Channel listening method and related device

Abstract

To provide a channel listening method and a related device for a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device to synchronize multilink communication.SOLUTION: A channel listening method is applied to a multi-link device including a first STA and a second STA. The first STA transmits a first frame on a first link and the second STA transmits a second frame on a second link. An end time of the first frame is later than an end time of the second frame. The first STA performs channel listening in a first inter-frame space after the end of the first frame upon failure to receive one of the first and second frames, a duration of the first inter-frame space is equal to or less than a duration of a PIFS, and the second STA performs channel listening in a second inter-frame space after the end of the second frame upon failure to receive one of the first and second frames.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202011225545.4, entitled “Channel Listening Method and Related Apparatus,” filed with the China State Intellectual Property Office on November 5, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications technology, and in particular to channel listening methods and related devices. [Background technology]

[0003] Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), usually referred to as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication networks, use the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series of standards. Currently, 802.11be defines a Multi-link Device (MLD), i.e., a device that supports multi-link communication. Each MLD device has multiple Access Points (APs) or Stations (STAs), forming an AP MLD or STA MLD. Communication between MLDs is multi-link communication.

[0004] 802.11be defines that a multi-link device has simultaneous transmitting and receiving (STR) capability or non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving (NSTR) capability. Depending on whether the MLD has simultaneous transmitting and receiving (STR) capability for different links, the MLD can be classified into STR MLD and non-STR MLD. One link can be a spatial path through which the MLD performs data transmission in one frequency band. STR MLD has STR capability, and NSTR MLD does not have STR capability.

[0005] MLD can operate on two or more links. After a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) is transmitted on one link, the transmitted PPDU will affect the channel listening on another link. Therefore, another link cannot transmit the PPDU. In order to avoid mutual interference between links, a new channel listening method needs to be provided so that NSTR MLD can synchronize multi-link communication. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a channel listening method and related device, in which the channel listening time is adjusted to avoid the influence of the transmission operation of another link on the channel listening result, so as to implement link error recovery in the scenario where non-simultaneous transmission and receiving device NSTR MLD is used for communication.

[0007] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a channel listening method applied to a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multi-link device NSTR MLD. The method includes:

[0008] After transmitting a PPDU, a station in NSTR MLD performs channel listening with an interframe space of less than or equal to PIFS. The value range of the difference between PIFS and the duration to perform channel listening is 0 to 4 µs, or 0 to 8 µs, or 0 to 9 µs, or 0 to 12 µs.

[0009] For example, the value range of the difference between PIFS and the duration for performing channel listening is assumed to be 0 to 4 microseconds (the difference is t, i.e., the value range of t is assumed to be [0,4]). In other words, the value range of the duration for performing channel listening is [PIFS-4,PIFS]. Descriptions of the aforementioned difference value ranges of 0 to 8 microseconds, 0 to 9 microseconds, or 0 to 12 microseconds may be similar, and the details will not be described again here.

[0010] Instead, after receiving a BA, a station in NSTR MLD performs channel listening with an interframe space equal to or less than PIFS. The value range of the difference between PIFS and the duration to perform channel listening is 0 to 4 microseconds, or 0 to 8 microseconds, or 0 to 9 microseconds, or 0 to 12 microseconds.

[0011] For example, the value range of the difference between PIFS and the duration for performing channel listening is assumed to be 0 to 4 microseconds (the difference is t, i.e., the value range of t is assumed to be [0,4]). In other words, the value range of the duration for performing channel listening is [PIFS-4,PIFS]. Descriptions of the aforementioned difference value ranges of 0 to 8 microseconds, 0 to 9 microseconds, or 0 to 12 microseconds may be similar, and the details will not be described again here.

[0012] Instead, after transmitting a PPDU, a station in an NSTR MLD waits an interframe space of no more than PIFS before transmitting the next PPDU. The value range for the difference between PIFS and the wait duration is 0 to 4 microseconds, or 0 to 8 microseconds, or 0 to 9 microseconds, or 0 to 12 microseconds.

[0013] It can be appreciated that no channel listening is performed within the aforementioned wait duration.

[0014] Instead, after receiving a BA, a station in an NSTR MLD waits an interframe space of no more than PIFS before transmitting the next PPDU. The value range for the difference between PIFS and the wait duration is 0 to 4 µs, or 0 to 8 µs, or 0 to 9 µs, or 0 to 12 µs.

[0015] It can be appreciated that no channel listening is performed within the aforementioned wait duration.

[0016] Instead, after transmitting a PPDU, a station in NSTR MLD waits for a certain duration and then performs channel listening for a certain interframe space. The wait duration is 0 to 8 microseconds. The sum of the wait duration and the interframe space is less than or equal to PIFS.

[0017] Instead, after receiving a BA, a station in the NSTR MLD waits for a duration and then performs channel listening for a certain interframe space. The wait duration is 0 to 8 microseconds. The sum of the wait duration and the interframe space is less than or equal to PIFS.

[0018] Instead, after transmitting a PPDU, a station in NSTR MLD performs channel listening with an interframe space equal to or greater than SIFS. The value range of the duration to perform channel listening and the difference from SIFS is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0019] For example, the value range of the difference between the duration for performing channel listening and the SIFS is assumed to be 0 to 4 microseconds (the difference is t, i.e. the value range of t is assumed to be [0,4]). In other words, the value range of the duration for performing channel listening is [SIFS, SIFS+4].

[0020] Instead, after receiving a BA, a station in the NSTR MLD performs channel listening with an interframe space equal to or greater than SIFS, and the difference between the duration for performing channel listening and SIFS is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0021] For example, the value range of the difference between the duration for performing channel listening and the SIFS is assumed to be 0 to 4 microseconds (the difference is t, i.e. the value range of t is assumed to be [0,4]). In other words, the value range of the duration for performing channel listening is [SIFS, SIFS+4].

[0022] Instead, after transmitting a PPDU, a station in an NSTR MLD will transmit the next PPDU after a wait duration equal to or greater than the interframe space of a SIFS, where the difference between the wait duration and a SIFS is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0023] It can be appreciated that no channel listening is performed within the aforementioned wait duration.

[0024] Instead, after receiving a BA, a station in an NSTR MLD transmits the next PPDU after a wait duration equal to or greater than the interframe space of a SIFS, which may differ from 0 to 4 microseconds to 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0025] It can be appreciated that no channel listening is performed within the aforementioned wait duration.

[0026] Instead, after transmitting a PPDU, a station in NSTR MLD waits for a duration and then performs channel listening in an interframe space of SIFS or greater. The wait duration can be from 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0027] Instead, after receiving a BA, a station in an NSTR MLD waits for a duration and then performs channel listening in an interframe space of SIFS or greater. The wait duration can be from 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0028] Based on the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a channel listening method applied to a non-simultaneous transmission and reception multilink device NSTR MLD. The method includes that the non-simultaneous transmission and reception multilink device includes a first station STA and a second station STA. The first STA transmits a first frame on a first link. The second STA transmits a second frame on a second link. The first frame is an acknowledgement block BA. The second frame is a BA. The end time of the first frame is later than the end time of the second frame. The NSTR MLD determines that at least one of the first frame and the second frame has failed to transmit. The first STA performs channel listening in a first interframe space after the first frame ends. The duration of the first interframe space is less than or equal to the duration of a point coordination function interframe space PIFS. Instead, the second STA performs channel listening in a second interframe space after the second frame ends. The second interframe space has a duration that is greater than or equal to the duration of a short interframe space (SIFS) and less than or equal to the duration of a PIFS.

[0029] Specifically, in this embodiment of the present application, BA can be understood as a reply frame. In addition, the reply frame can further include an acknowledgement (ACK). The BA in this application can also be replaced with an ACK. In other words, the BA in this application only represents a reply frame. The reply frame does not necessarily have to be a BA, and can also be an ACK. The reply frame can also be another type of frame. This is not limited here.

[0030] In this embodiment of the present application, after receiving an incorrect reply frame (BA or ACK), the NSTR MLD can adjust the channel listening time to prevent the transmission activity on another link from affecting the channel listening result. In addition, the inter-frame space meets the communication requirements.

[0031] Based on the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device includes a first station STA and a second station STA. The first STA transmits a first frame on a first link. The second STA transmits a second frame on a second link. The first frame is an acknowledgement block BA. The second frame is a BA. An end time of the first frame is later than an end time of the second frame.

[0032] The NSTR MLD determines that at least one of the first frame and the second frame failed to be transmitted.

[0033] The first STA performs channel listening in a first interframe space after the first frame ends, and the duration of the first interframe space is less than or equal to the duration of the point coordination function interframe space PIFS.

[0034] Based on the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device includes a first station STA and a second station STA. The first STA transmits a first frame on a first link. The second STA transmits a second frame on a second link. The first frame is an acknowledgement block BA. The second frame is a BA. An end time of the first frame is later than an end time of the second frame.

[0035] The NSTR MLD determines that at least one of the first frame and the second frame failed to be transmitted.

[0036] The second STA performs channel listening in a second interframe space after the second frame ends, and the duration of the second interframe space is greater than or equal to the duration of a short interframe space (SIFS) and less than or equal to the duration of a PIFS.

[0037] Based on the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device includes a first station STA and a second station STA. The first STA transmits a first frame on a first link. The second STA transmits a second frame on a second link. The first frame is an acknowledgement block BA. The second frame is a BA. An end time of the first frame is later than an end time of the second frame.

[0038] The NSTR MLD determines that at least one of the first frame and the second frame failed to be transmitted.

[0039] The first STA performs channel listening in a first interframe space after the first frame ends, where the duration of the first interframe space is less than or equal to the duration of a point coordination function interframe space PIFS. The second STA performs channel listening in a second interframe space after the second frame ends, where the duration of the second interframe space is greater than or equal to the duration of a short interframe space (SIFS) and less than or equal to the duration of a PIFS.

[0040] Based on the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, when the first frame fails to transmit, the duration of the first interframe space is a difference between the PIFS and the first time.

[0041] The range of the first time value may be from 0 to 4 microseconds, or from 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0042] Optionally, the range of the first time value may be from 0 to 9 microseconds, or from 0 to 12 microseconds.

[0043] Based on the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, when the second frame fails to transmit, the duration of the first interframe space is a difference between the PIFS and the first time.

[0044] The value range of the first time may be from 0 to 4 microseconds. Note that when the value range of the first time is from 0 to 4 microseconds, the next frame (e.g., PPDU) transmitted by the first STA may be prevented from interfering with the second STA, and the listening difficulty may not be increased.

[0045] Optionally, the range of the first time value may be 0 to 8 microseconds instead. When the range of the first time value is 0 to 8 microseconds, the next frame (e.g., PPDU) transmitted by the first STA may be prevented from interfering with the second STA. In addition, it may be ensured that the next frame (e.g., PPDU) transmitted by the first STA is aligned with the next frame (e.g., PPDU) transmitted by the second STA. In addition, the listening difficulty may not be increased.

[0046] Optionally, the range of the first time value may alternatively be from 0 to 9 microseconds, or alternatively from 0 to 12 microseconds.

[0047] When the value range of the first time is 0 to 9 microseconds, the next frame (e.g., PPDU) transmitted by the first STA can be prevented from interfering with the second STA. In addition, it can be ensured that the next frame (e.g., PPDU) transmitted by the first STA is aligned with the next frame (e.g., PPDU) transmitted by the second STA. In addition, the requirement that the current interframe space is equal to or greater than SIFS is met.

[0048] When the value range of the first time is 0 to 12 microseconds, there is a 4 μs transition from receive state to transmit state before the next frame (e.g., PPDU) is transmitted. Therefore, the 4 μs is not used for channel listening. When the second frame precedes the first frame by 8 μs, the first STA's channel listening is not affected even if the interframe space after the first frame is PIFS-12 (microseconds).

[0049] Based on the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, when the first frame fails to transmit and the second frame fails to transmit, the duration of the first interframe space is a difference between the PIFS and the first time.

[0050] The range of the first time value is 0 to 4 microseconds.

[0051] Optionally, the range of the first time value may be 0 to 8 microseconds, 0 to 9 microseconds, or 0 to 12 microseconds.

[0052] Based on the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, when the first frame fails to transmit, the duration of the second interframe space is the sum of a short interframe space (SIFS) and the second time.

[0053] The range of values ​​for the second time is 0 to 4 microseconds.

[0054] Optionally, the second time value may be in the range of 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0055] Based on the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, when the second frame fails to transmit, the duration of the second interframe space is the sum of a short interframe space (SIFS) and the second time.

[0056] The range of the second time value is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0057] Based on the first aspect, in a possible design of the first aspect, when the first frame fails to transmit and the second frame fails to transmit, the duration of the second interframe space is the sum of a short interframe space (SIFS) and the second time.

[0058] The range of the second time value is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0059] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a channel listening method, which is applied to a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multi-link device NSTR MLD, and includes:

[0060] The non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device includes a first station STA and a second station STA. The first STA transmits a first frame on a first link. The second STA transmits a second frame on a second link. The first frame is a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). The second frame is a PPDU. The end time of the first frame is later than the end time of the second frame.

[0061] The NSTR MLD determines that the first and second frames failed to transmit.

[0062] The first STA performs channel listening in a third interframe space after the first frame ends, where the third interframe space is less than or equal to the duration of the PIFS.

[0063] Instead, the second STA performs channel listening in a fourth interframe space after the second frame ends, the fourth interframe space being equal to or greater than the duration of a short interframe space (SIFS) and equal to or less than the duration of a PIFS.

[0064] In this embodiment of the present application, after transmitting an incorrect PPDU, the NSTR MLD may adjust the channel listening time to prevent the transmission activity on another link from affecting the channel listening result. In addition, the inter-frame space meets the communication requirements.

[0065] Based on the second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device includes a first station STA and a second station STA. The first STA transmits a first frame on a first link. The second STA transmits a second frame on a second link. The first frame is a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). The second frame is a PPDU. An end time of the first frame is later than an end time of the second frame.

[0066] The NSTR MLD determines that the first and second frames failed to transmit.

[0067] The first STA performs channel listening in a third interframe space after the first frame ends, where the third interframe space is less than or equal to the duration of the PIFS.

[0068] Based on the second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device includes a first station STA and a second station STA. The first STA transmits a first frame on a first link. The second STA transmits a second frame on a second link. The first frame is a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). The second frame is a PPDU. An end time of the first frame is later than an end time of the second frame.

[0069] The NSTR MLD determines that the first and second frames failed to transmit.

[0070] The second STA performs channel listening in a fourth interframe space after the second frame ends, the fourth interframe space being equal to or greater than a short interframe space (SIFS) duration and equal to or less than a PIFS duration.

[0071] Based on the second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device includes a first station STA and a second station STA. The first STA transmits a first frame on a first link. The second STA transmits a second frame on a second link. The first frame is a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). The second frame is a PPDU. An end time of the first frame is later than an end time of the second frame.

[0072] The NSTR MLD determines that the first and second frames failed to transmit.

[0073] The first STA performs channel listening in a third interframe space after the first frame ends, where the third interframe space is less than or equal to the duration of the PIFS.

[0074] The second STA performs channel listening in a fourth interframe space after the second frame ends, where the fourth interframe space is greater than or equal to a short interframe space (SIFS) duration and less than or equal to a PIFS duration.

[0075] Based on the second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, the duration of the third interframe space is the difference between the PIFS and the third time.

[0076] The range of the third time value is 0 to 4 microseconds, or 0 to 8 microseconds, or 0 to 9 microseconds.

[0077] Optionally, the value of the third time may range from 0 to 12 microseconds. Based on the second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, a duration of the fourth interframe space is a sum of a short interframe space (SIFS) and the fourth time.

[0078] The range of the fourth time value is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0079] Based on the second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, the second STA performs channel listening in a fifth interframe space after a fifth time after the second frame ends, where the fifth interframe duration plus the fifth time is less than or equal to the duration of the PIFS.

[0080] Based on the second aspect, in a possible design of the second aspect, the range of values ​​of the fifth time is from 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0081] According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a channel listening method, which is applied to a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multi-link device NSTR MLD, and includes:

[0082] The non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device includes a first station STA and a second station STA. The first STA transmits a first frame on a first link. The second STA transmits a second frame on a second link. The first frame is an acknowledgement block physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU). The second frame is a PPDU. The end time of the first frame is later than the end time of the second frame.

[0083] The second STA performs channel listening in a sixth interframe space after the second frame ends, the duration of which is the sum of the acknowledgement timeout AckTimeout and the sixth time.

[0084] Based on the third aspect, in a possible design of the third aspect, the range of values ​​of the sixth time is from 0 to 4 microseconds.

[0085] Based on the third aspect, in a possible design of the third aspect, the method further comprises:

[0086] The second STA performs channel listening in a seventh interframe space after a seventh time after the second frame ends, the seventh time plus the seventh interframe space being equal to the duration of the sixth interframe space.

[0087] Based on the third aspect, in a possible design of the third aspect, the seventh time value ranges from 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0088] In this embodiment of the present application, after transmitting an incorrect PPDU, the NSTR MLD may adjust the channel listening time to prevent the transmission activity on another link from affecting the channel listening result. In addition, the inter-frame space meets the communication requirements.

[0089] According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for sending a Multiple User-Request To Send (MU-RTS) frame. The method is applied to a transmission MLD, and the method includes:

[0090] When a station in the transmitting MLD transmits an MU-RTS, another station in the transmitting MLD transmits another frame. The value of the difference between the end time of the MU-RTS and the end time of the other frame ranges from 0 to 4 microseconds. The other frame may be an MU-RTS frame or may be another frame.

[0091] In a possible implementation, the end time of the MU-RTS is later than the end time of another frame.

[0092] In another possible implementation, when the end time of MU-RTS is before the end time of another frame, the difference between the end time of MU-RTS and the end time of another frame is not limited.

[0093] In another possible implementation, the transmitting MLD includes a first access point AP and a second AP, the first AP transmitting a first multi-user request to send frame (MU-RTS) on a first link.

[0094] Based on the fourth aspect, in a possible design of the fourth aspect, a transmitting MLD includes a first access point AP and a second AP. The first AP transmits a first multi-user request to send frame (MU-RTS) on a first link. The second AP transmits a second multi-user request to send frame (MU-RTS) on a second link.

[0095] The maximum difference between the end time of the first MU-RTS and the end time of the second MU-RTS is 4 microseconds.

[0096] For example, the first AP is AP1, the second AP is AP2, the first link is link1, the second link is link2, the first MU-RTS is MU-RTS1, and the second MU-RTS is MU-RTS2. When the maximum difference between the end time of MU-RTS1 and the end time of MU-RTS2 is 4 microseconds, the maximum difference between the start time of Clear to Send (CTS) frame 1 and the start time of CTS2 is also 4 microseconds. Therefore, the interference caused by the CTS frame (CTS1) transmitted in advance to another link (link2) does not affect the channel listening results on the other link. STA2 in the receiving MLD can transmit CTS2 successfully.

[0097] In this embodiment of the present application, in order to avoid interference between reply frames (CTS) of MU-RTS and ensure successful transmission of CTS, the maximum difference between the end times of MU-RTS on different links is limited.

[0098] According to a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a CTS frame sending method, which is applied to a receiving MLD, and includes:

[0099] The time interval that the receiving MLD performs channel listening after receiving a MU-RTS and before sending a CTS is SIFS+T, where T is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0100] Based on the fifth aspect, in a possible design of the fifth aspect, the receiving MLD includes a first access point STA, which receives a first MU-RTS over a first link.

[0101] A first STA transmits a first clear to send frame (CTS) on a first link, the difference between the start time of the first CTS and the end time of the first MU-RTS is an eighth interframe space, the duration of the eighth interframe space is equal to or greater than the duration of a SIFS.

[0102] In this embodiment of the present application, a time interval before a receiving MLD transmits a CTS is agreed upon to avoid interference between CTSs on different links and ensure successful transmission of the CTS.

[0103] Based on the fifth aspect, in a possible design of the fifth aspect, the duration of the eighth interframe space is the sum of the eighth time and the SIFS. The value range of the eighth time is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0104] Based on the fifth aspect, in a possible design of the fifth aspect, the first STA performs channel listening in the eighth interframe space.

[0105] Based on the fifth aspect, in a possible design of the fifth aspect, the receiving MLD further includes a second access point STA that receives a second MU-RTS on the second link, the end time of the second MU-RTS being later than the end time of the first MU-RTS.

[0106] The second STA transmits a second clear to send frame (CTS) on the second link, with the difference between the start time of the second CTS and the end time of the second MU-RTS being SIFS.

[0107] According to the sixth aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the aforementioned method. The communication device may be the NSTR MLD in the first to third aspects, or a device including the NSTR MLD, or a device included in the NSTR MLD, for example, a system chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the transmission MLD in the fourth aspect, or a device including the transmission MLD, or a device included in the transmission MLD, for example, a system chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the reception MLD in the fifth aspect, or a device including the reception MLD, or a device included in the reception MLD, for example, a system chip. The communication device includes corresponding modules, units, or means for implementing the aforementioned method. The modules, units, or means may be implemented using hardware or software, or may be implemented using hardware by executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the aforementioned functions.

[0108] According to a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer instructions. When the processor executes the instructions, the communication device can perform a method according to any one of the previous aspects. The communication device may be the NSTR MLD in the first to third aspects, or a device including the NSTR MLD, or a device included in the NSTR MLD, such as a system chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the transmission MLD in the fourth aspect, or a device including the transmission MLD, or a device included in the transmission MLD, such as a system chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the reception MLD in the fifth aspect, or a device including the reception MLD, or a device included in the reception MLD, such as a system chip.

[0109] According to an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and configured to execute the method according to any one of the previous aspects based on the instruction after reading the instruction in the memory. The memory and the communication device are independent of each other. The communication device may be the NSTR MLD according to the first to third aspects, or a device including the NSTR MLD, or a device included in the NSTR MLD, such as a system chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the transmission MLD according to the fourth aspect, or a device including the transmission MLD, or a device included in the transmission MLD, such as a system chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the reception MLD according to the fifth aspect, or a device including the reception MLD, or a device included in the reception MLD, such as a system chip.

[0110] According to a ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device can perform a method according to any one of the previous aspects. The communication device may be the NSTR MLD in the first to third aspects, or a device including the NSTR MLD, or a device included in the NSTR MLD, such as a system chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the transmission MLD in the fourth aspect, or a device including the transmission MLD, or a device included in the transmission MLD, such as a system chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the reception MLD in the fifth aspect, or a device including the reception MLD, or a device included in the reception MLD, such as a system chip.

[0111] According to a tenth aspect, a computer program product including instructions is provided. When the instructions are operated on a communication device, the communication device can execute a method according to any one of the previous aspects. The communication device may be the NSTR MLD in the first to third aspects, or a device including the NSTR MLD, or a device included in the NSTR MLD, such as a system chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the transmission MLD in the fourth aspect, or a device including the transmission MLD, or a device included in the transmission MLD, such as a system chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the reception MLD in the fifth aspect, or a device including the reception MLD, or a device included in the reception MLD, such as a system chip.

[0112] According to an eleventh aspect, a communication device (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system) is provided. The communication device includes a processor configured to perform the functions in any one of the previous aspects. In a possible design, the communication device further includes a memory, the memory configured to store necessary program instructions and data. When the communication device is a chip system, the communication device may include the chip, or may include the chip and another discrete component.

[0113] According to a twelfth aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to communicate with modules other than the illustrated chip. The processor is configured to run a computer program or instructions such that a device incorporating the chip can perform a method according to any one of the previous aspects.

[0114] For the technical effects brought about by the design of any of the fifth to twelfth aspects, please refer to the technical effects brought about by the different designs of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspects, and the details will not be described again here.

[0115] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a communication system, the communication system including the NSTR MLD, or the transmit MLD, or the receive MLD in the above-mentioned aspects. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0116] [Figure 1a] 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a PPDU according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 1b] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another PPDU according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 1c] 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a transmission opportunity TXOP according to an embodiment of the present application; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another communication scenario according to an embodiment of the present application; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 6] 2 is a flowchart of a channel listening method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 11] 2 is a flowchart of a channel listening method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 14]2 is a flowchart of a channel listening method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an NSTR MLD according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0117] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The embodiments of the present application provide a channel listening method and associated apparatus to enable non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink devices to synchronize multilink communications.

[0118] In the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are intended to distinguish similar objects, but do not necessarily indicate a particular sequence or order. Terms used in this manner are interchangeable in appropriate circumstances, and it should be understood that this is merely a way of distinguishing objects having the same attributes when they are described in the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "comprise", "contain" and any other variants mean that a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a set of units is not necessarily limited to those units, and may include other units that are not expressly listed or are inherent to such a process, method, system, product, or device, and are inclusive.

[0119] The following will clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means "or". For example, A / B may represent A or B. In the present application, "and / or" only describes the association relationship to describe the associated object, and represents that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent the following three cases: only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. In addition, in the description of the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following (elements)" or similar expressions means any combination of these, including any combination of singular (elements) or multiple (elements). For example, at least one of a, b, or c may represent a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c may be singular or plural.

[0120] The embodiments of the present application may be applied to a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Currently, the standard used in WLAN is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family. A WLAN may include multiple Basic Service Sets (BSS). The network nodes in the Basic Service Set are Stations (STAs). The stations include Access Point (AP) type stations and Non-Access Point Stations (Non-AP STAs). Each Basic Service Set may include one AP and multiple Non-AP STAs associated with the AP.

[0121] The access point station is also called a wireless access point or a hotspot, etc. An AP is an access point used by mobile users to access a wired network, and is mainly deployed in homes, buildings, and campuses with a typical coverage radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Of course, an AP may be deployed outdoors instead. An AP corresponds to a bridge connecting a wired network and a wireless network. The main function of an AP is to connect wireless network clients to each other and then connect the wireless network to Ethernet. Specifically, an AP may be a terminal device or a network device having a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) chip. Optionally, an AP may be a device supporting the 802.11ad standard or the 802.11ay standard. Optionally, an AP may be a device supporting the 802.11ax standard. Further optionally, the AP may be a device that supports multiple WLAN standards, such as 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. The AP may further support next-generation 802.11 protocols, which are not limited here.

[0122] The non-access point station (Non-AP STA) may be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal. For example, the Non-AP STA may be a mobile phone supporting a WiFi communication function, a tablet computer supporting a WiFi communication function, a set-top box supporting a WiFi communication function, a smart TV supporting a WiFi communication function, a smart wearable device supporting a WiFi communication function, an in-vehicle communication device supporting a WiFi communication function, or a computer supporting a WiFi communication function. Specifically, the STA may be a terminal device or a network device having a wireless fidelity chip. Optionally, the station may support the 802.11ax standard. Further optionally, the station supports multiple WLAN standards such as 802.11be, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a. The STA may further support the next generation 802.11 protocol. This is not limited here.

[0123] First, in order to facilitate understanding, the following will first briefly explain some technical terms in the embodiments of the present application.

[0124] 1. Physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) 1a is a schematic diagram of a frame structure of a PPDU in the 802.11ax standard. The PPDU includes a legacy-short training field (L-STF), a legacy-long training field (L-LTF), a legacy-signal field (L-SIG), a repeated legacy-signal field (RL-SIG), a high-efficiency-signal field A (HE-SIG A), a high-efficiency-signal field B (HE-SIG B), a high-efficiency-short training field (HE-STF), a high-efficiency-long training field (HE-LTF), and data. Optionally, the PPDU may further include a data packet extension (PE).

[0125] 1b shows the structure of an extremely high throughput (EHT) PPDU that may be used in 802.11be. The EHT PPDU may include three parts: a legacy preamble (L-preamble), a high efficiency preamble (HE-preamble), and a physical layer convergence protocol service data unit (PSDU).

[0126] The L-preamble portion includes an L-STF field, an L-LTF field, and an L-SIG field. The HE-preamble portion includes an RL-SIG field, a universal SIG (U-SIG) field, an extremely high throughput signaling (EHT-SIG) field, an extremely high throughput short training field (EHT-STF) field, and an extremely high throughput long training field (EHT-LTF) field. The PSDU portion includes fields such as a data field. The U-SIG field occupies two OFDM symbols, e.g., U-SIG SYM1 and U-SIG SYM2 shown in FIG. 1b. The universal field (U-SIG) field may include a version independent info field, a version dependent info field, a CRC field, and a tail field. The version independent info field may include a 3-bit WiFi version field, a 1-bit downlink / uplink field, a BSS color field of at least 6 bits, and a TXOP field of at least 7 bits. In addition, the version independent info field may further include a bandwidth field. The version dependent info field may include a PPDU format field, etc., and may further include one or more of a modulation and coding scheme field, a spatial flow field, and a coding field, etc. The CRC field occupies at least 4 bits, and the tail field occupies at least 6 bits of the tail bits field.

[0127] In a possible implementation, the EHT-SIG field includes an EHT-SIG common field and an EHT-SIG user-specific field. The EHT-SIG common field may be used to carry resource allocation information assigned to a STA, and the EHT-SIG user-specific field may be used to carry user information.

[0128] It should be understood that the EHT-PPDU is only an example, and there may be other structures in the standardization or technology development process, which is not a limitation of this application.

[0129] 2. Transmission opportunity (TXOP) A TXOP is the basic unit of wireless channel access. A TXOP contains an initial time and a maximum duration (TXOP limit).

[0130] After transmitting a frame, a device must wait a very short period of time before transmitting the next frame to avoid collisions. This period is commonly called the interframe space (IFS). Currently, the interframe space is usually called the short interframe space (SIFS).

[0131] For example, the interframe space is SIFS. Figure 1c is a schematic diagram of a normal transmission of a PPDU in a TXOP. The transmitting end device receives a clear to send (CTS) frame, and after SIFS, the transmitting end device starts to transmit PPDU11. Further after SIFS, the transmitting end device receives BA11 from the receiving end device. BA11 is used to feed back to the transmitting end whether PPDU11 has been transmitted successfully. It is assumed that PPDU11 has been transmitted successfully. The BA11 frame ends, and after SIFS, the transmitting end device continues to transmit PPDU12. The rest can be inferred by analogy.

[0132] RTS in Figure 1c is a request to send (RTS). RTS / CTS is used to resolve hidden sites to avoid signal collisions between multiple sites. Before a transmitting end transmits a data frame, the transmitting end first transmits an RTS frame to indicate to the transmitting end to transmit a data frame to the specified receiving end within a specified duration. After receiving the RTS frame, a CTS frame is sent back to confirm the transmitting end's transmission. Another station that receives an RTS or CTS frame will not transmit a radio frame until the specified duration ends.

[0133] 3. Error recovery: After a transmission opportunity (TXOP) is successfully established, error recovery of the link is triggered when a PPDU in the TXOP fails to transmit.

[0134] The error recovery includes point coordination function interframe space (PIFS) error recovery and backoff error recovery. PIFS error recovery: After the idle duration of the channel reaches PIFS, the device transmits the next PPDU through the channel. After the idle duration of the channel reaches PIFS, the next PPDU is transmitted. This is called PIFS error recovery.

[0135] In the new generation standard 802.11be, Extremely High Throughput (EHT) is used as a technical goal. One of the existing main technologies is Multi-link (ML) communication. The core concept of multi-link communication is that WLAN devices supporting the next generation IEEE 802.11 standard, i.e., EHT devices, have the ability to transmit and receive in multiple frequency bands, so that a larger bandwidth can be used for transmission. This can further improve the throughput. Multi-bands include, but are not limited to, the 2.4 GHz WiFi frequency band, the 5 GHz WiFi frequency band, and the 6 GHz WiFi frequency band. The access and transmission performed in each frequency band is called a link, and the access and transmission performed in multiple frequency bands is called multi-link communication. A device supporting multi-link communication is called a Multi-link Device (MLD), also called an MLD device. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario of a multi-link device according to an embodiment of the present application. Each MLD device has multiple access points (APs) or stations (STAs), and communication between MLDs is multi-link communication. In Fig. 1, link 1 and link 2 form a multi-link.

[0136] 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario according to an embodiment of the present application. For example, in the present application, the MLD (including MLD301 and MLD302) has the ability to transmit and receive in multiple frequency bands. Compared with a device that only supports single-link transmission, the multi-link device has higher transmission efficiency and higher throughput. For example, the multiple frequency bands include, but are not limited to, the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the 5 GHz frequency band, and the 6 GHz frequency band. The spatial path through which the MLD performs data transmission in one frequency band can be called one link. In other words, the MLD supports multi-link communication.

[0137] It should be understood that, in the case of MLD, each link supported by the MLD corresponds to one frequency band.

[0138] Please note that in this application, the MLD may also be referred to as a multi-band device, and the two may be used interchangeably, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0139] In this application, an MLD includes at least two affiliated stations STAs. An affiliated station may be an access point station (AP STA) or a non-access point station (non-AP STA). For ease of explanation, in this application, a multi-link device whose affiliated station is an AP may be called a multi-link AP, a multi-link AP device, or an AP multi-link device (AP MLD). A multi-link device whose affiliated station is a non-AP STA may be called a multi-link STA, a multi-link STA device, a STA multi-link device (STA MLD), or a non-AP multi-link device (non-AP MLD).

[0140] In one embodiment, a non-AP STA can perform the functions of an AP, in other words, a non-AP STA can function as an AP. An MLD formed by a non-AP STA that can perform the AP functions or a non-AP MLD that can function as an AP can be called a soft AP MLD.

[0141] It can be understood that AP MLD can be classified into STR AP MLD and non-STR AP MLD. STR AP MLD has STR capability and non-STR AP MLD does not have STR capability. Similarly, non-AP MLD can be classified into STR non-AP MLD and non-STR non-AP MLD. STR non-AP MLD has STR capability and non-STR non-AP MLD does not have STR capability.

[0142] In this embodiment of the present application, the non-STR AP MLD may include the above-mentioned soft AP MLD. Of course, the non-STR AP MLD is not limited to the soft AP MLD.

[0143] Each STA in the MLD may establish a link for communication. Figure 4 uses an example where the MLD 301 includes stations A1 through AN, and the MLD includes stations B1 through BN. Station A1 communicates with station B1 on link 1, station A2 communicates with station B2 on link 2, and so on. Station AN communicates with station BN on link N.

[0144] The following embodiments of the present application will describe an example in which the multiple links between the MLD 301 and the MLD 302 include a first link and a second link.

[0145] When the frequency intervals between multiple frequency bands supported by an MLD device are close, transmitting a signal in one frequency band will affect the reception of the signal in another frequency band. For example, the device transmits a signal on link 1. Because the frequency intervals between the frequency bands of link 1 and link 2 are relatively small, the transmission signal on link 1 will cause channel interference to link 2, and the channel access and reception of link 2 will be affected. Therefore, the MLD device cannot perform independent transmission and reception operations on multiple frequency bands at the same time to avoid mutual interference. 802.11be defines that a multilink device has simultaneous transmitting and receiving (STR) capability or non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving (NSTR) capability. A multilink device with STR capability is called STR MLD, and a multilink device without STR capability is called NSTR MLD.

[0146] It should be noted that one MLD may operate on two or more links, and the STR / NSTR capability of the MLD is for each link pair. Therefore, different link pairs of the same MLD may have different STR / NSTR capabilities. For example, some link pairs are STR, and other link pairs are NSTR. In this embodiment of the present application, NSTR MLD means that the capability of at least one link pair among the link pairs on which the MLD operates is NSTR. Correspondingly, STR MLD means that all link pairs on which the MLD operates are STR. In this embodiment of the present application, the NSTR MLD transmits or receives data on a first link and a second link. The first link and the second link are a pair of NSTR links, and the first link and the second link are also called an NSTR link pair.

[0147] In the case of NSTR MLD, due to limited capabilities, when NSTR MLD transmits a signal on one link, it may not be possible to receive the signal on the other link. In other words, when NSTR MLD transmits a signal on one link, if data needs to be received on the other link, the data cannot be received. As a result, packet loss occurs.

[0148] Therefore, if NSTR MLD needs to transmit PPDUs simultaneously on two links without interfering with each other, the start and end times of the two PPDUs on the two links need to be aligned. According to the current protocol, the end times of two PPDUs are aligned if the difference between their end times is less than or equal to 8 microseconds.

[0149] Please refer to the above description. When an NSTR MLD transmits PPDUs simultaneously on an NSTR link without causing interference, the end times of the two PPDUs need to be aligned. The maximum (tolerable) error of the alignment is 8 microseconds, and 8 microseconds is also called the alignment accuracy. Based on the alignment accuracy, after an NSTR MLD transmits two PPDUs carrying data simultaneously on an NSTR link (e.g., the NSTR link is the first link and the second link), the MLDs receiving the PPDUs will simultaneously return an acknowledgement block (Block ACK, BA) on the NSTR link (the first link and the second link). The maximum error of the end times of the PPDUs carrying two BAs is also 8 microseconds.

[0150] The following describes the transmission error referred to in this embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the transmission error in this embodiment of the present application may include the following two cases:

[0151] (1) BA reception error A receive error occurs at the BA: the BA triggers a physical layer receive start indication (PHY-RXSTART.indication) and the MAC layer Frame Check Sequence (FCS) of the BA frame fails the check.

[0152] (2) PPDU transmission error If a transmission error occurs in the PPDU, a primitive physical layer receive start indication (PHY-RXSTART.indication) is not triggered to the STA that transmitted the PPDU within a certain time after the PPDU is finished.

[0153] It should be noted that a transmission error includes a sending error and a receiving error. In this embodiment of the present application, a transmission error may also be called a transmission failure. A transmission failure includes a sending failure and a receiving failure. This is not limited here.

[0154] In this embodiment of the present application, both the receiving error of the BA and the sending error of the PPDU may be considered as a transmission error, or may be considered as an error frame or a frame that has failed to be transmitted. This is not limited in the present application. For ease of explanation, both the receiving error of the BA and the sending error of the PPDU are described as a frame that has failed to be transmitted.

[0155] For example, the channel listening process in the case of BA receiving error is used as an example for illustration. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, a STA performs channel listening in a PIFS after a BA frame ends. A STA (STA2 is used as an example) performs channel listening (e.g., listening to the channel of STA1) within a PIFS duration after a BA frame ends to determine whether the channel is busy or idle. If STA2 determines that the channel is idle through channel listening, STA2 continues to transmit the next PPDU on the link. If STA2 determines that the channel is busy through channel listening, STA2 stops continuing to transmit PPDU on the link.

[0156] After receiving the correct BA, the STA also waits for PIFS before sending the next PPDU. Therefore, the maximum difference between the end times of two BAs is 8 microseconds. After receiving the BA correctly, STA1 waits for PIFS before sending the next PPDU. Due to the effect of sending the next PPDU by STA1, the channel listening result of STA2 is busy.

[0157] To solve the aforementioned problem, the prior art solution provides that after receiving a correct BA, a STA waits for PIFS+δ before transmitting the next PPDU, where the time of δ is from 0 to 4 microseconds (μs). STA1 is used as an example. The next PPDU transmitted by STA1 will only interfere with a maximum of the last 4 μs of STA2's PIFS time. The last 4 μs is usually the transition from a receiving state to a transmitting state. Therefore, no channel listening is performed within this time (4 μs), and the channel listening result is not affected.

[0158] The current requirement for interframe spacing cannot exceed 25 microseconds. Therefore, how to implement synchronous multilink communication of NSTR MLD remains an urgent problem to be solved at present.

[0159] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an embodiment of the present application provides a channel listening method. For example, the NSTR MLD includes a first station STA and a second STA. The first STA transmits a first frame on a first link. The second STA transmits a second frame on a second link. The end time of the first frame is later than the end time of the second frame. It should be noted that the NSTR MLD may further include another station, which is not limited here. The first link and the second link are only examples, and do not indicate a specific number of links. The first link and the second link represent any two of a plurality of links. The solution of the present application can be extended to the case where there are more than two links. The classification is performed based on the type of the first frame and the second frame. The solution provided in this embodiment of the present application includes the following steps.

[0160] (1) The first frame and the second frame are response frames, such as acknowledgement blocks (BAs). In this case, the first STA receives the first frame (response frame), and the second STA receives the second frame (response frame).

[0161] (2) The first frame and the second frame are PPDUs. In this case, the first STA transmits the first frame (PPDU), and the second STA transmits the second frame (PPDU).

[0162] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, BA can be understood as a response frame. In addition, the response frame can further include an acknowledgement (ACK). The BA in this application can also be replaced with an ACK. In other words, the BA in this application only represents a response frame, and the response frame does not necessarily need to be a BA, but can also be an ACK. The response frame can also be another type of frame. This is not limited here.

[0163] First, the following describes a solution in which the first frame and the second frame are response frames. Figure 6 is a flow chart of a channel listening method according to an embodiment of the present application. The channel listening method provided in this embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0164] 601: A first STA in the NSTR MLD transmits a first frame on a first link, and a second STA in the NSTR MLD transmits a second frame on a second link.

[0165] Specifically, in this embodiment, a first STA in the NSTR MLD receives a first frame on a first link, and the first frame is a response frame. A second STA in the NSTR MLD receives a second frame on a second link, and the second frame is a response frame. The end time of the first frame is later than the end time of the second frame. The following provides an explanation using an example in which the response frame is a BA.

[0166] For example, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to one embodiment of the present application. The first STA can be understood as STA1. The second STA can be understood as STA2. The first frame can be understood as BA11. The second frame can be understood as BA21.

[0167] 602: NSTR The MLD determines which frames failed to be transmitted.

[0168] In this embodiment, the NSTR MLD determines whether the first frame and the second frame are failed transmission frames, that is, whether the first frame and the second frame are failed transmission. When the first frame is BA and the second frame is BA, the NSTR MLD determines the frame that fails to be transmitted specifically as follows:

[0169] When the NSTR MLD (STA1) receives the first frame, the first frame triggers a primitive physical layer receive start indication (PHY-RXSTART.indication). The first frame fails a MAC layer Frame Check Sequence (FCS) check. The NSTR MLD determines that the first frame is a failed transmission.

[0170] When the NSTR MLD (STA2) receives the second frame, the second frame triggers a primitive physical layer receive start indication (PHY-RXSTART.indication). The second frame fails the MAC layer Frame Check Sequence (FCS) check. The NSTR MLD determines that the second frame is a failed transmission.

[0171] When the NSTR MLD (STA1) receives the first frame, the first frame triggers a primitive PHY-RXSTART.indication and the first frame's MAC layer Frame Check Sequence (FCS) check fails. When the NSTR MLD (STA2) receives the second frame, the second frame triggers a primitive PHY-RXSTART.indication and the second frame's MAC layer Frame Check Sequence (FCS) check fails. The NSTR MLD determines that both the first and second frames are failed transmissions.

[0172] 603: NSTR MLD performs channel listening.

[0173] In this embodiment, after the NSTR MLD determines the frame that fails to transmit, the first STA performs channel listening in the first interframe space after the first frame is finished. Instead, after the second frame is finished, the second STA performs channel listening in the second interframe space. The following describes three cases separately: the first frame is a frame that fails to transmit, the second frame is a frame that fails to transmit, and the first frame and the second frame are frames that fail to transmit.

[0174] (1) The first frame is the one that fails to be transmitted.

[0175] In a possible embodiment, the first STA performs channel listening in a first interframe space after the first frame ends. The duration of the first interframe space is the difference between PIFS and the first time. The value range of the first time is 0 to 4 microseconds (if the first time is represented by t, the value range of t is [0,4]). In other words, the value range of the duration of the first interframe space is [PIFS-4,PIFS]. Alternatively, the value range of the first time is 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0176] When the value range of the first time is from 0 to 4 microseconds, the next frame (e.g., a PPDU) transmitted by the first STA may be prevented from interfering with the second STA, and the listening difficulty may not be increased.

[0177] When the value range of the first time is 0 to 8 microseconds, the next frame (e.g., PPDU) transmitted by the first STA can be prevented from interfering with the second STA. In addition, it can be ensured that the next frame (e.g., PPDU) transmitted by the first STA is aligned with the next frame (e.g., PPDU) transmitted by the second STA. In addition, the listening difficulty cannot be increased.

[0178] Optionally, the range of the first time value may be from 0 to 9 microseconds, or from 0 to 12 microseconds.

[0179] Please note that the range of the value of the first time is used as an example: 0 to 8 microseconds. In other words, the first time in this embodiment of the present application may be any value between 0 and 8 microseconds, and any value may be an integer. For example, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 microseconds. Any value may also be a decimal, for example, 0.5, 1.5, 1.8, or 3.4 microseconds. The second time, third time, fourth time, fifth time, sixth time, seventh time, or eighth time in this embodiment of the present application are similar to the related definition of the first time, and the details will not be described again below.

[0180] In another possible implementation, the duration of the first interframe space is a short interframe space (SIFS).

[0181] In yet another possible implementation, the second STA performs channel listening in a second interframe space after the second frame ends. The second interframe space is the sum of a short interframe space (SIFS) and a second time. The value range of the second time is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0182] 8 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application. BA11 is a frame that fails to transmit. The following uses an example to describe a specific implementation of performing channel listening in NSTR MLD.

[0183] For example, when STA1 performs channel listening in the first interframe space after BA11 ends, the duration of the first interframe space is the difference between PIFS and the first time. Correspondingly, the second interframe space of STA2 after BA21 ends may be PIFS. Optionally, STA2 may perform channel listening in the second interframe space.

[0184] For example, when STA1 performs channel listening in the first interframe space after BA11 ends, the duration of the first interframe space is a short interframe space (SIFS). Correspondingly, the second interframe space of STA2 after BA21 ends may be the sum of SIFS and a second time. Optionally, STA2 may perform channel listening in the second interframe space.

[0185] It should be noted that the above examples are merely illustrative examples and do not constitute limitations on other implementations of this embodiment of the present application.

[0186] (2) The second frame is a failed transmission.

[0187] In a possible implementation, the first STA performs channel listening in the first interframe space after the first frame ends. In this way, the next PPDU is transmitted only when the channel condition is idle, thereby reducing potential collisions. Specifically, the duration of the first interframe space is the difference between the PIFS and the first time. The value range of the first time is 0 to 4 microseconds, or 0 to 8 microseconds, or 0 to 9 microseconds, or 0 to 12 microseconds.

[0188] For example, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application. When the value range of the first time is from 0 to 4 microseconds, the interference caused to STA2 by transmitting the next PPDU (PPDU12) by STA1 can be avoided.

[0189] When the value range of the first time is from 0 to 8 microseconds, the next PPDU (PPDU12) transmitted by STA1 can be prevented from interfering with STA2. In addition, it can be ensured that PPDU12 transmitted by STA1 is aligned with PPDU22 transmitted by STA2.

[0190] When the value range of the first time is from 0 to 9 microseconds, the next PPDU (PPDU12) transmitted by STA1 can be prevented from interfering with STA2. In addition, it can be ensured that PPDU12 transmitted by STA1 is aligned with PPDU22 transmitted by STA2. In addition, the requirement that the current interframe space is equal to or greater than SIFS is met.

[0191] When the value range of the first time is 0 to 12 microseconds, there is a 4 μs transition from receive state to transmit state before the next PPDU (PPDU12) is transmitted. Therefore, the 4 μs is not used for channel listening. When BA21 is 8 μs before BA11, the interframe space PIFS-12 (microseconds) after BA11 does not affect STA1's channel listening.

[0192] In another possible implementation, the first STA does not perform channel listening in the first interframe space after the first frame ends because the first frame is transmitted correctly, and if channel listening is not required in the first interframe space, the next PPDU is transmitted directly after the first interframe space ends.

[0193] In yet another possible implementation, the second STA performs channel listening in a second interframe space after the second frame ends. The duration of the second interframe space is the sum of a short interframe space (SIFS) and a second time. The value range of the second time is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0194] Based on the above description, please refer to Figure 9. BA21 is the frame that fails to transmit. The following uses an example to describe a specific embodiment of performing channel listening in NSTR MLD.

[0195] For example, STA2 performs channel listening in the second interframe space after BA21 ends. The duration of the second interframe space is the sum of a short interframe space (SIFS) and a second time. Correspondingly, the first interframe space of STA1 after BA11 ends is SIFS. Optionally, STA1 performs channel listening in the first interframe space.

[0196] For example, the first interframe space after BA11 of STA1 is the difference between PIFS and the first time. Correspondingly, STA2 performs channel listening in the second interframe space after BA21 is completed. The duration of the second interframe space is PIFS. Specifically, STA1 may directly transmit the next PPDU without performing channel listening in the first interframe space, or STA1 performs channel listening in the first interframe space and transmits the next PPDU only if the channel is idle.

[0197] It should be noted that the above examples are merely illustrative examples and do not constitute limitations on other implementations of this embodiment of the present application.

[0198] (3) Both the first and second frames are failed transmission frames.

[0199] In a possible embodiment, the first STA performs channel listening in a first interframe space after the first frame ends. The duration of the first interframe space is the difference between the PIFS and the first time. The value range of the first time is 0 to 4 microseconds, or 0 to 8 microseconds, or 0 to 9 microseconds, or 0 to 12 microseconds.

[0200] In another possible implementation, the second STA performs channel listening in a second interframe space after the second frame ends. The duration of the second interframe space is the sum of a short interframe space (SIFS) and a second time. The value range of the second time is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0201] It should be noted that the specific selection of the first time and the second time may be determined by the difference between the end time of the first frame measured by the NSTR MLD and the end time of the second frame measured by the NSTR MLD, or may be pre-configured on the NSTR MLD. This is not limited here. For example, if the difference between the end time of the first frame measured by the NSTR MLD and the end time of the second frame is 5 microseconds, it may be determined that the value range of the first time is 5 microseconds, or the value range of the second time is 5 microseconds.

[0202] In another possible embodiment, after the second frame is finished, the second STA may perform channel listening in the PIFS. After the second frame is finished, the second STA may also perform channel listening in an interframe space of another length, which is not limited here.

[0203] Based on the above description, please refer to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application. Both BA11 and BA21 are frames that fail to transmit. The following uses an example to describe a specific implementation of performing channel listening in NSTR MLD.

[0204] For example, STA1 performs channel listening in a first interframe space after BA11 ends. The duration of the first interframe space is the difference between PIFS and the first time. Correspondingly, STA2 performs channel listening in a second interframe space after BA21 ends. The second interframe space is PIFS.

[0205] For example, STA2 performs channel listening in a second interframe space after BA21 ends. The duration of the second interframe space is the sum of a short interframe space (SIFS) and a second time. Correspondingly, STA1 performs channel listening in a first interframe space after BA11 ends. The first interframe space is SIFS.

[0206] It should be noted that the above examples are merely illustrative examples and do not constitute limitations on other implementations of this embodiment of the present application.

[0207] Furthermore, after the first frame ends, when the result of the channel listening performed by STA1 in the first interframe space is that the channel is idle, STA1 transmits the next PPDU (i.e., PPDU12) on the first link when the first interframe space ends.

[0208] Optionally, if channel listening is not required in the first interframe space, the next PPDU (ie, PPDU12) is transmitted directly after the first interframe space ends.

[0209] In this embodiment of the present application, after receiving an incorrect response frame (BA or ACK), NSTR MLD can adjust channel listening time. In this way, the transmission operation of another link that affects channel listening result is avoided. In addition, the interframe space meets communication requirements.

[0210] The following describes a solution in which the first frame and the second frame are PPDU. Figure 11 is a flowchart of another channel listening method according to an embodiment of the present application. The another channel listening method provided in this embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0211] 1101: A first STA in the NSTR MLD transmits a first frame on a first link, and a second STA in the NSTR MLD transmits a second frame on a second link.

[0212] In this embodiment, a first STA in the NSTR MLD transmits a first frame on a first link, where the first frame is a PPDU. A second STA in the NSTR MLD transmits a second frame on a second link, where the second frame is a PPDU. The end time of the first frame is later than the end time of the second frame.

[0213] 12 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to one embodiment of the present application. The first frame may be denoted as PPDU12, and the second frame may be denoted as PPDU22.

[0214] 1102: NSTR MLD determines frames that failed to be transmitted.

[0215] In this embodiment, the NSTR MLD determines whether the first frame and the second frame are failed transmission frames.

[0216] When the first frame is PPDU12 and the second frame is PPDU22, the NSTR MLD determines the frame that fails to be transmitted specifically as follows:

[0217] After the NSTR MLD (STA1) transmits the first frame, if STA1 is not triggered with a primitive physical layer receive start indication PHY-RXSTART.indication within a certain time of the end of the transmission of the first frame (end of transmission), the NSTR MLD determines that the first frame is a failed transmission frame.

[0218] After the NSTR MLD (STA2) transmits the second first frame, if STA2 is not triggered with a primitive physical layer receive start indication PHY-RXSTART.indication within a certain time of the end of the transmission of the second frame (end of transmission), the NSTR MLD determines that the second first frame is a failed transmission frame.

[0219] After the NSTR MLD determines that both the first frame and the second frame are unsuccessful transmission frames, step 1103 is performed.

[0220] 1103: NSTR MLD performs channel listening.

[0221] In a possible embodiment, the first STA performs channel listening at a third interframe space after the first frame ends. The third interframe space is a difference between the PIFS and a third time. The value range of the third time is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0222] In another possible implementation, the duration of the third interframe space is a short interframe space (SIFS).

[0223] In yet another possible implementation, the second STA performs channel listening at a fourth interframe space after the second frame ends, the fourth interframe space being the sum of a SIFS and a fourth time, the value range of which is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0224] Optionally, after the fifth time period after the second frame is over, the second STA performs channel listening in the fifth interframe space. The duration of the fifth interframe space plus the fifth time period is less than or equal to the duration of the PIFS. The duration of the fifth time period is 0 to 8 microseconds. For example, FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application. After the PPDU21 is over, STA2 performs channel listening in the fifth interframe space. The details are as follows: STA2 first waits for the fifth time period (0 to 8 microseconds), and after the fifth time period is over, STA2 performs channel listening in the fifth interframe space.

[0225] Optionally, in the scenario shown in Figure 13, STA1 performs channel listening in the third interframe space after PPDU11 ends. For the third interframe space, please refer to the related description of Figure 12. Details will not be described again here. Optionally, STA1 performs channel listening in SIFS after PPDU11 ends.

[0226] Based on the above description, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 are used as an example. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application. The following uses an example to describe a specific implementation of performing channel listening in NSTR MLD.

[0227] For example, STA1 performs channel listening in the third interframe space after PPDU11 ends. The duration of the third interframe space is the difference between PIFS and the third time. Correspondingly, STA2 performs channel listening in the fourth interframe space after PPDU21 ends. The fourth interframe space is PIFS.

[0228] For example, STA1 performs channel listening at the third interframe space after PPDU11 ends. The duration of the third interframe space is the difference between the PIFS and the third time. Correspondingly, STA2 performs channel listening at the fifth interframe space after the fifth time ends after PPDU21. The duration of the fifth interframe space plus the fifth time is less than or equal to the duration of the PIFS. The value of the fifth time ranges from 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0229] For example, STA1 performs channel listening at the third interframe space after PPDU11 ends. The duration of the third interframe space is a short interframe space (SIFS). Correspondingly, STA2 performs channel listening at the fourth interframe space after PPDU21 ends. The fourth interframe space is a sum of a SIFS and a fourth time.

[0230] For example, STA1 performs channel listening at a third interframe space after PPDU11 ends. The duration of the third interframe space is a short interframe space (SIFS). Correspondingly, STA2 performs channel listening at a fifth interframe space after a fifth time ends after PPDU21. The duration of the fifth interframe space plus the fifth time is less than or equal to the duration of the SIFS plus the fourth time. The value of the fifth time ranges from 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0231] It should be noted that the above examples are merely illustrative examples and do not constitute limitations on other implementations of this embodiment of the present application.

[0232] Furthermore, after the first frame ends, when the result of the channel listening performed by STA1 in the third interframe space is that the channel is idle, STA1 transmits the next PPDU (i.e., PPDU12) on the first link when the third interframe space ends.

[0233] After the second frame ends, when the result of the channel listening performed by STA2 in the fourth interframe space (fifth interframe space) is that the channel is idle, when the fourth interframe space (fifth interframe space) ends, STA2 transmits the next PPDU (i.e., PPDU22) on the second link.

[0234] The specific selection of the third time, the fourth time, and the fifth time may be determined by the difference between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the second frame measured by the NSTR MLD, or may be preconfigured on the NSTR MLD. This is not limited here. For example, if the difference between the end time of the first frame and the end time of the second frame measured by the NSTR MLD is 5 microseconds, the value range of the third time is determined to be 5 microseconds.

[0235] In this embodiment of the present application, after transmitting an incorrect PPDU, the NSTR MLD may adjust the channel listening time to prevent the transmission activity on another link from affecting the channel listening result. In addition, the inter-frame space meets the communication requirements.

[0236] Based on the above embodiment shown in Figure 11 to Figure 13, in a scenario where the first frame and the second frame are PPDU, the following solutions are further included: Figure 14 is a flowchart of a channel listening method according to an embodiment of the present application. The channel listening method provided in this embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0237] 1401: A first STA in the NSTR MLD transmits a first frame on a first link, and a second STA in the NSTR MLD transmits a second frame on a second link.

[0238] In this embodiment, a first STA in the NSTR MLD transmits a first frame on a first link, where the first frame is a PPDU. A second STA in the NSTR MLD transmits a second frame on a second link, where the second frame is a PPDU. The end time of the first frame is later than the end time of the second frame.

[0239] 15 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to one embodiment of the present application. The first frame may be denoted as PPDU12, and the second frame may be denoted as PPDU22.

[0240] 1402: NSTR MLD determines frames that failed to be transmitted.

[0241] In this embodiment, the method by which the NSTR MLD determines whether the first frame and the second frame are frames that have failed to be transmitted is the same as the determination method in the embodiment shown in Figure 11. Details will not be described again here.

[0242] After the NSTR MLD determines that both the first and second frames are unsuccessful transmissions, step 1403 is performed.

[0243] 1403: The second STA performs channel listening after the second frame ends.

[0244] In this embodiment, in a possible implementation, after the second frame (PPDU21) ends, STA2 performs channel listening in a sixth interframe space, as shown in Figure 15. The duration of the sixth interframe space is the sum of the acknowledgement timeout AckTimeout and the sixth time. Optionally, the value range of the sixth time is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds. The sixth interframe space is also called a reserved interframe space.

[0245] In another possible implementation, Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application. STA2 performs channel listening in the seventh interframe space after the seventh time period after the second frame (PPDU21) ends. The sum of the seventh time period and the seventh interframe space period is equal to the duration of the sixth interframe space. Optionally, the value of the seventh time period ranges from 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0246] In this embodiment of the present application, after transmitting an incorrect PPDU, the NSTR MLD may adjust the channel listening time to prevent the transmission activity on another link from affecting the channel listening result. In addition, the inter-frame space meets the communication requirements.

[0247] Using the communication scenario shown in FIG. 3 as an example, MLD 301 may be used as the transmitting MLD and MLD 302 may be used as the receiving MLD. Multiple User-Request To Send (MU-RTS) / Clear to Send (CTS) frame interworking is introduced in the 802.11ax standard. By using MU-RTS / CTS frame interworking, channel protection is implemented between the AP and multiple STAs simultaneously. The basic procedure is that the AP transmits a MU-RTS frame after acquiring the channel through contention. The MU-RTS frame carries the association identifiers (AIDs) of one or more target STAs. After receiving the MU-RTS frame and determining that the target STA is the target STA, the target STA performs channel listening (also called energy detection) at SIFS after the MU-RTS frame. If the channel listening result is idle, the target STA returns a CTS frame. If the channel listening result is busy, the CTS frame is not returned. Note that when an AP sends a MU-RTS frame to only one STA, if the STA determines that the STA is the target STA after detecting the MU-RTS frame, the STA will send a CTS to the AP, in other words, only one STA will reply to the CTS.

[0248] For ease of understanding, please refer to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an interframe space according to an embodiment of the present application. Note that the transmit MLD can be an AP MLD. As shown in FIG. 17, the transmit MLD can include AP1 and AP2, or can be a STA MLD. The receive MLD can be a STA MLD. As shown in FIG. 17, the receive MLD can include STA1 and STA2, or can be an AP MLD. Based on whether the transmit MLD has STR capability, the transmit MLD can be a STR MLD. The transmit MLD can also be an NSTR MLD. The receive MLD is an NSTR MLD.

[0249] FIG. 17 is used as an example. AP1 in the transmitting MLD sends MU-RTS1 to the receiving MLD via a first link (link 1). AP2 in the transmitting MLD sends MU-RTS2 to the receiving MLD via a second link (link 2). For the receiving MLD, the first link and the second link belong to an NSTR link pair. Therefore, the maximum difference between the end time of MU-RTS1 and the end time of MU-RTS2 can be 8 microseconds. The end time of MU-RTS1 is before the end time of MU-RTS2. Correspondingly, when the difference between the end time of MU-RTS1 and the end time of MU-RTS2 is 8 microseconds, the difference between the start time of CTS1 and the start time of CTS2 is 8 microseconds. The start time of CTS1 is before the start time of CTS2.

[0250] In the time interval for performing channel listening, the last 4 μs is usually a transition from a receiving state to a transmitting state. Therefore, no channel listening is actually performed within the time (4 μs). Therefore, this 4 microseconds of channel state does not affect the channel listening result. This 4 microseconds is also called the receiving-transmitting transition time (RX / TX time). Therefore, when the difference between the end time of MU-RTS1 and the end time of MU-RTS2 exceeds 4 microseconds, the end time of MU-RTS1 is before the end time of MU-RTS2 is used as an example. In this case, the CTS1 replied by the receiving MLD on the first link (link 1) will affect the channel listening result of STA2 in the receiving MLD. The cross-link interference caused by CTS1 makes the result of the channel listening performed by STA2 busy. Therefore, STA2 cannot send CTS2.

[0251] Based on this, the embodiment of the present application provides two solutions to solve the aforementioned problem, (1) the difference between the end times of the transmitting MLD sending MU-RTS is limited, (2) the time interval of the channel listening before the receiving MLD sends a CTS frame is agreed upon. The following explanation is given.

[0252] (1) The difference between the end times for which a transmitting MLD sends an MU-RTS is limited.

[0253] An embodiment of the present application provides a method for transmitting a MU-RTS frame, which is applied to a transmission MLD, and includes the following steps:

[0254] The transmitting MLD includes a first access point AP and a second AP. The first AP transmits a first multi-user request to send frame (MU-RTS) on a first link. The second AP transmits a second multi-user request to send frame (MU-RTS) on a second link.

[0255] The maximum difference between the end time of the first MU-RTS and the end time of the second MU-RTS is 4 microseconds.

[0256] Specifically, FIG. 18 is used as an example. The first AP is AP1, the second AP is AP2, the first link is link1, the second link is link2, the first MU-RTS is MU-RTS1, and the second MU-RTS is MU-RTS2. When the maximum difference between the end time of MU-RTS1 and the end time of MU-RTS2 is 4 microseconds, the maximum difference between the start time of CTS1 and the start time of CTS2 is also 4 microseconds. Therefore, the interference caused by the CTS frame (CTS1) transmitted in advance to another link (link2) does not affect the channel listening results on another link. STA2 in the receiving MLD can transmit CTS2 successfully.

[0257] In this embodiment of the present application, in order to avoid interference between reply frames (CTS) of MU-RTS and ensure successful transmission of CTS, the maximum difference between the end times of MU-RTS on different links is limited. (2) The time interval before which the receiving MLD should send a CTS frame is agreed upon.

[0258] An embodiment of the present application provides a CTS frame sending method, which is applied to a receiving MLD, and includes: The receiving MLD includes a first access point STA, which receives the first MU-RTS on the first link. A first STA transmits a first clear to send frame (CTS) on a first link, the difference between the start time of the first CTS and the end time of the first MU-RTS is an eighth interframe space, the duration of the eighth interframe space is equal to or greater than the duration of a SIFS.

[0259] In a possible embodiment, the duration of the eighth interframe space is the sum of the eighth time and the SIFS. The value range of the eighth time is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0260] In a possible implementation, the first STA performs channel listening in the eighth interframe space.

[0261] According to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the receiving MLD further includes a second access point STA. The second STA receives a second MU-RTS on the second link. The end time of the second MU-RTS is later than the end time of the first MU-RTS.

[0262] The second STA transmits a second clear to send frame (CTS) on the second link, with the difference between the start time of the second CTS and the end time of the second MU-RTS being SIFS.

[0263] Specifically, using FIG. 19 as an example, the first STA is STA1, the second STA is STA2, the first link is link1, the second link is link, the first CTS is CTS1, and the second CTS is CTS2. When the value range of the eighth time is from 0 to 4 microseconds, the two STAs of the receiving MLD can always reduce the transmission time alignment error of the two CTS frames to within 4 microseconds. Therefore, transmitting the earlier CTS (CTS1) does not affect the channel listening before transmitting the later CTS (CTS2).

[0264] When the value range of the eighth time is from 0 to 8 microseconds, the two STAs in the receiving MLD can always reduce the transmission time alignment error of the two CTS frames to 0 microseconds. In this way, not only does transmitting the previous CTS (CTS1) not affect the channel listening before transmitting the later CTS (CTS2), but the alignment error of the CTS frames can also be reduced as much as possible, so that the subsequent PPDUs can be better aligned.

[0265] In this embodiment of the present application, a time interval before a receiving MLD transmits a CTS is agreed upon to avoid interference between CTSs on different links and ensure successful transmission of the CTS.

[0266] The above mainly describes the solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Correspondingly, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device, and the communication device is configured to implement the various methods described above. The communication device may be the NSTR MLD in the embodiments of the above method, or a device including the above NSTR MLD, or a device included in the above NSTR MLD, for example, a system chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the transmission MLD in the embodiments of the above method, or a device including the transmission MLD, or a device included in the transmission MLD, for example, a system chip. Alternatively, the communication device may be the reception MLD in the embodiments of the above method, or a device including the above reception MLD, or a device included in the above reception MLD, for example, a system chip.

[0267] It can be understood that in order to implement the aforementioned functions, the communication device includes a hardware structure and / or a software module for performing the corresponding functions. Those skilled in the art should easily recognize that the present application can be implemented by hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software, in combination with the example units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein. Whether the functions are performed by hardware or by hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but the implementation should not be considered to go beyond the scope of the present application.

[0268] In the embodiment of the present application, the communication device may be divided into functional modules based on the embodiment of the above method. For example, each functional module may be obtained by division based on each corresponding function, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software function module. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the module division is an example and is merely a logical division of functions. In actual implementation, another division method may be used.

[0269] For example, the communication device is an NSTR MLD in the embodiment of the above method. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an NSTR MLD. The NSTR MLD 2000 includes a listening module 2002 and a processing module 2001. The listening module 2002 may be referred to as a transceiver unit configured to perform a transmitting and / or receiving function, and may be, for example, a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0270] In a possible implementation, the processing module 2001 is configured to determine that at least one of the first frame and the second frame failed to transmit.

[0271] The listening module 2002 is configured to perform channel listening at a first interframe space after the first frame ends, the duration of the first interframe space being less than or equal to the duration of the point adjustment function interframe space PIFS.

[0272] Instead, the listening module 2002 is configured to perform channel listening at a second interframe space after the second frame ends, the duration of the second interframe space being equal to or greater than the duration of a short interframe space (SIFS) and equal to or less than the duration of a PIFS.

[0273] When the first frame fails to transmit, the duration of the first interframe space is the difference between the PIFS and the first time.

[0274] The range of the first time value is 0 to 4 microseconds.

[0275] Optionally, when the second frame fails to transmit, the duration of the first interframe space is the difference between a PIFS and the first time.

[0276] The range of the first time value is 0 to 4 microseconds, or 0 to 8 microseconds, or 0 to 9 microseconds, or 0 to 12 microseconds.

[0277] Optionally, when the first frame and the second frame fail to transmit, the duration of the first interframe space is the difference between the PIFS and the first time.

[0278] The range of the first time value is 0 to 4 microseconds.

[0279] Optionally, when the first frame fails to transmit, the duration of the second interframe space is a short interframe space (SIFS) plus a second time.

[0280] The range of values ​​for the second time is 0 to 4 microseconds.

[0281] Optionally, when the second frame fails to transmit, the duration of the second interframe space is a short interframe space (SIFS) plus the second time period.

[0282] The range of the second time value is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0283] Optionally, when the first frame and the second frame fail to transmit, the duration of the second interframe space is a short interframe space (SIFS) plus the second time.

[0284] The range of the second time value is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0285] In another possible embodiment, The processing module 2001 is configured to determine that a first physical layer protocol data unit PPDU on a first link has failed to transmit.

[0286] The listening module 2002 is configured to perform channel listening at a first interframe space after the first frame ends, the duration of the first interframe space being less than or equal to the duration of the point adjustment function interframe space PIFS.

[0287] Instead, the second STA performs channel listening in a second interframe space after the second frame ends, the duration of the second interframe space being equal to or greater than the duration of a short interframe space (SIFS) and equal to or less than the duration of a PIFS.

[0288] In yet another possible embodiment, The processing module 2001 is configured to determine that the first frame and the second frame failed to transmit.

[0289] The listening module 2002 is configured to perform channel listening at a third interframe space after the first frame ends, the third interframe space being less than or equal to a duration of a PIFS.

[0290] The listening module 2002 is further configured to perform channel listening at a fourth interframe space after the second frame ends, the fourth interframe space being less than or equal to a duration of a PIFS.

[0291] Optionally, the duration of the third interframe space is the difference between the PIFS and the third time.

[0292] The range of the third time value is 0 to 4 microseconds, or 0 to 8 microseconds, or 0 to 9 microseconds.

[0293] Optionally, the duration of the fourth interframe space is the sum of a short interframe space (SIFS) and a fourth time.

[0294] The range of the fourth time value is 0 to 4 microseconds or 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0295] Optionally, the listening module 2002 is further configured to perform channel listening at a fifth interframe space after a fifth time after the second frame ends, the sum of the duration of the fifth interframe space and the fifth time being less than or equal to the duration of a PIFS.

[0296] Optionally, the fifth time value is in the range of 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0297] In yet another possible embodiment, The processing module 2001 is configured to determine that the first frame and the second frame failed to transmit.

[0298] The listening module 2002 is configured to perform channel listening in a sixth interframe space after the second frame ends, the duration of the sixth interframe space being the sum of an acknowledgement timeout AckTimeout and a sixth time.

[0299] Optionally, the sixth time value is in the range of 0 to 4 microseconds.

[0300] Optionally, the listening module 2002 is further configured to perform channel listening at a seventh interframe space after a seventh time after the second frame ends, the seventh time plus the seventh interframe space being equal to the duration of the sixth interframe space.

[0301] Optionally, the seventh time value is in the range of 0 to 8 microseconds.

[0302] All the relevant contents of the steps in the above method embodiments may be cited in the functional descriptions of the corresponding functional modules, and the details will not be described again here.

[0303] In this embodiment, the NSTR MLD 2000 is presented in a partitioned, integrated manner to obtain each functional module, where the module may be an ASIC, a circuit, a processor executing one or more software or firmware programs, a memory, an integrated logic circuit, and / or another component capable of providing the aforementioned functionality.

[0304] The NSTR MLD2000 provided in this embodiment can implement the above-mentioned communication method. Therefore, for the technical effects that can be achieved by the communication device, please refer to the above-mentioned method embodiment. Details will not be described again here.

[0305] 21 is a schematic diagram of a hardware structure of a communication device 210 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 210 includes at least one processor 2101, a communication line 2102, a memory 2103, and at least one communication interface 2104.

[0306] The processor 2101 and the processor 2108 are primarily configured to process communication protocols and communication data, control the communication device, execute software programs, and process data of the software programs. The memory 2103 is primarily configured to store software programs and data. The communication device may further include a control circuit and an antenna (not shown). The control circuit is primarily configured to perform conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals, and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily configured to receive and transmit radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The output device 2105 and the input device 2106, for example, a touch screen, a display screen, or a keyboard, are primarily configured to receive data input by a user and output data to the user.

[0307] After the communication device is powered on, the processor 2101 and the processor 2108 can read the software program in the memory 2103, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted in a wireless manner, the processor 2101 and the processor 2108 output the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit after performing baseband processing on the data to be transmitted. After performing radio frequency processing on the baseband signal, the radio frequency circuit transmits the radio frequency signal in the form of an electromagnetic wave through an antenna. When data is transmitted to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 2101 and the processor 2108. The processor 2101 and the processor 2108 convert the baseband signal into data and process the data.

[0308] In another embodiment, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna may be located independently from the processor performing the baseband processing, e.g., in a distributed scenario, the radio frequency circuitry and antenna may be located independently and separately from the communication device.

[0309] The functions of the NSTR MLD can be implemented using the communication device 210. For example, the processor 2101 of FIG. 21 can invoke computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 2103 to cause the communication device 210 to execute the method in the embodiment of the method described above.

[0310] Specifically, the steps / implementation processes of Figure 6, Figure 11, or Figure 14 may be implemented by the processor 2101 of Figure 21 by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in memory 2103. Alternatively, the processing-related functions / implementation processes of Figure 6, Figure 11, or Figure 14 may be implemented by the processor 2101 of Figure 21 by invoking computer-executable instructions stored in memory 2103. The receiving and transmitting-related functions / implementation processes of Figure 6, Figure 11, or Figure 14 may be implemented using the communication interface 2104 of Figure 21.

[0311] The processor 2101 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to control program execution of the solutions of the present application.

[0312] The communication lines 2102 may include paths for transferring information between the components described above.

[0313] The communication interface 2104 may be applicable to any device, such as a transceiver, configured to communicate with another device or a communication network, such as Ethernet, a radio access network (RAN), or a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0314] The memory 2103 may be, but is not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), another type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), another type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), another optical disk storage, optical disk storage (including compact disks, laser disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks, and Blu-ray disks, etc.), a disk storage medium or another magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to hold or store appropriate program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. The memory may exist independently and is connected to the processor via communication line 2102. The memory may alternatively be integrated with the processor.

[0315] The memory 2103 is configured to store computer-executable instructions for implementing the solutions of the present application, and the processor 2101 controls the execution. The processor 2101 is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 2103 to implement the link error recovery methods provided in the following embodiments of the present application.

[0316] All the relevant contents of the steps in the above-mentioned method embodiments may be cited in the functional description of the corresponding components, and the details will not be described again here.

[0317] Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in this embodiment of the present application may also be referred to as application program code, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0318] In a specific implementation, in one embodiment, the processor 2101 may include one or more CPUs, for example, CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG.

[0319] In a specific implementation, in one embodiment, the communication device 210 may instead include multiple processors, such as the processor 2101 and the processor 2108 shown in FIG. 21. Each of the processors may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. A processor here may be one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores configured to process data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0320] In a specific implementation, in one embodiment, the communication device 210 may further include an output device 2105 and an input device 2106. The output device 2105 may communicate with the processor 2101 and display information in multiple ways. For example, the output device 2105 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector, etc. The input device 2106 may communicate with the processor 2101 and receive user input in multiple ways. For example, the input device 2106 may be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensor device.

[0321] The communication device 210 may be a general-purpose device or a dedicated device. In a specific implementation, the communication device 210 may be a desktop computer, a portable computer, a network server, a palmtop computer (personal digital assistant, PDA), a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal device, an embedded device, or a device having a structure similar to that of FIG. 21. The type of the communication device 210 is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0322] Optionally, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device (e.g., the communication device may be a chip or a chip system). The communication device includes a processor configured to perform the method in any one of the above-mentioned method embodiments. In a possible design, the communication device further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store necessary program instructions and necessary data. The processor may call the program code stored in the memory to indicate the communication device to perform the method in any one of the above-mentioned method embodiments. Of course, the communication device may not include a memory. When the communication device is a chip system, the communication device may include a chip, or may include a chip and another individual component. This is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0323] In an example, any one of the aforementioned communication devices (or modules within the communication device) may be one or more integrated circuits configured to perform the aforementioned method, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more microprocessors (digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuits. As another example, when a module within the device may be implemented by scheduling a program by a processing element, the processing element may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), or another processor that can invoke a program. As another example, these modules may be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0324] An embodiment of the present application further provides a chip system including a memory and a processor, the memory being configured to store a computer program, and the processor being configured to call the computer program from the memory and run the computer program so that the chip executes any of the implementations shown in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0325] An embodiment of the present application further provides a chip system including a processor, the processor being configured to call and run a computer program such that the chip executes any of the implementations shown in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0326] In addition, it should be noted that the described embodiments of the device are only examples. The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separated, and the parts presented as units may or may not be physical units, and may be located in one location or distributed among multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to the actual needs to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments. In addition, in the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the device provided by the present application, the connection relationships between the modules indicate that the modules have communication connections with each other, which may be specifically implemented as one or more communication buses or signal cables.

[0327] Based on the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the present application can be implemented by software in addition to the necessary general-purpose hardware, or by dedicated hardware including dedicated integrated circuits, dedicated CPUs, dedicated memories, and dedicated components, etc. In general, any function that can be executed by a computer program can be easily implemented using corresponding hardware. Furthermore, the specific hardware structure used to achieve the same function may be in various forms, for example, in the form of an analog circuit, a digital circuit, or a dedicated circuit. However, for the present application, the implementation of the software program is the better implementation in most cases. Based on such understanding, the technical solution of the present application may be essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art may be implemented in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium such as a computer floppy disk, a USB flash drive, a removable hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, and includes some instructions for instructing a computer device to execute the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0328] All or part of the above-described embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When software is used to implement the embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product.

[0329] A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the procedures or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, terminal device, network device, computing device, or data center to another website, computer, terminal device, network device, computing device, or data center in a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, radio, or microwave) manner. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be stored by a computer, or a data storage device, such as a terminal device, network device, or data center, incorporating one or more available media. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a Solid-State Disk (SSD)).

[0330] It should be understood that the "embodiment" or "one embodiment" referred to throughout this specification means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Thus, "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments using any suitable manner. It should be understood that the sequence numbers of the processes described above do not imply an order of execution in various embodiments of the present application. The order of execution of the processes should be determined according to the functions and internal logic of the processes, and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0331] In addition, the term "and / or" in this specification only describes an association relationship to describe associated objects, and represents that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent the following three cases: only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. In addition, the symbol " / " in this specification generally indicates an "or" relationship between associated objects.

[0332] In the embodiments of the present application, it should be understood that "B corresponding to A" indicates that B is related to A and B can be determined according to A. However, it should be further understood that determining B based on A does not mean that B is determined based only on A. B can instead be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0333] Those skilled in the art may recognize that the units and algorithm steps in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. In order to clearly describe the compatibility of hardware and software, the above generally describes the configurations and steps of each example according to function. Whether a function is performed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but the implementation should not be considered to go beyond the scope of this application.

[0334] For the sake of convenience, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the detailed operation processes of the aforementioned systems, devices, and units, please refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments, and the details will not be described again here.

[0335] In some embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device, and method may be implemented in other ways. For example, the described device embodiment is only an example. For example, the division into units is only a logical division of functions, and may be another division in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some functions may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the shown or described mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented using some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0336] The modules described as separate parts may or may not be physically separated, and the parts presented as modules may or may not be physical modules, and may be located in one location or distributed among multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0337] In addition, the functional modules in the present application may be integrated into one processing module, or each of the modules may exist physically alone, or two or more modules may be integrated into one module. The integrated modules may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules.

[0338] When the integrated module is implemented in the form of a software function module and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solution of the present application may be essentially, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution may be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes some instructions for instructing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device) to execute all or part of the steps of the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0339] In conclusion, the foregoing description is only an example of an embodiment of the technical solution of the present application, and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, or improvement made without departing from the principle of the present application shall be within the protection scope of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0340] 210 Communication Devices 301 MLD 302 MLD 2000 NSTR MLD 2001 Processing Module 2002 Listening Module 2101 Processor 2102 Communication Line 2103 Memory 2104 Communication Interface 2105 Output Device 2106 Input Devices 2108 Processor

Claims

1. A channel listening method, the method being applied to a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device NSTR MLD, the method comprising: The non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device comprises a first station STA and a second station STA, the first STA transmits a first frame on a first link, the second STA transmits a second frame on a second link, the first frame is an acknowledgement block BA, the second frame is a BA, and the end time of the first frame is later than the end time of the second frame; determining by the NSTR MLD that at least one of the first frame and the second frame failed to transmit; performing, by the first STA, channel listening in a first interframe space after the first frame ends, the duration of the first interframe space being less than or equal to a duration of a point coordination function interframe space PIFS; or performing, by the second STA, channel listening in a second interframe space after the second frame ends, the duration of the second interframe space being equal to or greater than a duration of a short interframe space (SIFS) and equal to or less than the duration of the PIFS; A channel listening method comprising:

2. when the first frame fails to transmit, the duration of the first interframe space is a difference between the PIFS and a first time; The method of claim 1 , wherein the first time value ranges from 0 to 4 microseconds.

3. when the second frame fails to transmit, the duration of the first interframe space is the difference between the PIFS and the first time; 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the value range of the first time is 0 to 4 microseconds, or the value range of the first time is 0 to 8 microseconds, or the value range of the first time is 0 to 9 microseconds, or the value range of the first time is 0 to 12 microseconds.

4. when the first frame fails to transmit and the second frame fails to transmit, the duration of the first interframe space is the difference between the PIFS and the first time; 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the value of the first time period ranges from 0 to 4 microseconds.

5. when the first frame is unsuccessfully transmitted, the duration of the second interframe space is the sum of the short interframe space SIFS and a second time; 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second time value ranges from 0 to 4 microseconds.

6. when the second frame is unsuccessfully transmitted, the duration of the second interframe space is the sum of the short interframe space (SIFS) and the second time; 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the value range of the second time period is 0 to 4 microseconds, or the value range of the second time period is 0 to 8 microseconds.

7. when the first frame fails to transmit and the second frame fails to transmit, the duration of the second interframe space is the sum of the short interframe space (SIFS) and the second time; 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the value range of the second time period is 0 to 4 microseconds, or the value range of the second time period is 0 to 8 microseconds.

8. A channel listening method, the method being applied to a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device NSTR MLD, the method comprising: The non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device comprises a first station STA and a second station STA, the first STA transmits a first frame on a first link, the second STA transmits a second frame on a second link, the first frame is a physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU), the second frame is a PPDU, and the end time of the first frame is later than the end time of the second frame; determining by the NSTR MLD that the first frame and the second frame have failed to transmit; performing, by the first STA, channel listening at a third interframe space after the first frame ends, the third interframe space being less than or equal to a duration of a PIFS; or performing, by the second STA, channel listening in a fourth interframe space after the second frame ends, the fourth interframe space being greater than or equal to a duration of a short interframe space (SIFS) and less than or equal to the duration of the PIFS; A channel listening method comprising:

9. the third interframe space time is a difference between the PIFS and a third time; 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the third time value ranges from 0 to 4 microseconds, or the third time value ranges from 0 to 8 microseconds.

10. the duration of the fourth interframe space is the sum of the short interframe space SIFS and a fourth time; 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the fourth time value ranges from 0 to 4 microseconds, or the fourth time value ranges from 0 to 8 microseconds.

11. The method comprises: performing, by the second STA, channel listening in a fifth interframe space after a fifth time after the second frame ends, wherein a duration of the fifth interframe space plus the fifth time is less than or equal to the duration of the PIFS; 11. The method of any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising:

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the fifth time value ranges from 0 to 8 microseconds.

13. A channel listening method, the method being applied to a non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device NSTR MLD, the method comprising: The non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device comprises a first station STA and a second station STA, the first STA transmits a first frame on a first link, the second STA transmits a second frame on a second link, the first frame is an acknowledgement block physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU), the second frame is a PPDU, and the end time of the first frame is later than the end time of the second frame; performing, by the second STA, channel listening in a sixth interframe space after the second frame ends, the duration of the sixth interframe space being a sum of an acknowledgement timeout AckTimeout and a sixth time. A channel listening method comprising:

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the sixth time value ranges from 0 to 4 microseconds.

15. The method comprises: performing, by the second STA, channel listening at a seventh interframe space after a seventh time after the second frame ends, the seventh time plus the seventh interframe space being equal to the duration of the sixth interframe space; 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, further comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the seventh time value ranges from 0 to 8 microseconds.

17. A non-simultaneous transmission and reception multilink device NSTR MLD, the non-simultaneous transmission and reception multilink device comprising a first station STA and a second station STA, the first STA transmits a first frame on a first link, the second STA transmits a second frame on a second link, the first frame is an acknowledgement block BA, the second frame is a BA, and the end time of the first frame is later than the end time of the second frame, the NSTR MLD comprises a processing module and a listening module; the processing module is configured to determine that at least one of the first frame and the second frame failed to transmit; and The listening module is configured to perform channel listening at a first interframe space after the first frame ends, the duration of the first interframe space being less than or equal to a duration of a point coordination function interframe space PIFS; or The non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device NSTR MLD is configured such that the listening module performs channel listening on a second interframe space after the second frame ends, and a duration of the second interframe space is greater than or equal to a duration of a short interframe space SIFS and less than or equal to the duration of the PIFS.

18. when the first frame fails to transmit, the duration of the first interframe space is a difference between the PIFS and a first time; 20. The NSTR MLD of claim 17, wherein the range of values ​​for the first time period is 0 to 4 microseconds.

19. when the second frame fails to transmit, the duration of the first interframe space is the difference between the PIFS and the first time; 19. The NSTR MLD of claim 17 or 18, wherein the value range of the first time is 0 to 4 microseconds, or the value range of the first time is 0 to 8 microseconds, or the value range of the first time is 0 to 9 microseconds, or the value range of the first time is 0 to 12 microseconds.

20. when the first frame fails to transmit and the second frame fails to transmit, the duration of the first interframe space is the difference between the PIFS and the first time; 20. The NSTR MLD of claim 17, wherein the range of values ​​for the first time is 0 to 4 microseconds.

21. when the first frame is unsuccessfully transmitted, the duration of the second interframe space is the sum of the short interframe space SIFS and a second time; 21. The NSTR MLD of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the second time value ranges from 0 to 4 microseconds.

22. when the second frame is unsuccessfully transmitted, the duration of the second interframe space is the sum of the short interframe space (SIFS) and the second time; 22. The NSTR MLD of claim 17, wherein the value range of the second time is 0 to 4 microseconds, or the value range of the second time is 0 to 8 microseconds.

23. when the first frame fails to transmit and the second frame fails to transmit, the duration of the second interframe space is the sum of the short interframe space (SIFS) and the second time; 23. The NSTR MLD of any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the range of values ​​of the second time is 0 to 4 microseconds, or the range of values ​​of the second time is 0 to 8 microseconds.

24. A non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device NSTR MLD, said NSTR MLD comprising a first station STA and a second station STA, said first STA transmits a first frame on a first link, said second STA transmits a second frame on a second link, said first frame is a physical layer protocol data unit PPDU, said second frame is a PPDU, and an end time of said first frame is later than an end time of said second frame, said NSTR MLD comprising a processing module and a listening module; the processing module is configured to determine that the first frame and the second frame failed to transmit; The listening module is configured to perform channel listening at a third interframe space after the first frame ends, the third interframe space being less than or equal to a duration of a PIFS; or The non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device NSTR MLD, wherein the listening module is further configured to perform channel listening at a fourth interframe space after the second frame ends, the fourth interframe space being equal to or greater than a duration of a short interframe space SIFS and equal to or less than the duration of the PIFS.

25. a duration of the third interframe space is a difference between the PIFS and a third time; 25. The NSTR MLD of claim 24, wherein the third time value ranges from 0 to 4 microseconds, or the third time value ranges from 0 to 8 microseconds, or the third time value ranges from 0 to 9 microseconds.

26. the duration of the fourth interframe space is the sum of the short interframe space SIFS and a fourth time; 26. The NSTR MLD of claim 24 or 25, wherein the fourth time value ranges from 0 to 4 microseconds, or the fourth time value ranges from 0 to 8 microseconds.

27. The listening module is further configured to perform channel listening at a fifth interframe space after a fifth time after the second frame ends, and a sum of a duration of the fifth interframe space and the fifth time is less than or equal to the duration of the PIFS.

27. The NSTR MLD of any one of claims 24 to 26.

28. 28. The NSTR MLD of claim 27, wherein the fifth time value ranges from 0 to 8 microseconds.

29. A non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device NSTR MLD, said NSTR MLD comprising a first station STA and a second station STA, said first STA transmits a first frame on a first link, said second STA transmits a second frame on a second link, said first frame is a physical layer protocol data unit PPDU, said second frame is a PPDU, and an end time of said first frame is later than an end time of said second frame, said NSTR MLD comprising a processing module and a listening module; the processing module is configured to determine that the first frame and the second frame failed to transmit; The non-simultaneous transmitting and receiving multilink device NSTR MLD is configured such that the listening module performs channel listening in a sixth interframe space after the second frame ends, and a duration of the sixth interframe space is a sum of an acknowledgement timeout AckTimeout and a sixth time.

30. 30. The NSTR MLD of claim 29, wherein the sixth time value ranges from 0 to 4 microseconds.

31. The listening module is further configured to perform channel listening at a seventh interframe space after a seventh time after the second frame ends, the seventh time plus the seventh interframe space being equal to the duration of the sixth interframe space. The NSTR MLD of claim 29 or 30.

32. 32. The NSTR MLD of claim 31, wherein the seventh time value ranges from 0 to 8 microseconds.

33. 1. A multilink device, comprising: a processor; A multilink device, wherein when the multilink device is operated, the processor executes computer-executable instructions stored in memory such that the multilink device performs a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, claims 8 to 12, or claims 13 to 16.

34. 17. A computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions, the computer instructions, when operated on a multilink device, enabling the multilink device to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, claims 8 to 12, or claims 13 to 16.

35. 17. A computer program product comprising computer instructions, the computer program product enabling a multilink device to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, claims 8 to 12 or claims 13 to 16 when the computer program product is operated on the multilink device.

36. A chip comprising a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface configured to communicate with a module external to the chip, the processor configured to run a computer program or instructions to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, claims 8 to 12 or claims 13 to 16.

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