Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

This application supports IEEE protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be / WiFi7 / EHT, IEEE 802.11bn / UHR / WiFi8, IEEE Integrated mmWave / IMMW, IEEE 802.15 / UWB, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing; this application may also support Spark Link / NearLink standard protocols. This application provides a communication method and a communication device. The communication method includes: a first node receiving first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct a requesting node to adjust its Time Synchronization Function (TSF); the first node indicating to a second node whether it agrees to the adjustment. The above technical solutions can reduce communication interference and improve communication efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of wireless networks and the increasing popularity of wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, access points (APs) are becoming increasingly dense. This density of APs can lead to overlap in the data transmission coverage of different APs. This can cause communication interference between different basic service sets (BSS), affecting communication efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can reduce communication interference and improve communication efficiency.

[0004] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first node (e.g., a device where a station or access point is located), or by components of the first node (e.g., processors, chips, or chip systems, such as circuits or chips in the first node responsible for communication functions (e.g., modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips containing modem cores, or system-in-package (SIP) chips)). Alternatively, it can be executed by logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first node. For ease of description, the following explanation uses the execution by the first node as an example.

[0005] The method is applied to a first node and includes: receiving first indication information from a second node, the first indication information being used to indicate adjustment of a first time synchronization function (TSF) and / or a second TSF, wherein the boundary difference of the time unit (TU) of the adjusted first TSF and the adjusted second TSF is less than or equal to a threshold, the first TSF being a TSF timer of the first node, and the second TSF being a TSF timer of the second node; and sending second indication information to the second node, the second indication information being used to indicate whether to agree to adjust the first TSF.

[0006] Specifically, the first node receives a first indication message from the second node, which indicates which node is requested to adjust its own TSF, and the boundary difference of the time units of the different TSFs after adjustment is less than or equal to a threshold; the first node also indicates to the second node whether it agrees to adjust the first TSF.

[0007] For example, one or both of the first TSF and the second TSF may be adjusted.

[0008] In this embodiment, the boundary difference of a time unit refers to the boundary difference between aligned or approximately aligned time units. For example, the boundary difference between the time units of the first TSF and the second TSF refers to the time difference between the last moment or start moment of a certain time unit of the first TSF and the last moment of the time unit in the second TSF that is closest to that certain time unit. The closest time unit can also be understood as the time unit in the second TSF with the smallest time interval between its last moment and the last moment of that certain time unit. The boundary difference of the time unit being less than or equal to a threshold can also be understood as the TU synchronization (or approximately synchronization) of the TSF timers of the first node and the second node.

[0009] In this application embodiment, whether to agree to adjust the first TSF may include: agreeing to or disagreeing to the adjustment, and if agreed, the adjustment may be made by the first node itself or by other devices other than the first node; or, whether the first node itself wants to adjust the first TSF.

[0010] Both the first node and the second node can be access points (APs). For example, after adjusting the first TSF, a non-access point station (non-AP STA) associated with the first node can update / adjust its own TSF timer value to the indicated TSF value carried in the broadcast frame sent by the first node without additional computation; and / or, after adjusting the second TSF, a non-AP STA associated with the second node can update / adjust its own TSF timer value to the indicated TSF value carried in the broadcast frame sent by the second node without additional computation.

[0011] Based on the solution provided in this application, by receiving first indication information from the second node indicating the adjustment of the first TSF or the second TSF through the first node, on the one hand, the TU synchronization (or near synchronization) of the TSF timers of the first node and the second node can be achieved. The TU synchronization or near synchronization of the TSF timers of the first node and the second node helps to reduce communication interference and improve communication efficiency (for example, it helps the first node and the second node to cooperate in communication). On the other hand, compared with receiving the indication information indicating the time unit boundary difference through the non-AP STA associated with the first node and calculating the true value of the TSF of the second node based on the boundary difference, the non-AP STA does not need to perform additional calculations on the TSF, which can reduce the implementation complexity of the non-AP STA and can be applied to the traditional non-AP STA that cannot understand the new information of "time unit boundary difference".

[0012] In conjunction with the first or third aspect, in some possible implementations of the first or third aspect, the method further includes: receiving third indication information from the second node, the third indication information being used to indicate the adjustment amount and / or first adjustment direction of the first TSF.

[0013] For example, the second node can determine the time unit boundary difference between the first TSF and the second TSF by receiving a broadcast frame from the first node (e.g., a beacon frame carrying the value of the first node's TSF timer) and the value of the second node's TSF timer at the time of receiving the broadcast frame; and the second node can determine the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF based on the time unit boundary difference. The first node can receive third indication information from the second node for indicating the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF.

[0014] For example, the second node determines that the time unit boundary difference between the first TSF and the second TSF is -50 microseconds by receiving a beacon frame from the first node and the value of its own TSF timer at the time of receiving the beacon frame. The second node can then instruct the first TSF to be adjusted forward by 50 microseconds using a third indication message; alternatively, the second node determines that the time unit boundary difference between the first TSF and the second TSF is 40 microseconds by receiving a beacon frame from the first node and the value of its own TSF timer at the time of receiving the beacon frame. The second node can then instruct the first TSF to be adjusted backward by 40 microseconds using a third indication message.

[0015] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by receiving third indication information from the second node through the first node, which indicates the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF, accurate adjustment of the first TSF can be achieved.

[0016] In conjunction with the first or third aspect, in some possible implementations of the first or third aspect, the third indication information is used to indicate the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF, including: the third indication information is used to indicate the second TSF, the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF being determined based on the reception time of the third indication information and the second TSF.

[0017] Specifically, the third indication information is used to indirectly indicate the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF by indicating the second TSF.

[0018] For example, the first node can determine the time unit boundary difference between the first TSF and the second TSF by receiving a broadcast frame from the second node (e.g., the third indication information is the value of the second node's TSF timer in the broadcast frame) and the value of the first node's TSF timer when receiving the broadcast frame, or in other words, determine the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF.

[0019] For example, the first node can determine the time unit boundary difference between the first TSF and the second TSF by receiving a beacon frame from the second node and the value of its own TSF timer when receiving the beacon frame, and thus determine the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF.

[0020] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by receiving third indication information from the second node that indicates the second TSF through the first node, the accurate adjustment of the first TSF can be achieved.

[0021] In conjunction with the first or third aspect, in some possible implementations of the first or third aspect, the threshold is preset; or, the method further includes: receiving fourth indication information from the second node, the fourth indication information being used to indicate the threshold.

[0022] For example, the threshold may be specified by a protocol / standard, preset, pre-defined within the first node, indicated by the second node, or determined through negotiation between the first and second nodes.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a fifth indication message to the second node, the fifth indication message being used to indicate whether the first node is able to adjust the first TSF.

[0024] For example, before receiving the first indication information from the second node, the method further includes: sending a fifth indication information to the second node, the fifth indication information indicating that the first node can adjust the first TSF, the first TSF being the TSF timer of the first node.

[0025] For example, before receiving the first instruction information, the first node can instruct other nodes whether the first TSF can be adjusted through the fifth instruction information; or, before determining which node can adjust its own TSF, the second node can determine whether the first TSF can be adjusted by receiving the fifth instruction information from the first node.

[0026] Furthermore, when the fifth instruction indicates that the first TSF cannot be adjusted, the first instruction may only indicate the adjustment of the second TSF (or, the first instruction is used to instruct the first node and the second node to adjust the second TSF); or, when the fifth instruction indicates that the first TSF can be adjusted, the first instruction may indicate the adjustment of the first TSF and / or the second TSF (or, the first instruction may be used to instruct the first node to adjust the first TSF).

[0027] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by sending an indication from the first node to the second node whether the fifth indication information of the first TSF can be adjusted, the adjustment strategy of the TSF can be made more reasonable.

[0028] In conjunction with the first or third aspect, in some possible implementations of the first or third aspect, the method further includes: sending a sixth indication message to the second node, the sixth indication message being used to indicate the maximum value of the first TSF and / or a second adjustment direction.

[0029] For example, before receiving the first instruction information, the first node can indicate the maximum value of the first TSF and / or the second adjustment direction through the sixth instruction information; or, before determining the first instruction information, the second node can receive the sixth instruction information from the first node, and can determine the object and strategy for adjusting the TSF based on the sixth instruction information.

[0030] The maximum value and / or second adjustment direction can be the maximum value / adjustment direction that, after adjusting the first TSF, does not affect the TU synchronization of the TSF timer between the first node and other nodes (other APs) besides the second node. For example, if the first node has already achieved TU synchronization of the TSF timer with the third node before receiving the first indication information, the maximum value and / or second adjustment direction is determined by the first node based on the premise that adjusting the first TSF will still maintain the TU synchronization of the TSF timers of the first node and the third node.

[0031] For example, the second node receives the sixth indication information, which indicates that the maximum forward adjustment value is 30 microseconds, but the first TSF adjusted according to this maximum value still cannot satisfy the requirement that the boundary difference between the time units of the first TSF and the second TSF is less than or equal to a threshold. The second node may instruct the first node to adjust the first TSF forward by 30 microseconds and adjust the second TSF; or, the second node adjusts the second TSF. The boundary difference between the time units of the adjusted first TSF and the second TSF is less than or equal to the threshold, and the first node is still synchronized with the TU of the TSF timer of the third node.

[0032] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by sending a sixth instruction message from the first node to the second node indicating the adjustment of the maximum value of the first TSF and / or the second adjustment direction, the adjustment strategy of the first TSF can be made more reasonable.

[0033] In conjunction with the first or third aspect, in some possible implementations of the first or third aspect, receiving the first indication information from the second node includes: receiving a request frame from the second node, the request frame being used to request the establishment of a coordinated restricted target wake time (Co-RTWT) protocol, the request frame carrying the first indication information and the RTWT information of the second node.

[0034] For example, the first indication information can be carried in the request frame requesting the establishment of the Co-RTWT protocol. Co-RTWT technology is a special target wake time (TWT) technology used to serve low-latency services. For example, in a basic service set (BSS) that has configured (or established) Co-RTWT (or established the Co-RTWT protocol), to ensure the communication of low-latency services of AP#2, AP#2's neighbor AP#1 can broadcast AP#2's restricted target wake time (RTWT) information, so that non-AP STAs associated with AP#1 can end their own transmission opportunity (TXOP) before the RTWT service phase of AP#2 arrives, realizing cooperative communication between AP#1 and AP#2 and reducing interference between BSSs.

[0035] The STA associated with AP#1 can determine when to end TXOP based on the arrival time of the RTWT service phase indicated by the RTWT information broadcast by AP#1. However, the boundaries of the time units of AP#1 and AP#2 may not be aligned, and the indication precision of the RTWT information is one time unit. That is, the RTWT information broadcast by AP#1 may indicate the boundary of the time unit of AP#1 before or after the arrival time of the RTWT service phase of AP#2. In this case, the STA associated with AP#1 may end TXOP at the wrong time (e.g., the STA associated with AP#1 may end TXOP after the arrival of the RTWT service phase of AP#2).

[0036] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by carrying first indication information in the request frame for establishing a Co-RTWT protocol, it is possible to enable non-AP STAs to end TXOP at the correct time, thereby optimizing the cooperative RTWT technology.

[0037] For example, third instruction information may also be carried in the request frame.

[0038] For example, the fourth instruction information may also be carried in the request frame.

[0039] In conjunction with the first or third aspect, in some possible implementations of the first or third aspect, sending the second indication information to the second node includes: sending a response frame to the second node, the response frame carrying the second indication information; the second indication information indicating agreement to adjust the first TSF includes: the response frame indicating agreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol; or, the second indication information indicating disagreement to adjust the first TSF includes: the response frame indicating disagreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol.

[0040] For example, the second node sends a request frame to the first node, the request frame carrying RTWT information and first indication information (and the first indication information indicates adjustment of the first TSF, or indicates adjustment of the first TSF and the second TSF). The first node sends a response frame to the second node, the response frame indicating agreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol, which can also be understood as the response frame indicating that the first node agrees to adjust the first TSF; or, the response frame indicating disagreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol, which can also be understood as the response frame indicating that the first node disagrees to adjust the first TSF.

[0041] For example, the second node sends a request frame to the first node, the request frame carrying RTWT information, first indication information (and the first indication information indicates adjustment of the first TSF, or indicates adjustment of the first TSF and the second TSF), and third and / or fourth indication information. The first node sends a response frame to the second node, the response frame indicating agreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol, which can also be understood as the response frame indicating that the first node agrees to adjust the first TSF according to the information carried in the request frame; or, the response frame indicating disagreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol, which can also be understood as the response frame indicating that the first node disagrees to adjust the first TSF according to the information carried in the request frame.

[0042] In conjunction with the first or third aspect, in some possible implementations of the first or third aspect, the method further includes: sending a request frame to the second node, the request frame being used to request the establishment of a Co-RTWT protocol, the request frame carrying the RTWT information of the first node.

[0043] In conjunction with the first or third aspect, in some possible implementations of the first or third aspect, receiving the first indication information from the second node includes: receiving a response frame from the second node, the response frame carrying the first indication information.

[0044] For example, the first indication information may be carried in the response frame, which is used to respond to the request frame that requests the establishment of the Co-RTWT protocol.

[0045] For example, the first node sends a request frame to the second node, which carries RTWT information. The second node sends a response frame to the first node, indicating agreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol and the first indication information; or, the response frame indicates disagreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol.

[0046] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second node (e.g., the device where the access point or station is located), or by components of the second node (e.g., processors, chips, or chip systems, such as circuits or chips in the first node responsible for communication functions (e.g., modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or SoC chips or SIP chips containing modem cores)), or by logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second node. For ease of description, the following explanation uses the execution by the second node as an example.

[0047] The method is applied to a second node and includes: sending a first indication message to a first node, the first indication message being used to indicate adjustment of a first time synchronization function (TSF) and / or a second TSF, wherein the boundary difference between the time units of the adjusted first TSF and the adjusted second TSF is less than or equal to a threshold, the first TSF being a TSF timer of the first node, and the second TSF being a TSF timer of the second node; and receiving a second indication message from the first node, the second indication message being used to indicate whether to agree to adjust the first TSF.

[0048] In conjunction with the second or fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the second or fourth aspect, the method further includes: sending a third indication message to the first node, the third indication message being used to indicate the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF.

[0049] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some possible implementations of the second aspect, before sending the first indication information to the first node, the method further includes: receiving a fifth indication information from the first node, the fifth indication information being used to indicate that the first node is capable of adjusting the first TSF.

[0050] In conjunction with the second or fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the second or fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving sixth indication information from the first node, the sixth indication information being used to indicate the maximum value of the first TSF and / or a second adjustment direction.

[0051] In conjunction with the second or fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the second or fourth aspect, sending the first indication information to the first node includes: sending a request frame to the first node, the request frame being used to request the establishment of a Co-RTWT protocol with limited cooperation, the request frame carrying the first indication information and the RTWT information of the second node.

[0052] In conjunction with the second or fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the second or fourth aspect, receiving the second indication information from the first node includes: receiving a response frame from the first node, the response frame carrying the second indication information; the second indication information indicating agreement to adjust the first TSF includes: the response frame indicating agreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol; or, the second indication information indicating disagreement to adjust the first TSF includes: the response frame indicating disagreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol.

[0053] In conjunction with the second or fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the second or fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving a request frame from the first node, the request frame being used to request the establishment of a Co-RTWT protocol, the request frame carrying the RTWT information of the first node.

[0054] In conjunction with the second or fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the second or fourth aspect, sending the first indication information to the first node includes: sending a response frame to the first node, the response frame carrying the first indication information.

[0055] The technical effects of the methods shown in the second aspect and its possible designs above can be referred to the technical effects in the first aspect and its possible designs.

[0056] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first node (e.g., a device where a site or access point is located), or by components of the first node (e.g., processors, chips, or chip systems, such as circuits or chips in the first node responsible for communication functions (e.g., modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or system-on-chip (SoC) chips containing modem cores, or system-in-package (SIP) chips)). Alternatively, it can be executed by logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first node. For ease of description, the following explanation uses the execution by the first node as an example.

[0057] The method is applied to a first node, and the method includes: sending a fifth indication message to a second node, the fifth indication message being used to indicate whether the first node can adjust a first TSF, the first TSF being the TSF timer of the first node.

[0058] For example, the fifth instruction information is used to indicate that the first node is able to adjust the first TSF.

[0059] Based on the solution provided in the embodiments of this application, by sending an indication from the first node to the second node whether the fifth indication information of the first TSF can be adjusted, the adjustment strategy of the TSF can be made more reasonable.

[0060] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some possible implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving first indication information from the second node, the first indication information being used to indicate adjustment of the first TSF and / or the second TSF, wherein the boundary difference between the time units of the adjusted first TSF and the adjusted second TSF is less than or equal to a threshold, and the second TSF is the TSF timer of the second node; and sending second indication information to the second node, the second indication information being used to indicate whether to agree to adjust the first TSF.

[0061] The technical effects of the methods shown in the third aspect and its possible designs above can be referred to the technical effects in the first aspect and its possible designs.

[0062] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second node (e.g., the device where the access point or site is located), or by components of the second node (e.g., processors, chips, or chip systems, such as circuits or chips in the first node responsible for communication functions (e.g., modem chips, also known as baseband chips, or SoC chips or SIP chips containing modem cores)), or by logic modules or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second node. For ease of description, the following explanation uses the execution by the second node as an example.

[0063] The method is applied to a second node, and the method includes: receiving a fifth indication message from a first node, the fifth indication message being used to indicate that the first node can adjust a first TSF, the first TSF being the TSF timer of the first node.

[0064] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: sending a first indication message to a first node, the first indication message being used to indicate adjustment of the first TSF and / or the second TSF, wherein the boundary difference between the time units of the adjusted first TSF and the adjusted second TSF is less than or equal to a threshold, and the second TSF is a TSF timer of the second node; receiving a second indication message from the first node, the second indication message being used to indicate whether to agree to adjust the first TSF.

[0065] The technical effects of the methods shown in the fourth aspect above and its possible designs can be referred to the technical effects in the second aspect and its possible designs.

[0066] Fifthly, a communication device is provided for performing the methods provided in the first or third aspects. The communication device may be a first node, or a component of the first node (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as circuitry or a chip in the first node responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip)). Alternatively, it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first node.

[0067] Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided by any of the above-described implementations of the first aspect; or, the communication device may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided by any of the above-described implementations of the third aspect.

[0068] The communication device includes a transceiver unit, which is used to receive first indication information from a second node. The first indication information is used to indicate the adjustment of a first time synchronization function (TSF) and / or a second TSF. The boundary difference between the time units of the adjusted first TSF and the adjusted second TSF is less than or equal to a threshold. The first TSF is a TSF timer of the first node, and the second TSF is a TSF timer of the second node. The transceiver unit is also used to send second indication information to the second node. The second indication information is used to indicate whether the adjustment of the first TSF is agreed upon.

[0069] Alternatively, the communication device includes a transceiver unit for sending a fifth indication message to a second node, the fifth indication message indicating whether the first node can adjust a first TSF, the first TSF being the first node's TSF timer.

[0070] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the communication device further includes a processing unit for: adjusting the first TSF according to the first instruction information.

[0071] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is also configured to receive third indication information from the second node, the third indication information being used to indicate the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF.

[0072] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the processing unit is further configured to determine the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF based on the third indication information, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate the second TSF.

[0073] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is also configured to receive fourth indication information from the second node, which is used to indicate the threshold.

[0074] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to send a sixth indication message to the second node, the sixth indication message being used to indicate the maximum value of the first TSF and / or the second adjustment direction.

[0075] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically used to receive a request frame from the second node, the request frame being used to request the establishment of a Co-RTWT protocol with limited cooperation, the request frame carrying the first indication information and the RTWT information of the second node.

[0076] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically used to send a response frame to the second node, the response frame carrying the second indication information; the second indication information indicates agreement to adjust the first TSF, including: the response frame indicating agreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol; or, the second indication information indicates disagreement to adjust the first TSF, including: the response frame indicating disagreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol.

[0077] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to send a request frame to the second node, the request frame being used to request the establishment of the Co-RTWT protocol, the request frame carrying the RTWT information of the first node.

[0078] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some possible implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically used to receive a response frame from the second node, the response frame carrying the first indication information.

[0079] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver / transceiver module, or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor / processing module.

[0080] A transceiver can be a transceiver circuit.

[0081] The input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0082] In some other possible implementations, the communication device may be a chip, chip system, or circuit, and the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0083] The technical effects of the methods shown in the fifth aspect and its possible designs above can be referred to the technical effects in the first aspect and its possible designs, or the technical effects in the third aspect and its possible designs. Further details are omitted here.

[0084] Sixthly, a communication device is provided for performing the method provided in the second or fourth aspect above. The communication device may be a second node, or a component of the second node (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system, such as circuitry or a chip in the second node responsible for communication functions (e.g., a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip)), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second node.

[0085] Specifically, the communication device may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided in any of the above-described implementations of the second aspect; or, the communication device may include units and / or modules for performing the method provided in any of the above-described implementations of the fourth aspect.

[0086] The communication device includes a transceiver unit, which is used to send a first indication message to a first node, the first indication message being used to indicate the adjustment of a first time synchronization function (TSF) and / or a second TSF, wherein the boundary difference between the time units of the adjusted first TSF and the adjusted second TSF is less than or equal to a threshold, the first TSF being a TSF timer for the first node, and the second TSF being a TSF timer for the second node; and to receive a second indication message from the first node, the second indication message being used to indicate whether the adjustment of the first TSF is agreed upon.

[0087] Alternatively, the communication device includes a transceiver unit for receiving a fifth indication message from a first node, the fifth indication message indicating that the first node can adjust a first TSF, the first TSF being the TSF timer of the first node.

[0088] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some possible implementations of the sixth aspect, the communication device further includes a processing unit for: determining the first instruction information.

[0089] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some possible implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to send a third indication information to the first node, the third indication information being used to indicate the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF.

[0090] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some possible implementations of the sixth aspect, the processing unit is specifically used to: determine the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction.

[0091] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some possible implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to send a fourth indication message to the first node, the fourth indication message being used to indicate the threshold.

[0092] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some possible implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is also configured to receive a sixth indication information from the first node, the sixth indication information being used to indicate the maximum value of the first TSF and / or the second adjustment direction.

[0093] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some possible implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically used to send a request frame to the first node, the request frame being used to request the establishment of a cooperative limited target wake-up Co-RTWT protocol, the request frame carrying the first indication information and the RTWT information of the second node.

[0094] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some possible implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically configured to receive a response frame from the first node, the response frame carrying the second indication information; the second indication information indicates agreement to adjust the first TSF, including: the response frame indicating agreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol; or, the second indication information indicates disagreement to adjust the first TSF, including: the response frame indicating disagreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol.

[0095] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some possible implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is also configured to receive a request frame from the first node, the request frame being used to request the establishment of the Co-RTWT protocol, the request frame carrying the RTWT information of the first node.

[0096] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some possible implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is specifically used to send a response frame to the first node, the response frame carrying the first indication information.

[0097] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver / transceiver module, or an input / output interface; the processing unit can be at least one processor / processing module.

[0098] A transceiver can be a transceiver circuit.

[0099] The input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0100] In some other possible implementations, the communication device may be a chip, chip system, or circuit, and the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0101] The technical effects of the methods shown in the sixth aspect and its possible designs above can be referred to the technical effects in the second aspect and its possible designs, or the technical effects in the fourth aspect and its possible designs. Further details are omitted here.

[0102] In a seventh aspect, a chip system is provided for executing the method provided by any of the implementations of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects described above.

[0103] In some possible implementations, the chip system includes a processor for calling and running computer programs from memory, such that the methods provided by any of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects described above are executed.

[0104] In some possible implementations, the chip system also includes memory.

[0105] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0106] Eighthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores program code for execution by a device, the program code including methods for performing any of the implementations of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects described above.

[0107] Ninthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided by any of the implementations of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects described above.

[0108] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including one or more processors and a communication interface, wherein the processor reads a computer program or instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided by any of the implementations of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects described above.

[0109] For example, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory storing computer programs or instructions, and a processor for executing the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to perform the methods provided by any of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects described above.

[0110] Eleventhly, a communication system is provided, comprising a first node for executing any implementation of the first aspect and a second node for executing any implementation of the second aspect; or, comprising a first node for executing any implementation of the third aspect and a second node for executing any implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0111] The specific implementation and beneficial effects of any of the possible implementations in aspects seven through eleven above can be referred to the descriptions in aspects one through six above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0112] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the applicable scenarios of the embodiments of this application.

[0113] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the establishment of a target wake-up time protocol provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0114] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a target wake-up time information element in a beacon frame provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0115] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the time unit boundaries of different access points provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0116] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0117] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the time difference between time unit boundaries of different access points provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0118] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a frame structure for a request frame provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0119] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another frame structure for a request frame provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0120] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0121] Figure 10 A schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0122] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0123] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a chip system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0124] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0125] First, in this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message as indicating A, it can include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0126] The information indicated by the instruction is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0127] Second, in this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, "at least one item" refers to one or more items, and "more than one" refers to two or more items. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., "#1," "#2," etc.) are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the processes below do not imply an order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the objects described in this way can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application. In addition, in the embodiments of this application, terms such as "S510" are merely identifiers for descriptive convenience and do not limit the order of execution steps.

[0128] Third, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily," "as," "for example," or "for instance" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplarily," "as," "for example," or "for instance" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplarily," "as," "for example," or "for instance" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0129] Fourth, the term "storage" in the embodiments of this application can refer to storage in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately installed, while others can be integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0130] Fifth, in the implementation of this application, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as New Radio (NR) protocols, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) protocols in the field of communications, and related protocols applied to future communication systems. This application does not limit this term.

[0131] Sixth, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "of", "corresponding (relevant)", "corresponding", and "associate" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their differences are not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0132] Seventh, in the embodiments of this application, "under certain circumstances," "when," "if," and "if" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their differences are not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent. Furthermore, descriptions such as "under certain circumstances," "when," "if," and "if" all indicate that the device will take corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited. They do not require the device to perform a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0133] Eighth, the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0134] Ninth, in the embodiments of this application, the names of messages and devices are merely examples. This application does not impose any limitations on message names, device names, etc., as long as they can achieve the corresponding functions.

[0135] Tenth, in this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, 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 direct reception from YY or indirect reception from YY through other units or modules. Besides air interface transmission or reception signals implemented at the system level, such as network devices or terminal devices, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. For example, a modem or system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip transmits or receives signals. "Send" or "receive" can also be performed through device components, for example, by using buses, traces, or interfaces to transmit or receive signals through several parts, modules, or chips of a device.

[0136] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios. For example, this application supports IEEE protocols, such as IEEE 802.11be / Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi / WiFi) 7 / Extremely High Throughput (EHT) protocol, IEEE 802.11bn / Ultra High Reliability (UHR) / Wi-Fi 8 protocol, IEEE Integrated mmWave / IMMW protocol, IEEE 802.15 / Ultra Wide Band (UWB) protocol, or IEEE 802.11bf / sensing protocol, etc.; this application can also support "Spark Link / NearLink standard protocols", etc.; this application does not limit itself in this regard.

[0137] Although the embodiments of this application are mainly illustrated with the deployment of WLAN networks, especially networks using the IEEE 802.11 system standard, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the various aspects involved in the embodiments of this application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, such as high performance radio local area networks (HIPERLAN), wireless wide area networks (WWAN), wireless personal area networks (WPAN), or other networks that are now known or will be developed in the future.

[0138] Alternatively, the technical solutions of this application can be applied to Internet of Things (IoT) networks, vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks, and other networks, etc., without specific limitation. For example, the application scenarios of this application can be IoT networks based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, V2X networks based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, or other networks based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. The IEEE 802.11 family of standards can be IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11be, the next-generation IEEE 802.11 standard of IEEE 802.11be, etc. The technical solutions of this application can also be applied to other WLAN networks with future standard protocols. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0139] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can also be applied to various communication systems, such as: WLAN communication systems, Wi-Fi systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, and 5G (5G) communication systems. th This refers to generation (5G) systems, new radio (NR), or future communication systems.

[0140] The communication systems described above are merely illustrative examples, and the communication systems applicable to this application are not limited to these. They will be uniformly described here and will not be repeated below.

[0141] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0142] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an applicable scenario of an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication method provided in this application is applicable to data communication between stations (STAs). A station can be an access point (AP) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA), referred to as an AP and a non-AP station, respectively. An AP can connect to a communication network such as the Internet and can be associated with one or more non-AP stations, which can access the network through the AP.

[0143] Specifically, Figure 1 The scenario shown applies to data communication between an AP and one or more non-AP sites (e.g., data communication between AP#1 and non-AP STA#1 and non-AP STA#2, and data communication between AP#2 and non-AP STA#3), and also to data communication between APs (e.g., data communication between AP#1 and AP#2).

[0144] An access point (AP) is a node that allows terminals (such as mobile phones) to access a wired (or wireless) network. It is primarily deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. It 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.

[0145] Specifically, an access point (AP) can be a terminal or network device with a Wi-Fi chip, or it can be a terminal or network device including a chip for accessing wired (wireless) networks. This network device can be a server, router, switch, bridge, computer, mobile phone, relay station, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable device, network equipment in 5G networks, network equipment in future communication networks, or network equipment in public land mobile networks (PLMNs), etc., without limitation. The access point can be a device that supports Wi-Fi standards. For example, the access point can also support one or more standards from the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11ad, and 802.11ay.

[0146] Non-AP sites can be wireless communication chips, wireless sensors, or wireless communication terminals, and may also be referred to as users, user equipment (UE), access terminals, user units, user stations, mobile stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote terminals, mobile devices, user terminals, terminals, wireless communication equipment, user agents, or user devices. Non-AP sites can be cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, IoT devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, terminal devices in future communication networks, or terminal devices in PLMNs, etc., without limitation. Non-AP sites can be devices that support WLAN standards. For example, non-AP sites can support one or more standards in the IEEE 802.11 series, such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, 802.11ad, and 802.11ay.

[0147] For example, non-AP sites can be mobile phones, tablets, set-top boxes, smart TVs, smart wearable devices, vehicle communication devices, computers, IoT nodes, sensors, smart home devices such as smart cameras, smart remote controls, smart water and electricity meters, and sensors in smart cities.

[0148] The aforementioned AP or non-AP sites may include transmitters, receivers, memory, processors, etc., wherein the transmitter and receiver are used for transmitting and receiving packet structures, respectively, the memory is used for storing signaling information and pre-agreed preset values, etc., and the processor is used for parsing signaling information and processing related data, etc.

[0149] In the following text, for ease of description, non-AP sites will be referred to as STAs. The method provided in the embodiments of this application is applicable to at least one of the following: one AP among a plurality of APs communicates with one or more STAs, the one or more STAs are associated with the one AP, and the one or more STAs and the one AP belong to the same basic service set (BSS); or, an AP communicates with other APs, the AP and the other APs are neighboring APs, the AP and the other APs belong to different BSSs and different BSSs may interfere with each other.

[0150] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, some basic concepts involved in this application will be briefly explained.

[0151] 1. Target wake time (TWT) mechanism

[0152] Time-to-Wait (TWT) is a technology for energy saving. The core idea of ​​TWT is to set periodic time intervals during which certain devices only need to remain active, while remaining in sleep mode at other times, thus achieving energy savings. These time intervals are also known as TWT service periods (SPs).

[0153] TWT mechanisms can be divided into unicast TWT (individual TWT) and broadcast TWT. In unicast TWT, each STA can establish a TWT protocol with the AP independently. Therefore, each STA can have its own active time period and sleep time period. In broadcast TWT, the AP can establish a shared TWT protocol for a group of STAs. Therefore, multiple STAs in this group can work during the same active time period and sleep during other time periods (or, multiple STAs in this group can have the same sleep time period).

[0154] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the establishment of the TWT protocol provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 2As shown, the unicast TWT mechanism refers to a TWT requesting station (TWT requesting STA) sending a TWT request message to a TWT responding STA (TWT responding STA). This TWT request message requests a wake-up time. Upon receiving the TWT request message, the responding station can send a TWT response message to the requesting station. After successful interaction between the TWT request and response messages, a TWT protocol is established between the requesting and responding stations. Once the TWT protocol is established, both the requesting and responding stations should remain active for the agreed-upon time period to send and receive data. Outside of this agreed-upon time period, the stations can hibernate to save energy. Typically, the STA sends a TWT protocol establishment request to the AP (Access Point), i.e., the STA is the requesting station and the AP is the responding station. However, the AP can also initiate a TWT protocol establishment request to a station. After the TWT protocol is established, the agreed-upon active time period for the TWT request message can be called the TWT SP (TWT Special Period). Each TWT protocol can contain multiple periodically occurring TWT SPs of equal length.

[0155] In the embodiments of this application, TWT protocol establishment can also be referred to as TWT protocol configuration, establishing TWT (or establishing TWT protocol) can also be referred to as configuring TWT, establishing a restricted target wake-up time (or establishing a restricted target wake-up time protocol) can also be referred to as configuring a restricted target wake-up time, or establishing a cooperative restricted target wake-up time (or establishing a cooperative restricted target wake-up time protocol) can also be referred to as configuring a cooperative restricted target wake-up time. In other words, establishment and configuration can be used interchangeably and express the same meaning.

[0156] For example, the request message can be carried in the request frame.

[0157] For example, the response message can be carried in the response frame.

[0158] Unlike the unicast TWT mechanism, the broadcast TWT mechanism provides a "batch management" mechanism. The AP can establish a series of periodically occurring TWTSPs with multiple STAs. In the SP, the multiple STAs need to remain active in order to communicate with the AP.

[0159] An Access Point (AP) can carry information about one or more broadcast TWTs in a beacon frame. Each broadcast TWT is represented by a broadcast TWT identifier (ID) and the AP's media access control (MAC) address. Upon receiving a beacon frame, a Station (STA) can send a broadcast TWT establishment request message to the AP if it wishes to join the broadcast TWT. During broadcast TWT establishment, a broadcast TWT ID must be specified to request joining a specific broadcast TWT. After joining the broadcast TWT, the STA can be woken up by the Service Provider (SP) as indicated by the TWT parameter set to communicate with the AP. It should be noted that if a STA supports broadcast TWTs but does not explicitly specify which broadcast TWT ID to join, it will default to joining the broadcast TWT with broadcast TWT ID = 0.

[0160] Similar to the unicast TWT mechanism, the broadcast TWT mechanism also specifies the period at which TWTSPs appear and the duration of each TWTSP. In addition, the broadcast TWT mechanism parameters include the broadcast TWT lifetime, which can be measured in units of beacon frame intervals (e.g., the broadcast TWT lifetime can be multiples of the beacon frame intervals). The broadcast TWT lifetime represents the duration of the established broadcast TWT.

[0161] 2. Restricted Target Wake-Up Time (RTWT / R-TWT) Technology

[0162] The RTWT mechanism is a special type of broadcast TWT mechanism. The RTWT service phase (RTWT SP) defined by RTWT is used to serve low-latency services.

[0163] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of a TWT information element (IE) in a beacon frame provided in this application embodiment. A TWT IE, also known as a TWT element, may include an element ID field, a length field, a control field, and a TWT parameter information field. The TWT parameter information field may include a request type field, a target waketime field, a nominal minimum TWT wakeduration field, a TWT wakeintervalmantissa field, a broadcast TWT information field, and a restricted TWT traffic information field. The request type field may include the TWT request field, the TWT setup command field, the trigger field, the last broadcast parameter set field, the flow type field, the broadcast TWT recommendation field, the TWT wakeinterval exponent field, and the reserved field.

[0164] It should be understood that the term "field" in the embodiments of this application can refer to a portion of information in general, and may also be called a "domain" or "field," etc. Furthermore, the name of the field is merely an example; other names may be used in specific implementations, and the embodiments of this application do not impose specific limitations on this.

[0165] An application can carry a TWTIE in a beacon frame to declare the relevant time for an RTWT service. For example, an RTWT can be indicated / declared by setting the value of the broadcast TWT recommendation field in the request type field of the TWTIE to 4.

[0166] After the AP declares the RTWT in the beacon frame, the STA can send a request frame (such as a TWT setupframe) to the AP to request to join the RTWT and become a member of the RTWT so that it can send low-latency services in the RTWT SP.

[0167] To enable the AP / STA to compete for the channel in the RTWT SP and conduct low-latency service communication, the STA associated with the AP can follow the following rules: If the STA has already competed for the channel and obtained the TXOP before the RTWT SP arrives, it must end the TXOP before the RTWT SP arrives; and if the STA backs off the backoff counter to 0 through channel contention before the RTWT SP arrives, the STA needs to determine whether it can complete a transmission before the RTWT SP arrives. If it cannot complete the transmission, it cannot initiate a transmission.

[0168] In the embodiments of this application, the STA associated with the AP can also be understood as the STA that has established a communication connection with the AP, or the STA that belongs to the same BSS as the AP.

[0169] By establishing the above rules, AP / STA can successfully compete for the channel at the start of RTWT SP, so as to carry out low-latency service communication in RTWT SP.

[0170] 3. Multi-AP collaboration

[0171] With the development of wireless networks and the increasing popularity of WLAN technology, WLAN devices are becoming increasingly dense. Furthermore, due to the ease of deployment of access points (APs), APs are becoming increasingly dense. In network scenarios with multiple APs, a BSS may have one or more neighboring BSSs. The transmission coverage of these neighboring BSSs overlaps with that of the current BSS; these neighboring BSSs can also be referred to as OBSSs. Since the RTWT information broadcast by each BSS is only received and followed by stations within that BSS, while stations in other OBSSs, even if they can listen or detect it, may not receive or follow it, potentially causing stations within a BSS to fail to end their transmission (i.e., end their TXOP) before the start time of the RTWT SP broadcast by the AP within the OBSS. This results in low efficiency of the RTWT mechanism and difficulty in improving network performance; or, in other words, it causes interference between BSSs (in this embodiment, a BSS can also be understood as a cell). How to reduce this interference and improve the quality of service for users through cooperation between APs is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0172] Co-RTWT (Coordinated Restricted Target Wake Time) technology is based on the RTWT (Real-Time Wake Time) mechanism. In Co-RTWT, each AP in a BSS (Overhead Bystander Service) receives RTWT information broadcast by APs in other BSSs and then broadcasts this RTWT information to other stations within its BSS. STAs receiving the RTWT information can all terminate their transmissions (i.e., terminate their TXOPs) according to the operating rules of the RTWT mechanism. For example, in Co-RTWT, AP (AP#1) can broadcast the RTWT information of its neighbor AP (AP#2), causing STAs associated with AP#1 to terminate their TXOPs before AP#2's RTWT SP (Special Time Spread) arrives, avoiding co-channel interference between BSSs (and also preventing adjacent-channel interference or out-of-band radiation interference), thus ensuring low-latency communication for AP#2.

[0173] In this embodiment, APs within any two BSSs that are mutual OBSSs can also be referred to as neighboring APs. Any two BSSs that are mutual OBSSs can be BSSs that have established a Co-RTWT cooperative relationship, or BSSs that have not established a Co-RTWT cooperative relationship. Establishing a Co-RTWT cooperative relationship means that APs in two BSSs can establish a cooperative relationship through processes such as neighbor node discovery, operational capabilities, and operational parameter negotiation to establish a Co-RTWT group. This facilitates the subsequent use of Co-RTWT scheduling information to provide channel access protection for RTWT scheduling of the OBSS.

[0174] In the TWT element, the TWT field can indicate the arrival time of the first RTWT SP. It is 16 bits long and can indicate bits 11 to 26 of the current system time, i.e., the time synchronization function (TSF) timer [10:25]. The TSF timer is essentially a 64-bit time value in microseconds (µs). The AP can carry the TSF timer value in the beacon frame. After receiving the beacon frame, the STA can update its locally maintained system time to the TSF timer value carried in the beacon frame, thus ensuring that the time of all STAs associated with the AP is the same as that of the AP (i.e., clock synchronization / time synchronization).

[0175] It is understood that the TSF timer selected by the AP is associated with the AP; the TSF timer can also be understood as a mechanism used for timing synchronization. This application describes the scheme using a TSF timer as an example, but it is not limited to the TSF timer. This application embodiment can also be applied to other time synchronization technologies or other timing synchronization function timers, which will not be elaborated further.

[0176] The TWT field indicates a time precision of 1024µs (1024µs can also be called a time unit (TU)), therefore the TWT field can only indicate the boundary of TU.

[0177] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the TU boundaries of different APs provided in the embodiments of this application. Since the TSF timers of different APs are selected independently, their TU boundaries may not be aligned. For example, the start time of AP#2's RTWT SP is time t0, and time t0 is a TU boundary of AP#2. Because the TU boundaries of AP#1 and AP#2 are not aligned and the TWT field can only indicate the TU boundary, AP#1 cannot indicate time t0 in its broadcast TWT element. AP#1 can only indicate the TU boundary of AP#1 located before or after time t0 in its broadcast TWT element. This will cause the station associated with AP#1 to terminate the TXOP at the wrong time, and cannot guarantee low-latency service communication for AP#2 in the RTWT SP.

[0178] To address the problems in the aforementioned TWT mechanism, this application provides a communication method aimed at reducing communication interference and improving communication efficiency.

[0179] The embodiments shown below do not specifically limit the structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this application. As long as communication can be performed according to the method provided in this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this application. For example, the method provided in this application can be executed by a first node. Unless otherwise specified, "first node" in this application can refer to the first node itself (e.g., AP), a component within the first node (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first node. As another example, the method provided in this application can be executed by a second node. Unless otherwise specified, "second node" in this application can refer to the second node itself (e.g., AP), a component within the second node (e.g., processor, chip, or chip system), or a logical module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second node.

[0180] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a communication method 500 applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0181] It should be understood that Figure 5 The steps or operations of this communication method are illustrated, but these steps or operations are merely examples, and other operations may be performed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 Variations of various operations within it.

[0182] Without loss of generality, the communication method provided in this application embodiment will be described in detail below using the interaction between the first node and the second node as an example. Both the first node and the second node support short-range wireless access technology. The first node acts as a receiving device, and the second node acts as a transmitting device.

[0183] The communication method 500 includes the following steps:

[0184] S510, the first node receives first indication information from the second node. Correspondingly, the second node sends first indication information to the first node. The first indication information is used to indicate the adjustment of the first time synchronization function (TSF) and / or the second TSF. The first TSF is the TSF timer of the first node, and the second TSF is the TSF timer of the second node.

[0185] S520, the first node sends a second indication message to the second node, and the second node receives the second indication message from the first node, which is used to indicate whether it agrees to adjust the first TSF.

[0186] The first instruction information can be understood as information indicating the strategy for adjusting the TSF (e.g., which node should adjust the TSF); the second instruction information can be understood as information indicating whether or not to agree to the strategy for adjusting the TSF.

[0187] For example, the boundary difference between the time units of the adjusted first TSF and the adjusted second TSF is less than or equal to a threshold.

[0188] If the boundary difference between the adjusted first TSF and the adjusted second TSF is less than or equal to a threshold, this can be achieved by the second node indicating third and / or fourth indication information to the first node. The specific implementation of the third and / or fourth indication information can be found later in this application, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0189] For example, the adjustment of the first TSF or the second TSF can be 0; or, the adjusted first TSF can be the same as the first TSF before adjustment, or the adjusted second TSF can be the same as the second TSF before adjustment; or, the first TSF is not adjusted, or the second TSF is not adjusted. That is, one of the first TSF and the second TSF is adjusted, or both are adjusted.

[0190] In a communication system, a STA associated with an AP can synchronize its timer with the AP's timer via beacon frames broadcast by the AP. For example, if STA#1 is associated with AP#2, STA#1 can adjust the value of its TSF timer to the value indicated in the beacon frame sent from AP#2.

[0191] The boundary difference between the adjusted first TSF and the adjusted second TSF time unit is less than or equal to a threshold. Since the STA associated with the first node can adjust its own TSF timer value according to the TSF timer value of the first node indicated in the beacon frame, and the STA associated with the second node can adjust its own TSF timer value according to the TSF timer value of the second node indicated in the beacon frame, the STA associated with the first node and the STA associated with the second node can achieve TU synchronization (or approximate synchronization) of their timers.

[0192] TU synchronization can also be understood as the alignment of TU boundaries (or, the boundary difference of the TU between the STA associated with the first node and the STA associated with the second node is less than or equal to a threshold).

[0193] The following describes in detail the possible implementation of the communication method 500 provided in this application embodiment, taking AP#2 and AP#1 in a communication system as examples. It should be understood that the communication between AP#2 and AP#1 in the following description is only an example. When three or more APs in the communication system are neighbors (or when there is BSS interference between three or more APs in the communication system and it is desirable to avoid BSS interference between three or more APs in the communication system), the communication between different APs in the communication system is similar to the communication between AP#2 and AP#1. To avoid redundancy, the communication between AP#2 and AP#1 can be referred to, and this application embodiment will not elaborate further on this.

[0194] For example, during the process of establishing a Co-RTWT protocol between two adjacent BSSs (or after establishing a Co-RTWT protocol, or before establishing a Co-RTWT protocol, or without establishing a Co-RTWT protocol), AP#1 can receive a first instruction message from AP#2 and send a second instruction message to AP#2 indicating whether it agrees to adjust the first TSF.

[0195] AP#1 is one possible implementation of the first node; AP#2 is one possible implementation of the second node.

[0196] If AP#1 agrees and adjusts the first TSF according to the first instruction information, after the adjustment of the first TSF, the STA associated with AP#1 can end the TXOP at the correct time, providing a guarantee for the communication of AP#2 and optimizing the Co-RTWT mechanism.

[0197] For example, AP#2 and AP#1 can determine which AP needs to adjust its TSF timer during the Co-RTWT protocol establishment process so that the TSF timers of the two APs are aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU, or in other words, aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU boundary.

[0198] Alternatively, after the Co-RTWT protocol is established, AP#2 and AP#1 can also adjust their TSF timers so that the TSF timers of the two APs are aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU, or in other words, aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU boundary.

[0199] Alternatively, AP#2 and AP#1 can adjust their TSF timers without relying on the establishment of the Co-RTWT protocol. AP#2 and AP#1 can adjust their TSF timers so that the TSF timers of the two APs are aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU, or in other words, aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU boundary.

[0200] Aligning (or roughly aligning) on ​​the TU, or in other words, aligning (or roughly aligning) on ​​the TU boundary, helps the STA associated with the AP to end the TXOP at the appropriate / correct time.

[0201] The so-called alignment on TU or alignment on TU boundary can be understood as follows: at the same time, the lower 10 bits of the TSF timer of AP#2 are the same as the lower 10 bits of the TSF timer of AP#1; or, when the lower 10 bits of the TSF timer of AP#2 are 0 (i.e., when the current time is at the TU boundary of AP#2), the lower 10 bits of the TSF timer of AP#1 are also 0 (i.e., the current time is also at the TU boundary of AP#1).

[0202] The so-called approximate alignment on TU or approximate alignment on the TU boundary can be understood as follows: at the same moment, the minimum time difference between the TU boundary of AP#2 and the TU boundary of AP#1 is less than or equal to a certain threshold T. Or, min{A1,A2,A3} is less than or equal to T, where: A1=|TSF#1[9:0]-TSF#2[9:0]|; A2=|TSF#1[9:0]-TSF#2[10:0]|; A3=|TSF#1[10:0]-TSF#2[9:0]|; min{A1,A2,A3} represents the minimum value among A1, A2, and A3; TSF#1 represents the TSF timer of AP#1, and TSF#2 represents the TSF timer of AP#2. Or, when TSF#1[9:0] = 0: TSF#2[9:0] is less than or equal to T, and / or (1024 - TSF#2[9:0]) is less than or equal to T.

[0203] Alternatively, it is sufficient if the value of any one of A1, A2, and A3 is less than or equal to T.

[0204] TSF[9:0] can be understood as how much time has passed since the boundary of TU (in us); TSF[10:0] can be understood as how much time has passed since TSF[9:0]+1 TU compared to the boundary of TU (in us); the threshold T is in us.

[0205] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the time difference between the TU boundaries of different APs. A1 represents the time difference (|t1-t2|) between the TU boundary of time #1 and AP #1 (denoted as t1) and the TU boundary of time #1 and AP #2 (denoted as t2). A2 represents the time difference (|t1-t3|) between the TU boundary of time #1 and AP #1 (denoted as t1) and the TU boundary of time #1+1 TUs (denoted as t3). A3 represents the time difference (|t4-t2|) between the TU boundary of time #1+1 TUs and AP #1 (denoted as t4) and the TU boundary of time #1 and AP #2 (denoted as t2).

[0206] That is, the time difference between the TU boundary of AP#2 and the TU boundary of AP#1 can be the time difference when the TU boundary of AP#2 is not later than the TU boundary of AP#1 (e.g., the time difference between TU#1 and TU#4), or the time difference when the TU boundary of AP#2 is not earlier than the TU boundary of AP#1 (e.g., the time difference between TU#1 and TU#3).

[0207] In some possible implementations, S510 specifically includes: the first node receiving a request frame from the second node, correspondingly, the second node sending a request frame to the first node, the request frame being used to request the establishment of a Co-RTWT protocol with restricted collaboration, the request frame carrying the first indication information and the RTWT information of the second node; S520 specifically includes: the first node sending a response frame to the second node, correspondingly, the second node receiving a response frame from the first node, the response frame carrying the second indication information; the second indication information indicating agreement to adjust the first TSF, including: the response frame indicating agreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol; or, the second indication information indicating disagreement to adjust the first TSF, including: the response frame indicating disagreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol.

[0208] For example, the scheme #1 for AP #2 and AP #1 to determine which AP needs to adjust the TSF timer during the Co-RTWT protocol establishment process may include the following steps.

[0209] Step #1: AP#2 sends a request frame, and correspondingly, AP#1 receives the request frame. This request frame is used to request AP#1 to protect the RTWT work plan / schedule of AP#2.

[0210] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a frame structure for a request frame provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0211] like Figure 7 As shown, the request frame may carry one or more of the first indication information, the third indication information, and the fourth indication information (or, the request frame may carry one or more of the indication information #1, indication information #2, indication information #3, and indication information #4).

[0212] The request frame may also carry other information (this other information is in...) Figure 7 (The Chinese characters are used to represent the Chinese characters), but this application does not restrict this.

[0213] It should be understood that Figure 7 The frame structure of the request frame shown is for illustrative purposes only. The positions of the first, third, or fourth indication information in the frame can conform to... Figure 7 The situation shown could also be in other positions or other arrangements.

[0214] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another frame structure of the request frame provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0215] In one possible implementation, the request frame is a multi-AP coordination (MAPC) negotiation request frame.

[0216] The MAPC negotiation request frame may include a category field, a public action field, a dialog token field, and a MAPC negotiation information field.

[0217] The MAPC negotiation information field can include the MAPC element field.

[0218] The MAPC element field may include an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, a MAPC control field, a common information field, and a MAPC scheme information field.

[0219] The MAPC schemesinformation field may include a subelement ID field, a length field, a MAPC scheme control field, and a MAPC scheme information set field.

[0220] The MAPC schemecontrol field can include the MAPC scheme ID field and the reserved field.

[0221] The MAPC schemeinformationset field can include the MAPC request control field, the status code field, and the MAPC request parameter set field.

[0222] The MAPC requestcontrol field may include the MAPC operation type field, the broadcast TWT ID field, and the last MAPC request field.

[0223] The MAPC requestparameterset field may include the target waketime (TWT) field, the nominal minimum TWT wakeduration field, the TWT wakeintervalmantissa field, the TWT wakeintervalexponent field, the broadcast TWT persistence field, the restricted TWT scheduleinformation field, and the reserved field.

[0224] The aforementioned first indication information can be carried in the MAPC scheme control field (for example, defining one or more bits in the reserved field of the MAPC scheme control field as a field, which is used to carry the first indication information).

[0225] For example, a 1-bit field is defined (for example, this 1-bit field is called the TU alignment reference field); if the value of this 1-bit field is set to 1, it means that the AP that sent the request frame (i.e., AP#2) is the reference AP, and AP#1 needs to adjust the value of its own TSF timer with reference to AP#2's TSF so that the TU of AP#1 and AP#2 are aligned (or approximately aligned) or the TU boundary is aligned (or approximately aligned).

[0226] Alternatively, for example, define an N-bit field, where N is a positive integer (e.g., N=2). When this N-bit field has a first value, it indicates that the TSF timer of AP#2 is adjusted with reference to the TSF of AP#1; when the N-bit field has a second value, it indicates that the TSF timer of AP#1 is adjusted with reference to the TSF of AP#2; and when the N-bit field has a third value, it indicates that no TSF timer adjustment is needed. The first, second, and third values ​​can be three different values.

[0227] In the embodiments of this application, protecting the RTWT schedule of AP#2 can be understood as follows: AP#1 and the STA associated with AP#1 terminate TXOP before the arrival of the RTWT SP of AP#2 (or, if AP#1 and the STA associated with AP#1 compete for the channel and complete backoff before the arrival of the RTWT SP of AP#2, it is necessary to determine whether AP#1 and the STA associated with AP#1 have enough time to complete a transmission before the arrival of the RTWT SP of AP#2; if there is not enough time to complete a transmission, then AP#1 and the STA associated with AP#1 are not allowed to initiate a transmission); or, in other words, AP#1 and the STA associated with AP#1 avoid the RTWT SP of AP#2 before its arrival.

[0228] In this embodiment of the application, the RTWT work plan / schedule of the protected AP#2 can be mutually interchangeable with the Co-RTWT protocol and express the same meaning.

[0229] The request frame may carry information about AP#2's RTWT schedule. This information may include: the broadcast TWT ID of AP#2's RTWT schedule; the start time of the first RTWT SP in AP#2's RTWT schedule; the time interval between RTWT SPs in AP#2's RTWT schedule; and the duration of each RTWT SP in AP#2's RTWT schedule. Based on this information, AP#1 can determine when to terminate the TXOP (or, in other words, terminate data transmission).

[0230] In one possible implementation, AP#2 may also send instruction information #1 to AP#1, which indicates which AP needs to adjust its TSF timer so that the TSF timers of AP#2 and AP#1 are aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU, or in other words, aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU boundary; in other words, instruction information #1 may indicate whether AP#2 requests AP#1 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#1 so that the TSF timers of AP#2 and AP#1 are aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU, or in other words, aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU boundary.

[0231] Instruction message #1 may indicate: a request for AP#1 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#1; and / or, AP#2 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#2. For example, instruction message #1 may indicate: a request for AP#1 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#1; or, AP#2 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#2 (without requiring AP#1 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#1); or, a request for AP#1 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#1 (and AP#2 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#2). Instruction message #1 is one possible implementation of the first instruction message.

[0232] In the embodiments of this application, the AP that does not need to adjust the TSF timer can also be referred to as the reference AP for adjusting the TSF timer. For example, the AP that sends the request frame can be used as the reference AP for adjusting the TSF timer, and the AP that receives the request frame can adjust its own TSF timer with reference to the TSF timer of the reference AP to achieve alignment (or approximate alignment) on the TU boundary / TU.

[0233] In one possible implementation, method 500 may further include: S530, the first node receives fourth indication information from the second node, and correspondingly, the second node sends the fourth indication information to the first node, the fourth indication information being used to indicate the threshold.

[0234] For example, AP#2 can also send indication information #2 to AP#1, which indicates the error value, i.e., the aforementioned threshold T. Indication information #2 is one possible implementation of the fourth indication information.

[0235] In another possible implementation, the threshold T mentioned above can be standard-specified, predefined, preset, or indicated by other communication devices besides AP#2 and AP#1. Threshold T is one possible implementation of the threshold.

[0236] In one possible implementation, method 500 may further include: S540, the first node receives third indication information from the second node, and correspondingly, the second node sends the third indication information to the first node, the third indication information being used to indicate the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF.

[0237] For example, AP#2 can also send instruction message #3 to AP#1, which instructs AP#2 to request AP#1 to adjust the TSF timer by an adjustment amount. AP#1 adjusts its TSF timer according to this adjustment amount, enabling the TSF timers of AP#2 and AP#1 to be aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU, or in other words, aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU boundary. Instruction message #3 is one possible implementation of a third instruction message.

[0238] Alternatively, for example, the adjustment amount of AP#1 adjusting its TSF timer can be determined by AP#1 based on the current TSF of AP#2. AP#1 determining the adjustment amount of its TSF timer based on the current TSF timer of AP#2 can include: at a certain moment, AP#1 receives a beacon frame from AP#2, which carries the TSF#2 of AP#2; AP#1 determines the time difference of the TU boundary based on the TSF#2 and its own TSF#1 when receiving the beacon frame, and then determines the adjustment amount; or, the indication information #1 and the TSF#2 of AP#2 are carried in the request frame; AP#1 determines the time difference of the TU boundary based on the TSF#2 and its own TSF#1 when receiving the request frame, and then determines the adjustment amount. Carrying the TSF#2 of AP#2 in the beacon frame is one possible implementation of the third indication information.

[0239] In one possible implementation, AP#2 can also send instruction message #4 to AP#1, which instructs AP#2 to request AP#1 to adjust the first adjustment direction of its own TSF timer. AP#1 adjusts its TSF according to this first adjustment direction, enabling the TSFs of AP#2 and AP#1 to be aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU, or in other words, aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU boundary. Instruction message #4 is one possible implementation of a third instruction message.

[0240] In another possible implementation, the first adjustment direction of AP#1 adjusting its own TSF timer may be determined by AP#1 based on the current TSF timer of AP#2. The determination of the first adjustment direction of AP#1's TSF timer based on the current TSF timer of AP#2 may include: at a certain moment, AP#1 receives a beacon frame from AP#2, which carries the TSF#2 of AP#2, and AP#1 determines the first adjustment direction based on the TSF#2 and its own TSF#1 when receiving the beacon frame.

[0241] In the embodiments of this application, the first adjustment direction or the second adjustment direction can be forward adjustment or backward adjustment, or adjustment to the future or adjustment to the past; the first adjustment direction or the second adjustment direction can be a direction with a relatively small adjustment amount (or a direction selected according to other principles, etc.).

[0242] One or more of instruction information #1, instruction information #2, instruction information #3, and instruction information #4 may be carried in the aforementioned request frame, or may not be carried in the request frame; one or more of instruction information #1, instruction information #2, instruction information #3, and instruction information #4 may be carried in the same frame, or may be carried in different frames. This application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0243] Step #2: AP#1 sends a response frame, and correspondingly, AP#2 receives a response frame in response to the request frame. The response frame is used to indicate whether AP#2 agrees to protect its RTWT schedule, or in other words, the response frame is used to indicate whether AP#1 (agrees) to adjust AP#1's TSF timer.

[0244] For example, the response frame indicating agreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol / agreement to protect AP#2's RTWT schedule can be equivalent to the response frame indicating that AP#1 agrees to adjust the first TSF; or, the response frame indicating disagreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol / agreement to protect AP#2's RTWT schedule can be equivalent to the response frame indicating that AP#1 disagrees to adjust the first TSF.

[0245] In one possible implementation, the status code field (or other field) in the response frame is used to indicate whether the protection of AP#2's RTWT schedule is agreed upon, or in other words, the response frame is used to indicate whether AP#1 (agrees) to make TSF adjustments. For example, the value of the status code field in the response frame can be 0, which indicates agreement to make TSF timer adjustments.

[0246] If AP#1 agrees to adjust its TSF timer, then AP#1 can adjust its own TSF timer so that the TSF timers of AP#2 and AP#1 are aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU, or in other words, aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU boundary. AP#1 can send the response frame first and then adjust its own TSF timer; or, AP#1 can adjust its own TSF timer first and then send the response frame; or, AP#1 can simultaneously send the response frame and adjust its own TSF timer.

[0247] AP#1 agrees to adjust the TSF timer. AP#1 can also perform step #3: AP#1 sends a beacon frame or a delivery traffic indication message (DTIM) frame to the STA associated with AP#1. Correspondingly, the STA associated with AP#1 receives the beacon frame or DTIM frame. The DTIM frame is a special beacon frame used by the AP to notify the STA that there is buffered broadcast / multicast data.

[0248] When the lower 10 bits of the adjusted TSF timer of AP#1 return to zero, it indicates the start of the current TU or the end of the previous TU. The end of N TUs can trigger the broadcast of a beacon frame / DTIM frame (N is a positive integer). AP#1 can use the broadcast of this beacon frame / DTIM frame to change the value of its own TSF timer, so that all STAs associated with AP#1 can achieve clock / time synchronization with AP#1.

[0249] In one possible implementation, the beacon frame / DTIM frame contains an indication that the value of its TSF timer has been adjusted. Based on this indication, the STA can determine that the adjustment of its TSF timer value is not due to AP instability or other errors, thus avoiding erroneous operations such as the STA mistakenly believing that the AP is unstable and associating it with other APs due to the AP adjusting its own TSF timer.

[0250] AP#1 disagrees with the RTWT work plan / schedule for AP#2. The value of the status code field (or other field) in the response frame can be used to indicate the reason for disagreeing with the RTWT work plan / schedule for AP#2.

[0251] For example, if AP#1 disagrees with protecting AP#2's RTWT work schedule, the status code field in the response frame will be non-zero. Different values ​​in the status code field of this response frame can indicate different reasons for disagreeing with protecting AP#2's RTWT work schedule. For instance, the value of the status code field in this response frame might indicate that AP#1 disagrees (rejects) protecting AP#2's RTWT work schedule because AP#1 cannot adjust AP#1's TSF timer.

[0252] AP#2 can resend a request frame based on the reason why AP#1 disagrees (rejects) protecting AP#2's RTWT work schedule. For example, if AP#1 disagrees (rejects) protecting AP#2's RTWT work schedule because AP#1 cannot adjust its TSF timer, the resent request frame requests AP#1 to protect AP#2's RTWT schedule but does not require AP#1 to adjust its TSF timer. Alternatively, if AP#1 disagrees (rejects) protecting AP#2's RTWT work schedule because AP#1 cannot adjust its TSF timer for a certain period, the resent request frame requests AP#1 to protect AP#2's RTWT schedule but does not require AP#1 to adjust its TSF timer; or, after that period, AP#2 resends a request frame requesting AP#1 to protect AP#2's RTWT schedule and requesting AP#1 to adjust AP#1's TSF timer.

[0253] Different values ​​in the status code field are used to indicate different reasons for disagreeing with the protection of AP#2's RTWT work plan / schedule. This allows AP#2 to formulate a more reasonable strategy based on the reasons, increasing the probability and rationality of successfully requesting AP#1 to protect AP#2's RTWT schedule.

[0254] In some possible implementations, before S510, method 500 may further include S505: the first node sends a request frame to the second node, and correspondingly, the second node receives the request frame from the first node, the request frame being used to request the establishment of the Co-RTWT protocol, the request frame carrying the RTWT information of the first node; S510 specifically includes: the first node receiving a response frame from the second node, and correspondingly, the second node sending a response frame to the first node, the response frame carrying the first indication information.

[0255] For example, the scheme #2 for AP#2 and AP#1 to determine which AP needs to adjust the TSF timer during the Co-RTWT protocol establishment process may include the following steps.

[0256] Step #4: AP#1 sends a request frame, and AP#2 receives the corresponding request frame, which carries the RTWTschedule information of AP#1.

[0257] Step #5: AP#2 sends a response frame, and correspondingly, AP#1 receives a response frame, which responds to the request frame.

[0258] In one possible implementation, AP#2 may also send instruction message #5 to AP#1. Instruction message #5 indicates which AP needs to adjust its TSF timer so that the TSF timers of AP#2 and AP#1 are aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU, or in other words, aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU boundary. In other words, instruction message #5 may indicate whether AP#2 requests AP#1 to adjust its TSF timer so that the TSF timers of AP#2 and AP#1 are aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU, or in other words, aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU boundary. Instruction message #5 is one possible implementation of the first instruction message.

[0259] Instruction message #5 can instruct: requesting AP#1 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#1; and / or, AP#2 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#2. For example, instruction message #5 instructs: requesting AP#1 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#1; or, AP#2 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#2 (without requiring AP#1 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#1); or, requesting AP#1 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#1 (and AP#2 to adjust the TSF timer of AP#2).

[0260] In one possible implementation, AP#2 can also send indication information #6 to AP#1, which indicates the error value, i.e., the aforementioned threshold T. Indication information #6 is one possible implementation of the fourth indication information.

[0261] In another possible implementation, the threshold T mentioned above can be standard-specified, predefined, preset, or indicated by other communication devices besides AP#2 and AP#1. Threshold T is one possible implementation of the threshold.

[0262] In one possible implementation, AP#2 can also send instruction message #7 to AP#1, which instructs AP#2 to request AP#1 to adjust the TSF timer by an adjustment amount. AP#1 adjusts its TSF timer according to this adjustment amount, enabling the TSF timers of AP#2 and AP#1 to be aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU, or in other words, aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU boundary. Instruction message #7 is one possible implementation of a third instruction message.

[0263] In one possible implementation, AP#2 may also send instruction message #8 to AP#1, which instructs AP#2 to request AP#1 to adjust the first adjustment direction of the TSF timer. AP#1 adjusts its TSF timer according to this first adjustment direction, enabling the TSF timers of AP#2 and AP#1 to be aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU, or in other words, aligned (or approximately aligned) on the TU boundary. Instruction message #8 is a possible implementation of a third instruction message.

[0264] One or more of indication information #5, indication information #6, indication information #7, and indication information #8 may be carried in the aforementioned response frame, or may not be carried in the response frame; one or more of indication information #5, indication information #6, indication information #7, and indication information #8 may be carried in the same frame, or may be carried in different frames. This application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0265] The difference between Scheme #1 and Scheme #2 lies in which AP determines the AP that needs to adjust the TSF timer (or, which AP determines the reference AP for adjusting the TSF timer).

[0266] The implementation of scheme #3, which involves adjusting the TSF timer after AP#2 and AP#1 have established the Co-RTWT protocol, can be similar to scheme #1 or scheme #2 described above. The only difference is that the information exchanged between AP#2 and AP#1 in scheme #3 may not include RTWT schedule information. To avoid redundancy, this application embodiment will not elaborate further on this.

[0267] After the Co-RTWT protocol is established, AP#2 and AP#1 will adjust their TSF timers. This may be done if the TSF timers were not adjusted during the Co-RTWT protocol establishment process, or for other reasons (e.g., after the Co-RTWT protocol is established, the TUs (or TU boundaries) of AP#2 and AP#1 are not aligned or approximately aligned).

[0268] The implementation of scheme #4, in which AP#2 and AP#1 adjust the TSF timer without relying on the establishment of the Co-RTWT protocol, can be similar to scheme #1 or scheme #2 described above. The only difference may be that the information exchanged between AP#2 and AP#1 in scheme #4 may not include RTWT schedule information. For example, AP#2 or AP#1 determines which AP needs to adjust the TSF timer, the adjustment amount of the TSF timer, or the first adjustment direction of the TSF timer, based on the RTWT information of the detected or assessed other AP and its own maintained RTWT information. To avoid redundancy, this embodiment will not elaborate further.

[0269] In one possible implementation, method 500 may further include: S550, the second node receives fifth indication information from the first node, and correspondingly, the first node sends fifth indication information to the second node, the fifth indication information being used to indicate whether the first node can adjust the first TSF.

[0270] For example, to inform other APs whether their TSF timers are allowed to be adjusted, AP#2 or AP#1 can also send indication information #9. APs surrounding the AP sending indication information #9 can receive indication information #9, which indicates whether the TSF timers of the AP sending the indication information #9 are allowed to be adjusted. Indication information #9 is one possible implementation of a fifth indication information.

[0271] The application of instruction #9 can also be combined with the above schemes #1, #2, #3, or #4.

[0272] When AP#1 indicates that its TSF timer is not allowed to be adjusted, other APs besides AP#1, such as AP#2, cannot request AP#1 to adjust its TSF timer.

[0273] In one possible implementation, the fifth indication information (or indication information #9) is carried in a broadcast frame, such as a beacon frame. A broadcast frame is a frame sent in a broadcast format, which allows APs around the AP that sends the broadcast frame to receive the information carried in the broadcast frame.

[0274] In another possible implementation, the fifth instruction message (or instruction message #9) is carried in a multi-AP coordination (MAPC) discovery frame, a MAPC negotiation request frame, or a MAPC negotiation response frame.

[0275] Specifically, the fifth indication information may be carried in the MAPC element field of the aforementioned frames (including multi-APcoordination (MAPC) discovery frames, MAPC negotiation request frames, or MAPC negotiation response frames).

[0276] In one possible implementation, method 500 may further include: S560, the second node receives a sixth indication information from the first node, and correspondingly, the first node sends the sixth indication information to the second node, the sixth indication information being used to indicate the maximum value of the first TSF and / or the second adjustment direction.

[0277] For example, when indication information #9 indicates that the AP sending indication information #9 allows adjustment of the TSF timer, the AP sending indication information #9 may also send indication information #10 and / or indication information #11. Indication information #10 is used to indicate the maximum adjustment amount allowed for adjusting the TSF timer, such as Mus (M is a positive integer), and indication information #11 is used to indicate a second adjustment direction allowed for adjusting the TSF timer, such as adjusting to the past or adjusting to the future. Indication information #10 or indication information #11 is one possible implementation of the sixth indication information. The maximum adjustment amount is one possible implementation of the maximum value.

[0278] One or more of the above-mentioned instruction information #9, instruction information #10, and instruction information #11 can be carried in the same frame or in different frames. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0279] The maximum allowable adjustment amount for the TSF timer can be such that, after adjustment, the minimum time difference between the AP transmitting instruction information #9 and the TU boundaries of other APs remains less than or equal to the maximum value of a certain threshold T. The second adjustment direction can be related to this maximum adjustment amount. For example, if AP#1 has already achieved TU (or TU boundary) alignment or approximately alignment with AP#3, and if the adjustment amount of AP#1's TSF timer backward is M1us (M1 is a positive integer), then the minimum time difference between the TU boundaries of AP#1 and AP#3 after adjustment is equal to the threshold T; or, if the adjustment amount of AP#1's TSF timer forward is M2us (M2 is a positive integer), then the minimum time difference between the TU boundaries of AP#1 and AP#3 after adjustment is equal to the threshold T. M1us or M2us is one possible implementation of the maximum adjustment amount (Mus).

[0280] Alternatively, to enable other nodes to determine a more reasonable adjustment strategy for the TSF, the first node can instruct other nodes: can the first TSF be adjusted?

[0281] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a communication method 900 applicable to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0282] The communication method 900 includes the following steps:

[0283] S910, the first node sends a fifth indication message to the second node. Correspondingly, the second node receives the fifth indication message from the first node. The fifth indication message is used to indicate whether the first node can adjust the first TSF, which is the TSF timer of the first node.

[0284] The specific implementation of method 900 can be referred to method 500, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0285] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process / step above does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0286] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0287] It should also be understood that in the above embodiments, the examples are mainly based on devices in existing network architectures, and it should be understood that the specific form of the devices is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, any device that can achieve the same function in the future is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0288] It is understood that, in the above-described method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the device (such as the first node and the second node) can also be implemented by components (such as chips or circuits) that can be used in the device.

[0289] It is also understood that some optional features in the various embodiments of this application may not depend on other features in some scenarios, or may be combined with other features in some scenarios, without limitation.

[0290] The above, combined with Figures 5 to 9 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail. The above communication method is mainly described from the perspective of the interaction between the first node and the second node. It is understood that, in order to realize the above functions, the first node and the second node include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0291] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0292] The following, combined with Figures 10 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 content not described in detail can be found in the above method embodiments. For brevity, some content is omitted.

[0293] This application embodiment can divide the first node and the second node into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to each function as an example.

[0294] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 10 includes a transceiver module 11, which can implement corresponding communication functions.

[0295] Alternatively, the transceiver module 11 is used to perform receiving and sending related operations. The transceiver module 11 can also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit. The transceiver module 11 may include a receiving module and / or a sending module, whereby the receiving module performs receiving-related operations and the sending module performs sending-related operations.

[0296] For example, the device 10 may further include a processing module 12 for performing data processing.

[0297] In other words, the processing module 12 is used to perform operations other than receiving and sending.

[0298] For example, the device 10 may further include a storage module 13, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 12 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the device can perform the operation of the device in the aforementioned method embodiments. The above modules may also be referred to as units, such as transceiver units, processing units, storage units, etc.

[0299] In one design, the device 10 may correspond to the first node in the above method embodiments, or to a component of the first node (such as a chip).

[0300] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the first node in the above method embodiment. The transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first node in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the first node in the above method embodiment.

[0301] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 5 When using the method, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S505, S510, S520, S530, S540, S550, or S560, etc.; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as determining the second indication information, determining the fifth indication information, determining the sixth indication information, generating a request frame / response frame, processing the request frame / response frame, or adjusting the first TSF, etc.

[0302] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 9 When the method is in use, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as step S910; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as determining the fifth instruction information.

[0303] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0304] In another design, the device 10 may correspond to the second node in the above method embodiment, or to a component of the second node (such as a chip).

[0305] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the second node in the above method embodiment. The transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the second node in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the second node in the above method embodiment.

[0306] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 5When using the method, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as steps S505, S510, S520, S530, S540, S550, or S560, etc.; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as determining the first indication information, determining the third indication information, determining the fourth indication information, generating a request frame / response frame, or processing the request frame / response frame, etc.

[0307] When the device 10 is used to perform Figure 9 When the method is in use, the transceiver module 11 can be used to execute the steps of sending and receiving information in the method, such as step S910; the processing module 12 can be used to execute the processing steps in the method, such as processing the fifth instruction information.

[0308] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0309] It should also be understood that the device 10 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here may refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that support the described functions.

[0310] The apparatus 10 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the devices (such as the first node and the second node) in the above-described methods. This function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functions; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the transmitting unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing modules, can be replaced by processors, which respectively execute the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0311] In addition, the transceiver module 11 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing module can be a processing circuit.

[0312] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 20 includes a transceiver 23, which is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals.

[0313] For example, such as Figure 11As shown, the device 20 also includes a memory 22 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data.

[0314] For example, the memory 22 may be one or more.

[0315] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the device 20 also includes a processor 21, which is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 22, or to read data / signaling stored in the memory 22, in order to perform the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0316] For example, there may be one or more processors 21.

[0317] For example, processor 21 is used to control transceiver 23 to receive and / or transmit signals. Transceiver 23 may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, the receiver being used for receiving signals and the transmitter for transmitting signals; if communication device 20 is a chip, then transceiver 23 is the chip's input / output interface, where the output corresponds to transmitting and the input corresponds to receiving.

[0318] The memory 22 can be integrated with the processor 21, or it can be set separately.

[0319] As one approach, the device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by the first node or the second node in the various method embodiments described above.

[0320] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0321] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0322] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0323] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0324] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a chip system 30 provided in an embodiment of this application. The chip system 30 (or may also be called a processing system) includes logic circuitry 31 and an input / output interface 32.

[0325] The logic circuit 31 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 30. The logic circuit 31 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 30 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 32 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 30, outputting processed information from the chip system 30, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 30 for processing.

[0326] As one approach, the chip system 30 is used to implement the operations performed by the first node or the second node in the various method embodiments described above.

[0327] For example, logic circuit 31 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first node in the above method embodiment; input / output interface 32 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first node in the above method embodiment.

[0328] For example, logic circuit 31 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the second node in the above method embodiment; input / output interface 32 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the second node in the above method embodiment.

[0329] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0330] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer / processor, it enables the computer / processor to implement the methods executed by the first node or the second node in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0331] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods executed by the first node or the second node in the above-described method embodiments.

[0332] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned first node and second node.

[0333] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0334] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0335] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0336] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first node, the method includes: Receive first indication information from the second node, the first indication information is used to indicate the adjustment of the first time synchronization function TSF and / or the second TSF, the boundary difference of the time unit of the adjusted first TSF and the adjusted second TSF is less than or equal to a threshold, the first TSF is the TSF timer of the first node, and the second TSF is the TSF timer of the second node. Send a second indication message to the second node, the second indication message being used to indicate whether to agree to adjust the first TSF.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third indication information from the second node, the third indication information being used to indicate the adjustment amount and / or first adjustment direction of the first TSF.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third indication information is used to indicate the adjustment amount and / or the first adjustment direction of the first TSF, including: The third indication information is used to indicate the second TSF, and the adjustment amount of the first TSF and / or the first adjustment direction are determined based on the reception time of the third indication information and the second TSF.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The threshold is preset; or, The method further includes: Receive a fourth indication message from the second node, the fourth indication message being used to indicate the threshold.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Before receiving the first indication information from the second node, the method further includes: A fifth indication message is sent to the second node, the fifth indication message being used to indicate that the first node can adjust the first TSF.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: A sixth indication message is sent to the second node, the sixth indication message being used to indicate the adjustment of the maximum value of the first TSF and / or the second adjustment direction.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The receipt of the first indication information from the second node includes: A request frame is received from the second node. The request frame is used to request the establishment of a Co-RTWT protocol with limited cooperation. The request frame carries the first indication information and the limited target wake-up time (RTWT) information of the second node.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Sending the second indication information to the second node includes: Send a response frame to the second node, the response frame carrying the second indication information; The second indication information indicates agreement to adjust the first TSF, including: the response frame indicating agreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol; or, the second indication information indicates disagreement to adjust the first TSF, including: the response frame indicating disagreement to establish the Co-RTWT protocol.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: A request frame is sent to the second node. The request frame is used to request the establishment of the Co-RTWT protocol. The request frame carries the RTWT information of the first node.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The receipt of the first indication information from the second node includes: Receive a response frame from the second node, the response frame carrying the first indication information.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the second node, the method includes: Send a first indication message to the first node. The first indication message is used to indicate the adjustment of the first time synchronization function TSF and / or the second TSF. The boundary difference of the time unit of the adjusted first TSF and the adjusted second TSF is less than or equal to a threshold. The first TSF is the TSF timer of the first node, and the second TSF is the TSF timer of the second node. Receive a second indication message from the first node, the second indication message being used to indicate whether to agree to adjust the first TSF.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first node, the method includes: A fifth instruction message is sent to the second node, the fifth instruction message being used to instruct the first node to adjust the first TSF, the first TSF being the TSF timer of the first node.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the second node, the method includes: The system receives a fifth indication message from the first node, which indicates that the first node can adjust the first TSF, where the first TSF is the TSF timer of the first node.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a unit or module for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 10; or, it includes a unit or module for performing the method of claim 11; or, it includes a unit or module for performing the method of claim 12; or, it includes a unit or module for performing the method of claim 13.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being configured to execute computer programs or instructions, The communication device is made to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, or the communication device is made to perform the method of claim 11, or the communication device is made to perform the method of claim 12, or the communication device is made to perform the method of claim 13.

16. The communication device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions; and / or, The communication device further includes a communication interface coupled to the at least one processor, the communication interface being used for inputting and / or outputting information.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be performed.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 to be performed.

19. A chip, characterized in that, include: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, such that the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 is executed.

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