Communication methods, devices, and storage media

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium applicable to a first AP device in the field of communications technology. The method includes the steps of: determining a target frequency interval, where the target frequency interval is the maximum of the minimum frequency intervals between simultaneous transmit / receive (STR) links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, where the OBSS is the overlapping portion of a basic service set (BSS) formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device, and the first AP device is any one of the at least one AP device; and communicating with the associated at least one STA device in the OBSS based on the target frequency interval, where the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with the associated AP device is greater than or equal to the target frequency interval. Embodiments of the present disclosure can coordinate communication between an AP device and an STA device in the OBSS.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of communication technologies. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to communication methods, apparatuses, devices, and storage media.

Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, researchers have proposed Ultra High Reliability (UHR), the next-generation Wi-Fi technology. Its vision is to improve the reliability of WLAN connections, reduce latency, improve manageability, increase the system throughput, and reduce the power consumption of corresponding devices. With UHR technology, devices can communicate at least in the sub-7 GHz band, and when a device needs to communicate with high throughput, it can communicate simultaneously in the sub-7 GHz band, 45 GHz band, and 60 GHz band.

[0003] Multiple Access Point (AP) devices form Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS) within the sub-7 GHz band range. When Station (STA) devices in OBSS communicate with their associated AP devices simultaneously, they use Simultaneously Transmit and Receive (STR) links. However, since frequency overlap may occur in STR links, it affects the communication between STA devices and AP devices. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the communication between each AP device and STA devices in OBSS.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium that can coordinate communication between each AP device and an STA device in OBSS. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication method applicable to a first AP device, A step of determining a target frequency interval, wherein the target frequency interval is the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between simultaneous transmit / receive (STR) links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, the OBSS is the overlapping portion of a basic service set (BSS) formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device, and the first AP device is any one of the at least one AP device. A communication method is provided, comprising the step of communicating with at least one associated STA device in the OBSS based on the target frequency interval, wherein the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with associated AP devices is greater than or equal to the target frequency interval.

[0006] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication method applicable to a third STA device, The present invention provides a communication method comprising the step of transmitting first instruction information, wherein an associated AP device uses the first instruction information to determine a target frequency interval and to communicate with at least one associated STA device in the OBSS based on the target frequency interval, wherein the target frequency interval is the maximum of the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, the OBSS is an overlapping portion of a BSS formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device, the third STA device is any one of the STA devices in the OBSS, and the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with an associated AP device is greater than or equal to the target frequency interval.

[0007] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication device comprising a decision unit and a first communication unit, The determination unit is configured to determine a target frequency interval, the target frequency interval being the maximum of the minimum frequency intervals between simultaneous transmit / receive (STR) links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, the OBSS being the overlapping portion of a basic service set (BSS) formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device, and the first AP device being any one of the at least one AP device. The present invention provides a communication device in which the first communication unit is configured to communicate with at least one associated STA device in the OBSS based on the target frequency interval, and the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with an associated AP device is greater than or equal to the target frequency interval.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication device, comprising a second communication unit, The present invention provides a communication device wherein the second communication unit is configured to transmit first instruction information, which is used by an associated AP device to determine a target frequency interval based on the first instruction information and to communicate with at least one associated STA device in the OBSS based on the target frequency interval, the target frequency interval being the maximum of the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, the OBSS being an overlapping portion of a BSS formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device, the third STA device being any one of the STA devices in the OBSS, and the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with an associated AP device is greater than or equal to the target frequency interval.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an AP device comprising memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable by the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements a communication method provided by the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an STA device comprising memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable by the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements a communication method provided by a second aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, one of the communication methods provided by embodiments of the present disclosure is implemented.

[0012] The embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for coordinating communication between each AP device corresponding to an OBSS and the corresponding STA device in an OBSS when an OBSS is formed in the sub-7GHz band range by multiple AP devices.

[0013] Aspects and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure are described in part in the following description, which may become apparent from the following description or may be learned through the practice of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical concepts in the embodiments of this disclosure, the drawings necessary for use in describing the embodiments of this disclosure are briefly described below, although it is clear that the drawings in the following description represent only a limited number of embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort. [Figure 1] This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is the first schematic diagram of the first example of the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a second schematic diagram of the first example of the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of an OBSS scenario provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This is another schematic diagram of a communication device provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The term "and / or" in the embodiments of the present disclosure is used to describe the association of related objects, meaning that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean three things: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The symbol " / " usually indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. The term "plural" in the embodiments of the present disclosure refers to two or more, and the same applies to other quantifiers.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. The examples are shown in the accompanying drawings. When referring to the drawings in the following description, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments that conform to the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of devices and methods that conform to some aspects of the present invention detailed in the appended claims.

[0017] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. The singular forms "a kind", "the foregoing", and "said" used in the embodiments of the present disclosure and the appended claims shall include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, the term "and / or" used herein refers to any or all possible combinations of the related listed items and is to be understood as inclusive.

[0018] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used to describe various information, but it should be understood that this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first information may be referred to as the second information. Similarly, the second information may be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, for example, the word "when" used in this specification may be interpreted as "if" or "when" or "in response to a decision".

[0019] Hereinafter, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts shall be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Among them, the method and the device are based on the same disclosure concept, and the principles of problem-solving by the method and the device are similar. Therefore, the implementation of the device and the method can be referred to each other, and the description of the overlapping parts is omitted.

[0021] The AP device may be a wireless switch used in a wireless network or an access device of a wireless network. The AP device can include software applications and / or circuits so that other types of nodes in the wireless network can communicate with the outside and inside of the wireless network through the AP device. As an example, the AP device may be a terminal device or a network device equipped with a Wi-Fi chip.

[0022] STA devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, smartphones, wearable devices, computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal communication system (PCS) devices, personal information managers (PIMs), personal navigation devices (PNDs), global positioning systems, multimedia devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

[0023] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure is applicable to a first AP device. Details can be found in Figure 1, which is a schematic flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0024] Selectively, the method may include the following steps S11 and S12. In step S11, the target frequency interval is determined, which is the maximum of the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, and the OBSS is the overlapping portion of the BSS formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device.

[0025] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the first AP device is any one of all AP devices that correspond to OBSS. Each AP device forms its own Basic Service Set (BSS) within the sub-7GHz band range, and if there is overlap in the BSS of multiple AP devices, the overlapping portion is determined as the OBSS in the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] In a wireless local area network, a BSS consists of one AP device and one or more stations (STAs) that communicate with that AP device. One basic service set can connect to a distribution system (DS) via its AP device and then access another basic service set to form an extended service set (ESS).

[0027] Selectively, AP devices may be devices with wireless-to-wired bridging capabilities, and their role is to extend services provided by the wired network to the wireless network. STA devices are electronic devices with wireless network access capabilities and provide frame delivery services that enable information distribution.

[0028] In the embodiments of this disclosure, any one AP device corresponding to the OBSS and the STA device in the OBSS may be multi-link devices (MLDs), which can be represented, for example, as AP MLD and Non-AP MLD, respectively.

[0029] As a first example, referring to Figures 2 and 3, an AP MLD can represent an access point device that supports multilink communication functionality, and a non-AP MLD can represent a station device that supports multilink communication functionality.

[0030] Referring to Figure 2, the AP MLD can include three lower-level AP devices, AP1, AP2, and AP3, as shown in Figure 2. Each AP device can operate on Link 1, Link 2, and Link 3, respectively. The non-AP MLD can also include three lower-level STA devices, STA1, STA2, and STA3, as shown in Figure 2. STA1 operates on Link 1, STA2 operates on Link 2, and STA3 operates on Link 3. In Figure 3, AP1 and STA1 constitute BSS1, and AP2 and STA2 constitute BSS2. In the example shown in Figure 2, it is assumed that AP1 and STA1 communicate over their corresponding first link (Link 1), similarly AP2 and STA2 communicate over their corresponding second link (Link 2), and the AP device and STA3 communicate over a third link (Link 3). Furthermore, Links 1 through 3 are multiple links at different frequencies, for example, links at 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz, or multiple links at 2.4GHz with the same or different bandwidths. It is also possible for each link to have multiple channels. The communication scenario shown in Figure 2 is merely an example, and the ideas of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, an AP MLD can connect to multiple (three) non-AP MLDs, or, on each link, an AP device can communicate with multiple other types of station devices.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an OBSS scenario provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. AP1 forms BSS1 in the sub-7GHz band range, AP2 forms BSS2 in the sub-7GHz band range, and the overlap between BSS1 and BSS2 is OBSS. AP1 and AP2 form BSS3 and BSS4 in the 45GHz band range or the 60GHz band range, respectively, and BSS3 and BSS4 do not overlap.

[0032] Both STA1 and STA2 are located within the OBSS, and a communication link has been established between STA1 and AP1, allowing STA1 and AP1 to communicate with each other. A communication link has also been established between STA2 and AP2, allowing STA2 and AP2 to communicate with each other.

[0033] In embodiments of the present disclosure, for a first AP device (i.e., any one AP device corresponding to an OBSS), the first AP device determines the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, and determines this as the target frequency interval.

[0034] In step S12, based on the target frequency interval, the minimum frequency interval between communication links when communicating with at least one associated STA device in OBSS and any two STA devices in OBSS communicate with associated AP devices is greater than or equal to the target frequency interval.

[0035] After the first AP device determines the target frequency interval, it can communicate with one or more associated STA devices in the OBSS based on that interval. Since each AP device corresponding to the OBSS can determine the target frequency interval and communicate with one or more associated STA devices in the OBSS based on that interval, the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with an associated AP device will be greater than or equal to the target frequency interval, thus reducing interference between communication links.

[0036] Selectively, when any two STA devices in OBSS communicate with an associated AP device, the communication links become STR links, meaning that any two communication links form an STR link pair. One STA device in OBSS can send a frame to its associated AP device on that one communication link, while another STA device in OBSS can receive a frame from its associated AP device on a different communication link.

[0037] A communication method applicable to a first AP device provided by this disclosure can determine a target frequency interval by receiving first instruction information transmitted from at least one STA device associated with the first AP device in OBSS, and determining the target frequency interval based on at least one first instruction information.

[0038] The first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in OBSS includes at least one of the following: at least one first identifier, a second identifier, at least one third identifier, and a fourth identifier. Each first identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by all STA devices other than the STA device in OBSS. The second identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices other than the STA device in OBSS. Each third identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device. The fourth identifier is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in OBSS.

[0039] The first AP device can determine the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in the OBSS, based on first instruction information transmitted from one or more STA devices associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, and determine this as the target frequency interval.

[0040] The first AP device may also determine the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in the OBSS, based on first instruction information transmitted from one or more STA devices associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, and the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by each STA associated with the first AP device in the OBSS.

[0041] If any one of the above identification values ​​is a non-zero integer and that identification value is n, then the frequency interval indicated by it is (n-1)*80MHz. If the first identification value is 3, the minimum frequency interval indicated by it is (3-1)*80MHz=160MHz. If the second identification value is 4, the maximum frequency interval indicated by it is (4-1)*80MHz=240MHz.

[0042] A communication method applicable to a first AP device provided by this disclosure includes, in a first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, at least one first identification value, each first identification value used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by all other STA devices in the OBSS.

[0043] In one selectable embodiment, if the first AP device determines the target frequency interval based on at least one first instruction information, the target frequency interval can be determined based on all the first identification values ​​and the maximum identification value among the seventh identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from the first STA device.

[0044] The first STA device is any one of the STA devices associated with the first AP device in OBSS, and the seventh identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the first STA device. The seventh identification value is transmitted to the first AP device by the first STA device during the process of establishing association with the first AP.

[0045] In the process of establishing an association between the first STA device and the first AP device, the first STA device sends a message frame to the first AP device, the message frame containing a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element containing a Frequency Separation For STR information field, the Frequency Separation For STR information field containing a single identifier value to indicate the minimum frequency spacing between STR links supported by the first STA device.

[0046] If k is the maximum of all the first identification values ​​and seventh identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from the first STA device, then the target frequency interval is (k-1)*80MHz.

[0047] For example, AP1 and AP2 form an OBSS, which includes STA1 to STA6. AP1 is associated with STA1 to STA3 in the OBSS, and AP2 is associated with STA4 to STA6 in the OBSS.

[0048] STA1 to STA3 transmit first instruction information to AP1, and the first instruction information transmitted from each STA device includes a first identification value to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each of the STA devices from STA1 to STA6 other than itself.

[0049] Taking the case where STA1 is the first STA device as an example, the first instruction information transmitted from STA1 includes several first identification values, each of which is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one of the STA devices from STA2 to STA6.

[0050] AP1 can determine a seventh identifier value to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by STA1, and the maximum identifier value among the two first identifier values, and determine the target frequency interval based on the maximum identifier value.

[0051] In one selectable embodiment, if the first AP device determines the target frequency interval based on at least one first instruction information, the target frequency interval can be determined based on the maximum identification value among all first identification values ​​contained in all first instruction information transmitted from all STA devices associated with the first AP in OBSS.

[0052] If k is the maximum identification value among all the first identification values ​​contained in all the first instruction information transmitted from all STA devices associated with the first AP in OBSS, then the target frequency interval is (k-1)*80MHz.

[0053] For example, AP1 and AP2 form an OBSS, which includes STA1 to STA6. AP1 is associated with STA1 to STA3 in the OBSS, and AP2 is associated with STA4 to STA6 in the OBSS.

[0054] STA1 to STA3 transmit first instruction information to AP1, and the first instruction information transmitted from each STA device includes a first identification value to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each of the STA devices from STA1 to STA6 other than itself.

[0055] In this case, all first identification values ​​in the first instruction information transmitted from STA1 to STA3 to AP1 include a first identification value for indicating the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device from STA1 to STA6. Therefore, AP1 can determine the maximum identification value among the first identification values ​​for indicating the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device from STA1 to STA6, and determine the target frequency interval based on the maximum identification value.

[0056] In a communication method applicable to a first AP device provided by this disclosure, first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS includes a second identification value, which is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all other STA devices in the OBSS.

[0057] In one selectable embodiment, if the first AP device determines the target frequency interval based on at least one first instruction information, the target frequency interval can be determined based on all the second identification values ​​and the maximum identification value among the eighth identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from the second STA device.

[0058] The second STA device is any one of the STA devices associated with the first AP device in OBSS, and the eighth identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the first STA device.

[0059] The eighth identification value is transmitted to the first AP device by the second STA device during the process of establishing association with the first AP.

[0060] In the process of establishing an association between the second STA device and the first AP device, the second STA device sends a message frame to the first AP device, the message frame containing a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element containing a Frequency Separation For STR information field, the Frequency Separation For STR information field containing a single identifier value to indicate the minimum frequency spacing between STR links supported by the second STA device.

[0061] If the maximum identification value among the second identification value and the eighth identification value included in the first instruction information transmitted from the second STA device is k, then the target frequency interval is (k-1)*80MHz.

[0062] For example, AP1 and AP2 form an OBSS, which includes STA1 to STA6. AP1 is associated with STA1 to STA3 in the OBSS, and AP2 is associated with STA4 to STA6 in the OBSS.

[0063] STA1 to STA3 transmit a first instruction to AP1, and the first instruction sent from each STA device includes a second identification value to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all other STA devices from STA1 to STA6.

[0064] For example, if STA1 is the second STA device, the first instruction information transmitted from STA1 includes a second identification value, which is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by STA2 to STA6.

[0065] AP1 can determine an eighth identifier value to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by STA1, and the maximum identifier value among the second identifier values ​​to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by STA2 to STA6, and determine the target frequency interval based on the maximum identifier value.

[0066] In one selectable embodiment, if the first AP device determines the target frequency interval based on at least one first instruction information, the target frequency interval is determined based on the maximum of the second identification values ​​contained in the second instruction information transmitted from all STA devices associated with the first AP in OBSS.

[0067] If k is the maximum identification value among the second identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from all STA devices associated with the first AP in OBSS, then the target frequency interval is (k-1)*80MHz.

[0068] For example, AP1 and AP2 form an OBSS, which includes STA1 to STA6. AP1 is associated with STA1 to STA3 in the OBSS, and AP2 is associated with STA4 to STA6 in the OBSS.

[0069] STA1 to STA3 transmit a first instruction to AP1, and the first instruction sent from each STA device includes a second identifier value to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all other STA devices from STA1 to STA6. For example, the second identifier value included in the first instruction sent from STA1 is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by STA2 to STA6.

[0070] In this case, the maximum identification value of all the second identification values ​​in the first instruction information transmitted from STA1 to STA3 to AP1 is necessarily the same as the maximum identification value of the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device from STA1 to STA6. Therefore, AP1 can determine the maximum identification value of all the second identification values ​​in the first instruction information transmitted from STA1 to STA3 to AP1 and determine the target frequency interval based on that maximum identification value.

[0071] A communication method applicable to a first AP device provided by this disclosure includes, in a first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, at least one third identification value, each third identification value used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by all STA devices in the OBSS.

[0072] In one selectable embodiment, if the first AP device determines the target frequency interval based on at least one first instruction information, the target frequency interval can be determined based on the maximum of all third identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from any one of the STA devices.

[0073] If the largest of the third identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from any one STA device is k, then the target frequency interval is (k-1)*80MHz.

[0074] For example, AP1 and AP2 form an OBSS, which includes STA1 to STA6. AP1 is associated with STA1 to STA3 in the OBSS, and AP2 is associated with STA4 to STA6 in the OBSS.

[0075] STA1 to STA3 transmit a first instruction to AP1, and the first instruction sent from each STA device includes a third identification value to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device from STA1 to STA6.

[0076] Taking STA1 as an example, the first instruction information transmitted from STA1 includes multiple third identification values, each of which is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one of the STA devices from STA1 to STA6.

[0077] AP1 can determine the maximum identification value among all third identification values ​​included in any one of the first instruction pieces of information, and determine the target frequency interval based on the maximum identification value.

[0078] In a communication method applicable to a first AP device provided by this disclosure, the first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS includes a fourth identification value, the second identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval of the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in the OBSS.

[0079] In one selectable embodiment, if the first AP device determines the target frequency interval based on at least one first instruction information, the target frequency interval can be determined based on a fourth identification value included in any one of the first instruction information.

[0080] If the fourth identification value included in any one of the first instruction pieces is k, then the target frequency interval is (k-1)*80MHz.

[0081] For example, AP1 and AP2 form an OBSS, which includes STA1 to STA6. AP1 is associated with STA1 to STA3 in the OBSS, and AP2 is associated with STA4 to STA6 in the OBSS.

[0082] STA1 to STA3 transmit a first instruction to AP1, and the first instruction sent from each STA device includes a fourth identification value to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices from STA1 to STA6.

[0083] Taking the case where STA1 is the second STA device as an example, the first instruction information transmitted from STA1 includes a fourth identification value, which is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by STA1 to STA6. AP1 can determine the target frequency interval based on the fourth identification value included in any one of the first instruction information.

[0084] A communication method applicable to a first AP device provided by this disclosure can determine a target frequency interval by receiving a second instruction information transmitted from at least one second AP device and determining the target frequency interval based on at least one second instruction information.

[0085] Each second AP device is any one AP device other than the first AP device among all devices that support OBSS. The second instruction information transmitted from each second AP device includes at least one of the fifth identification value and at least one of the sixth identification value. Each fifth identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the second AP device in OBSS. The sixth identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices associated with the second AP device in OBSS.

[0086] The first AP device can determine the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in the OBSS, based on second instruction information transmitted from at least one second AP device and the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS.

[0087] If any one of the above identification values ​​is a non-zero integer and that identification value is n, then the frequency interval indicated by it is (n-1)*80MHz.

[0088] For example, if the fifth identification value is 3, the minimum frequency interval indicated by it is (3-1)*80MHz=160MHz. For example, if the sixth identification value is 4, the maximum frequency interval indicated by it is (4-1)*80MHz=240MHz.

[0089] A communication method applicable to a first AP device provided by this disclosure includes at least one fifth identifier value in the second instruction information transmitted from each second AP device, each fifth identifier value used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links associated with the second AP device in OBSS and supported by one STA device.

[0090] In one selectable embodiment, if the first AP device determines the target frequency interval based on at least one second instruction information, the target frequency interval can be determined based on all fifth identification values ​​included in the second instruction information transmitted from all second AP devices, and the maximum identification value among at least one ninth identification value.

[0091] Each ninth identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the first AP device in OBSS.

[0092] In the process of establishing an association with the first AP device in OBSS, each STA device associated with the first AP device sends a message frame to the first AP device, the message frame containing a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element containing a Frequency Separation For STR information field, the Frequency Separation For STR information field containing a single identifier value to indicate the minimum frequency spacing between STR links supported by the STA device.

[0093] For each second AP device, each STA device associated with the second AP device in OBSS sends a message frame to the second AP device in the process of establishing association with the second AP device, the message frame containing a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element containing a Frequency Separation For STR information field, the Frequency Separation For STR information field containing a single identifier value to indicate the minimum frequency spacing between STR links supported by the STA device, and each second AP device can determine an identifier value (i.e., a fifth identifier value) to indicate the minimum frequency spacing between STR links supported by each STA device associated with it in OBSS.

[0094] If k is the maximum identification value among all the fifth identification values ​​and all the ninth identification values ​​included in the second instruction information transmitted from all the second AP devices, then the target frequency interval is (k-1)*80MHz.

[0095] For example, AP1 and AP2 form an OBSS, which includes STA1 to STA6. AP1 is associated with STA1 to STA3 in the OBSS, and AP2 is associated with STA4 to STA6 in the OBSS.

[0096] AP2 transmits a second instruction to AP1, which includes a fifth identification value to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device from STA4 to STA6.

[0097] AP1 can determine a ninth identifier value to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device from STA1 to STA3, and the maximum identifier value among all fifth identifier values, and determine the target frequency interval based on the maximum identifier value.

[0098] A communication method applicable to a first AP device provided by this disclosure includes at least a sixth identifier, the second instruction information transmitted from each second AP device, which is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval of the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices associated with the second AP device in the OBSS.

[0099] In one selectable embodiment, if the first AP device determines the target frequency interval based on at least one second instruction information, the target frequency interval can be determined based on the maximum of a sixth identification value and at least one ninth identification value included in the second instruction information transmitted from all second AP devices.

[0100] Each ninth identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the first AP device in OBSS.

[0101] In the process of establishing an association with the first AP device in OBSS, each STA device associated with the first AP device sends a message frame to the first AP device, the message frame containing a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element containing a Frequency Separation For STR information field, the Frequency Separation For STR information field containing a single identifier value to indicate the minimum frequency spacing between STR links supported by the STA device.

[0102] For each second AP device, each STA device associated with the second AP device in OBSS sends a message frame to the second AP device in the process of establishing association with the second AP device, the message frame containing a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element containing a Frequency Separation For STR information field, the Frequency Separation For STR information field containing one identifier value to indicate the minimum frequency spacing between STR links supported by the STA device, and each second AP device can determine an identifier value (i.e., a sixth identifier value) to indicate the maximum frequency spacing among the minimum frequency spacings between STR links supported by each STA device associated with it in OBSS.

[0103] If the sixth identification value included in the second instruction information transmitted from all second AP devices, and the maximum identification value among all ninth identification values, is k, then the target frequency interval is (k-1)*80MHz.

[0104] For example, AP1 and AP2 form an OBSS, which includes STA1 to STA6. AP1 is associated with STA1 to STA3 in the OBSS, and AP2 is associated with STA4 to STA6 in the OBSS.

[0105] AP2 transmits a second instruction to AP1, which includes a sixth identifier to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices from STA4 to STA6.

[0106] AP1 can determine a ninth identification value to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device from STA1 to STA3, and the maximum identification value among all sixth identification values, and determine the target frequency interval based on the maximum identification value.

[0107] In the communication method applicable to the first AP device provided by this disclosure, the second instruction information transmitted from each second AP device includes a plurality of identifiers for indicating the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device in OBSS.

[0108] In one selectable embodiment, if the first AP device determines the target frequency interval based on at least one second instruction information, the target frequency interval can be determined based on the highest identification value among all the identification values ​​contained in the second instruction information transmitted from any one of the second AP devices.

[0109] If the maximum identification value of all identification values ​​included in any one of the second instruction pieces is k, then the target frequency interval is (k-1)*80MHz.

[0110] For example, AP1 and AP2 form an OBSS, which includes STA1 to STA6. AP1 is associated with STA1 to STA3 in the OBSS, and AP2 is associated with STA4 to STA6 in the OBSS.

[0111] AP2 transmits a second instruction to AP1, which includes an identification value to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device from STA1 to STA6.

[0112] AP1 can determine the maximum identification value among all the identification values ​​included in the second instruction information and determine the target frequency interval based on the maximum identification value.

[0113] In the communication method applicable to the first AP device provided by this disclosure, the second instruction information transmitted from each second AP device includes an identification value for indicating the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in OBSS.

[0114] In one selectable embodiment, if the first AP device determines the target frequency interval based on at least one second instruction information, the target frequency interval can be determined based on an identification value contained in the second instruction information transmitted from any one of the second AP devices.

[0115] If the identification value included in any one of the second instruction pieces is k, then the target frequency interval is (k-1)*80MHz.

[0116] For example, AP1 and AP2 form an OBSS, which includes STA1 to STA6. AP1 is associated with STA1 to STA3 in the OBSS, and AP2 is associated with STA4 to STA6 in the OBSS.

[0117] AP2 transmits a second instruction to AP1, which includes an identification value to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices from STA1 to STA6.

[0118] AP1 can determine the target frequency interval based on the identification value included in the second instruction information.

[0119] In the communication method applicable to the first AP device provided by this disclosure, the method is: The step further includes all STA devices in OBSS broadcasting a first message frame, the first message frame containing at least one of the 9th and 10th identifiers, Each 9th identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the first AP device in OBSS. The tenth identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices associated with the first AP in OBSS.

[0120] According to the above implementation, each STA device in OBSS can receive a first message frame transmitted from all AP devices corresponding to OBSS, and can determine the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the STA devices associated with each AP device in OBSS, and / or the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices associated with each AP in OBSS. Furthermore, each STA device in OBSS can receive a third instruction information transmitted from each other STA device in OBSS, the third instruction information including the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the STA device that transmitted the third instruction information, and each STA device in OBSS can transmit the first instruction information to its associated AP based on at least one of the above pieces of information.

[0121] Simultaneously, for each second AP device, the second AP device may transmit second instruction information to the first AP device and other second AP devices based on at least one of the following: first instruction information transmitted from the STA device associated with the second AP device in OBSS; the identifier value of the Frequency Separation For STR information field contained in the message frame transmitted by the STA device associated with the second AP device in OBSS during the process of establishing the association with it; and second instruction information transmitted to the second AP device from another AP.

[0122] In the communication method applicable to the first AP device provided by this disclosure, any one AP device broadcasts a first message frame as a beacon frame to all STA devices in OBSS.

[0123] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure is applicable to a third STA device. Further details can be found in Figure 5, which is another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0124] Selectively, the method may include the following step S51. In step S51, a first instruction is transmitted, which the associated AP device uses to determine a target frequency interval based on the first instruction and to communicate with at least one associated STA device in the OBSS, where the target frequency interval is the maximum of the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, the OBSS is the overlapping portion of the BSS formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device, the third STA device is any one of the STA devices in the OBSS, and the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with the associated AP device is greater than or equal to the target frequency interval.

[0125] Any one STA device in OBSS can transmit a first instruction to its associated AP device, which then determines a target frequency interval based on at least one of the first instruction pieces and communicates with one or more associated STA devices in OBSS based on that target frequency interval. In this case, each AP device corresponding to OBSS can determine a target frequency interval based on the same method and communicate with one or more associated STA devices in OBSS based on that target frequency interval. Therefore, when any two STA devices in OBSS communicate with their associated AP devices, the minimum frequency interval between communication links will be greater than or equal to the target frequency interval, reducing interference between communication links.

[0126] Selectively, when any two STA devices in OBSS communicate with an associated AP device, the communication links become STR links, meaning that any two communication links form an STR link pair. One STA device in OBSS can send a frame to its associated AP device on that one communication link, while another STA device in OBSS can receive a frame from its associated AP device on a different communication link.

[0127] In a communication method applicable to a third STA device provided by this disclosure, the first instruction information includes at least one of at least one first identifier, a second identifier, at least one third identifier, and four identifiers. Each first identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device other than the third STA device in OBSS. The second identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in OBSS except for the third STA device. Each third identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device in OBSS. The fourth identifier is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in OBSS.

[0128] After the third STA device transmits the first instruction information to the third AP device, the third AP device may determine the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in the OBSS, based on the first instruction information transmitted from one or more STA devices associated with the third AP device in the OBSS, and determine this as the target frequency interval.

[0129] After the third STA device transmits the first instruction information to the third AP device, the third AP device can determine the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in the OBSS, based on the first instruction information transmitted from one or more STA devices associated with the third AP device in the OBSS, and the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by each STA associated with the third AP device in the OBSS.

[0130] The third AP device is an AP device associated with the third STA device. If any one of the above identification values ​​is a non-zero integer and that identification value is n, then the frequency interval indicated by it is (n-1)*80MHz. For example, if the first identification value is 3, the minimum frequency interval indicated by it is (3-1)*80MHz=160MHz. For example, if the second identification value is 4, the maximum frequency interval indicated by it is (4-1)*80MHz=240MHz.

[0131] In the communication method applicable to the third STA device provided by this disclosure, the third AP device determines the target frequency interval based on at least one instruction piece of information, as shown in the communication method applicable to the first AP device described above, and is therefore omitted from this explanation. The third AP device is an AP device associated with the third STA device.

[0132] In one selectable embodiment, the first instruction information transmitted from the third STA device includes at least one first identification value, each first identification value used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by all STA devices other than the third STA device in OBSS.

[0133] After the third STA device transmits the first instruction information, the third AP device can determine the target frequency interval based on the largest of the first identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from the third STA device, and the identification values ​​for indicating the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the third STA device.

[0134] An identification value for indicating the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the third STA device is transmitted by the third STA device to the third AP device during the process of establishing association with the third AP.

[0135] In the process of establishing an association between a third STA device and a third AP device, the third STA device sends a message frame to the third AP device, the message frame containing a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element containing a Frequency Separation For STR information field, the Frequency Separation For STR information field containing a single identifier value to indicate the minimum frequency spacing between STR links supported by the third STA device.

[0136] If the largest of the first identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from the third STA device, and the identification value for indicating the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the third STA device, is k, then the target frequency interval is (k-1)*80MHz.

[0137] For example, AP1 and AP2 form an OBSS, which includes STA1 to STA6. AP1 is associated with STA1 to STA3 in the OBSS, and AP2 is associated with STA4 to STA6 in the OBSS.

[0138] STA6 transmits a first instruction to AP2, which includes a first identification value to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device from STA1 to STA5.

[0139] AP2 can determine the maximum identification value among a first identification value for indicating the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device from STA1 to STA5, and an identification value for indicating the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by STA6, and then determine the target frequency interval based on the maximum identification value.

[0140] In one selectable embodiment, the first instruction information transmitted from the third STA device includes a second identification value, which is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in OBSS other than the third STA device.

[0141] After the third STA device transmits the first instruction information, the third AP device can determine the target frequency interval based on the second identification value included in the first instruction information transmitted from the third STA device, and the identification value for indicating the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the third STA device, which is the largest of these identification values.

[0142] An identification value for indicating the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the third STA device is transmitted by the third STA device to the third AP device during the process of establishing association with the third AP.

[0143] In the process of establishing an association between a third STA device and a third AP device, the third STA device sends a message frame to the third AP device, the message frame containing a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element containing a Frequency Separation For STR information field, the Frequency Separation For STR information field containing a single identifier value to indicate the minimum frequency spacing between STR links supported by the third STA device.

[0144] If the maximum identification value among the second identification value included in the first instruction information transmitted from the third STA device, and the identification value for indicating the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the third STA device, is k, then the target frequency interval is (k-1)*80MHz.

[0145] For example, AP1 and AP2 form an OBSS, which includes STA1 to STA6. AP1 is associated with STA1 to STA3 in the OBSS, and AP2 is associated with STA4 to STA6 in the OBSS.

[0146] STA6 transmits a first instruction to AP2, which includes a second identification value to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by each STA device from STA1 to STA5.

[0147] AP2 can determine the maximum of the second identification value and the identification value for indicating the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by STA6, and determine the target frequency interval based on the maximum identification value.

[0148] In the communication method applicable to the third STA device provided by this disclosure, the method is: The process further includes receiving third instruction information transmitted from each STA device other than the third STA device in OBSS, The third instruction information transmitted from each STA device other than the third STA device in OBSS includes an eleventh identification value to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by that STA device.

[0149] The third STA device can then transmit the first instruction information to the third AP device based on this. The third AP device is an AP device associated with the third STA device.

[0150] In the communication method applicable to the third STA device provided by this disclosure, the method is: The process further includes receiving a first message frame broadcast by at least one AP device corresponding to OBSS, wherein the first message frame broadcast by each AP device includes at least one of at least one 12th identifier and a 13th identifier. Each of the 12 identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one OBSS associated with the AP device in the OBSS. The 13th identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices associated with the AP device in OBSS.

[0151] The third STA device transmits first instruction information to the third AP device based on the first message frame sent from each AP that it receives. The third AP device is an AP device associated with the third STA device.

[0152] In the communication method applicable to the third STA device provided by this disclosure, the method is: The process further includes the step of transmitting third instruction information to each STA device other than the third STA device in OBSS, The third instruction information transmitted from the third STA device is used to indicate the identifier value for the minimum frequency interval between the STR links it supports, and each other STA device in OBSS transmits the first instruction information to its associated AP device based on the third instruction information it receives.

[0153] A communication method applicable to a first AP device or a third STA device provided by this disclosure includes, in the process of establishing an association between any one STA device in OBSS and an associated AP device, sending a message frame to the associated AP device, the message frame containing a multi-link information element, the multi-link information element containing a Frequency Separation For STR information field, the Frequency Separation For STR information field containing a single identifier value for indicating the minimum frequency spacing between STR links supported by the STA device.

[0154] In embodiments of the present disclosure, any one AP device corresponding to an OBSS can reduce interference between communication links by determining the maximum frequency interval of the minimum frequency intervals between simultaneous transmit / receive (STR) links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, based on a first instruction information transmitted from an associated STA device in the OBSS and / or a second instruction information transmitted from another AP corresponding to the OBSS, thereby forming an STR link pair such that the minimum frequency interval between communication links is equal to or greater than the target frequency interval when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with an associated AP device.

[0155] As shown in Figure 6, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device which includes a decision unit 61 and a first communication unit 62. The determination unit 61 is configured to determine a target frequency interval, which is the maximum of the minimum frequency intervals between simultaneous transmit / receive (STR) links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, the OBSS being the overlapping portion of a basic service set (BSS) formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device, and the first AP device being any one of the at least one AP device. The first communication unit 62 is configured to communicate with at least one associated STA device in the OBSS based on the target frequency interval, and the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with an associated AP device is greater than or equal to the target frequency interval.

[0156] Selectively, in the embodiments of this disclosure, determining the target frequency interval is: The OBSS receives first instruction information transmitted from at least one STA device associated with the first AP device, and determines the target frequency interval based on at least one of the first instruction pieces of information, and The system includes at least one of the following: receiving second instruction information transmitted from at least one second AP device; determining a target frequency interval based on at least one of the second instruction information, wherein each of the second AP devices is any one of the at least one AP devices other than the first AP.

[0157] The first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the above OBSS includes at least one of the following: at least one first identifier, a second identifier, at least one third identifier, and a fourth identifier. Each of the above first identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device other than the STA device in the above OBSS, The second identification value described above is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices other than the STA device in the OBSS described above. Each of the above third identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device in the above OBSS. The fourth identification value described above is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in the above OBSS.

[0158] The second instruction information transmitted from each of the second AP devices includes at least one of the following: at least one fifth identification value and at least one sixth identification value. Each of the above fifth identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the second AP device in the above OBSS. The sixth identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices associated with the second AP device in the OBSS described above.

[0159] Selectively, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS includes at least one first identification value, The above decision unit 61 is, Based on all first identification values ​​and the maximum identification value among the seventh identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from the first STA device, the target frequency interval is determined, the seventh identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the first STA device, the first STA device is any one STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, and the seventh identification value is transmitted to the first AP device by the first STA device in the process of establishing association with the first AP device, and The system is configured to perform at least one of the following: determining a target frequency interval based on the maximum identification value among all first identification values ​​contained in the first instruction information transmitted from all STA devices associated with the first AP in the above OBSS.

[0160] Selectively, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS includes a second identification value. The above decision unit 61 is, Based on the second identification value and the maximum identification value among the eighth identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from the second STA device, the target frequency interval is determined, the eighth identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the second STA device, the second STA device is any one STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, and the eighth identification value is transmitted to the first AP device by the second STA device in the process of establishing association with the first AP device, and The system is configured to perform at least one of the following: determining a target frequency interval based on the maximum of the second identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from all STA devices associated with the first AP device in the above OBSS.

[0161] Selectively, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS includes at least one third identification value, The above decision unit 61 is, The system is configured to determine the target frequency interval based on the maximum identification value among all third identification values ​​included in any one of the first instruction pieces described above.

[0162] Selectively, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS includes a fourth identification value. The above decision unit 61 is, The system is configured to determine the target frequency interval based on a fourth identification value included in any one of the first instruction pieces described above.

[0163] Selectively, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the second instruction information transmitted from each of the second AP devices includes at least one fifth identification value, The above decision unit 61 is, The system is configured to determine a target frequency interval based on all fifth identification values ​​included in the second instruction information transmitted from all of the second AP devices, and the maximum identification value among at least one ninth identification value, each of which is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, and is transmitted to the second AP device by the corresponding STA device in the process of establishing association with the second AP device.

[0164] Selectively, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the second instruction information transmitted from each of the second AP devices includes a sixth identification value. The above decision unit 61 is, The system is configured to determine a target frequency interval based on a sixth identification value included in the second instruction information transmitted from all of the second APs, and the maximum identification value among at least one ninth identification value, each of which is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, and is transmitted to the second AP device by the corresponding STA device in the process of establishing association with the second AP device.

[0165] Selectively, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the first communication unit 62 further comprises: The above OBSS is configured to broadcast a first message frame to all STA devices, and the first message frame includes at least one of at least one 9th identifier and at least one 10th identifier. Each of the above 9th identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the above first AP device in the above OBSS, The tenth identification value described above is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices associated with the first AP device in the OBSS described above.

[0166] Selectively, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the first message frame is a beacon frame.

[0167] As shown in Figure 7, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, the communication device including a second communication unit 71. The second communication unit 71 is configured to transmit first instruction information, which is used by an associated AP device to determine a target frequency interval based on the first instruction information and to communicate with at least one associated STA device in the OBSS based on the target frequency interval, wherein the target frequency interval is the maximum of the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, the OBSS is the overlapping portion of the BSS formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device, the third STA device is any one of the STA devices in the OBSS, and the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with an associated AP device is greater than or equal to the target frequency interval.

[0168] Selectively, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the second communication unit 71 is configured to perform at least one of at least one first identifier, a second identifier, at least one third identifier, and a fourth identifier. Each of the above first identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device other than the third STA device in the above OBSS. The second identification value described above is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices other than the third STA device described above in the OBSS. Each of the above third identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device in the above OBSS. The fourth identification value described above is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in the above OBSS.

[0169] Selectively, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the second communication unit 71 further comprises: The OBSS is configured to receive third instruction information transmitted from each STA device other than the third STA device, the third instruction information transmitted from each STA device other than the third STA device includes an eleventh identification value, which is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the STA device.

[0170] Selectively, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the second communication unit 71 further comprises: It is configured to receive a first message frame broadcast by at least one AP device corresponding to the above OBSS, and each first message frame broadcast by the AP device includes at least one of the following: at least one 12th identifier and a 13th identifier. Each of the above 12 identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the AP device in the above OBSS, The 13th identification value described above is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices associated with the AP device in the OBSS described above.

[0171] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide electronic devices. As shown in Figure 8, the electronic device 8000 shown in Figure 8 includes a processor 8001 and a memory 8003. The processor 8001 and the memory 8003 are connected, for example, via a bus 8002. Optionally, the electronic device 8000 may include a transceiver 8004. In actual applications, the transceiver 8004 is not limited to one, and the configuration of the electronic device 8000 is not limited to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0172] Memory 8003 is used to store application program code that executes embodiments of the present disclosure, and its execution is controlled by processor 8001. When electronic device 8000 functions as a first AP device, processor 8001 is used to execute the application program code stored in memory 8003 to implement a communication method applicable to the first AP device in the present means. When electronic device 8000 functions as a third STA device, processor 8001 is used to execute the application program code stored in memory 8003 to implement a communication method applicable to the third STA device in the present means.

[0173] Bus 8002 can include paths for transmitting information between the above components. Bus 8002 may be a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or an EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) bus, etc. Bus 8002 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the sake of representation, it is shown with only one thick line in Figure 8, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0174] Memory 8003 may be, but is not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital multipurpose discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disc storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that can be used to contain or store desired program code having the form of instructions or data structures and that is accessible by a computer.

[0175] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer can be made to execute the corresponding content in the method embodiment described above.

[0176] While the steps in the flowchart are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, please understand that these steps are not necessarily performed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise stated herein, there are no strict order restrictions on the execution of these steps, and they can be performed in other orders. Furthermore, at least some of the steps in the flowchart may include multiple substeps or multiple stages. These substeps or stages do not necessarily have to be executed simultaneously and may be executed at different times. Their execution order does not necessarily have to be sequential, and they can be executed sequentially or alternately with other steps, or at least some of the substeps or stages of other steps.

[0177] The computer-readable storage medium described herein may be a computer-readable signal medium, a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination thereof. The computer-readable storage medium may be, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage mediums may include, but are not limited to, electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or appropriate combinations thereof. In this disclosure, the computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing programs used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In this disclosure, the computer-readable signal medium contains data signals propagated in the baseband or as part of a carrier, in which computer-readable program code is carried. Such propagated data signals can take various forms, including electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any combination thereof. The computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable storage medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, and such computer-readable signal medium can transmit, propagate, or transmit programs used by or in connection with instruction execution systems, apparatus, or devices. Program code contained in a computer-readable storage medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wires, optical cables, RF (radio frequency), or a suitable combination thereof.

[0178] The computer-readable storage medium described above may be included in the first AP device or the third STA device, or it may exist independently without being incorporated into the first AP device or the third STA device.

[0179] The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium stores one or more programs, and when one or more of these programs are executed by the first AP device or the third STA device, the first AP device or the third STA device is instructed to execute the corresponding communication method.

[0180] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product or computer program is provided. The computer program product or computer program includes computer instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and, by executing the computer instructions, causes the computer device to perform a communication method provided in the various selectable embodiments described above.

[0181] Computer program code for performing the operations of the Disclosure may be written in one or more programming languages, or a combination thereof, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, and traditional procedural programming languages ​​such as "C," or similar programming languages. The program code may run entirely on the user's computer, or partially on the user's computer, or as a standalone software package, or partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. Where a remote computer is involved, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it may be connected to an external computer (such as via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0182] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the drawings illustrate the feasible architectures, functions, and operations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to each embodiment of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, program segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for realizing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some substitutional implementations, the functions described within a block may occur in an order different from that shown in the drawings. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed almost in parallel, or in reverse order depending on the related functions. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and any combination of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, may be realized by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or operation, or by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0183] The modules described in the embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented in software form or in hardware form. In some cases, the name of a module is not limiting to the module itself. For example, module A may also be described as module A for performing operation B.

[0184] The above description is merely a description of preferred embodiments of the Disclosure and the technical principles used. Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the disclosure contained herein is not limited to any technical solution formed by a specific combination of the above technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by any combination of the above technical features or their equivalents, without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, such as technical solutions formed by the substitution of the above features with similar functional technical features disclosed herein (but not limited to these).

Claims

1. A communication method applicable to a first access point (AP) device, A step of determining a target frequency interval, wherein the target frequency interval is the maximum of the minimum frequency intervals between simultaneous transmit / receive (STR) links supported by each station (STA) device in an overlapping basic service set (OBSS), the OBSS being an overlapping portion of a basic service set (BSS) formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device, and the first AP device being any one of the at least one AP device; The steps include: communicating with at least one associated STA device in the OBSS based on the target frequency interval, wherein the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with associated AP devices is greater than or equal to the target frequency interval; A communication method characterized by the following features.

2. The step of determining the target frequency interval is: The steps include receiving first instruction information transmitted from at least one STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, and determining a target frequency interval based on at least one of the first instruction pieces of information, The steps include receiving a second instruction information transmitted from at least one second AP device and determining a target frequency interval based on at least one of the second instruction information, wherein each of the second AP devices is any one of the at least one AP devices other than the first AP device, The first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS includes at least one of at least one first identifier, a second identifier, at least one third identifier, and a fourth identifier. Each of the first identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device other than the STA device in the OBSS, The second identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices other than the STA device in the OBSS. Each of the third identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device in the OBSS. The fourth identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in the OBSS. The second instruction information transmitted from each of the second AP devices includes at least one of at least one fifth identification value and at least one of a sixth identification value, Each of the fifth identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the second AP device in the OBSS. The sixth identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices associated with the second AP device in the OBSS. The communication method according to feature 1.

3. The first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS includes at least one first identification value. The step of determining the target frequency interval based on the at least one of the first instruction pieces of information is: A step of determining a target frequency interval based on all first identification values ​​and the largest of seven identification values ​​contained in first instruction information transmitted from a first STA device, wherein the seven identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the first STA device, the first STA device is any one STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, and the seven identification value is transmitted to the first AP device by the first STA device in the process of establishing association with the first AP device. The process includes at least one of the following steps: determining a target frequency interval based on the maximum identification value among all first identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from all STA devices associated with the first AP device in the OBSS; The communication method according to feature 2.

4. The first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS includes a second identification value. The step of determining the target frequency interval based on the at least one of the first instruction pieces of information is: A step of determining a target frequency interval based on a second identification value and the maximum identification value among eight identification values ​​included in first instruction information transmitted from a second STA device, wherein the eighth identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the second STA device, the second STA device is any one STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, and the eighth identification value is transmitted to the first AP device by the second STA device in the process of establishing association with the first AP device. The steps include at least one of the following: determining a target frequency interval based on the maximum identification value among the second identification values ​​included in the first instruction information transmitted from all STA devices associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, The communication method according to feature 2.

5. The first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS includes at least one third identification value, The step of determining the target frequency interval based on the at least one of the first instruction pieces of information is: The process includes determining a target frequency interval based on the maximum identification value among all third identification values ​​contained in any one of the first instruction information, The communication method according to feature 2.

6. The first instruction information transmitted from each STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS includes a fourth identification value. The step of determining the target frequency interval based on the at least one of the first instruction pieces of information is: The process includes the step of determining a target frequency interval based on a fourth identification value contained in any one of the first instruction information, The communication method according to feature 2.

7. Each of the second instruction information transmitted from the second AP device includes at least one fifth identification value, The step of determining the target frequency interval based on at least one of the second instruction pieces of information is: The process includes determining a target frequency interval based on all fifth identification values ​​contained in the second instruction information transmitted from all of the second AP devices, and the maximum identification value among at least one ninth identification value, each of which the ninth identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, and is transmitted to the second AP device by the corresponding STA device in the process of establishing association with the second AP device. The communication method according to feature 2.

8. Each of the second instruction information transmitted from the second AP device includes a sixth identification value. The step of determining the target frequency interval based on at least one of the second instruction pieces of information is: The process includes determining a target frequency interval based on a sixth identification value included in the second instruction information transmitted from all of the second AP devices, and the maximum identification value among at least one ninth identification value, each of which the ninth identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS, and is transmitted to the second AP device by the corresponding STA device in the process of establishing association with the second AP device. The communication method according to feature 2.

9. The aforementioned communication method is, The step further includes broadcasting a first message frame to all STA devices in the OBSS, The first message frame includes at least one of at least one ninth identifier and at least one of the tenth identifier, Each of the ninth identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the first AP device in the OBSS. The tenth identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices associated with the first AP device in the OBSS. The communication method according to feature 2.

10. The aforementioned first message frame is a beacon frame. The communication method according to feature 9.

11. A communication method applicable to a third STA device, The process includes the step of transmitting first instruction information, the first instruction information being used by an associated AP device to determine a target frequency interval based on the first instruction information and to communicate with at least one associated STA device in the OBSS based on the target frequency interval, the target frequency interval being the maximum of the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, the OBSS being an overlapping portion of a BSS formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device, the third STA device being any one of the STA devices in the OBSS, and the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with an associated AP device being greater than or equal to the target frequency interval. A communication method characterized by the following features.

12. The first instruction information includes at least one of at least one first identification value, a second identification value, at least one third identification value, and a fourth identification value, Each of the first identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device other than the third STA device in the OBSS. The second identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices other than the third STA device in the OBSS. Each of the third identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by each STA device in the OBSS. The fourth identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices in the OBSS. The communication method according to feature 11.

13. The aforementioned communication method is, The process further includes receiving third instruction information transmitted from each STA device other than the third STA device in the OBSS, wherein the third instruction information transmitted from each STA device other than the third STA device includes an eleventh identification value, the eleventh identification value is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by the STA device. The communication method according to feature 12.

14. The aforementioned communication method is, The process further includes receiving a first message frame broadcast by at least one AP device corresponding to the OBSS, Each AP device broadcasts a first message frame which includes at least one of the following: at least one 12th identifier and at least one 13th identifier. Each of the 12 identification values ​​is used to indicate the minimum frequency interval between STR links supported by one STA device associated with the AP device in the OBSS. The 13th identification value is used to indicate the maximum frequency interval among the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by all STA devices associated with the AP device in the OBSS. The communication method according to feature 12.

15. A communication device, Including a decision unit and a first communication unit, The determination unit is configured to determine a target frequency interval, the target frequency interval being the maximum of the minimum frequency intervals between simultaneous transmit / receive (STR) links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, the OBSS being an overlapping portion of a basic service set (BSS) formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device, and the first AP device being any one of the at least one AP devices. The first communication unit is configured to communicate with at least one associated STA device in the OBSS based on the target frequency interval, and the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with associated AP devices is greater than or equal to the target frequency interval. A communication device characterized by the following features.

16. A communication device, Including a second communication unit, The second communication unit is configured to transmit first instruction information, which is used by an associated AP device to determine a target frequency interval based on the first instruction information and to communicate with at least one associated STA device in the OBSS based on the target frequency interval, wherein the target frequency interval is the maximum of the minimum frequency intervals between STR links supported by each STA device in the OBSS, the OBSS is an overlapping portion of a BSS formed in the sub-7GHz band by at least one AP device, the third STA device is any one of the STA devices in the OBSS, and the minimum frequency interval between communication links when any two STA devices in the OBSS communicate with an associated AP device is greater than or equal to the target frequency interval. A communication device characterized by the following features.

17. An access point (AP) device, The system includes memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in memory and executable by the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 10. An AP device characterized by the following features.

18. A station (STA) device, The system includes memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in memory and executable by the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the communication method described in any one of claims 11 to 14. A STA device characterized by the following features.

19. A computer-readable storage medium in which a computer program is stored, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 14 is realized. A computer-readable storage medium characterized by the following features.

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