performing artificial intelligence tasks can be referred to as an artificial intelligence task execution device.

[0121] "Second device" can be a terminal device, a device with terminal functions, or a device that implements terminal functions. For example, "second device" can be a terminal (e.g., Non-AP STA or Non-AP MLD), a module (e.g., a chip or circuit) in a terminal (e.g., Non-AP STA or Non-AP MLD), a module or unit that fully or partially implements a terminal (e.g., Non-AP STA or Non-AP MLD), or a logic module or software, etc.

[0122] In some scenarios, "first device" can also refer to a terminal device, and "second device" can refer to a network device. In this article, "first device" can be replaced with "first node," "first device," or "first communication device," etc., and "second device" can be replaced with "second node," "second device," or "second communication device," etc.

[0123] In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of information / data / signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, and "send information" can include direct transmission or indirect transmission through other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, and "receive information" can include receiving directly from YY or receiving indirectly from YY through other units or modules. Furthermore, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. In other words, "send" or "receive" can occur between nodes / devices, for example, between a base station and a terminal via an air interface; "send" or "receive" can also occur within a device.

[0124] For example, sending or receiving data between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via buses, traces, or interfaces.

[0125] It should be understood that the names of the messages (or information) in the following processes in this application are merely examples. As communication technology evolves, the names of the messages (or information, etc.) in the following processes may change. However, regardless of how their names change, as long as their meaning is the same as the function or meaning of the messages (or information, etc.) in this application, they all fall within the protection scope of this application. For example, the first information can be replaced by an initial control response frame.

[0126] The solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0127] This application provides a communication method, which can be applied to, but is not limited to, other methods. Figure 7 The network architecture is shown. This method can be executed by the first device and the second device, or by modules (e.g., processors, chips, or chip systems) corresponding to the first and second devices, respectively. It can also be executed by logical nodes, logical modules, or software that respectively implement all or part of the functions of the first device and all or part of the functions of the second device. Furthermore, this application does not specifically limit the specific structure and number of the execution entities (such as the first and second devices) of the method provided in the embodiments of this application, as long as communication can be performed according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. For ease of description, the interaction between the first device and the second device is used as an example in the following description. The order of steps in the following processes is only an example. In actual applications, the execution order of steps in each process can be adjusted, and all or part of the following steps can be executed adaptively.

[0128] See Figure 8 As shown, the method provided in this application embodiment includes the following steps:

[0129] S801: The second device sends first information to the first device; correspondingly, the first device receives the first information from the second device.

[0130] The first information is used to initiate the first communication between the second device and the first device. The first information includes information about the dynamic unavailability operation of the second device (or simply DUO information). The first communication between the second device and the first device can refer to TXOP or frame interaction performed between the first device and the second device.

[0131] For example, the first information may be a first initial control frame (ICF) or a first initial control response frame (ICR).

[0132] In the embodiments of this application, the information of the dynamically unavailable operation (or simply DUO information) includes, but is not limited to, the start time information of the dynamically unavailable operation and / or the duration information of the dynamically unavailable operation; wherein, the start time information of the dynamically unavailable operation is used to indicate the start time of the dynamically unavailable operation, the duration information of the dynamically unavailable operation is used to indicate the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation, and the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation is not 0.

[0133] In the above description, the first device and the second device are different devices or apparatuses. For example, if the above method is applied to a wireless local area network (WLAN), the first device can be an access point device, such as an AP or AP MLD, and the second device can be a non-access point device, such as a Non-AP STA or Non-AP MLD. If the above method is applied to a StarFlash system, the first device can be a G node, and the second device can be a T node. If the above method is applied to a wireless wide area network (WAN), the first device can be a base station, and the second device can be a terminal device.

[0134] S802: The first device sends second information to the second device based on the information of the dynamic unavailable operation; accordingly, the second device receives the second information from the first device.

[0135] The second information is used to indicate whether the second device should report information about the dynamic unavailable operation.

[0136] In one possible implementation, the second information can also be used to initiate a second communication between the second device and the first device. This second communication between the second device and the first device can refer to a TXOP or frame exchange performed between the first and second devices.

[0137] In the embodiments of this application, the second communication and the aforementioned first communication may be different TXOP or frame interactions performed between the first device and the second device. For example, the first communication is the first TXOP or frame interaction performed between the first device and the second device, and the second communication is the second TXOP or frame interaction performed between the first device and the second device.

[0138] For example, the second information may be, but is not limited to, a second initial control frame (ICF).

[0139] In this embodiment of the application, the time when the first device sends the second information to the second device can be after the first device receives the information of the dynamic unavailable operation from the second device through the first information, and before the dynamic unavailable operation event starts (or the dynamic unavailable operation event is canceled).

[0140] In one possible implementation, the information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation includes duration information, which indicates the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation or indicates an uncertain duration. With this implementation, the first device can determine whether the second device should report the dynamically unavailable operation based on whether it receives a valid or confirmed duration of the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0141] For example, if the duration information of the dynamic unavailable operation is used to indicate the duration of the dynamic unavailable operation, then the second information is used to instruct the second device not to report the dynamic unavailable operation information; if the duration information of the dynamic unavailable operation is used to indicate that the duration of the dynamic unavailable operation is uncertain, then the second information is used to instruct the second device to report the dynamic unavailable operation information.

[0142] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: the second device sending fourth information to the first device, and correspondingly, the first device receiving the fourth information from the second device, the fourth information being used to request support for performing a dynamic unavailability operation; the fourth information includes first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate whether the second device updates the dynamic unavailability operation information after sending the dynamic unavailability operation information. For example, the fourth information is a DUO ICF request frame. Optionally, this implementation can be performed before S801 described above.

[0143] Through the above implementation, the first device can determine whether the second device updates the information of the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information of the dynamically unavailable operation based on the first instruction information. Then, the first device can instruct the second device whether to report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation based on whether the second device updates the information of the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information of the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0144] For example, if the first indication information indicates that the second device does not update the information of the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information of the dynamically unavailable operation, then the second information is used to indicate that the second device does not report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation; if the first indication information indicates that the second device updates the information of the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information of the dynamically unavailable operation, then the second information is used to indicate that the second device reports the information of the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0145] In this embodiment, the scope of the first indication information can be all DUO information transmitted during the period from entering DUO mode to exiting DUO mode. That is, the content indicated by the first indication information is valid for all DUO information sent by the second device during the period from entering DUO mode to exiting DUO mode. Alternatively, the scope of the first indication information can be a portion of the DUO information transmitted during the period from entering DUO mode to exiting DUO mode. That is, the content indicated by the first indication information is valid for a portion of the DUO information sent by the second device during the period from entering DUO mode to exiting DUO mode. Here, the portion of the DUO information may refer to the DUO information sent by the second device within a preset time period, which is the time period from entering DUO mode to exiting DUO mode.

[0146] Furthermore, the content indicated by the aforementioned first instruction information can be updated; if the content indicated by the first instruction information is updated, the updated content indicated by the first instruction information shall prevail.

[0147] In another possible implementation, the first information also includes second indication information, which is used to indicate whether the second device should update the information about the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information about the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0148] With this implementation, the first device can determine whether the second device updates the information of the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information of the dynamically unavailable operation based on the first instruction information. Then, the first device can instruct the second device whether to report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation based on whether the second device updates the information of the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information of the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0149] For example, if the second indication information indicates that the second device does not update the information of the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information of the dynamically unavailable operation, then the second information is used to indicate that the second device does not report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation; if the second indication information indicates that the second device updates the information of the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information of the dynamically unavailable operation, then the second information is used to indicate that the second device reports the information of the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0150] In this embodiment of the application, the scope of the second instruction information can be the information of the DUO carried in the first information; that is, the content indicated by the second instruction information is valid for the information of the DUO carried in the first information. Furthermore, the second instruction information can be updated in a manner similar to updating the information of the DUO.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the frame type of the second information is used to indicate whether the second device should report the information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation. With this implementation, the first device can use second information of different frame types to indicate to the second device whether to report the information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0152] In the embodiments of this application, the second information can be the frame itself or information carried in the frame, and there is no limitation on this. If the second information is the frame itself, that is, different types of frames are set to indicate whether the second device reports information about dynamically unavailable operations; if the second information is carried in the frame, different types of frames are set to carry the second information to indicate whether the second device reports information about dynamically unavailable operations.

[0153] For example, if the second information is a first type frame or the second information is located in a first type frame, then the information used to instruct the second device not to report the dynamically unavailable operation is applied; if the second information is a second type frame or the second information is located in a second type frame, then the information used to instruct the second device to report the dynamically unavailable operation is applied.

[0154] Based on the above, if the second device receives the second information from the first device and determines that the second information is a first type frame, it determines not to send the information about the dynamically unavailable operation to the first device; if the second device receives the second information from the first device and determines that the second information is a second type frame, it determines to continue sending the information about the dynamically unavailable operation to the first device. Alternatively, if the second device receives a first type frame carrying the second information from the first device, it determines not to send the information about the dynamically unavailable operation to the first device; if the second device receives a second type frame carrying the second information from the first device, it determines to send the information about the dynamically unavailable operation to the first device.

[0155] In one possible implementation, the second information includes a first field, which indicates whether the second device has reported the dynamically unavailable operation. In this implementation, the first device can indicate whether the second device has reported the dynamically unavailable operation by including the field in the second information.

[0156] For example, when the first field takes a first value, the first field is used to indicate that the second device will not report information about the dynamically unavailable operation; when the first field takes a second value, the first field is used to indicate that the second device will report information about the dynamically unavailable operation. Alternatively, when the first field takes a first value, the first field is used to indicate that the second device will not report information about the dynamically unavailable operation; when the first field takes a second value, the first field is used to indicate that the second device is allowed to report information about the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0157] S803: The second device sends third information to the first device; correspondingly, the first device receives the third information from the second device.

[0158] The third information is used in response to the second information in S802 above.

[0159] If the second information in S802 above is used to instruct the second device not to report the dynamically unavailable operation, then the third information does not include information about the dynamically unavailable operation. In this case, the second and third information may not correspond to ICF and ICR frames, but to other types of frames, such as a Send Request for Transcription (RTS) frame and a Clear Send for Transcription (CTS) frame, or the second and third information may directly be a data frame and its corresponding acknowledgment (Ack) frame. Alternatively, if the ICF explicitly indicates whether to report a DUO report, the second and third information may be an ICF trigger frame carrying an explicit indication not to report a DUO and its corresponding reply frame.

[0160] If the second information in S802 above is used to instruct the second device to report information about the dynamically unavailable operation, then the third information includes information about the dynamically unavailable operation.

[0161] In one possible implementation, if the information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation of the second device is updated, the third information includes the updated information of the dynamically unavailable operation; for example, the third information includes the updated start time information and / or the updated duration information of the dynamically unavailable operation. In this case, the second and third information may correspond to ICF and ICR frames, meaning that the first and second devices can initiate TXOP or frame interaction through the exchange of ICF and ICR, and the information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation of the second device (or the updated information of the dynamically unavailable operation) is carried through the ICF or ICR.

[0162] In summary, in the above method, the first device receives first information from the second device, which is used to initiate first communication between the second device and the first device. The first information includes information about the dynamic unavailability operation of the second device. Based on the information about the dynamic unavailability operation, the first device sends second information to the second device, which instructs the second device whether to report the information about the dynamic unavailability operation. The first device receives third information from the second device, which is used to respond to the second information. In this method, after receiving the information about the dynamic unavailability operation of the second device through the first information that initiates the first communication, the first device sends the second information to the second device. The second information can instruct the second device to continue reporting the information about the dynamic unavailability operation, or it can instruct the second device not to report the information about the dynamic unavailability operation. This avoids the situation where the first device and the second device can only instruct the second device to report the information about the dynamic unavailability operation to the first device when initiating communication, which could lead to the second device reporting duplicate information about the dynamic unavailability operation. Therefore, this method can effectively avoid the problem of wasted resources.

[0163] The following is based on Figure 8 The scheme shown is applied to Figure 7 The WLAN network architecture shown is used as an example to illustrate the above through several specific implementation methods. Figure 8 The proposed solution will be described in detail.

[0164] Implementation Method 1:

[0165] In implementation method one, based on the above... Figure 8 In the scheme shown, the first device uses Figure 7 Taking the AP in the example, the second device is... Figure 7 Taking the Non-AP STA as an example, the solution of this application embodiment will be described in detail. See also Figure 9 As shown, the method flow of Implementation Method 1 includes the following steps:

[0166] S901: The Non-AP STA sends a DUO ICF request frame to the AP (i.e., the one mentioned above). Figure 8 (Example of the fourth information in the scheme shown); accordingly, the AP receives the DUO ICF request frame.

[0167] The AP supports the DUO mechanism. The DUO ICF request frame is used to request the AP to support the Non-AP STA in performing DUO.

[0168] S902: The AP sends a response frame to the Non-AP STA; correspondingly, the AP receives the response frame.

[0169] This response frame is used to indicate that the AP agrees to support the Non-AP STA in performing DUO.

[0170] Through the above S901 and S902, the Non-AP STA and AP enter the DUO mechanism mode. Alternatively, if the response frame in S902 is an Ack frame, the Non-AP STA and AP enter the DUO mechanism mode after a preset time period following the completion of the above S901 and S902.

[0171] At time a, the Non-AP STA determines that a DUO event will occur at a later time. The Non-AP STA can report the DUO event to the AP through the following steps S903a and S903b, or the Non-AP STA can report the DUO event to the AP through the following steps S904a and S904b.

[0172] S903a: The AP sends an ICF to the Non-AP STA; correspondingly, the Non-AP STA receives the ICF.

[0173] The ICF is used to instruct the Non-AP STA and AP to perform TXOP or frame interaction, and to instruct the Non-AP STA to send a DUO report, i.e., the AP indexes the Non-AP STA's DUO report.

[0174] S903b: Non-AP STA sends ICR frames to AP (i.e., the above-mentioned...) Figure 8 (Example of the first information in the scheme shown); accordingly, the AP receives the ICR frame.

[0175] The ICR frame is used to indicate that the Non-AP STA agrees to perform TXOP or frame interaction with the AP, and the ICR frame includes the DUO report of the Non-AP STA, wherein the DUO report includes DUO start time information and / or DUO duration information, wherein the DUO start time information is used to indicate the start time of the DUO, the DUO duration information is used to indicate the duration of the DUO, and the DUO duration is not 0.

[0176] For example, the ICR frame is a multi-user block acknowledgment frame; its format and content can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5A As shown, the block confirmation location or feedback field in this frame includes an unavailable start time field (i.e., the start time information of the DUO) and an unavailable duration field (i.e., the duration information of the DUO).

[0177] S904a: Non-AP STA sends ICF to AP (i.e., the above). Figure 8 (Example of the first information in the scheme shown); accordingly, the AP receives the ICF.

[0178] The ICF is used to instruct the AP to start TXOP or frame interaction with the Non-AP STA. The ICF includes a DUO report, which includes DUO start time information and / or DUO duration information. The DUO start time information is used to indicate the start time of the DUO, and the DUO duration information is used to indicate the duration of the DUO. The DUO duration is not 0.

[0179] For example, the ICF is a BSRP frame, and the AID12 field of this BSRP frame is the Special UserInfo field of 2008. See [link / reference]. Figure 5B As shown, when the feedback type field is 0, it means that the special user information field includes the unavailable start time field (i.e., the start time information of DUO) and the unavailable duration field (i.e., the duration information of DUO).

[0180] S904b: The AP sends an ICR frame to the Non-AP STA; correspondingly, the Non-AP STA receives the ICR frame.

[0181] ICR frames are used in response to ICF, indicating that the AP agrees to TXOP or frame interaction with the Non-AP STA.

[0182] Based on the above, after the AP receives the DUO report from the Non-AP STA, and before the DUO event begins (or the DUO event is canceled), subsequent TXOP or frame interactions between the AP and the non-AP STA are allowed to be initiated without the use of ICF and CIR frames.

[0183] The subsequent interaction between the AP and the non-AP STA, either through TXOP or frames, can be enabled as follows:

[0184] S905: The AP sends the first frame to the Non-AP STA (i.e., the one mentioned above). Figure 8 (Example of the second information in the scheme shown); accordingly, the Non-AP STA receives the first frame.

[0185] The first frame is used to indicate whether the Non-AP STA should report its DUO report. In one possible implementation, the first frame is also used to indicate that the Non-AP STA and the AP should begin TXOP or frame interaction.

[0186] In this embodiment of the application, the AP sends the first frame to the Non-AP STA after the AP receives the DUO report (i.e., S903b or S904a) and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled).

[0187] In one possible implementation, the first frame is used to instruct the Non-AP STA and AP to perform TXOP or frame interaction and to instruct the Non-AP STA not to report the Non-AP STA's DUO report.

[0188] For example, if the AP determines that the DUO event or report has not been updated after receiving the DUO report from the Non-AP STA and before the DUO event starts (or is canceled), the first frame is used to instruct the Non-AP STA and the AP to perform a TXOP or frame interaction and instruct the Non-AP STA not to report the DUO report.

[0189] In another possible implementation, the first frame is used to instruct the Non-AP STA and AP to begin TXOP or frame interaction and to instruct the Non-AP STA to report its DUO report.

[0190] For example, if the AP determines that the DUO event or report may be updated after receiving the DUO report from the Non-AP STA and before the DUO event starts (or is canceled), the first frame is used to instruct the Non-AP STA and the AP to perform a TXOP or frame interaction and instruct the Non-AP STA to report the DUO report.

[0191] In this scenario, the first frame can be an ICF (Initial Form Frame). For example, if the Non-AP STA also enables other functions that use trigger frames to enable TXOP (Turn-On Request) or frame interaction (such as DPS or EMLSR), the AP, when sending the trigger frames corresponding to these functions, may also use these trigger frames to index the Non-AP STA's DUO (Dead-Off Request) report; in this case, the trigger frame is the ICF. The first frame can also be any other frame. For instance, the AP may use a trigger frame to index DUO reports to multiple Non-AP STAs simultaneously, including those that have already reported DUO reports.

[0192] In this implementation, if the DUO event or report of the Non-AP STA is updated, the Non-AP STA can also autonomously use ICF (e.g., BSRP) to report the updated DUO report to the AP. That is, the Non-AP STA actively sends an ICF to the AP, which carries the updated DUO report. The updated DUO report includes the start time information of the updated DUO and / or the duration information of the updated DUO.

[0193] In this embodiment, the first frame is used to indicate whether the Non-AP STA should report its DUO report. This can be indicated by either explicit or implicit means.

[0194] Using a display indication method: In one possible implementation, the first frame carries indication information 1 (i.e., the above-mentioned...). Figure 8 (Example of the first field in the second information of the scheme shown) This indication information 1 is used to indicate whether the Non-AP STA should report the DUO report of the Non-AP STA.

[0195] For example, the first frame includes a 1-bit field. When this 1-bit value is 0, it instructs the Non-AP STA not to report its DUO report; when the 1-bit value is 1, it instructs the Non-AP STA to report its DUO report. Alternatively, when the 1-bit value is 1, it instructs the Non-AP STA not to report its DUO report; when the 1-bit value is 0, it instructs the Non-AP STA to report its DUO report.

[0196] For example, the first frame includes a 1-bit field. When this 1-bit value is 0, it instructs the Non-AP STA not to report its DUO report; when the 1-bit value is 1, it instructs the Non-AP STA to report its DUO report. Alternatively, when the 1-bit value is 1, it instructs the Non-AP STA not to report its DUO report; when the 1-bit value is 0, it instructs the Non-AP STA to report its DUO report.

[0197] An implicit indication method is adopted: In one possible implementation, the frame type of the first frame is used to indicate whether the Non-AP STA should report a DUO report. Alternatively, the bandwidth carrying the first frame may be used to indicate whether the Non-AP STA should report a DUO report, or other implicit indication methods may be used, which are not limited in this application.

[0198] For example, if the first frame is an ICF, the Non-AP STA is instructed to report the DUO report of the Non-AP STA; if the first frame is not an ICF (e.g., the first frame is a trigger frame), the Non-AP STA is instructed not to report the DUO report of the Non-AP STA.

[0199] S906: Non-AP STA sends the second frame to AP (i.e., the one mentioned above). Figure 8 (Example of the third information in the scheme shown); accordingly, the AP receives the second frame.

[0200] The second frame is used in response to the first frame, and it indicates that the Non-AP STA agrees to TXOP or frame interaction with the AP.

[0201] After the AP receives the DUO report from the Non-AP STA, and before the DUO event begins (or is canceled):

[0202] If it is determined that the DUO event / report has not been updated, the first frame in S905 above is used not only to instruct the Non-AP STA and AP to perform TXOP or frame interaction, but also to instruct the Non-AP STA not to report a DUO report (explicit or implicit indication). Therefore, the second frame does not include a DUO report. In this case, the first frame may not be an ICF, but another type of frame (e.g., an RTS frame), a data frame, or a trigger frame carrying information explicitly instructing the Non-AP STA not to report a DUO report. Correspondingly, the second frame may not be an ICR frame, but another type of response frame (e.g., a CTS frame), an Ack frame, or a response frame without a DUO report, used to respond to the trigger frame carrying an explicit instruction that the Non-AP STA will not report a DUO report.

[0203] If it is determined that the DUO event / report of the Non-AP STA has been updated, the first frame in S905 above is used not only to instruct the Non-AP STA and AP to perform TXOP or frame interaction, but also to instruct the Non-AP STA to report a DUO report (explicit or implicit indication). The second frame may then include the updated DUO report. In this case, the first frame can be an ICF (Initial Frame Response), and the second frame can be an ICR (Initial Frame Response). Of course, in this case, it is possible that the first frame is another frame (e.g., an AP trigger frame), and the second frame is another response frame.

[0204] In Implementation Method 1, after the AP and Non-AP STA enter the DUO mechanism mode, after the AP receives the DUO report reported by the Non-AP STA, and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled), the AP can instruct the Non-AP STA whether to report a DUO report based on whether the DUO event / report is updated. If no DUO event / report will be updated, the AP can explicitly or implicitly instruct the Non-AP STA not to report a DUO report. That is, after the AP receives the DUO report reported by the Non-AP STA, and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled), the AP and the Non-AP STA do not need to initiate TXOP or frame interaction using ICF and ICR. This reduces the chance that the Non-AP STA will report duplicate DUO reports to the AP via ICR (or ICF) when re-initiating TXOP or frame interaction. It also allows the AP to use frames with lower overhead than ICF, or even directly use data frames to initiate TXOP or frame interaction, thereby avoiding resource waste caused by transmitting duplicate DUOs.

[0205] If it is determined that a DUO event or report will be updated, the AP can instruct the Non-AP STA to report the DUO report. That is, after the AP receives the DUO report reported by the Non-AP STA, and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled), the AP and the Non-AP STA can continue to use ICF and ICR to enable TXOP or frame interaction, thereby improving the accuracy of the DUO report obtained by the AP.

[0206] Implementation Method Two:

[0207] Based on the method flow shown in Implementation Method 1 above, Implementation Method 2 further describes how a Non-AP STA can inform the AP whether the Non-AP STA has updated the DUO event or report after sending the DUO report and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled). Implementation Method 2 includes the following methods for this:

[0208] Method 1: The duration information of the DUO in the DUO report is used to indicate whether the Non-AP STA should update the DUO event or report after sending the DUO report and before the DUO event starts (or is canceled).

[0209] For example, in S903b of the first embodiment described above, the ICR (or ICF in S904a) includes duration information of the DUO. This duration information is used to indicate whether the Non-AP STA updates the DUO event or report after sending the DUO report and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled).

[0210] For example, this ICR is a multi-user block acknowledgment frame, see [link / reference]. Figure 5A As shown, the multi-user block acknowledgment frame includes an unavailability duration field (i.e., ... Figure 9 Example of DUO duration information in the scheme shown).

[0211] When a Non-AP STA is in DUO state, if the unavailability duration field is used to indicate the duration of the DUO (i.e., the bit value of this field is not all 1s, for example, 0b000000011 (the preceding 0b indicates that the value of the unavailability duration field is binary), then it means that the Non-AP STA will not update the DUO event / report after sending the DUO report and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled). Therefore, in S905 of the above implementation method one, the AP sends a first frame to the Non-AP STA, the first frame being used to indicate to the Non-AP STA that it will not report the DUO report.

[0212] In this embodiment of the application, if the bit value of the unavailable duration field is 0, that is, when it indicates that the duration of the DUO is 0, then the duration is determined, indicating that the Non-AP STA has entered the available state.

[0213] In the case where the Non-AP STA does not update the DUO event / report, after the AP receives the DUO report and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled), the AP and the Non-AP STA may not initiate TXOP or frame interaction with ICF and ICR. That is, the first frame in S905 and the second frame in S906 of the above implementation method may not correspond to ICF and ICR.

[0214] When a Non-AP STA is in DUO state, if the bit value of the unavailability duration field is all 1s, such as 0b111111111, indicating that the duration of the DUO is uncertain, it means that the Non-AP STA will update the DUO event / report after sending the DUO report and before the DUO event occurs. Therefore, in S905 of the above implementation method one, the AP sends a first frame to the Non-AP STA, which is used to instruct the Non-AP STA to report the DUO report.

[0215] In the case where the Non-AP STA updates the DUO event / report, after the AP receives the DUO report and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled), the AP and the Non-AP STA can continue to enable TXOP or frame interaction using ICF and ICR. That is, the first frame in S905 and the second frame in S906 of the above implementation method can correspond to ICF and ICR.

[0216] Method 2: When sending a DUO report, the Non-AP STA indicates whether to update the DUO event or report after sending the DUO report and before the DUO event starts (or is canceled).

[0217] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the ICR in S903b (or the ICF in S904a) includes indication information 2 (i.e., the above-mentioned...). Figure 8 Example of the second instruction information in the scheme shown), instruction information 2 is used to indicate whether the Non-APSTA updates the DUO event / report after sending the DUO report and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled).

[0218] For example, when the ICR is an M-BA frame, one reserved bit in the Feedback field can be redefined to indicate whether the Non-AP STA has updated the DUO event / report.

[0219] When the value of the 1-bit in the Feedback field is 0, it indicates that the Non-AP STA will not update the DUO event / report; when the value of the 1-bit in the Feedback field is 1, it indicates that the Non-AP STA will update the DUO event / report, or it is uncertain whether the Non-AP STA will update the DUO event / report; or...

[0220] When the value of 1 bit in the Feedback field is 1, it means that the Non-AP STA will not update the DUO event / report; when the value of 1 bit in the Feedback field is 0, it means that the Non-AP STA will update the DUO event / report, or it is uncertain whether the Non-AP STA will update the DUO event / report.

[0221] If the AP determines that the Non-AP STA will not update the DUO event / report, in S905 of the above implementation method one, the AP sends a first frame to the Non-AP STA. The first frame is used to instruct the Non-AP STA not to report the DUO report.

[0222] In this case, after the AP receives the DUO report and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled), the AP and the Non-AP STA can enable TXOP or frame interaction without using ICF and ICR. That is, the first frame in S905 and the second frame in S906 of the above implementation method can be different from ICF and ICR.

[0223] If the AP determines that the Non-AP STA will update the DUO event / report, in S905 of the above-described implementation method, the AP sends a first frame to the Non-AP STA, the first frame being used to instruct the Non-AP STA to report the DUO report.

[0224] In this situation, after the AP receives the DUO report and before the DUO event (which is based on the start time of the updated DUO) begins (or the DUO event is canceled), the AP and the Non-AP STA can continue to use ICF and ICR to enable TXOP or frame interaction. That is, the first frame in S905 and the second frame in S906 of the above implementation method can correspond to ICF and ICR.

[0225] Method 3: In the DUO ICF request process executed between the AP and the Non-AP STA, the Non-AP STA instructs the AP whether to update the DUO event / report after sending the DUO report.

[0226] For example, in S901 of the first embodiment described above, the DUO ICF request frame includes indication information 3 (i.e., the aforementioned...). Figure 8 Example of the first indication information in the scheme shown), indication information 3 is used to indicate whether the Non-AP STA will update the DUO event / report after sending the DUO report.

[0227] For example, the DUO ICF request frame carries a 1-bit indicator to show whether the Non-AP STA will update all DUO events / reports it has already reported. If the value of this 1-bit is 0 (or 1), it means that the Non-AP STA will not update all DUO events / reports it has already reported; if the value of this 1-bit is 1 (or 0), it means that the Non-AP STA will update all DUO events / reports it has already reported, or it means that it is uncertain whether the Non-AP STA will update all DUO events / reports it has already reported.

[0228] For example, a Non-AP STA may include 1 bit in its DUO ICF request. This 1 bit indicates whether the Non-AP STA will update some of its reported DUO events / reports. The "some of the Non-AP STA's DUO events / reports" could refer to all DUO events / reports of the Non-AP STA within a preset time period, or all DUO events / reports of the Non-AP STA outside the preset time period.

[0229] If the value of this 1-bit is 0 (or 1), it means that the Non-AP STA will not update the DUO events / reports it has already reported; if the value of this 1-bit is 1 (or 0), it means that the Non-AP STA will update the DUO events or reports it has already reported, or it means that it is uncertain whether the Non-AP STA will update the DUO events / reports it has already reported.

[0230] If the AP determines that the Non-AP STA will not update the DUO event / report, in S905 of the above-described embodiment one, the AP sends a first frame to the Non-AP STA. The first frame is used to instruct the Non-AP STA not to report the DUO report. In this case, after the AP receives the DUO report from the non-AP STA, and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled), the AP and the Non-AP STA can interact with each other without using ICF and ICR to enable TXOP or frames. That is, the first frame in S905 and the second frame in S906 of the above-described embodiment one may not correspond to ICF and ICR.

[0231] If the AP determines that the Non-AP STA will update the DUO event / report, in S905 of the above-described embodiment one, the AP sends a first frame to the Non-AP STA. The first frame is used by the Non-AP STA to instruct it to report the DUO report. In this case, after the AP receives the DUO report from the non-AP STA, and before the DUO event (or the start time of the updated DUO if there is an update) begins (or the DUO event is canceled), the AP and the Non-AP STA can continue to use ICF and ICR to enable TXOP or frame interaction. That is, the first frame in S905 of the above-described embodiment one and the second frame in S906 can correspond to ICF and ICR.

[0232] Through implementation method two, the Non-AP STA can inform the AP whether it will update the DUO event / report after reporting the DUO report and before the DUO event begins (or is canceled). This allows the AP to accurately instruct the Non-AP STA whether to continue reporting the DUO report, thus avoiding the waste of resources caused by the Non-AP STA repeatedly reporting the DUO report. At the same time, if the AP determines that the Non-AP STA will update the DUO event / report, the AP can send an ICF to the Non-AP STA to instruct it to report the updated DUO report. This reduces the situation or probability of the Non-AP STA voluntarily competing for the channel to report the updated DUO report, thereby not only improving channel utilization but also reducing the latency caused by the DUO report update process.

[0233] Implementation Method 3:

[0234] Compared to Implementation Method 2, the main difference in Implementation Method 3 is that the AP side can independently determine whether the Non-AP STA needs to update the DUO event / report after receiving the DUO report from the Non-AP STA and before the DUO event starts (or is canceled). Specifically, the AP side's independent determination can be achieved in the following ways:

[0235] Method 1, from the perspective of the possibility of updating the DUO report using Non-AP STA:

[0236] The AP first determines the first time difference, and then the AP determines whether the Non-AP STA should update the DUO event / report based on the first time difference and the first time threshold. The first time difference is the duration from the end time or the start time of the PPDU that the AP receives carrying the ICR (or ICF) of the DUO event / report to the start of the DUO event.

[0237] AP determines whether Non-AP STA should update DUO events / reports based on the first time difference and the first time threshold, including the following situations:

[0238] (a) If the first time difference is greater than or equal to the first time threshold, the AP determines that the Non-AP STA will update the DUO event / report.

[0239] like Figure 10AAs shown in (1), taking the Non-AP STA reporting to the AP with the DUO report via ICR as an example, when the first time difference is greater than or equal to the first time threshold, that is, the time of transmitting the ICR carrying the DUO report is before the time period corresponding to the first time threshold, at this time, there is still a period of time between the time when the AP receives the ICR carrying the DUO report and the start of the DUO event. Therefore, the AP believes that the DUO report is likely to be updated.

[0240] (b) If the first time difference is less than or equal to the first time threshold, the AP determines that the Non-AP STA will not update the DUO event / report.

[0241] like Figure 10A As shown in (2), taking the Non-AP STA reporting to the AP with the DUO report via ICR as an example, when the first time difference is less than or equal to the first time threshold, that is, the time of transmitting the ICR is within the time period corresponding to the first time threshold, the time from when the AP receives the ICR carrying the DUO report to the start of the DUO event is relatively short. Therefore, the DUO report is considered to be very accurate and may not be updated.

[0242] Method 2, from the perspective of the importance / necessity of updating the DUO report for Non-AP STA:

[0243] The AP first determines the first time difference, and then the AP determines whether the Non-AP STA should update the DUO event / report based on the first time difference and the second time threshold. The first time difference is the duration from the end time or the start time of the AP sending the PPDU carrying the first frame of communication to the start of the DUO event.

[0244] AP determines whether Non-AP STA should update DUO events / reports based on a first time difference and a second time threshold, including the following situations:

[0245] (a) If the first time difference is greater than or equal to the second time threshold, the AP determines that the Non-AP STA will not update the DUO event / report.

[0246] For example, see Figure 10BAs shown in (1), when the AP initiates TXOP or frame interaction with the Non-AP STA through the first frame, the first time difference is greater than or equal to the second time threshold, that is, the time of transmitting the first frame is before the time period corresponding to the second time threshold. At this time, there is still a period of time between the time when the AP sends the first frame and the start of the DUO event. The AP believes that there is no need to update the DUO report. For example, the Non-AP STA is unlikely to accurately predict the exact start time and duration of the DUO time. Even if the Non-AP STA updates the DUO event, it is likely that the DUO event / report will still need to be modified later. Therefore, there is no need to update it in a short period of time. Thus, the AP believes that the DUO report will not be updated.

[0247] (b) If the first time difference is less than or equal to the second time threshold, the AP determines that the Non-AP STA will update the DUO event / report.

[0248] For example, see Figure 10B As shown in (2), the AP initiates the interaction with the Non-AP STA via the first frame. At this time, the first time difference is less than or equal to the second time threshold, that is, the transmission time of the first frame is within the time period corresponding to the second time threshold. The AP believes that the DUO report needs to be updated in a timely manner. For example, the AP considers that the Non-AP STA is unlikely to send the DUO report by competing for the channel with its own results because the time since the start of the DUO event is short. Therefore, the AP needs to index the DUO report update. That is, the first frame explicitly or implicitly indicates the indexing of the Non-AP STA's DUO report update. For example, the AP sends an ICF to the Non-AP STA, which is used to index the updated DUO report.

[0249] exist Figure 10B The example illustrates that a Non-AP STA may send an ICR carrying a DUO report within the time period corresponding to the second time threshold. However, the Non-AP STA may also send the ICR carrying the DUO report before the time period corresponding to the second time threshold, and there is no restriction on this.

[0250] In the above, the first time threshold and the second time threshold can be the same or different, and the values ​​of the first time threshold and the second time threshold can be predefined or broadcast by the AP as DUO operation parameters. For example, the AP carries and sends the first time threshold and / or the second time threshold through (re)association frames, probe response frames, or other management frames.

[0251] If the AP determines that the Non-AP STA will not update the DUO event / report, in S905 of the above-described implementation method, the AP sends a first frame to the Non-AP STA, the first frame being used to instruct the Non-AP STA not to report the DUO report.

[0252] In this case, after the AP receives the DUO report from the Non-AP STA, and before the DUO event starts (or the DUO event is canceled), the AP and the Non-AP STA can enable TXOP or frame interaction without using ICF and ICR. That is, the first frame in S905 and the second frame in S906 of the above implementation method can be different from ICF and ICR.

[0253] If the AP determines that the Non-AP STA will update the DUO event / report, in S905 of the above-described implementation method, the AP sends a first frame to the Non-AP STA, the first frame being used by the Non-AP STA to instruct it to report the DUO report.

[0254] In this situation, after the AP receives the DUO report from the non-AP STA, and before the DUO event (based on the start time of the updated DUO) begins (or the DUO event is canceled), the AP and the non-AP STA can continue to use ICF and ICR to enable TXOP or frame interaction. That is, the first frame in S905 and the second frame in S906 of the above implementation method can correspond to ICF and ICR.

[0255] In Implementation Method 3, the AP side can independently determine whether the Non-AP STA should update the DUO event / report after receiving the DUO report from the Non-AP STA and before the DUO event starts (or is canceled), without the Non-AP STA needing to provide additional instructions to the AP side, thereby reducing the signaling overhead caused by the instructions.

[0256] The above-described embodiments one through three can be implemented individually or in combination, without specific limitations. For example, at least one method in embodiment two and / or at least one method in embodiment three can be combined with embodiment one.

[0257] It should be understood that the above embodiments may change as the technical solutions evolve, and this application is not limited to the contents shown in the above embodiments.

[0258] It should be noted that different embodiments or some steps (e.g., any one or more steps) in different embodiments of this application can be combined with each other to form new embodiments. Furthermore, this application does not limit the inclusion of any one or more steps in different embodiments as including optional steps in a certain embodiment, mandatory steps in a certain embodiment, or both optional and mandatory steps in a certain embodiment.

[0259] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different implementation methods are consistent and can be referenced from each other.

[0260] It should be noted that the order of the steps in the embodiments of this application is determined by the logic of the scheme, and this application does not limit it.

[0261] It should be noted that the order in which different conditions are judged in the embodiments of this application is not limited by this application.

[0262] It should be noted that the terms "after" and "time" in this application do not strictly limit the specific point in time.

[0263] It should be noted that the nouns and terms used in this application are merely examples and may be other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0264] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application are described from the perspective of interaction between various devices. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments or implementations of this application above, the first device or the second device may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0265] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division; in actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments or implementations of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0266] Based on the above method embodiments, such as Figure 11As shown, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 1100 for implementing the functions of the first device or the second device in the above method. For example, the communication device 1100 can be a software module or a chip system. In this application embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices. The communication device 1100 may include: a communication unit 1101 and a processing unit 1102.

[0267] In this embodiment, the communication unit 1101, also known as the transceiver unit, may include a sending unit and / or a receiving unit, respectively used to perform the sending and receiving steps of the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments. The processing unit 1102 may be used to read instructions and / or data from the storage module so that the communication device 1100 implements the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0268] For example, the communication device 1100 may also include a storage unit 1103, which is equivalent to a storage module and can be used to store instructions and / or data.

[0269] The following combination Figures 11 to 12 This application provides a detailed description of the communication device provided in its embodiments. It should be understood that the descriptions of the device embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, any details not described in detail can be found above. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The method shown is used to achieve this, and for the sake of simplicity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0270] The communication unit 1101 can also be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver, or transceiver device. The processing unit 1102 can also be referred to as a processor, processing board, processing module, or processing device. Optionally, the device in the communication unit 1101 used to implement the receiving function can be considered as a receiving unit, and the device in the communication unit 1101 used to implement the transmitting function can be considered as a transmitting unit; that is, the communication unit 1101 includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The communication unit 1101 can sometimes also be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver circuit. The receiving unit can sometimes be referred to as a receiver, receiver, or receiving circuit. The transmitting unit can sometimes be referred to as a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit.

[0271] When the communication device 1100 is applied in the above embodiment Figure 8 When the first device in the process shown is used:

[0272] Communication unit 1101 is used to receive first information from the second device, the first information being used to initiate first communication between the second device and the first device, the first information including information about the dynamic unavailability operation of the second device;

[0273] The communication unit 1101 is further configured to send second information to the second device based on the information of the dynamically unavailable operation, the second information being used to initiate second communication between the second device and the first device and to indicate whether the second device should report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation; and to receive third information from the second device, the third information being used in response to the second information.

[0274] The processing unit 1102 is used to process information and / or data, etc.

[0275] When the communication device 1100 is applied in the above embodiment Figure 8 When the second device is shown in the process:

[0276] Communication unit 1101 is used to send first information to the first device, the first information being used to initiate first communication between the second device and the first device, the first information including information about the dynamic unavailability operation of the second device;

[0277] The communication unit 1101 is further configured to receive second information from the first device, the second information being used to initiate second communication between the second device and the first device and to indicate whether the second device should report information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation; and is further configured to send third information to the first device, the third information being used in response to the second information. The processing unit 1102 is configured to process information and / or data, etc.

[0278] The above is just an example. Processing unit 1102 and communication unit 1101 can also perform other functions. For a more detailed description, please refer to the above. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0279] like Figure 12 The image shown is a communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 The communication device shown can be Figure 11 The diagram illustrates one hardware circuit implementation of the communication device. This communication device 1200 can be applied to the flowchart shown above, performing the functions of the first or second device in the method embodiments described. For ease of explanation, Figure 12 Only the main components of the communication device are shown.

[0280] like Figure 12As shown, the communication device 1200 includes a communication interface 1201 and a processor 1202. The communication interface 1201 and the processor 1202 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication interface 1201 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface, or an interface circuit such as a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include a memory 1203 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1202, or storing input data required by the processor 1202 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1202 executes instructions.

[0281] When the communication device 1200 is used to achieve the above Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the method shown, the communication interface 1201 is used to implement the functions of the communication unit 1101, and the processor 1202 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1102.

[0282] This application embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the communication interface 1201, processor 1202, and memory 1203. This application embodiment... Figure 12 The memory 1203, processor 1202, and communication interface 1201 are connected via a communication bus 1204. The communication bus 1204 is in... Figure 12 The connections between other components are shown in bold lines only and are not intended to be limiting. The communication bus 1204 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 12 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.

[0283] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip. Figure 13 A simplified schematic diagram of a chip device structure is shown. The chip 1300 includes interface circuitry 1301 and one or more processors 1302. Optionally, the chip 1300 may also include a bus. Wherein:

[0284] Processor 1302 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the method for determining the service node information described above can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the hardware of processor 1302 or by instructions in software form. Processor 1302 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods and steps disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0285] The interface circuit 1301 can be used to send or receive data, instructions or information. The processor 1302 can use the data, instructions or other information received by the interface circuit 1301 to process the data, instructions or other information, and can send the processed information out through the interface circuit 1301.

[0286] Optionally, chip 1300 also includes memory 1303, which may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides operation instructions and data to the processor. A portion of memory 1303 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

[0287] Optionally, the memory stores executable software modules or data structures, and the processor can execute corresponding operations by calling the operation instructions stored in the memory (which may be stored in the operating system).

[0288] Optionally, the chip can be used in the first or second device involved in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, the interface circuit 1301 can be used to output the execution result of the processor 1302. For the communication methods provided by one or more embodiments of this application, please refer to the foregoing embodiments and implementation methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0289] It should be noted that the functions of the interface circuit 1301 and the processor 1302 can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of hardware and software; no restrictions are imposed here.

[0290] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0291] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the method performed by the first device or the second device in the above method embodiments.

[0292] This application also provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described in the above method embodiments, executed by the first device or the second device.

[0293] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the above-mentioned... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The implementation method shown is as follows.

[0294] In one possible implementation, the chip's input corresponds to the above... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The receiving operation shown in the implementation corresponds to the output of the chip described above. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The sending operation in the implementation shown.

[0295] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0296] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0297] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more devices used to control the above. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The illustrated implementation is an integrated circuit for program execution using a communication method. The memory mentioned above can be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0298] It should be noted that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant content in any of the communication devices provided above can be referred to the corresponding service node information determination method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0299] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in each embodiment of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0300] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the above functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a computer. For example, but not limited to, computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible to a computer. Furthermore, any connection can suitably be a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of the medium. As used in embodiments of this application, disks and discs include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital video discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, wherein disks typically magnetically copy data, while discs optically copy data using lasers. The combinations above should also be included within the scope of protection for computer-readable media.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, A chip used in a first device or a first device, including: Receive first information from the second device, the first information being used to initiate first communication between the second device and the first device, the first information including information about the dynamic unavailability operation of the second device; Based on the information of the dynamically unavailable operation, a second message is sent, the second message being used to instruct the second device whether to report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation; Receive third information, which is used in response to the second information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information about the dynamically unavailable operation includes the duration information of the dynamically unavailable operation, which is used to indicate the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation or to indicate that the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation is uncertain.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The device receives a fourth message from the second device, the fourth message being used to request support for performing a dynamic unavailability operation; the fourth message includes a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate whether the second device updates the dynamic unavailability operation information after sending the dynamic unavailability operation information.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information also includes second indication information, which is used to indicate whether the second device updates the information about the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information about the dynamically unavailable operation.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The frame type of the second information is used to indicate whether the second device reports the information about the dynamically unavailable operation.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Sending the second information based on the information about the dynamically unavailable operation includes: Determine a first time difference; the first time difference is the time difference between the end time or the start time of the first device receiving the physical layer protocol data unit carrying the first information and the start time of the dynamic unavailable operation; If the first time difference is less than or equal to a first preset time threshold, the second information is sent, which instructs the second device not to report the information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation; or... If the first time difference is greater than or equal to the first preset time threshold, the second information is sent, which is used to instruct the second device to report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Sending the second information based on the information about the dynamically unavailable operation includes: Determine a second time difference; the second time difference is the time difference between the end time or the start time of the first device sending the physical layer protocol data unit carrying the second information and the start time of the dynamic unavailable operation; If the second time difference is greater than or equal to the second preset time threshold, the second information is sent, which instructs the second device not to report the information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation; or... If the second time difference is less than or equal to the second preset time threshold, the second information is sent, which is used to instruct the second device to report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation also includes the start time information of the dynamically unavailable operation.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first information is either a first initial control frame or a first initial control response frame.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The second information is the second initial control frame.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, Chips used in a second device or a second device include: Send a first message, the first message being used to initiate a first communication between the second device and the first device, the first message including information about the dynamic unavailability operation of the second device; Receive second information from the first device, the second information being used to indicate whether the second device should report the information of the dynamically unavailable operation; Send a third message, which is used in response to the second message.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The information of the dynamically unavailable operation includes the duration information of the dynamically unavailable operation, which is used to indicate the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation or to indicate that the duration of the dynamically unavailable operation is uncertain.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: A fourth message is sent to the first device, the fourth message being used to request support for performing a dynamic unavailability operation; the fourth message includes a first indication message, the first indication message being used to indicate whether the second device should update the dynamic unavailability operation information after sending the dynamic unavailability operation information.

14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The first information also includes second indication information, which is used to indicate whether the second device updates the information about the dynamically unavailable operation after sending the information about the dynamically unavailable operation.

15. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The frame type of the second information is used to indicate whether the second device reports the information about the dynamically unavailable operation.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11-15, characterized in that, The information regarding the dynamically unavailable operation also includes the start time information of the dynamically unavailable operation.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11-16, characterized in that, The first information is either a first initial control frame or a first initial control response frame.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11-17, characterized in that, The second information is the second initial control frame.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-10, or units or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 11-18.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and a memory for storing program instructions, wherein the at least one processor, when executing the program instructions, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1-10 to be executed, or causes the method as described in any one of claims 11-18 to be executed.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer-readable program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-10 to be performed, or the method as described in any one of claims 11-18 to be performed.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1-10 to be performed, or the method as described in any one of claims 11-18 to be performed.

23. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes at least one processor, which is configured to read and execute computer programs or instructions in a memory to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 18.

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