A communication method and a communication device

Abstract

A communication method and device are disclosed, applicable to WLAN systems supporting IEEE 802.11ax next-generation Wi-Fi protocols, such as 802.11be, 802.11bn, and 802.11bn next-generation protocols, and also applicable to UWB-based wireless personal area network systems and sensing systems. In this method, a first access point, upon determining that the primary channel of the first channel is idle, instructs a first station operating on the second channel to switch the primary channel back to the primary channel of the first channel. This avoids wasting the transmission resources of the primary channel and improves resource utilization.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) related technologies, the non-primary channel access (NPCA) mechanism is being widely discussed. Specifically, the non-primary channel access mechanism refers to the following: when two Wi-Fi devices have different operating bandwidths but the same primary channel, if the Wi-Fi device with the smaller bandwidth has already preempted the channel and started transmitting, the Wi-Fi device with the larger bandwidth can switch to the secondary channel during this transmission time to make full use of spectrum resources, improve spectrum efficiency, increase access opportunities, and thus improve the experience in terms of bandwidth, latency, etc.

[0003] However, the current NPCA mechanism leads to a waste of resources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and a communication device that can improve resource utilization.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be applied to a first access point, for example, can be executed by the first access point or by a component of the first access point (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system).

[0006] The method includes: determining that the primary channel of the first channel is in an idle state; transmitting a first frame on the second channel, the first frame being used to instruct the first station to switch the primary channel to the primary channel of the first channel, the second channel being a non-primary channel, the second channel including the NPCA primary channel, and the first station being associated with the first access point.

[0007] Based on the above scheme, the first access point can instruct the first station working on the second channel to switch the main channel to the main channel of the first channel when it is determined that the main channel of the first channel is idle. This can avoid wasting the transmission resources of the main channel and improve the utilization rate of resources.

[0008] For example, the first channel and the second channel do not overlap.

[0009] In this application, the first access point can operate on the second channel, or on the first channel and the second channel. Since the first channel and the second channel do not overlap, the first access point can support NPCA, thereby increasing the opportunity for channel access, avoiding the waste of non-primary channel resources, and improving resource utilization.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, determining that the main channel in the first channel is in an idle state includes: detecting a second frame in the first channel, the second frame being used to indicate that the first channel is in an idle state, and determining that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, the first access point can determine that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state based on the second frame on the first channel. Since the second frame can indicate that the first channel is in an idle state, the first access point can more accurately determine whether the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, determining that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state includes: if no radio frame is detected in the first channel within a first time threshold, determining that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, the first access point can determine whether the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state based on whether there is frame interaction on the first channel, thus enabling simple and efficient channel state detection.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, determining that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state includes: detecting a third frame on the first channel, the third frame including duration information; and determining that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state after the duration indicated by the duration information.

[0015] Based on the above scheme, the first access point can update the duration that the first channel needs to be occupied based on the third frame on the first channel, so as to know the latest status of the first channel and thus more accurately determine whether the main channel of the first channel is idle.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, the first frame includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the first station to switch the primary channel to the primary channel of the first channel.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, the first frame can contain first indication information to instruct the first station to switch the main channel to the main channel of the first channel, thus simplifying the indication method.

[0018] For example, the first indication information is frame type indication information, and the value of the frame type indication information is a first value, which is used to indicate the first station to switch the main channel to the main channel of the first channel.

[0019] Based on the above scheme, a special type of frame can be used to instruct the first station to switch the primary channel to the primary channel. When the receiving end parses this type of frame, it can know that it needs to switch back to the primary channel, thus reducing the parsing time of the receiving end and improving the efficiency of communication.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, after sending the first frame, the method further includes: switching the main channel to the main channel of the first channel.

[0021] Based on the above scheme, the first access point and the first station can switch to the main channel after the first frame, so that they can transmit in a timely manner on the main channel. Since the main channel is usually allocated more spectrum resources, supports higher data rates, or has higher priority, the transmission performance of the first access point and the first station can be guaranteed.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations, after sending the first frame, the method further includes: switching the main channel to a third channel, wherein the third channel includes the first channel and the second channel, and the main channel of the third channel is the main channel of the first channel.

[0023] Based on the above scheme, the first access point and the first site can switch to full-band operation in a timely manner, which can improve throughput and communication efficiency.

[0024] Secondly, a communication method is provided that can be applied to a first station, for example, it can be executed by the first station or by components of the first station (e.g., chips, circuits, or chip systems).

[0025] The method includes: receiving a first frame from a first access point on a second channel, the first frame being used to instruct a first site to switch its primary channel to the primary channel of the first channel, the first site being associated with the first access point, the second channel being a non-primary channel, the second channel including the NPCA primary channel; and parsing the first frame.

[0026] Based on the above scheme, the first access point can instruct the first station operating on the second channel to switch the main channel to the first channel in a timely manner. This allows for timely use of the main channel for transmission, avoids wasting the transmission resources of the main channel, and improves resource utilization.

[0027] For example, the first channel and the second channel do not overlap.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations, the first frame includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the first station to switch the main channel to the main channel of the first channel.

[0029] For example, the first indication information is frame type indication information, and the value of the frame type indication information is a first value, which is used to indicate the first station to switch the main channel to the main channel of the first channel.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations, after parsing the first frame, the method further includes: switching the main channel to the main channel of the first channel.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations, after parsing the first frame, the method further includes: switching the main channel to the third channel, where the third channel includes the first channel and the second channel, and the main channel of the third channel is the main channel of the first channel.

[0032] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which can be a first access point or a component of the first access point (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system). The device can have the functions of the first access point. For example, the device includes modules, units, or means that perform the operations involved in the first aspect. The modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0033] Specifically, the device includes: a processing unit for determining that the primary channel of the first channel is in an idle state; and a transceiver unit for transmitting a first frame on the second channel, wherein the first frame is used to instruct the first station to switch the primary channel to the primary channel of the first channel, the second channel is a non-primary channel, the second channel includes the NPCA primary channel, and the first station is associated with the first access point.

[0034] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the processing unit is specifically used to: detect a second frame on the first channel, the second frame being used to indicate that the first channel is in an idle state, and determine that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

[0035] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the processing unit is specifically used to: determine that the main channel of the first channel is idle if no radio frame is detected in the first channel within a first time threshold.

[0036] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the processing unit is specifically used to: detect a third frame in the first channel, the third frame including duration information; and determine that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state after the duration indicated by the duration information.

[0037] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the processing unit is also used to: switch the main channel to the main channel of the first channel.

[0038] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations, the processing unit is also used to: switch the main channel to a third channel, the third channel including the first channel and the second channel, and the main channel of the third channel being the main channel of the first channel.

[0039] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. The device can be a first station or a component of the first station (e.g., a chip, circuit, or chip system). The device can have the functions described in the second aspect above. For example, the device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect above. The modules, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0040] Specifically, the device includes: a transceiver unit, configured to receive a first frame from a first access point on a second channel, the first frame being used to instruct a first station to switch its primary channel to the primary channel of the first channel, the first station being associated with the first access point, the second channel being a non-primary channel, and the second channel including the NPCA primary channel; and a processing unit, configured to parse the first frame.

[0041] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations, the processing unit is also used to: switch the main channel to the main channel of the first channel.

[0042] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations, the processing unit is also used to: switch the main channel to the third channel, the third channel including the first channel and the second channel, and the main channel of the third channel being the main channel of the first channel.

[0043] It should be understood that for any parts not described in detail in the third and fourth aspects, please refer to the first and second aspects, which will not be repeated here.

[0044] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a memory for storing a program; and at least one processor for executing the computer program or instructions stored in the memory to perform the method provided in any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations.

[0045] In one implementation, the device is a first access point or a first site.

[0046] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit for use in a first access point or a first site.

[0047] A sixth aspect provides a communication device comprising: at least one processor and a communication interface, the at least one processor being configured to obtain a computer program or instructions stored in a memory via the communication interface to execute the method provided in any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations. The communication interface may be implemented in hardware or software.

[0048] In one implementation, the device also includes a memory.

[0049] In a seventh aspect, a processor is provided for executing the methods provided in any of the foregoing aspects.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 above aspects or implementations thereof.

[0052] Ninthly, a computer program product including instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided in any of the above aspects or implementations thereof.

[0053] In a tenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided in any of the above aspects or their implementations. The communication interface can be implemented in hardware or software.

[0054] Optionally, 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 above aspects or their implementations.

[0055] When the method provided in this application is executed by a chip, this application does not limit the specific number of chips implementing the method. For example, it can be executed by one chip, or by two or more chips. Furthermore, when the number of chips implementing the method is two or more, the chip manufacturers are not limited; they can be from the same manufacturer or different manufacturers.

[0056] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program is provided that, when run on a computer, causes the methods provided by any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations to be executed.

[0057] In a twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes the aforementioned first access point or first site.

[0058] It should be understood that the beneficial effects of aspects two through twelfth and any of their implementations can be referenced from aspect one and any of its implementations. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the network architecture applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0060] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating channel occupancy in the NPCA mechanism.

[0061] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating two scenarios that trigger NPCA.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in this application.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the CF-End frame provided in this application.

[0064] Figure 7 This is a frame interaction flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in this application.

[0065] Figure 8 This is a frame interaction flowchart of a communication method 800 provided in this application.

[0066] Figure 9 This is a frame interaction flowchart of a communication method 900 provided in this application.

[0067] Figure 10 This is a frame interaction flowchart of a communication method 1000 provided in this application.

[0068] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] The embodiments of this application can be applied to wireless local area networks (WLANs), for example, supporting IEEE 802.11 related standards (or protocols), such as 802.11a / b / g standards, 802.11n standards, 802.11ac standards, 802.11ax standards (i.e., Wi-Fi 6, also known as high efficient (HE) standards), 802.11be standards (i.e., Wi-Fi 7, also known as extremely high throughput (EHT) standards), 802.11bn standards (i.e., Wi-Fi 8, also known as ultra-high reliability (UHR) standards) or next-generation Wi-Fi 8 standards, and also include 802.11ad, 802.11ay standards, etc. The embodiments of this application can also be applied to wireless local area network systems that support integrated millimeter wave (IMMW), wireless local area network systems that support ultra-wideband (UWB) such as the 802.15 series standards, sensing systems such as the 802.11bf series standards, or wireless positioning such as 802.11az. This application can also support standards such as spark link and near link.

[0071] It should be understood that standards and protocols are interchangeable in this application. Unless otherwise specified, the IEEE 802.11 standard is referred to as the 802.11 standard.

[0072] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can also be applied to various communication systems, such as: 5th generation (5G) systems or new radio (NR), future communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) networks or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks, etc.

[0073] 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.

[0074] A WLAN can include multiple basic service sets (BSSs), and the network nodes in a BSS are collectively referred to as stations (STAs). BSSs are the fundamental modules of IEEE 802.11 local area networks. Depending on their topology, functions, etc., BSSs can be divided into infrastructure BSSs and independent BSSs, etc.

[0075] In a structured BSS, one site is used to access the distribution system (DS). This site is called an access point (AP) site, or simply AP. Other sites are called non-access point sites, or simply non-AP sites (non-AP STAs). Non-AP STAs need to access the DS through an AP. Therefore, STAs in a structured BSS can be specifically divided into APs and non-AP STAs. Each BSS can include one AP and multiple non-AP STAs associated with that AP. Within a BSS, data can be transmitted between the AP and each non-AP STA. A BSS can also be understood as a cell. STAs in an independent BSS are equal; there is no distinction between APs and non-AP STAs, and STAs can transmit data between each other. Unless otherwise specified in this application, BSS refers to a structured BSS, and a site can be either an AP or a non-AP STA.

[0076] The AP in this application embodiment can also be called a wireless access point or hotspot. An AP is an access point for mobile users to access a wired network, mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses, with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Of course, it can also be deployed outdoors. An AP acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks, its main function being to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, the AP can be a device supporting the 802.11 series standards, such as 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or later versions of one or more WLAN standards.

[0077] In this application embodiment, the non-AP STA can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal. For example, it can be a mobile phone supporting WiFi communication, a tablet computer supporting WiFi communication, a set-top box supporting WiFi communication, a smart TV supporting WiFi communication, a smart wearable device supporting WiFi communication, an in-vehicle communication device supporting WiFi communication, or a computer supporting WiFi communication. The non-AP STA can support the 802.11 series standards; for example, a non-AP STA can be a device that supports one or more WLAN standards such as 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn, or later versions.

[0078] In this embodiment, the non-AP STA or AP includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment, as long as it can communicate according to the method provided in this embodiment by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this embodiment. For example, the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment can be a non-AP STA or AP, or a functional module in a non-AP STA or AP that can call and execute a program.

[0079] Furthermore, various aspects or features of this application can be implemented as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). Additionally, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0080] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of a wireless local area network applicable to embodiments of this application. Figure 1 include Figure 1 (a) and Figure 1 (b)

[0081] like Figure 1 As shown in (a), a BSS may include an AP and one or more non-AP STAs associated with that AP. A wireless LAN network architecture may also include multiple BSSs, for example, Figure 1As shown in (b), BSS#1, BSS#2, and BSS#3 are the three structural BSSs for accessing the DS. AP#1, AP#2, and AP#3 are used to access the DS, and they can also communicate with each other. Non-AP STA11, non-AP STA12, and non-AP STA13 in BSS#1 access the DS through AP#1; non-AP STA21, non-AP STA22, and non-AP STA23 in BSS#2 access the DS through AP#2; and non-AP STA31 and non-AP STA32 in BSS#3 access the DS through AP#3. BSS#1 and BSS#2 partially overlap, meaning they form an overlapping basic service set (OBSS). Non-AP STA11, non-AP STA12, and non-AP STA23 represent the overlapping portions of the two BSSs. There is no overlap between BSS#3 and BSS#1, and no overlap between BSS#3 and BSS#2. Non-AP STAs can communicate with each other via AP.

[0082] In this application, an OBSS site refers to a site in a BSS that is an OBSS of the BSS to which this site belongs, for example, in Figure 1 In (b), BSS#1 and BSS#2 are each other's OBSS. Therefore, for any one of AP#1, non-AP STA11, non-AP STA12, and non-AP STA13, any one of AP#2, non-AP STA21, non-AP STA22, and non-AP STA23 is an OBSS site. For any one of AP#2, non-AP STA21, non-AP STA22, and non-AP STA23, any one of AP#1, non-AP STA11, non-AP STA12, and non-AP STA13 is an OBSS site.

[0083] It should be understood that Figure 1 This is merely an example and should not limit the network architecture of the wireless local area network to which this application applies. For example, the network architecture may include more BSSs, each BSS may include more non-AP STAs, or some BSSs may not include APs. Areas where multiple BSSs overlap may also include more non-AP STAs, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0084] In WLAN-related technologies, the NPCA mechanism is being widely discussed. Its main idea is that when the operating bandwidth of Wi-Fi devices in two BSSs is different but the main channel is the same, if the Wi-Fi device with smaller bandwidth has already preempted the channel and started transmitting, the Wi-Fi BSS device with larger bandwidth can switch to non-main channel operation during the transmission time to make full use of spectrum resources, improve spectrum efficiency, increase access opportunities, and thus improve the experience in terms of bandwidth, latency, etc.

[0085] Specifically, when the primary channel is busy, the station can switch to a non-primary channel sub-channel for channel detection, for example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, AP1 within BSS1 has an operating bandwidth of 160MHz. By performing preamble detection (PD) on the primary channel (P20 in the diagram), it detects the presence of a physical protocol data unit (PPDU) (OBSS PPDU in the diagram) on the primary 80MHz channel. This means that other devices have already started data transmission on the primary 80MHz channel. At this point, AP1 can switch to a 20MHz sub-channel (NPCA P20 in the diagram) on an idle secondary 80MHz channel to perform PD, thereby enabling communication on a non-primary channel (secondary 80MHz channel) and improving channel utilization. The sub-channel used for PD on the non-primary channel is called the NPCA primary channel, also known as a temporary primary channel or NPCA anchor channel. NPCA applications are generally implemented at the BSS level. If an AP and a non-AP STA within a BSS (e.g., BSS1) detect a transmission from an OBSS, such as BSS2, on the main channel, then both the AP and non-AP STA in BSS1 will switch to the NPCA main channel for communication.

[0086] NPCA can be triggered under the following circumstances. It should be understood that the following circumstances are only examples and NPCA may also be triggered under other circumstances. This application does not limit it.

[0087] Case 1: Triggered by OBSS control frame interaction. OBSS control frame interaction generally indicates that OBSS will transmit data in the future. If a station detects OBSS control frame interaction, it can switch to the NPCA main channel based on this control frame interaction. OBSS control frame interaction can be: (1) Request to send (RTS) frame + Clear to send (CTS) frame; (2) Multi-user request to send (MU-RTS) frame + CTS frame; (3) Buffer status report poll (BSRP) frame + Quality of service null (QoS Null) frame; (4) BSRP + Multi-STA block acknowledgment (Multi-STA BA). Among them, the QoS Null frame is used to carry the buffer status report (BSR).

[0088] Scenario 2: Triggered by OBSS PPDU (e.g., HE PPDU, EHT PPDU, or UHR PPDU).

[0089] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating one scenario that triggers NPCA, such as... Figure 3 As shown, an RTS frame plus a CTS frame can trigger an NPCA. Specifically, station a in BSS2 sends an RTS frame on the primary 80MHz channel, and station b in BSS2 replies to station a with a CTS frame. After receiving the CTS, station a can send one or more PPDUs (i.e., PPDUs) on the primary 80MHz channel. Figure 3The OBSS PPDU (which belongs to the local BSS PPDU for BSS2 stations and to the OBSS PPDU for BSS1 stations) corresponds to the fact that station b can reply with one or more block acknowledgement (BA) frames on the main channel. Each BA frame indicates whether the previous PPDU was successfully received. After a BSS1 station (such as an AP or non-AP STA) detects the interaction of RTS and CTS frames on the 20MHz main channel of the main 80MHz channel, it will switch to a non-main channel (the secondary 80MHz as shown in the figure). The RTS and CTS frames include a duration field, which indicates the duration of subsequent occupation of the main 80MHz channel. After receiving the CTS frame, the BSS1 station can start a network allocation vector (NAV) timer according to the duration field and switch back to the main channel before the NAV timer countdown ends. Before the NAV timer expires, the BSS1 site will not compete for the channel, thus protecting the transmission opportunity (TXOP) of other sites (such as the BSS2 site).

[0090] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating another scenario that triggers NPCA, such as... Figure 4 As shown, an OBSS PPDU can trigger NPCA. Specifically, station a in BSS2 sends a PPDU on the primary 80MHz channel (i.e., Figure 4 The OBSS PPDU (which is a local BSS PPDU for BSS2 stations and an OBSS PPDU for BSS1 stations) is received by BSS2 station b. Upon receiving this PPDU, BSS2 station b replies with a BA frame on the primary 80MHz channel to indicate whether the PPDU was successfully received. After detecting the PPDU on the primary 20MHz channel of the primary 80MHz channel, BSS1 stations (such as APs or non-APSTAs) switch to a non-primary channel (the secondary 80MHz as shown in the figure). The OBSS PPDU includes a Duration field, which indicates the duration of subsequent primary channel occupancy. Upon receiving the OBSS PPDU, BSS1 stations can start a NAV timer according to the Duration field and switch back to the primary channel before the NAV timer countdown ends. Before the NAV timer expires, BSS1 stations will not compete for the channel, thus protecting other stations (such as BSS2 stations) from TXOP (transmission interruption).

[0091] It should be understood that, Figures 2 to 4In this context, the operating bandwidth of BSS1 stations is 160MHz, including a primary 80MHz and a secondary 80MHz. The operating bandwidth of BSS2 stations is 80MHz, which is the primary 80MHz. Furthermore, the primary channel of BSS1 stations and the primary channel of BSS2 stations are the same, both being P20.

[0092] However, the aforementioned NPCA mechanism may lead to resource waste in some situations. Specifically, when a BSS1 station is operating on the non-primary channel, if the primary channel is not actually used by a BSS2 station, or if a BSS2 station prematurely terminates its communication on the primary channel, the primary channel will be idle, thus wasting its resources.

[0093] In view of this, this application proposes a communication method and communication device that can improve resource utilization.

[0094] It should be understood that the embodiments shown below use a first access point, a first site, etc., as examples to illustrate the method. However, this application does not limit the execution subject. Any program that can run the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application can communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application. The execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of this application can be a first access point, a first site, etc., or a functional module in the first access point, first site, etc., that can call and execute the program. There are no restrictions.

[0095] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in this application, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the method 500 includes the following steps.

[0096] S510, the first access point determines that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

[0097] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the primary channel mentioned may refer to the primary 20MHz sub-channel, the specific location of which is determined by the BSS configuration, for example, as... Figure 2 In P20, the first channel can refer to a channel that includes a primary 20MHz sub-channel. That is, the bandwidth of the first channel can be greater than 20MHz. For example, the first channel could be a primary 80MHz sub-channel, a primary 160MHz sub-channel, etc., all of which include the primary 20MHz sub-channel. For instance, the first channel is... Figure 2 The main 80MHz channel.

[0098] For example, when the first access point executes S510, it operates on the second channel, which is a non-primary channel. For instance, the second channel could refer to a secondary 80MHz channel, a secondary 160MHz channel, etc. The second channel does not include the primary 20MHz sub-channel. For example, the second channel is... Figure 2 The secondary 80MHz channel.

[0099] The second channel includes the NPCA primary channel, which can also be called the temporary primary channel or NPCA anchor channel. It refers to a 20MHz sub-channel that is not part of the primary channel, such as... Figure 2 The second channel is NPCAP20. In other words, the second channel includes the NPCA main channel; therefore, the bandwidth of the second channel can be greater than 20MHz.

[0100] Furthermore, the first and second channels do not overlap, and the operating bandwidth of the first access point includes the bandwidth corresponding to the first channel; for example, the operating bandwidth of the first access point is greater than the bandwidth of the first channel. The operating bandwidth of the first access point also includes the bandwidth corresponding to the second channel; for example, the operating bandwidth of the first access point is greater than the bandwidth of the second channel.

[0101] In one implementation, the operating bandwidth of the first access point is the sum of the bandwidth of the first channel and the bandwidth of the second channel. For example, the operating bandwidth of the first access point is 160MHz, with both the first and second channels occupying 80MHz; or the operating bandwidth of the first access point is 320MHz, with both the first and second channels occupying 160MHz.

[0102] In another implementation, the operating bandwidth of the first access point is greater than the sum of the bandwidths of the first and second channels. For example, the operating bandwidth of the first access point is 3200MHz, and both the first and second channels occupy 80MHz.

[0103] It should be understood that in the 802.11 protocol, an Access Point (AP) can operate on frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. An AP occupies a specific channel within a particular frequency band, such as an 80 MHz channel in the 5 GHz band, and communicates with non-AP STAs on these channels. With the development of the 802.11 protocol, the channel bandwidth that an AP can occupy has increased significantly. In 802.11be, the maximum channel bandwidth available to an AP can reach 320 MHz. These high-bandwidth channels are logically divided into 20 MHz sub-channels; for example, an 80 MHz channel can be divided into four 20 MHz sub-channels. A BSS's 20 MHz sub-channels can be classified as primary or non-primary channels, and the specific sub-channel selected as the primary channel is determined by the BSS configuration. Non-primary channels within the AP's operating bandwidth can also be called secondary channels, slave channels, auxiliary channels, etc. Among them, "channel bandwidth that AP can occupy" can be understood as the bandwidth that AP can support or the bandwidth that AP can theoretically occupy. "AP operating bandwidth" can be understood as the AP's working bandwidth, the bandwidth corresponding to the AP's working frequency band, the bandwidth of AP's actual communication, or the bandwidth actually occupied by AP, etc. The AP's operating bandwidth is part or all of the channel bandwidth that AP can occupy.

[0104] In this application, the first access point operating on the second channel can determine whether the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state. In other words, the first access point can simultaneously listen to the signals of the first channel and the second channel and determine whether the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

[0105] In this context, the primary channel of the first channel is in an idle state, which can also be described as the primary channel of the first channel not being occupied, or the primary channel of the first channel not being used.

[0106] The primary channel of the first channel is also the primary channel of the first access point.

[0107] As one implementation: S510, the first access point determines that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state, including: when the first access point detects the second frame on the first channel, the first access point determines that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

[0108] In this application, "when," "if," "under the circumstances," and "if" all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when it is implemented, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0109] The second frame indicates that the first channel is idle, or in other words, it releases air interface resources or indicates that the first channel is not transmitting messages. For example, the second frame is a contention-free end (CF-End) frame. Specifically, the CF-End frame is a control frame in the 802.11 protocol, also known as a CF-End message, and is mainly used to end a contention-free period (CFP) or a contention-free period duration (CFP-Duration).

[0110] Optionally, the second frame may be sent by a second access point operating on the first channel, used to notify a second station that communication on the first channel has ended, wherein the second station is a station associated with the second access point. It should be understood that the above is merely an example, and this application does not limit the scenario for sending the second frame; for example, the second frame may also be sent by the second station.

[0111] Since the first access point can detect the signal of the first channel, when the second access point sends the second frame, the first access point can detect the second frame. Therefore, the first access point can assume that the device operating on the first channel will no longer use the first channel during the originally scheduled time, that is, the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

[0112] The first access point detecting the second frame on the first channel can mean that the first access point detects the second frame on a certain 20MHz channel of the first channel (such as a main 20MHz sub-channel or a non-main 20MHz sub-channel, etc.), or that the second frame is detected on the entire bandwidth of the first channel, without limitation.

[0113] It should be understood that when the first access point determines that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state based on the second frame, it can determine that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state after parsing all or part of the second frame. For example, when the first access point parses the type field and subtype field of the frame header of the second frame (see Table 1 for details) and learns that the second frame is a CF-End frame, then the first access point can determine that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state without waiting to receive the entire second frame before making a judgment.

[0114] Optionally, in this implementation, the method further includes: the second access point sending a second frame on the first channel, and correspondingly, the second station receiving the second frame.

[0115] As another implementation: S510, the first access point determines that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state, including: if the first access point does not detect a radio frame in the first channel within a first time threshold, the first access point determines that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

[0116] In this application, the wireless frame can be replaced by a Wi-Fi signal, message, etc. Specifically, it can be a data frame, management frame, or control frame, etc.

[0117] The first time threshold can be called the timeout period, for example, the duration of the short inter-frame space (SIFS) plus the maximum duration of the BA frame.

[0118] Since the first access point can listen to the signal of the first channel, when the first access point does not detect any radio frames on the first channel within the first time threshold, the first access point can assume that the device operating on the first channel will no longer use the first channel during the originally scheduled time, that is, the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

[0119] As another implementation: S510, the first access point determines that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state, including: the first access point detects a third frame in the first channel, the third frame includes time information, and the first access point determines that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state after the time indicated by the time information.

[0120] For example, the Duration field in the third frame indicates a duration, such as the first duration. The first access point can reset the NAV timer based on this first duration. The end time of the NAV timer is the end time indicated by the duration information. When the NAV timer countdown ends, it indicates that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

[0121] For example, the duration information is a time period, including the start time and duration. The first access point can determine, based on this time period, that the main channel of the first channel is idle after the end time of this time period.

[0122] It should be understood that when the first access point determines that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state based on the third frame, it can determine that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state after parsing all or part of the third frame. For example, when the first access point parses the Duration field of the frame header of the third frame and knows the first duration, the first access point can determine that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state without waiting to receive the entire third frame before making a judgment.

[0123] Optionally, in this implementation, the method further includes: the second access point transmitting a third frame on the first channel, and correspondingly, the second station receiving the third frame.

[0124] Optionally, in any of the above implementations, before S510, the first access point and the first station detect that the main channel of the first channel is busy, and thus switch from the main channel of the first channel to the NPCA main channel for communication, or in other words, switch from the third channel to the second channel for communication; that is, the first access point and the first station trigger the NPCA mechanism. According to method 500, the first access point determines that the main channel of the first channel is idle and instructs the first station to switch back from the NPCA main channel to the main channel of the first channel. Here, the first station and the first access point are associated. For example, the first station can be a non-access point type station associated with the first access point, i.e., a non-AP STA, or the first station can be another access point associated with the first access point, i.e., an AP; this application does not impose any restrictions. Unless otherwise specified, this application will use a non-AP STA as an example for explanation.

[0125] It should be understood that the channel switching in this application can also be referred to as channel hopping, channel change, etc.

[0126] For example, the first access point and the first station detecting that the main channel of the first channel is busy can mean that the first access point and the first station detect OBSS control frames or OBSS PPDUs on the main channel of the first channel, thereby determining that the main channel of the first channel is busy.

[0127] For an explanation of the OBSS control frames, please refer to Case 1 above. Figure 3 For an explanation of OBSS PPDU, please refer to Case 2 above. Figure 4 In addition, the Duration field in the OBSS control frame or OBSS PPDU can indicate the second duration. The first access point and the first site can set the NAV timer according to the second duration. Before the NAV timer counts down to 0, they switch back to the first primary channel. The second duration is the length of time that the first channel needs to be reserved.

[0128] Optionally, in S510, when the first access point determines that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state according to the third frame, the NAV timer reset by the first access point refers to the first access point resetting the NAV timer set according to the second duration. In other words, the first access point first sets the NAV timer according to the second duration field, and then updates or resets the NAV timer according to the first duration indicated by the third frame.

[0129] For example, S510 can also be understood as: the first access point determines that the device working on the first channel will no longer use the first channel during the originally scheduled time, that is, the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

[0130] S520, the first access point sends the first frame on the second channel, and correspondingly, the first station receives the first frame on the second channel.

[0131] The first frame is used to instruct the first station to switch the primary channel to the primary channel of the first channel.

[0132] In this application, "the first site switches the main channel to the main channel of the first channel" can be replaced by any of the following: the first site switches to the main channel of the first channel, the main channel of the first site switches to the main channel of the first channel, the working channel of the first site switches back to the main channel from the NPCA main channel, the NPCA device currently working on the second channel switches back to working on the main channel, the first site switches back to the main channel from the second channel, etc. Among these, "switching the main channel to the main channel of the first channel," "switching back to the main channel of the first channel," and "switching back to the main channel" have the same meaning.

[0133] In one implementation, the first frame includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the first station to switch to the main channel of the first channel.

[0134] As an example, the first indication information can be 1 bit with a value of 1, used to indicate that the first station switches to the main channel of the first channel.

[0135] For example, the first frame can be modified based on the CF-End frame already defined in the current protocol. Its type is still CF-End frame, but an additional bit is added to carry the first indication information. This allows for the reuse of existing frame formats, has better compatibility, and is simple to implement.

[0136] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the CF-End frame provided in this application, wherein... Figure 6(a) is the format of the CF-End frame that has been defined in the current protocol. It includes a frame control field, a duration field, a receiver address (RA) field, a basic service set identifier (BSSID) for the transmitter address (TA), and a frame check sequence (FCS) field. The frame control field, duration field, RA field, and BSSID field together form the medium access control (MAC) frame header. Figure 6 (b) in Figure 6 One bit is added to (a) to carry the first indication information; for example, this added bit may be located before the FCS field. Alternatively, the first indication information may also be located in other positions, without restriction.

[0137] It should be understood that each frame includes a frame control field, which consists of a type field and a subtype field. The type field is 2 bits, used to indicate whether the frame is a management frame, a data frame, or a control frame. A value of 1 (i.e., type = 01) indicates that the frame is a control frame. The subtype field is 4 bits, used to indicate the specific type of frame. The first two columns of Table 1 show the relationship between the values ​​of the type field and the type, listing only control frames. The last two columns of Table 1 show the correspondence between the values ​​of the subtype field and the specific types of control frames. As shown in Table 1, when the subtype field value in the frame control field of a frame is 14 (i.e., subtype = 1110), it indicates that the frame is a CF-End frame.

[0138] Table 1

[0139]

[0140] As another example, the first frame is a control frame, and the first indication information is a frame type indication information, whose value is the first value, used to instruct the first station to switch to the primary channel of the first channel. That is, a new frame type can be defined, which is used to instruct the first receiving station to switch to the primary channel of the first channel; for example, it can be called an advanced contention-free end (A-CF-End) frame or other names. For the receiving end, when it parses this frame type, it knows that it needs to switch back to the primary channel, thus reducing the parsing time at the receiving end and improving communication efficiency.

[0141] In this example, the first indication information can be located in any of the reserved indication positions in Table 1, such as row 1, row 2, and row 15.

[0142] In this example, the frame type indication information can be considered as the frame subtype indication information. That is, the frame type indication information is carried in the subtype field of the frame control field. The subtype field can take any one of the following values: 0 (i.e., subtype = 0000), 1 (i.e., subtype = 0001), and 15 (i.e., subtype = 1111). In other words, the first value is 0, 1, or 15.

[0143] Alternatively, in this example, the frame type indication information can be considered as the frame type indication information and subtype indication information, that is, the frame type indication information is carried in the type field and subtype field of the frame control field. In this case, the first value can also be understood as a combined value. Specifically, a type field value of 1 (i.e., type = 01) + a subtype field value of 0 (i.e., subtype = 0000) can serve as the frame type indication information; or, a type field value of 1 (i.e., type = 01) + a subtype field value of 1 (i.e., subtype = 0001) can serve as the frame type indication information; or, a type field value of 1 (i.e., type = 01) + a subtype field value of 15 (i.e., subtype = 1111) can serve as the frame type indication information. That is to say, the first value is a combination of 01 + 0000, or a combination of 01 + 0001, or a combination of 01 + 1111.

[0144] It should be understood that the above is merely an example, and this application does not limit the number of bits or the indication method of the first indication information.

[0145] S530, the first station parses the first frame.

[0146] Specifically, the first station can parse the first frame to determine that it needs to switch back to the primary channel of the first channel.

[0147] Based on the above scheme, the first access point can instruct the first station working on the second channel to switch to the main channel of the first channel when it is determined that the main channel of the first channel is idle. This can avoid wasting the transmission resources of the main channel and improve the utilization rate of resources.

[0148] Optionally, after S520, the method 500 further includes: S540, where both the first access point and the first site switch to the main channel of the first channel.

[0149] Specifically, S540 can refer to both the first access point and the first site switching to the third channel, where the primary channel of the third channel is the first channel, and the third channel includes both the first and second channels. In other words, both the first access point and the first site can switch to full-band operation.

[0150] It should be understood that in some implementation scenarios, switching to the full bandwidth and switching to the primary channel can be considered equivalent, both referring to switching the operating bandwidth from the bandwidth corresponding to the second channel to the bandwidth corresponding to the first and second channels. In other implementation scenarios, switching to the full bandwidth and switching to the primary channel can be considered two different situations. Switching to the full bandwidth means that the transmission bandwidth is the entire operating bandwidth, while switching to the primary channel means that the transmission bandwidth only needs to include the bandwidth corresponding to the primary channel. For example, a portion of the channel on the entire operating bandwidth can be punctured, and then transmission can be performed on the punctured channel. In this case, it is still considered switching to the primary channel, but not switching to the full bandwidth.

[0151] In one implementation, when the first station successfully parses the first frame, S540 specifically means that both the first access point and the first station switch to the main channel of the first channel after the first frame transmission is completed.

[0152] In another implementation, when the first station fails to parse the first frame, S540 specifically means: the first access point switches to the main channel of the first channel after the first frame transmission is completed, and the first station switches back to the main channel of the first channel when the NAV timer countdown ends, that is, switches back to the main channel of the first channel when the NAV timer countdown set according to the second duration ends.

[0153] In this implementation, there may be a certain time difference between the time when the first access point switches back to the main channel and the time when the first site switches back to the main channel.

[0154] The phrase "failed to parse the first frame" can be replaced with: "failed to receive the first frame", "failed to parse the first frame", "failed to receive the first frame", etc.

[0155] Furthermore, in this application, the first access point switching to the main channel of the first channel after the first frame transmission is completed can mean that the switching begins after the first frame transmission is completed; the first station switching to the main channel of the first channel after the first frame transmission is completed can mean that the switching begins after the first frame transmission is completed, or it can mean that the switching is completed when the first frame transmission is completed, that is, the time of the switching completion is aligned with the time of the first frame transmission completion.

[0156] It should be understood that in this application, frames are all MAC layer protocol data units (MPDUs), commonly referred to as MAC frames, which is a MAC layer concept, while PPDUs are a physical layer (PHY) concept. In actual communication, MAC frames are generally encapsulated in PPDUs before being sent. Unless otherwise specified, "frame interaction" can also be understood as "PPDU interaction".

[0157] The following is combined with Figures 7 to 10 Explain the specific implementation process of method 500.

[0158] Figure 7 This is a frame interaction flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in this application. Method 700 can be regarded as a specific implementation of method 500. Figure 7 As shown, the method 700 includes the following steps.

[0159] In S701, both AP1 and AP2 perform backoff on the main channel. At time 1, AP2 completes backoff first, therefore, AP2 competes for channel 1 (an example of the first channel), which includes the main channel. AP1 operates in the frequency bands corresponding to both channel 1 and channel 2 (an example of the second channel), while AP2 operates in the frequency band corresponding to channel 1. Channel 2 is a non-main channel and includes the NPCA main channel.

[0160] S702, at time 1, AP2 sends message 1 on channel 1. The Duration field in message 1 indicates the duration (1) that AP2 will occupy channel 1. For example, message 1 can be a data frame.

[0161] In S703, AP1 and its associated non-AP STA1 detect message 1 on channel 1, triggering NPCA. Both AP1 and non-AP STA1 switch to the NPCA main channel. The length of the arrow in S703 represents the handover delay.

[0162] S704, AP1 sends message 2 to non-AP STA1 on channel 2. Message 2 may also be a data frame.

[0163] When AP1 is operating on channel 2, AP1 will continuously listen to the signal on channel 1 to determine whether channel 1 is idle.

[0164] SS705, non-AP STA 1 replies with a BA frame to AP1 on channel 2. The BA frame indicates whether message 2 was successfully received.

[0165] S706, after AP2 sends message 1, it does not send any new messages. AP2 then sends a CF-End frame (an example of the second frame) on channel 1, indicating that the air interface resources of channel 1 are being released. Since AP1 can listen for signals on channel 1, AP1 can detect the CF-End frame (an example of the second frame) on channel 1 and determine that channel 1 is in an idle state.

[0166] S706 can be considered as an implementation of S510.

[0167] S707, AP1 sends an A-CF-End frame (an example of the first frame) on channel 2, instructing non-AP STA1 to switch back to the main channel from the NPCA main channel. Accordingly, non-AP STA1 receives the A-CF-End frame on channel 2 and successfully parses it.

[0168] In S708, both AP 1 and non-AP STA1 switch back to the primary channel after the A-CF-End frame. The length of the arrow in S708 represents the handover delay.

[0169] S709, AP1 transmits message 3 on both channel 1 and channel 2, meaning AP1 can transmit across the entire frequency band. Correspondingly, non-AP STA1 can receive message 3 on both channel 1 and channel 2.

[0170] Figure 8 This is a frame interaction flowchart of a communication method 800 provided in this application. Method 800 can be regarded as another specific implementation of method 500. Figure 8 As shown, the method 800 includes the following steps.

[0171] S801 to S805 are basically the same as S701 to S705, and can be found in Method 700 for details.

[0172] S806, after AP2 sends message 1, no new message is sent. AP1 detects that no message is sent on channel 1 within the timeout period, thus determining that channel 1 is in an idle state. The arrow in S806 indicates the length of the timeout period.

[0173] S706 can be considered as an implementation of S510.

[0174] S807 to S809 are basically the same as S707 to S709, and can be found in Method 700 for details.

[0175] Figure 9 This is a frame interaction flowchart of a communication method 900 provided in this application. Method 900 can be regarded as another specific implementation of method 500. Figure 9 As shown, the method 900 includes the following steps.

[0176] S901 to S905 are basically the same as S701 to S705, and can be found in Method 700 for details.

[0177] S906, after AP2 sends message 1, it sends message 4 on channel 1 (an example of the third frame). The Duration field of message 4 indicates that AP2 will occupy channel 1 for a duration of 2. After AP1 detects message 4 on channel 1, it determines that channel 1 will be idle after the transmission of message 4 ends.

[0178] S907 to S909 are basically the same as S707 to S709; for details, please refer to method 700.

[0179] It should be understood that after AP2 sends message 1 and before AP2 sends message 4, the non-AP STA2 associated with AP2 can also send a BA frame (not shown in the figure) to AP2 on channel 1 to indicate whether message 1 was successfully received.

[0180] Figure 10 This is a frame interaction flowchart of a communication method 1000 provided in this application. Method 1000 can be regarded as another specific implementation of method 500. Figure 10 As shown, the method 1000 includes the following steps.

[0181] S1001 to S1006 are basically the same as S701 to S706, and can be found in method 700 for details.

[0182] In S1007, AP1 sends an A-CF-End frame on channel 2, instructing non-AP STA1 to switch back to the main channel from the NPCA main channel. However, due to poor channel conditions or other factors, non-AP STA1 fails to successfully parse the A-CF-End frame.

[0183] S1008, AP 1 switches back to the primary channel after the A-CF-End frame. The length of the arrow in S1008 represents the handover delay.

[0184] S1009, non-AP STA 1 switches back to the primary channel before the time indicated by message 1 for occupying channel 1 ends, as shown in the figure at time 2. The length of the arrow in S1009 can represent the handover delay.

[0185] In method 1000, there is a certain time difference between the time when AP1 switches back to the main channel and the time when non-AP STA1 switches back to the main channel.

[0186] Furthermore, after S1009, AP1 can transmit messages on both Channel 1 and Channel 2, meaning AP1 can transmit across the entire frequency band. Correspondingly, non-AP STA1 can receive messages on both Channel 1 and Channel 2.

[0187] It should be understood that regardless of whether non-AP STA 1 successfully parses the A-CF-End frame, when AP1 switches back to the main channel, AP1 cannot guarantee that all associated non-AP STAs have switched back to the main channel. When AP1 needs to communicate with a non-AP STA (such as non-AP STA 1), AP1 can switch back to the main channel and first use the interaction between RTS and CTS to confirm whether non-AP STA 1 can successfully receive the message before sending the data to be transmitted to non-AP STA 1.

[0188] The above combination Figures 1 to 10 The methods provided in the embodiments of this application have been described. It is understood that, in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the first site and the second site include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in a hardware or computer software-driven hardware manner depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0189] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first access point and the first station in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be a first access point or a first station, or it can be a module (such as a chip) applied to the first access point or the first station.

[0190] like Figure 11 As shown, the communication device 2000 includes a processing unit 2010 and a transceiver unit 2020, and the communication device 2000 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figure 5 The method embodiment shown illustrates the function of the first access point or the first site.

[0191] When the communication device 2000 is used to achieve Figure 5In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first access point is as follows: the processing unit 2010 is used to: determine that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state; the transceiver unit 2020 is used to: send a first frame on the second channel, the first frame being used to indicate that the main channel of the first station is switched to the main channel of the first channel, the second channel is a non-main channel, the second channel includes the NPCA main channel, and the first station is associated with the first access point.

[0192] When the communication device 2000 is used to achieve Figure 5 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the first station is as follows: the transceiver unit 2020 is used to: receive a first frame from the first access point on the second channel. The first frame is used to indicate that the main channel of the first station is switched to the main channel of the first channel. The first station is associated with the first access point. The second channel is a non-main channel and includes the NPCA main channel. The processing unit 2010 is used to: parse the first frame.

[0193] For more detailed information on the functions of the transceiver unit 2020 and the processing unit 2010, please refer to the method embodiments described above.

[0194] Optionally, the communication device 2000 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store program code, program instructions and / or data. The processing unit 2010 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device 2000 can implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0195] Optionally, the transceiver unit 2020 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to implement the sending operation in the above method embodiment, that is, to execute the sending action of the communication device 2000. The receiving unit is used to implement the receiving operation in the above method embodiment, that is, to execute the receiving action of the communication device 2000.

[0196] It should be noted that the communication device 2000 may include a transmitting unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the communication device 2000 may include a receiving unit but not a transmitting unit. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by the communication device 2000 includes both transmitting and receiving actions. For a detailed description of the functions performed by the processing unit 2010 and the transceiver unit 2020, please refer to... Figure 5 The relevant descriptions in the methods shown.

[0197] In this application, the transceiver unit can also be called a transceiver module, which includes a sending module and a receiving module, and the storage unit can also be called a storage module.

[0198] like Figure 12As shown, the communication device 3000 includes a processor 3010 and an interface circuit 3020. The processor 3010 and the interface circuit 3020 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 3020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 3000 may also include a memory 3030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 3010, or storing input data required by the processor 3010 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 3010 executes instructions. Sometimes, the interface circuit 3020 can also be understood as part of the processor 3010, in which case the communication device 3000 includes the processor 3010.

[0199] When the communication device 3000 is used to implement the method shown in Figure 5, the processor 3010 implements the functions of the processing unit 2010, and the interface circuit 3020 implements the functions of the transceiver unit 2020. For example, when the interface circuit 3020 is a transceiver, it may include a transmitter and / or a receiver, respectively, to implement the functions of the transmitting unit and the receiving unit. When the interface circuit 3020 is an input / output interface, it may include an output interface and / or an input interface, respectively, to implement the functions of the transmitting unit and the receiving unit.

[0200] When the communication device 3000 is a chip, the chip includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor can be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The sending operation in the above method embodiments can be understood as the chip's output, and the receiving operation in the above method embodiments can be understood as the chip's input. Optionally, when the communication device 3000 is a chip, it may include a memory, such as the memory built into the chip; alternatively, the communication device 3000 may not include a memory, for example, although the chip is connected to a memory, the memory and the chip are independent of each other.

[0201] Furthermore, when the aforementioned communication device is a chip applied to the first access point (or first site), the chip implements the functions of the first access point (or first site) in the above method embodiments. The chip receiving information can be understood as the information being first received by other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the first access point (or first site), and then sent to the chip by these modules. The chip sending information can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the first access point (or first site), and then sent by these modules.

[0202] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may 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, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0203] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0204] 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 programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless 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 medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0205] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0206] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0207] In this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances. They are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0208] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above processes does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0209] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0210] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0211] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0212] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0213] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0214] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0215] 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 access point, including: Determine that the primary channel of the first channel is in an idle state; The first frame is sent from the second channel to the first station. The first frame is used to instruct the first station to switch the primary channel to the primary channel of the first channel. The second channel is a non-primary channel. The second channel includes access to the NPCA primary channel from the non-primary channel. The first station is associated with the first access point.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first channel and the second channel do not overlap.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Determining that the primary channel in the first channel is in an idle state includes: When a second frame is detected on the first channel, the second frame indicates that the first channel is in an idle state, thus determining that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Determining that the primary channel of the first channel is in an idle state includes: If no wireless frame is detected on the first channel within the first time threshold, it is determined that the main channel of the first channel is in an idle state.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Determining that the primary channel of the first channel is in an idle state includes: A third frame was detected on the first channel, the third frame including duration information; It is determined that the primary channel of the first channel is in an idle state after the duration indicated by the duration information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first frame includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the first station to switch the primary channel to the primary channel of the first channel.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first indication information is frame type indication information, and the frame type indication information takes a first value, which is used to indicate that the first station switches the main channel to the main channel of the first channel.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Switch the primary channel to the primary channel of the first channel.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The primary channel is switched to the third channel, which includes the first channel and the second channel, and the primary channel of the third channel is the primary channel of the first channel.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first site, including: The first frame is received from the first access point on the second channel. The first frame is used to instruct the first station to switch the primary channel to the primary channel of the first channel. The first station is associated with the first access point. The second channel is a non-primary channel and includes the NPCA primary channel. Analyze the first frame.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first channel and the second channel do not overlap.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The first frame includes first indication information, which is used to indicate that the primary channel of the first station is switched to the primary channel of the first channel.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first indication information is frame type indication information, and the frame type indication information takes a first value, which is used to indicate the primary channel of the first station to be switched to the primary channel of the first channel.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Switch the primary channel to the primary channel of the first channel.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The primary channel is switched to the third channel, which includes the first channel and the second channel, and the primary channel of the third channel is the primary channel of the first channel.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or units for performing the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor coupled to a memory for storing a computer program, the at least one processor for executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, or to cause the apparatus to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or implement the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 15.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when run, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or implements the method as described in any one of claims 10 to 15.

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