Communication methods and devices, storage media, and chip systems

Abstract

Communication methods and devices, storage media, and chip systems are provided, relating to the field of communication technology. Instructional information is added to the TWT information so that a non-AP STA can identify the TWT set up between an AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. This application applies to wireless local area network systems supporting the next-generation Wi-Fi protocol of IEEE 802.11ax (e.g., 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, or EHT), the next-generation Wi-Fi protocol of IEEE 802.11be (e.g., Wi-Fi 8, UHR, or 11bn), Wi-Fi AI, millimeter wave (mmWave), ultra-wideband (UWB), or sensing. In this application, a first AP may transmit first TWT information. The first TWT information may indicate the TWT set up between an AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. Since the first TWT information can carry the first instruction information, the first non-AP STA identifies the TWT set up between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP, and assists the non-AP STA in performing communication based on the TWT mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311057882.0, entitled "COMMUNICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS, STORAGE MEDIUM, AND CHIP SYSTEM", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 21, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to communication methods and apparatuses, storage media, and chip systems.

Background Art

[0003] Since multiple wireless devices (especially terminal devices) are powered by batteries, power saving is very important. In IEEE 802.11ah, the Target Wake Time (TWT) technology has been introduced into the Internet of Things (IoT) field. The TWT requesting station can enter the sleep state when it reaches a time exceeding the TWT service period (SP) in order to reduce energy consumption.

[0004] A communication system may include multiple Basic Service Sets (BSSs). A BSS is a basic component in an 802.11 local area network (LAN). A BSS is within a specific coverage area and includes stations (STAs) connected to each other.

[0005] For example, in an Infrastructure Basic Services Set (BSS), a Station with special functions acts as an access point for all stations within the BSS to access the distributed network (DS). This special station becomes the access point (AP) of the BSS and is responsible for managing the BSS. If a non-access point station (non-AP STA) needs to access the DS, that non-AP STA must be associated with an AP and access the DS through that associated AP. Each BSS managed by an AP entity may contain at least one non-AP STA, and multiple non-AP STAs may be associated with the AP entity corresponding to the BSS. A TWT or R-TWT may be set up between each AP and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus, a storage medium, and a chip system. Since instruction information is added to the TWT information, a non-AP STA can identify the TWT setup between APs in the overlapping basic service set (overlapping BSS, OBSS) of APs and the non-AP STA associated with those APs, and assist the non-AP STA in performing communication based on the TWT mechanism.

[0007] In one possible implementation of this application, a first AP transmits TWT information. The TWT indicated by the TWT information is a TWT set up between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP, and since the TWT information can carry first instruction information, the first non-AP STA identifies the TWT set up between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP.

[0008] In another possible implementation, the first non-AP STA may communicate with the AP in the OBSS on a primary channel that is switched during the SP of the TWT setup between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. Since the switched primary channel may be different from the primary channel in the OBSS, it is unlikely that the switched primary channel will be busy during the SP of the TWT being set up between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. Therefore, the first non-AP STA will communicate on the switched primary channel to improve communication efficiency.

[0009] According to a first aspect, one embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method is applicable to a first non-AP STA. For example, the first non-AP STA may be a non-AP STA device, or a unit, module, or chip (system) within a non-AP STA device.

[0010] In this method, the first non-AP STA receives first TWT information from the first AP. The first non-AP STA is associated with the first AP, and the first TWT information includes first instruction information, which indicates that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT set up between the AP in the overlapping basic service set OBSS of the first AP and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. Based on the first instruction information, the first non-AP STA determines that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT set up between the AP in OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP.

[0011] Since the first TWT information includes the first instruction information, the first non-AP STA can distinguish between the TWT set up between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP, thereby assisting the non-AP STA in performing communication based on the TWT mechanism in this solution.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first TWT information is carried in the first TWT element. The first instruction information is carried in the reserved field B7 within the control field of the first TWT element.

[0013] In this embodiment, the first instruction information can occupy the reserved fields of the first TWT element. Therefore, in this embodiment, existing TWT elements are only slightly modified to maintain higher compatibility with the prior art. In addition, this solution reduces resource overhead because the first instruction information does not increase the number of bits in the TWT element.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA receives second TWT information from the first AP. The second TWT information includes second instruction information, which indicates that the TWT indicated by the second TWT information is a TWT set up between the first AP and the non-AP STA associated with the first AP.

[0015] The second TWT information includes the second instruction information. Thus, the first non-AP STA can identify whether the TWT indicated by the received TWT information is a TWT setup between an AP in the BSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP, and then the first non-AP STA can communicate with the first AP based on the identified TWT setup between the AP in the BSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the second TWT information is carried in the second TWT element, and the second instruction information is carried in the reserved field B7 within the control field of the second TWT element.

[0017] In this embodiment, the second instruction information can occupy the reserved fields of the second TWT element. Therefore, in this embodiment, existing TWT elements are only slightly modified to maintain higher compatibility with the prior art. In addition, this solution reduces resource overhead because the second instruction information does not increase the number of bits in the TWT element.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first TWT information may include a third or fourth instruction information.

[0019] The third instruction information indicates to the first non-AP STA that it will communicate with the first AP on the primary channel to which it will be switched. The third instruction information may further indicate to the first AP that it will communicate with the first non-AP STA on the primary channel to which it will be switched. In this way, if the first non-AP STA determines that the first TWT information includes the third instruction information, regardless of whether the first channel, which was originally functioning as the primary channel, is idle or busy, the first non-AP STA will switch primary channels, for example, from the first primary channel to the second channel, and communicate with the first AP, which is functioning as the primary channel, on the second channel. Since the first non-AP STA can determine the conditions for switching primary channels based on the third instruction information, the first AP and the first non-AP STA will make the same decision based on the same conditions, i.e., both the first AP and the first non-AP STA will switch primary channels.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the first TWT information is carried in the first TWT element, and the third instruction information is carried in the TWT parameter information field of the first TWT element.

[0021] The third instruction information can be carried in a newly added field within the TWT parameter information field. The third instruction information can also be considered as TWT parameter information. Therefore, it is reasonable for the third instruction information to be carried in the TWT parameter information field, and the third instruction information is more compatible with the prior art.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the fourth instruction indicates to the first non-AP STA that it will communicate with the first AP on the primary channel to which it will be switched if the state of the first channel is busy.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the fourth instruction further indicates to the first non-AP STA that it communicates with the first AP on the first channel, which functions as the primary channel when the state of the first channel is idle.

[0024] In this way, if the first non-AP STA determines that the first TWT information contains the fourth instruction information, the first non-AP STA first detects the first channel that was originally functioning as the primary channel. If the first channel is idle, the first non-AP STA does not need to switch the primary channel. If the first channel is busy, the first non-AP STA switches the primary channel, for example, switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel and communicating with the first AP on the second channel which is functioning as the primary channel. Since the first non-AP STA can determine the conditions for switching the primary channel based on the fourth instruction information, the first AP and the first non-AP STA make the same decision based on the same conditions, i.e., both the first AP and the first non-AP STA switch the primary channel or do not.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the first instruction information further indicates that the first TWT information contains the third or fourth instruction information. It will also be understood that when the first TWT information contains the first instruction information, the first TWT information may be considered to contain the third or fourth instruction information.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the first TWT information is carried in the first TWT element. The fourth instruction information is carried in the TWT parameter information field of the first TWT element. The fourth instruction information may be carried in a newly added field within the TWT parameter information field. The fourth instruction information may also be considered as TWT parameter information. Therefore, it is reasonable for the fourth instruction information to be carried in the TWT parameter information field, and the fourth instruction information is more compatible with prior art.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel based on the first TWT information and communicates with the first AP on the second channel that functions as the primary channel.

[0028] For example, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP in the second TWT, and the primary channel is the first channel. In TWTs other than the second one, the first non-AP STA needs to communicate with the first AP based on the conventional solution, that is, the first non-AP STA listens on the primary channel (the first channel). When the first channel is busy, the first non-AP STA backs off. When the first channel is idle, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP on the first channel that functions as the primary channel. However, the first channel may also be the primary channel of the second AP within the OBSS. The second AP sets up the first TWT with the non-AP STAs associated with the second AP. The first channel is more likely to be in a busy state during the SP of the first TWT, so the communication efficiency of the first non-AP STA in the first TWT is low.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel during the SP of the first TWT to reduce the probability that the primary channel is in a busy state. Then, the first non-AP STA performs transmission on the second channel that functions as the primary channel during the SP of the first TWT to improve the communication efficiency.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the start time for switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel is either the start time of the SP of the first TWT or before the start time of the SP of the first TWT. In one possible implementation, the completion time for switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel is either the start time of the SP of the first TWT or before the start time of the SP of the first TWT.

[0031] Since the start and / or completion times for switching the primary channel to the second channel are limited, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can complete the primary channel switch in a short time before and after the start time of the first TWT's SP. Therefore, the first AP can communicate with the first non-AP STA on the primary channel to which it is being switched over for a long period during the first TWT's SP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA switches the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel and communicates with the first AP on the first channel, which acts as the primary channel. The start time for switching the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel is either the end time of the SP of the first TWT or after the end time of the SP of the first TWT. In one possible implementation, the completion time for switching the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel is either the end time of the SP of the first TWT or after the end time of the SP of the first TWT.

[0033] Because the start and / or completion times for switching the primary channel back to the first channel are limited, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can switch the second channel back to the original primary channel during the short time before and after the end of the SP of the first TWT. Thus, the first AP can communicate with the first non-AP STA on the primary channel that was originally configured.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA acquires instruction information for the second channel. In this way, the first non-AP STA can determine the primary channel to switch to based on the acquired instruction information for the second channel. The first non-AP STA may acquire instruction information for the second channel through pre-configuration or by receiving instructions from another device.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the indication information for the second channel includes a first value and a second value. The first value corresponds to the position of the first channel. The relationship between the first and second values ​​indicates the relative positional relationship between the first and second channels. Workstations with different bandwidths may have different numbers of primary channels. In embodiments of this application, to avoid ambiguity and facilitate implementation, the channels used are indicated by their relative position rather than by their absolute number.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the instruction information for the second channel is carried in the anchor channel information field of the action frame or management frame. The first value is carried in the primary channel field within the anchor channel information field. The second value is carried in the anchor channel field within the anchor channel information field. The configuration is appropriate and more easily compatible with prior art.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the frame used to carry the second channel instruction information further includes information indicating that the second channel instruction information is present within the frame. In this way, the first non-AP STA can determine, based on the information, whether the second channel instruction information is present in the frame, and if it is not present, it does not parse the fields of the frame carrying the second channel instruction information in order to reduce the workload and power consumption of the first non-AP STA.

[0038] In one possible implementation, a first non-AP STA sends information to a first AP indicating a request to enter a first mode, or a first non-AP STA receives information from a first AP indicating a request to enter a first mode. The first mode indicates that non-AP STAs and / or APs in the first mode are allowed to switch primary channels based on the first TWT information. It will also be understood that the first mode includes several rules, and non-AP STAs and / or APs entering the first mode must adhere to the rules of the first mode. The rules of the first mode may include allowing non-AP STAs and / or APs to switch primary channels when the primary channel needs to be switched. For details regarding primary channel switching, please refer to the explanation above. Further details will not be explained again.

[0039] Information indicating a request to enter the first mode may be transmitted between the first non-AP STA and the first AP, so that the first non-AP STA and the first AP can negotiate whether to enter the first mode. After both agree to enter the first mode, they may be allowed to switch the primary channel when the primary channel needs to be switched. If neither enters the first mode, neither may be restricted by the rules of the first mode. For example, neither may be allowed to switch the primary channel. For example, neither may be allowed to switch the primary channel at the SP stage of the first TWT information.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA transmits information to the first AP indicating success in entering the first mode, or the first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating success in entering the first mode. Since information indicating success in entering the first mode can be transmitted between the first non-AP STA and the first AP, the first non-AP STA or the first AP can, based on signaling, determine whether the other party has successfully entered the first mode.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA transmits information to the first AP indicating the termination of the first mode, or the first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating the termination of the first mode. Since information indicating the termination of the first mode can be transmitted between the first non-AP STA and the first AP, the first non-AP STA or the first AP may terminate the first mode based on signaling.

[0042] According to a second aspect, one embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method is applicable to a first AP. For example, the first AP may be an AP device, or a unit, module, or chip (system) within that AP device.

[0043] In this method, the first AP acquires the first TWT information. The first non-AP STA is associated with the first AP, and the first TWT information includes the first instruction information, which indicates that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT set up between an AP in the overlapping basic service set OBSS of the first AP and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. The first AP transmits the first TWT information.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the first AP sends the second TWT information.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the first AP switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel based on the first TWT information and communicates with the first non-AP STA on the second channel, which acts as the primary channel. The start time for switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel is either the start time of the SP of the first TWT or before the start time of the SP of the first TWT. In one possible implementation, the completion time for switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel is either the start time of the SP of the first TWT or before the start time of the SP of the first TWT.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first AP switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel based on the first TWT information and communicates with the first non-AP STA on the second channel, which is now acting as the primary channel. The first AP then switches the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel and communicates with the first non-AP STA on the first channel, which is now acting as the primary channel. The start time for switching the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel is either the end time of the SP of the first TWT or after the end time of the SP of the first TWT. In one possible implementation, the completion time for switching the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel is either the end time of the SP of the first TWT or after the end time of the SP of the first TWT.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the first AP transmits information indicating the second channel.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first AP sends information indicating a request to enter the first mode, or the first AP receives information indicating a request to enter the first mode. The first mode indicates that non-AP STAs and / or APs in the first mode are allowed to switch the primary channel based on the first TWT information.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the first AP transmits information indicating success in entering the first mode, or the first AP receives information indicating success in entering the first mode.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the first AP transmits information indicating that it is terminating the first mode, or the first AP receives information indicating that it is terminating the first mode.

[0051] For information relating to the first instruction information, the second instruction information, the third instruction information, the fourth instruction information, the instruction information for the second channel, and the information indicating the presence of the instruction information for the second channel within the frame, as well as for explanations and beneficial effects related to the aforementioned information, please refer to the description of the first aspect. Further details will not be explained again.

[0052] According to a third aspect, one embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method is applicable to a first non-AP STA. For example, the first non-AP STA may be a non-AP STA device, or a unit, module, or chip (system) within a non-AP STA device.

[0053] In this method, the first non-AP STA receives instruction information for the second channel. The first non-AP STA switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel and communicates with the first AP on the second channel, which functions as the primary channel.

[0054] In this way, the first non-AP STA can determine the primary channel to switch to based on the acquired instruction information for the second channel. The first non-AP STA may acquire the instruction information for the second channel through pre-configuration or by receiving instructions from another device.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the instruction information for the second channel includes a first value and a second value. The first value corresponds to the position of the first channel. The relationship between the first and second values ​​indicates the relative positional relationship between the first and second channels.

[0056] For information related to the second channel's instruction information and information indicating the presence of the second channel's instruction information within the frame, as well as its beneficial effects and explanations related to the aforementioned content, please refer to the description of the first aspect. Further details will not be explained again.

[0057] According to a fourth aspect, one embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method is applicable to a first AP. For example, the first AP may be an AP device, or a unit, module, or chip (system) within that AP device.

[0058] In this method, the first AP transmits instruction information for the second channel. The first AP switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel and communicates with the first non-AP STA on the second channel, which functions as the primary channel.

[0059] The indication information for the second channel includes a first value and a second value. The first value corresponds to the position of the first channel. The relationship between the first value and the second value indicates the relative positional relationship between the first channel and the second channel.

[0060] For information related to the second channel's instruction information and information indicating the presence of the second channel's instruction information within the frame, as well as its beneficial effects and explanations related to the aforementioned content, please refer to the description of the first aspect. Further details will not be explained again.

[0061] According to a fifth aspect, one embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method is applicable to a first non-AP STA. For example, the first non-AP STA may be a non-AP STA device, or a unit, module, or chip (system) within a non-AP STA device.

[0062] In this method, the first non-AP STA transmits information to the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode, or the first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode. The first mode indicates that non-AP STAs and / or APs in the first mode are enabled to switch primary channels based on the first TWT information.

[0063] Information indicating a request to enter the first mode may be transmitted between the first non-AP STA and the first AP, so that the first non-AP STA and the first AP can negotiate whether to enter the first mode. After both agree to enter the first mode, they may be able to switch the primary channel when the primary channel needs to be switched.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA transmits information to the first AP indicating success in entering the first mode, or the first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating success in entering the first mode.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA transmits information to the first AP indicating the end of the first mode, or the first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating the end of the first mode.

[0066] For relevant explanations and beneficial effects, please refer to the relevant explanations in the first aspect. Further details will not be provided again.

[0067] According to a sixth aspect, one embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method is applicable to a first AP. For example, the first AP may be an AP device, or a unit, module, or chip (system) within that AP device.

[0068] In this method, the first AP transmits information indicating a request to enter the first mode, or the first AP receives information indicating a request to enter the first mode. The first mode indicates that non-AP STAs and / or APs in the first mode are enabled to switch primary channels based on the first TWT information.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the first AP transmits information indicating success in entering the first mode, or the first AP receives information indicating success in entering the first mode.

[0070] In one possible implementation, the first AP transmits information indicating that it is terminating the first mode, or the first AP receives information indicating that it is terminating the first mode.

[0071] According to the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the first non-AP STA or the first AP described above. The communication device may include a communication unit and a processing unit for implementing any one of the first to sixth aspects, or any one of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects. The communication unit is configured to perform functions related to transmission and reception. Optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. In one design, the communication device may be a communication chip, the processing unit may be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit may be input / output circuits or ports of the communication chip.

[0072] In an alternative design, the communication unit may be a transmitter and receiver, or it may be a transmitter and receiver.

[0073] The communication device further includes a module that can optionally be configured to implement any one of the first to sixth embodiments, or any one of the possible implementations of the first to sixth embodiments.

[0074] According to the eighth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the first non-AP STA or the first AP described above. The communication device may include a processor and memory to implement any one of the first to sixth aspects, or any one of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects. Optionally, a transceiver may be further included. The memory is configured to store computer programs or instructions. The processor is configured to invoke computer programs or instructions from the memory and to invoke computer programs or instructions. When the processor executes the computer programs or instructions in the memory, the communication device is enabled to implement any one of the first to sixth aspects, or any possible implementation of the first to sixth aspects.

[0075] Optionally, one or more processors and one or more memory locations exist.

[0076] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory and processor may be located separately.

[0077] Optionally, a transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver.

[0078] According to the ninth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be the first non-AP STA or the first AP described above. The communication device may include a processor for implementing any one of the first to sixth aspects, or for implementing any one of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects. The processor is coupled to memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0079] In one embodiment, if the communication device is a first non-AP STA or a first AP, the communication interface may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0080] In another embodiment, if the communication device is a chip or chip system, the communication interface may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, associated circuit, etc., on the chip or chip system. The processor may alternatively be embodied as a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0081] According to the tenth aspect, a system is provided. This system includes the first non-AP STA described above.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the system further includes a first AP.

[0083] According to the eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer program (which may also be referred to as code or instructions). When the computer program is invoked, the computer is enabled to implement any one of the first through sixth aspects, or any one of the possible implementations of the first through sixth aspects.

[0084] According to the twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable medium stores a computer program (which may also be referred to as code or instructions). When the computer program is invoked on a computer, the computer is enabled to implement any one of the first through sixth aspects, or any one of the possible implementations of the first through sixth aspects.

[0085] According to the thirteenth aspect, a chip system is provided. The chip system may include a processor. The processor may be coupled to memory and configured to implement any one of the first to sixth aspects, or any one of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects. Optionally, the chip system further includes memory. The memory is configured to store computer programs (which may also be referred to as code or instructions). The processor is configured to call computer programs from memory and to invoke those computer programs, so that a device on which the chip system is installed implements any one of the first to sixth aspects, or any one of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects.

[0086] According to the 14th aspect, a processing device is provided, comprising an interface circuit and a processing circuit. The interface circuit may include an input circuit and an output circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal using the input circuit and transmit a signal using the output circuit, so that any one of the first to sixth aspects, or any one of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects, is implemented.

[0087] In a particular implementation process, the processing unit may be a chip, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the processing circuit may be a transistor, gate circuit, trigger, various logic circuits, etc. The input signal received by the input circuit may be received and input by a receiver, for example, but not limited to that, and the signal output by the output circuit may be output to and transmitted by a transmitter, for example, but not limited to that, and the input circuit and output circuit may be the same circuit, which is used as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. Specific implementation forms of the processor and various circuits are not limited in this application.

[0088] In one implementation configuration, if the processing unit is a first non-AP STA or a first AP, the interface circuit may be a radio frequency processing chip within the first non-AP STA or the first AP, and the processing circuit may be a baseband processing chip within the first non-AP STA or the first AP.

[0089] In another embodiment, the processing unit may be part of a first non-AP STA or a first AP, such as an integrated circuit product like a system chip or a communication chip. The interface circuit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, associated circuit, etc., within the chip or chip system. The processing circuit may be a logic circuit on the chip. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0090] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of the architecture of the communication system according to this application. [Figure 2] This is a diagram of a specific structure of AP or non-AP STA according to this application. [Figure 3] This is a possible diagram of one communication method according to this application. [Figure 4] This is a diagram of one possible structure of the frame format according to this application. [Figure 5]This is a diagram of one possible structure of the frame format according to this application. [Figure 6] This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of one possible structure of the frame format according to this application. [Figure 8] This is a diagram of one possible structure of the frame format according to this application. [Figure 9] This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 10] This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 11] This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 12] This is a diagram of one possible structure of the frame format according to this application. [Figure 13] This is a diagram of one possible structure of the frame format according to this application. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of this application. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0091] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to a variety of communication systems. For example, the communication method provided in this application is applicable to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios. For example, the communication method is applicable to IEEE 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11a / b / g standards, 802.11n standards, 802.11ac standards, 802.11ax standards, next-generation 802.11ax standards such as 802.11be standards, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) 7, or extremely high throughput (EHT), next-generation Wi-Fi protocols such as 802.11be (Wi-Fi 8, ultra high reliability (UHR), 11bn, etc.), Wi-Fi artificial intelligence (AI), or millimeter wave (mmWave). This application may be further applied to wireless personal area network systems based on ultra-wideband (UWB) and sensing systems. Embodiments of this application are further applicable to wireless local area network systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks and vehicle-to-X (V2X) networks. Of course, embodiments of this application are further applicable to other possible communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), 5th generation (5G) communication systems, and 6th generation (6G) communication systems.

[0092] While the embodiments of this application are primarily described using examples of WLAN networks, particularly networks to which the IEEE 802.11 system standard applies, those skilled in the art will readily understand that various embodiments of this application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth®, High Performance Radio Local Area Network (HIPERLAN) (a wireless standard similar to the IEEE 802.11 standard and primarily used in Europe), Wide Area Network (WAN), Personal Area Network (PAN), or other known or later developed networks. Accordingly, the various embodiments provided in this application can be applied to any suitable wireless network, regardless of coverage and the wireless access protocol used.

[0093] The above-mentioned communication systems to which this application is applicable are merely illustrative examples, and are not limited to such communication systems. This is explained uniformly in this specification and will not be repeated in detail below.

[0094] For example, Figure 1 shows one possible architecture of a communication system to which the communication method of this application can be applied. The architecture of the communication system may include at least one BSS, for example, BSS#1 and BSS#2 in Figure 1. A BSS whose coverage overlaps with the coverage of another BSS may be referred to as an OBSS. For example, the OBSS of BSS#1 may include BSS#2, and the OBSS of BSS#2 may include BSS#1. A single BSS may include one or more OBSSs. In Figure 1, two BSSs are used as an example.

[0095] A single BSS may include at least one AP and at least one non-AP STA. For example, BSS#1 in Figure 1 includes AP#1, non-AP STA#11, and non-AP STA#12, and BSS#2 includes AP#2, non-AP STA#21, and non-AP STA#22.

[0096] An access point (AP) can be an access point used by terminal devices (e.g., mobile phones) to access a wired (or wireless) network, and is primarily deployed in homes, buildings, or university campuses. Typical coverage radius ranges from tens to hundreds of meters. Of course, APs can also be deployed outdoors. An access point acts as a bridge connecting wired and wireless networks. The main function of an access point is to connect various wireless network clients together and then connect the wireless network to the DS (Distributed Networks). Specifically, an access point can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router) equipped with a Wi-Fi chip. An access point can be a device that supports the 802.11be standard. Alternatively, an access point may be a device that supports multiple wireless local area network (WLAN) standards in the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 8, or the next generation of Wi-Fi 8. The access point in this application may be a high-efficiency (HE) AP, an extremely high-throughput (EHT) AP, or an access point applicable to future generations of Wi-Fi standards.

[0097] Non-AP STA can be a wireless communication chip, wireless sensor, or wireless communication terminal, and may also be referred to as a user or non-AP (non-AP STA). For example, Non-AP STA may be a mobile phone that supports Wi-Fi communication, a tablet computer that supports Wi-Fi communication, a set-top box that supports Wi-Fi communication, a smart TV that supports Wi-Fi communication, an intelligent wearable device that supports Wi-Fi communication, an in-vehicle communication device that supports Wi-Fi communication, or a computer that supports Wi-Fi communication. Optionally, Non-AP STA may support the 802.11be standard. Non-AP STA can alternatively support multiple wireless local area network (WLAN) standards in the 802.11 family, such as 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11be, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 8, or the next generation of Wi-Fi 8.

[0098] Non-AP STA in this application may be a high-efficiency (HE) non-AP STA, an extremely high-throughput (EHT) non-AP STA, or a non-AP STA applicable to future generations of Wi-Fi standards.

[0099] For example, APs and non-AP STAs could be sensor nodes in smart cities (e.g., smart water meters, smart electricity meters, and smart air detection nodes), smart devices in smart homes (e.g., smart cameras, projectors, displays, televisions, stereos, refrigerators, and washing machines), nodes in the Internet of Things (IoT), entertainment terminals (e.g., wearable devices such as AR and VR), smart devices in smart offices (e.g., printers and projectors), Internet devices in vehicles in the Internet of Vehicles, and some infrastructure in everyday life scenarios (e.g., vending machines, self-service navigation stations in supermarkets, self-service checkout devices, and self-service ordering machines).

[0100] For example, a particular AP or non-AP STA structure may be the structure illustrated in Figure 2 and may include a processor. Optionally, a particular AP or non-AP STA structure may further include one or more of the following: memory, transmitter, receiver, signal detector, or digital signal processor. Optionally, a particular AP or non-AP STA structure may further include a user interface. The transmitter and receiver may be further integrated into the transceiver. This is not limited to this application.

[0101] The device names shown in Figure 1 are merely examples. Future communication systems may have different names. The number of devices in Figure 1 is also just an example; more or fewer devices may be included. This is not limited to this application.

[0102] The communication method provided in this application is applicable to multiple scenarios, for example, data communication between an AP and one or more non-AP STAs, or to a TWT mechanism and subchannel selection scenario based on the state of the primary channel in another technology. This is not limited to this application.

[0103] Below, we will first explain some of the nouns or terms used in the embodiments of this application.

[0104] (1) TWT "TWT" typically refers to the TWT technology, or the TWT operation that is set up after successful negotiation. TWT technology is a technology introduced in Wi-Fi 6 for power saving of stations. Specifically, a TWT requester initiates a "TWT setup" request to a TWT responder, which determines all parameters related to the TWT operation, such as whether the TWT operation has been successfully set up, the start time of the first TWT SP, and the duration of the TWT SP (if necessary). After the TWT has been successfully set up, the TWT requester may enter a doze state in power saving mode until the first TWT SP starts. The TWT requester and TWT responder exchange data during the TWT SP. The TWT requester and TWT responder negotiate a time and perform data transmission within the negotiated time range. In this way, the TWT requester may enter a doze state outside the negotiated time range in order to conserve power.

[0105] TWT setups are classified into two types: individual TWT negotiation and broadcast TWT agreement. Wi-Fi 7 introduces a new technology called Restricted TWT (R-TWT) based on broadcast TWT agreement. From the setup form to the usage process, R-TWT is a special case of TWT. However, the purpose of setting up R-TWT differs from the purpose of using TWT; it is to prioritize the provision of low-latency services. This is because, in R-TWT, the R-TWT SP specifies that stations with low-latency services must transmit the low-latency service data first.

[0106] In the embodiments of this application, R-TWT technology also belongs to TWT technology. TWT in the embodiments of this application may include current TWT, R-TWT technology, or future technology developed based on TWT technology.

[0107] (2) BSS and OBSS BSS is a fundamental component of an 802.11 local area network (LAN).

[0108] In a BSS, special-function stations (STAs) act as access points for all stations within the BSS to access the distributed system (DS). These special stations are the BSS's access points (APs) and are responsible for managing the BSS. If a non-access point station (non-AP STA) needs to access the DS, it must be associated with an AP and access the DS through that associated AP. Each BSS managed by an AP entity may contain at least one non-AP STA, and multiple non-AP STAs may be associated with the AP entity corresponding to the BSS.

[0109] As access points (APs) are deployed at higher densities, out-of-bounds services (OBSSs) are located closer to broadband services (BSSs). An OBSS is a BSS whose coverage overlaps with that of another BSS. Communications in a BSS and communications in an OBSS can influence each other.

[0110] (3) Primary Channel The primary channel is the channel on which the transmitter and receiver (e.g., AP and non-AP STA) synchronize. For example, in one possible implementation, both the AP and non-AP STA recognize that the 20 megahertz (MHz) channel is the primary channel. In this way, the AP and non-AP STA synchronize on the channel (this synchronization can also be referred to as physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) synchronization). After the AP and non-AP STA have completed synchronization, the reception and decoding of the PPDU begins, so that the receiver can extract the information transmitted by the transmitter.

[0111] In the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, a primary channel may be agreed upon between the AP and the non-AP STA, and the primary channel may be switched between the non-AP STA and the AP.

[0112] Based on the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the other details described herein, Figure 3 is a possible schematic flowchart of an example of a communication method according to one embodiment of the present application. The first non-AP STA in Figure 3 may be the non-AP STA shown in Figures 1 and 2, or a module (e.g., a chip) used in the non-AP STA. The first AP and the second AP in Figure 3 may be the access point shown in Figure 1 or 2, or a module (e.g., a chip) within an access point. The first AP and the second AP are APs in two BSSs, for example, AP#1 in BSS#1 and AP#2 in BSS#2. The BSS in which the second AP is located may also be referred to as the OBSS of the first AP, and the BSS in which the first AP is located may also be referred to as the OBSS of the second AP. In embodiments of the present application, the first AP may have one or more OBSSs. In embodiments of the present application, one OBSS of the first AP is used as an example for illustrative purposes.

[0113] As shown in Figure 3, the method includes the following steps.

[0114] Step 301: The first AP sends the first TWT information.

[0115] In response, the first non-AP STA receives the first TWT information from the first AP.

[0116] The first non-AP STA is associated with the first AP. The first non-AP STA can also be understood as a non-AP STA associated with the first AP.

[0117] In this embodiment of the present application, the first AP may transmit one or more TWT information. The first AP may transmit TWT information by broadcast. The first non-AP STA may receive the first TWT information broadcast by the first AP. Alternatively, the first AP may transmit TWT information via multicast or unicast.

[0118] The TWT information transmitted by the first AP may indicate a TWT. For example, the TWT information may indicate information about the SP of the TWT. For example, the TWT information may indicate information such as the start time and end time of the SP. In one possible implementation, the TWT information transmitted by the first AP is information about a TWT. The TWT information transmitted by the first AP includes the first TWT information in this embodiment of the application. The first TWT information indicates a TWT set up between a second AP and a non-AP STA associated with the second AP. The second AP is an AP in the OBSS of the first AP. The TWT indicated by the first TWT information can also be understood as a TWT set up between an AP in the OBSS of the first AP and a non-AP STA associated with that AP.

[0119] In another possible implementation, the TWT information transmitted by the first AP may further include second TWT information. For example, the first AP transmits second TWT information. In response, the first non-AP STA receives second TWT information from the first AP. The TWT indicated by the second TWT information is a TWT set up between the first AP and the non-AP STA associated with the first AP. The TWT indicated by the second TWT information can also be understood as a TWT set up between the AP in the BSS of the first non-AP STA and the non-AP STA associated with that AP.

[0120] The first TWT information and the second TWT information may be conveyed in the same frame, or they may be conveyed separately in two frames.

[0121] Step 302: The first non-AP STA processes the first TWT information.

[0122] Step 302 can be understood as the first non-AP STA processing (e.g., parsing) the message carrying the first TWT information in order to obtain the first TWT information.

[0123] If the first non-AP STA also receives the second TWT information, it may process the second TWT information to obtain it, for example, by parsing the message carrying the second TWT information. In another possible implementation, the first non-AP STA may communicate with the first AP during the SP phase of the second TWT information based on the TWT mechanism. For example, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP on the first channel, which acts as the primary channel, during the SP phase of the second TWT information.

[0124] Since the first TWT information includes the first instruction information, the first non-AP STA can identify the TWT set up between the AP in OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP, and can assist the non-AP STA in performing communication based on the TWT mechanism.

[0125] In this embodiment of the present application, the TWT information transmitted by the first AP (e.g., first TWT information and / or second TWT information) may include information indicating whether the TWT indicated by the TWT information is a TWT set up between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. If the TWT indicated by the TWT information transmitted by the first AP is a TWT set up between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP, then the TWT indicated by the TWT information is not a TWT set up between the AP in the BSS where the first AP is located and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. If the TWT indicated by the TWT information transmitted by the first AP is a TWT set up between the AP in the BSS where the first AP is located and the non-AP STA associated with that AP, then the TWT indicated by the TWT information is not a TWT set up between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. From this perspective, it can be understood that information indicating whether TWT information is a TWT set up between an AP in OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with that AP can be replaced with information indicating whether TWT information is information about a TWT set up between an AP in BSS and a non-AP STA associated with that AP.

[0126] In another possible implementation, the TWT information transmitted by the first AP (e.g., the first TWT information and / or the second TWT information) may also include information indicating whether the primary channel needs to be switched during the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT information. Since one or more instructional pieces of information may be added to the TWT information, the first non-AP STA performs subsequent actions based on that information. This information may enable the first AP and the first non-AP STA to determine, based on the same conditions, whether the primary channel needs to be switched, so that the first AP and the first non-AP STA can make the same decision based on the same conditions, i.e., both the first AP and the first non-AP STA either switch the primary channel or do not.

[0127] In the embodiments of this application, one TWT information (e.g., first TWT information or second TWT information) can be carried in one message or transmitted through multiple messages, each message can carry a portion of the TWT information.

[0128] In this embodiment of the present application, instruction information contained in a single TWT information (e.g., first TWT information and / or second TWT information) can be carried in one or more bits or fields within a frame of the TWT information. For example, the TWT information (e.g., first TWT information and / or second TWT information) can be carried in a TWT element. In this embodiment of the present application, the TWT information can alternatively be a TWT element. For example, the first TWT information is the first TWT element, and the second TWT information is the second TWT element. One or more TWT information (e.g., first TWT information and / or second TWT information) can be carried in the same beacon frame or in multiple different beacon frames. In this embodiment of the present application, the TWT information (e.g., first TWT information and / or second TWT information) can alternatively be carried in a different frame structure. In the present embodiment of this application, an example is used in the description in which TWT information (e.g., first TWT information and / or second TWT information) is carried by a TWT element.

[0129] In this embodiment of the present application, a single TWT element may include an OBSS indicator field and / or a required switch field. The information carried in the OBSS indicator field indicates whether the TWT indicated by the TWT information of the TWT element is a TWT set up between an AP in OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with that AP. The information carried in the required switch field indicates whether the primary channel needs to be switched during the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT element. Two fields, implementation A1 and implementation A2, are described below. In this embodiment of the present application, the field names OBSS indicator field and required switch field are merely examples. In actual application, these field names may be replaced with other names.

[0130] Implementation form A1: The TWT element includes an OBSS instruction field.

[0131] The information carried in the OBSS Indicator field indicates whether the TWT indicated by the TWT information of the TWT element is a TWT set up between an AP in OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with that AP. For example, if the value carried in the OBSS Indicator field is 1, it indicates that the TWT indicated by the TWT information of the TWT element is a TWT set up between an AP in OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with that AP. If the value carried in the OBSS Indicator field is 0, it indicates that the TWT indicated by the TWT information of the TWT element is not a TWT set up between an AP in OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with that AP, but rather a TWT set up between an AP in BSS and a non-AP STA associated with that AP. In this example, the value carried in the OBSS Indicator field is just an example. In actual application, the value carried in the field can be set flexibly.

[0132] In this embodiment of the present application, the first TWT information may include first instruction information. The first instruction information indicates that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT set up between an AP in the OBSS of the first AP and a non-AP STA associated with that AP. The first non-AP STA determines, based on the first instruction information, that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT set up between an AP in the OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with that AP.

[0133] The first TWT information may be carried in the first TWT element. The first instruction information may be understood as information carried in the bits of the OBSS instruction field of the first TWT element. For example, the first instruction information may correspond to the value 1 carried in the OBSS instruction field in the example above.

[0134] In another possible implementation, the second TWT information includes second instruction information. The second instruction information indicates that the TWT indicated by the second TWT information is a TWT set up between the first AP and the non-AP STA associated with the first AP. The second TWT information includes second instruction information. Thus, the first non-AP STA can identify whether the TWT indicated by the received TWT information is a TWT set up between the AP in the BSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP, and then the first non-AP STA can communicate with the first AP based on the identified TWT set up between the AP in the BSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. For example, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP within the SP of the second TWT on the first channel, which acts as the primary channel.

[0135] In one possible implementation, the second TWT information is carried in the second TWT element. The second instruction information can be understood as information carried in bits of the OBSS instruction field of the second TWT element. For example, the second instruction information may correspond to the value 0 carried in the OBSS instruction field in the above example. The second TWT element and the first TWT element may be carried within the same beacon frame, or they may be carried separately within two different beacon frames.

[0136] In one possible implementation, bits in the OBSS instruction field may be bits in reserved field B7 within the control field of a TWT element. For example, the first instruction information is carried in reserved field B7 within the control field of the first TWT element. In another example, the second instruction information is carried in reserved field B7 within the control field of the second TWT element. In this solution, the information carried in the OBSS instruction field (which can also be understood as the first instruction information) uses reserved bits of an existing TWT element. This solution can be made more compatible with conventional techniques and does not incur significant additional resource overhead.

[0137] Figure 4 shows an example of the structure of TWT information transmitted by the first AP.

[0138] Refer to Figure 4. TWT information can be carried in TWT elements (or TWT element fields). The control field of a TWT element may include an OBSS instruction field.

[0139] The OBSS instruction field may occupy bits in the reserved field of the control field of the beacon frame. After the bits in the reserved field have been used, the field may have a new name, for example, the name OBSS instruction field in this embodiment of the application, or it may have another name. This is not limited to the embodiments of the application. See above for the information carried in the OBSS instruction field. Further details will not be described again.

[0140] As shown in Figure 4, a TWT element includes an Element ID field, a Length field, a Control field, and a TWT Parameter Information field.

[0141] The control field may further include the following: Null Data Packet Paging Indicator (NDP Paging Indicator), Responder PM Mode, Negotiation Type, TWT Information Frame Disabled, Wake Duration Unit, and Link ID Bitmap Present. For the specific meaning of the information shown in Figure 4, please refer to the IEEE 802.11 series protocol description.

[0142] Implementation A2: The TWT element includes a required switch field.

[0143] The information carried in the required switch field indicates whether the primary channel needs to be switched during the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT element. For example, the value carried in the required switch field is 1. This indicates that the primary channel needs to be switched during the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT element. In another example, the value carried in the required switch field is 0. This indicates that the primary channel needs to be switched during the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT element. In this example, the value carried in the required switch field is just an example. In actual application, the value carried in the field can be set flexibly.

[0144] For example, if the value carried by the required switch field is 0, the first non-AP STA may detect the current primary channel and decide whether to switch the primary channel based on the state of the current primary channel (e.g., busy or idle). For example, if the current primary channel is busy, the first non-AP STA and the first AP switch the primary channel in the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT element. In another example, if the current primary channel is idle, the first non-AP STA and the first AP do not switch the primary channel in the SP phase of the TWT indicated by the TWT element. In this embodiment of the application, communication is in progress between the first non-AP STA and the first AP. If the first non-AP STA switches the primary channel, the first AP also switches the primary channel.

[0145] In this embodiment of the present application, the first TWT information may include a third or fourth instruction information. The third instruction information indicates to the first non-AP STA that it will communicate with the first AP on the primary channel to which it will be switched. In this way, if the first non-AP STA determines that the first TWT information includes the third instruction information, the first non-AP STA switches the primary channel, for example, from the first channel to the second channel, and communicates with the first AP on the second channel, which is functioning as the primary channel, regardless of whether the first channel, which was originally functioning as the primary channel, is idle or busy. Since the first non-AP STA can determine the conditions for switching the primary channel based on the third instruction information, the first AP and the first non-AP STA make the same decision based on the same conditions, i.e., both the first AP and the first non-AP STA switch the primary channel.

[0146] The fourth instruction tells the first non-AP STA to communicate with the first AP on the primary channel to which it will be switched when the state of the first channel is busy. The fourth instruction further tells the first non-AP STA to communicate with the first AP on the first channel which functions as the primary channel when the state of the first channel is idle. In this way, if the first non-AP STA determines that the first TWT information contains the fourth instruction, the first non-AP STA first detects the first channel which originally functioned as the primary channel. If the first channel is idle, the first non-AP STA does not need to switch the primary channel. If the first channel is busy, the first non-AP STA switches the primary channel, for example, switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicates with the first AP on the second channel which functions as the primary channel. Since the first non-AP STA can determine the conditions for switching the primary channel based on the fourth instruction information, the first AP and the first non-AP STA make the same decision based on the same conditions, that is, both the first AP and the first non-AP STA either switch the primary channel or do not.

[0147] The first TWT information may be carried in the first TWT element. The third and fourth instruction information may be understood as information carried in bits of the required switch field of the first TWT element. For example, the third instruction information may correspond to the value 1 carried in the required switch field in the above example. In another example, the fourth instruction information may correspond to the value 0 carried in the required switch field in the above example.

[0148] In another possible implementation, the information carried in the OBSS indicator field may indicate whether the TWT information includes a required switch field. Alternatively, the information carried in the OBSS indicator field may indicate whether the required switch field of the TWT information carries a valid value.

[0149] For example, the information carried in the OBSS instruction field indicates that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT set up between an AP in OBSS and a non-AP STA associated with that AP (i.e., the first TWT information includes the first instruction information). In this case, the first TWT information includes the third or fourth instruction information. The first instruction information may also be understood as indicating that the first TWT information includes the third or fourth instruction information.

[0150] In another example, the information carried in the OBSS instruction field indicates that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT set up between the AP in the BSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. In this case, the TWT information carried in the OBSS instruction field does not include the third and fourth instruction information.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the bits of the required switch field may be the TWT parameter information field of the TWT element. The required switch field may be a newly added field to the TWT parameter information field of the TWT element. The third or fourth instruction information may be understood to be carried in the TWT parameter information field of the first TWT element. In this solution, the information carried in the required switch field (which may also be understood as the third or fourth instruction information) is placed in the TWT parameter information field. This solution can be made more compatible with prior art.

[0152] Figure 5 shows an example of the structure of TWT information transmitted by the first AP.

[0153] Refer to Figure 5. TWT information can be carried in TWT elements (or TWT element fields). Figure 5 illustrates this using an example where the control field of a TWT element may contain an OBSS instruction field.

[0154] As shown in Figure 5, the TWT parameter information may include one or more Broadcast TWT Parameter Sets (e.g., Broadcast TWT Parameter Set 1 and Broadcast TWT Parameter Set 2 in Figure 5). One (or each) Broadcast TWT Parameter Set includes the following fields: Request Type, Target Wake Time, Nominal Minimum TWT Wake Duration, TWT Wake Interval Mantissa, Broadcast TWT Info, Restricted TWT Traffic Info (optional), and OBSS info. The OBSS info field is an optional field. In this embodiment of the application, info is an abbreviation for information.

[0155] The OBSS information field may be transmitted in the broadcast TWT parameter set in the TWT parameter information, or it may be a newly added field.

[0156] The OBSS information field may include a mandatory switch field. The information carried in the mandatory switch field may indicate whether the primary channel needs to be switched during the SP phase of the TWT, as indicated by the TWT parameter set. For further details, please refer to the relevant description above regarding the information carried in the mandatory switch field.

[0157] The OBSS information fields may further include a reserved field. The reserved field may be reserved for future use or used for other information that needs to be sent.

[0158] For specific meanings of the information shown in Figure 5, please refer to Figure 4 and the IEEE 802.11 series protocol descriptions.

[0159] In this embodiment of the present application, the first non-AP STA may perform several operations based on the first TWT information. Embodiments B1 and B2 are used below as examples for illustrative purposes. In implementation B1, the first non-AP STA switches the primary channel based on the first TWT information. In implementation B2, the first non-AP STA decides whether to switch the primary channel based on the first TWT information and the current state of the primary channel.

[0160] Implementation form B1: The first non-AP STA switches the primary channel based on the first TWT information.

[0161] In implementation form B1, the first non-AP STA switches its primary channel from the first channel to the second channel based on the first TWT information (for example, the first instruction information and information about the SP of the TWT indicated by the first TWT information), and communicates with the first AP on the second channel which functions as the primary channel. The first AP switches its primary channel from the first channel to the second channel based on the first TWT information (for example, the first instruction information and information about the SP of the TWT indicated by the first TWT information), and communicates with the first non-AP STA on the second channel which functions as the primary channel.

[0162] For example, the first non-AP STA (and / or the first AP) determines, based on the first instruction information in the first TWT information, that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT set up between the AP in OBSS and the non-AP STA, and based on the SP information of the TWT indicated by the first TWT information, it determines the start time to switch the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel, and switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel at that start time.

[0163] In this embodiment of the present application, the first non-AP STA and the first AP can switch primary channels. For example, the primary channel between the first non-AP STA and the first AP before switching is the first channel, and the primary channel to which it is switched is the second channel. In this embodiment of the present application, the primary channel to which it is switched may also be referred to as the anchor channel, the second primary channel, etc.

[0164] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP using a second TWT, and the primary channel is the first channel. In a TWT other than the second, the first non-AP STA must communicate with the first AP based on the conventional solution, i.e., the first non-AP STA listens on the primary channel (the first channel). If the first channel is busy, the first non-AP STA backs off. When the first channel is idle, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP using the first channel, which acts as the primary channel. However, the first channel can also be the primary channel of the second AP in the OBSS. The second AP sets up the first TWT with the non-AP STA associated with the second AP. The first channel is more likely to become busy during the SP of the first TWT, and therefore the communication efficiency of the first non-AP STA in the first TWT is low.

[0165] In the example above, the first non-AP STA switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel during the first TWT's SP to reduce the probability of the primary channel becoming busy. Then, during the first TWT's SP, the first non-AP STA performs transmission on the second channel, which functions as the primary channel, to improve communication efficiency.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the start time for switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel is either the start time of the SP of the first TWT, or the start time for switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel is before the start time of the SP of the first TWT.

[0167] In another possible implementation, the completion time for switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel is either the start time of the SP of the first TWT, or before the start time of the SP of the first TWT, or within a predetermined period after the start time of the SP of the first TWT.

[0168] Since the start and / or completion times for switching the primary channel to the second channel are limited, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can complete the primary channel switch in a short time before and after the start time of the first TWT's SP. Therefore, the first AP can communicate with the first non-AP STA on the primary channel to which it is being switched over for a long period during the first TWT's SP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0169] Implementation form B2: The first non-AP STA decides whether to switch the primary channel based on the first TWT information and the current state of the primary channel.

[0170] In implementation form B2, the first non-AP STA (and / or the first AP) can detect the current primary channel and, based on the detection result, determine whether to switch the primary channel. For example, if the current primary channel is busy, the first non-AP STA and the first AP will switch the primary channel during the SP phase of the first TWT. For example, the first non-AP STA will switch its primary channel from the first channel to the second channel and communicate with the first AP on the second channel, which will function as the primary channel. In response, the first AP will switch its primary channel from the first channel to the second channel and communicate with the first non-AP STA on the second channel, which will function as the primary channel.

[0171] In another example, when the current primary channel is idle, the first non-AP STA and the first AP do not switch the primary channel during the SP phase of the first TWT. For example, the first non-AP STA communicates with the first AP on the first channel which functions as the primary channel. Correspondingly, the first AP communicates with the first non-AP STA on the first channel which functions as the primary channel.

[0172] In one possible implementation, the start time of channel detection is either the start time of the SP of the first TWT, or the start time of channel detection is before the start time of the SP of the first TWT.

[0173] In another possible implementation, the channel detection completion time is either the start time of the SP of the first TWT, or the channel detection completion time is before the start time of the SP of the first TWT, or the channel detection completion time is within a predetermined period after the start time of the SP of the first TWT.

[0174] Since the start and / or completion times for channel discovery are limited, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can complete primary channel discovery in the short time before and after the start time of the first TWT's SP, decide in advance whether to switch the primary channel, and switch the primary channel as quickly as possible if it is necessary to do so. Therefore, the first AP can communicate with the first non-AP STA on the primary channel to which it is switched over during a long period of the first TWT's SP, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0175] The first non-AP STA (and / or first AP) detects the primary channel. The start time of channel detection may be before the start time of the primary channel switch, and the completion time of channel detection may also be before the start time of the primary channel switch. For example, if the start time of channel detection is the start time of the SP of the first TWT, then the start time of the primary channel switch is likely to be after the start time of the SP of the first TWT.

[0176] In one possible implementation, the first non-AP STA may initiate a primary channel switch after determining that the current primary channel is busy, within a predetermined timeframe. This predetermined timeframe can be understood as the period from the completion of channel discovery to the start of the primary channel switch. Since the predetermined timeframe can be short, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can complete the switch as quickly as possible, further improving communication efficiency.

[0177] In this application, embodiments B1 and B2 do not necessarily have to be combined with embodiment A2. For example, implementations B1 and B2 may be rules pre-agreed by a first AP and a first non-AP STA, and the first AP and the first non-AP STA may perform the corresponding operations in implementation B1 or implementation B2 in accordance with those pre-agreed rules. Implementations B1 and B2 may alternatively be combined with implementation A2. For example, the first non-AP STA may choose to use implementation B1 or implementation B2 based on the required switch fields of the solution provided in implementation A2.

[0178] In this application, implementation configurations B1 and B2 may or may not be combined with implementation configuration A1. For example, a first AP and a first non-AP STA may, in other ways, identify whether the TWT indicated by the TWT information is a TWT set up between the AP in OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP.

[0179] In one possible implementation, when implementation B1 or implementation B2 is used, the first non-AP STA switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel based on the first TWT information and communicates with the first AP on the second channel which functions as the primary channel. Then, the first non-AP STA switches the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel and communicates with the first AP on the first channel which functions as the primary channel.

[0180] In one possible implementation, the start time for switching the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel is either the end time of the SP of the first TWT, or after the end time of the SP of the first TWT.

[0181] In another possible implementation, the completion time for switching the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel is either the end time of the SP of the first TWT, or after the end time of the SP of the first TWT.

[0182] Since the start and / or completion times for switching the primary channel back to the first channel are limited, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can switch the second channel back to the original primary channel during a short period before and after the end time of the SP of the first TWT. Thus, the first AP can communicate with the first non-AP STA on the primary channel that was originally set. In embodiments of this application, it is seen that the time available for the first AP and the first non-AP STA to temporarily switch primary channels and communicate on the primary channel to which they are switched may not be long. Therefore, to reduce the complexity of the solution, several parameters related to the primary channel may not need to be changed.

[0183] Based on the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and the other contents described above, Figure 6 is a possible schematic flowchart of an example of a communication method according to one embodiment of the present application. For a related description of the first non-AP STA, the first AP, and the second AP in Figure 6, please refer to the contents described above in Figure 3. Further details will not be described again.

[0184] As shown in Figure 6, the method includes the following steps.

[0185] Step 601: The first AP transmits instruction information for the second channel.

[0186] In response to this, the first non-AP STA receives instruction information for the second channel.

[0187] Step 602: The first non-AP STA switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel.

[0188] Step 603: The first AP switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel.

[0189] Step 604: The first AP communicates with the first non-AP STA on the second channel, which functions as the primary channel.

[0190] In this implementation, the first AP can transmit instruction information for the second channel, so the first non-AP STA learns the secondary primary channel (i.e., the second primary channel), and then the first AP and the first non-AP STA switch to the secondary primary channel for communication.

[0191] The implementation shown in Figure 6 may be implemented independently or in combination with the embodiment shown in Figure 3. For example, the first AP may transmit second channel instruction information to the first non-AP STA based on the solution provided in Figure 6. Then, if it is determined that the primary channel needs to be switched, the first non-AP STA switches the primary channel to the second channel based on the second channel instruction information. The embodiment in Figure 3 does not have to be combined with the embodiment in Figure 6. In this case, the first non-AP STA may obtain the second channel instruction information in another way, for example, through pre-configuration or by receiving the second channel instruction information from another device (a device other than the first AP).

[0192] In one possible implementation, the indication information for the second channel may include the identifier or index of the second channel. Alternatively, the indication information for the second channel may include a first value and a second value. The first value corresponds to the position of the first channel. The relationship between the first and second values ​​indicates the relative positional relationship between the first and second channels.

[0193] For example, the identifier of a subchannel (e.g., a subchannel with a bandwidth of 20 MHz) may be represented by a value in [0, 15], where the first value can be any value in [0, 15]. The first value corresponds to the position of the first channel. The first AP and the first non-AP STA pre-agree on the primary channel (i.e., the first channel), for example, that the first channel is the 20 MHz primary subchannel. For example, the first value is 3 and the second value is 5. Since the difference between the second value and the first value is 2, the second subchannel corresponding to the second value can be determined to be the second subchannel with a bandwidth of 20 MHz, on the higher frequency side of the first subchannel corresponding to the first value.

[0194] In another embodiment, workstations with different bandwidths may have different numbers of primary channels. In the embodiments of this application, to avoid ambiguity and facilitate implementation, the channels used are indicated by their relative position rather than by their absolute number.

[0195] For example, suppose a 20MHz workstation, an 80MHz workstation, and a 160MHz workstation are associated with a 160MHz BSS. The 20MHz workstation uses only the primary channel and does not need to number the primary channel. The 80MHz workstation numbers the primary channel in the range of 0 to 3 (since the channel is divided into 20MHz subchannels, four subchannels can be obtained by division, and the primary channel is one of these four subchannels). The 160MHz workstation numbers the primary channel in the range of 0 to 15. If the second channel indication information is the index of a subchannel with an absolute number of 10, neither the 20MHz workstation nor the 80MHz workstation has a 10th subchannel, and therefore neither workstation can recognize the information. In this embodiment of the present application, if the first value is 2 and the second value is 10, both the 20MHz station and the 80MHz station can recognize the information and find the second primary channel based on that information.

[0196] In another possible implementation, the frame used to carry the second channel instruction information further includes information indicating whether the second channel instruction information is present in the frame. For example, the frame used to carry the second channel instruction information further includes information indicating that the second channel instruction information is present in the frame. In this case, the first non-AP STA continues parsing the fields of the frame carrying the second channel instruction information. In another example, the frame used to carry the second channel instruction information includes information indicating that the frame does not contain the second channel instruction information. In this case, the first non-AP STA does not parsing the fields of the frame carrying the second channel instruction information. This reduces the workload of the first non-AP STA and reduces its power consumption.

[0197] Figure 7 shows an example of one possible structure of a frame used to carry instruction information for the second channel.

[0198] Refer to Figure 7. The frame is either an action frame or a management frame.

[0199] As shown in Figure 7, a frame includes fields such as a category field, a dialog token field, a control field, an anchor channel (AnCH) information (Info) field, and so on.

[0200] The category field may be used to assign a new category value. The dialog token field may be used to identify the procedure (e.g., negotiation procedure) corresponding to a frame. Since the values ​​carried in the dialog token field of frames within the same procedure can be identical, the first AP and the first non-AP STA determine which procedure each frame belongs to. The control field is used to carry control information.

[0201] The control field may include an AnCH ​​Info present field. This field may carry information indicating whether an AnCH ​​Info presents in the frame. For example, a bit value of 1 carried in the field indicates that an AnCH ​​Info presents in the frame. In another example, a bit value of 0 carried in the field indicates that an AnCH ​​Info presents in the frame. In this embodiment of the application, the control field may further include another field, which may further include a reserved field. In actual application, the control field may be set based on requirements.

[0202] The Anchor Channel Information (AnCH Info) field can carry information indicating a second channel. For example, the Anchor Channel Information (AnCH Info) field includes a primary channel field and an anchor channel (AnCH) field. The primary channel field carries the first value, and the anchor channel (AnCH) field carries the second value. The configuration is appropriate and more easily compatible with prior art.

[0203] For specific information regarding the meaning of the information shown in Figure 7, please refer to the documentation of the IEEE 802.11 series protocols.

[0204] Figure 8 shows an example of another possible structure of a frame used to carry instruction information for the second channel.

[0205] Figure 8 shows element fields within an action frame or management frame.

[0206] As shown in Figure 8, an element includes fields such as an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, a control field, and an anchor channel information (AnCH Info) field.

[0207] The element ID field and the element ID extension field both indicate the current element field. The values ​​carried in the element ID field and the element ID extension field may be newly defined values. The length field indicates the length of the current element field.

[0208] When the embodiment shown in Figure 6 is used in combination with the embodiment in Figure 3, in one possible implementation provided in Figure 3, the first non-AP STA can automatically switch the primary channel, so the solution implemented by the first non-AP STA can also be referred to as an automatic subchannel selection (ASS) solution. The element field can also be referred to as an ASS element field. In this case, the element ID field and the element ID extension field together indicate that the current element field is an ASS element field.

[0209] For details on the control field and the Anchor Channel Information (AnCH Info) field, please refer to the relevant explanation in Figure 7. Further details will not be provided again. For the specific meaning of the information shown in Figure 8, please refer to the IEEE 802.11 series protocol description.

[0210] The fields in the embodiments of this application (e.g., the anchor channel information field and the OBSS information field) may be designed as optional fields or as non-fixed fields. In other words, the frame transmitter can improve the flexibility of the solution and reduce bit overhead in the frame load by determining, on a case-by-case basis, whether the transmitted frame includes these fields.

[0211] Based on the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and the other contents described above, Figure 9 is a possible schematic flowchart of one example of a communication method according to one embodiment of the present application. For a related description of the first non-AP STA, the first AP, and the second AP in Figure 9, please refer to the contents described above in Figure 3. Further details will not be described again.

[0212] As shown in Figure 9, the method includes the following steps.

[0213] Step 901: Information is transmitted between the first non-AP STA and the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode.

[0214] Step 902: Information indicating success in entering the first mode is transmitted between the first non-AP STA and the first AP.

[0215] The first mode is defined in this embodiment of the present application, and the first mode may also be referred to as the ASS mode.

[0216] The first mode includes several rules, and it will be understood that non-AP STAs and / or APs entering the first mode must also adhere to the rules of the first mode. The rules of the first mode may include allowing non-AP STAs and / or APs to switch the primary channel when the primary channel needs to be switched.

[0217] For example, the first mode indicates that a non-AP STA and / or AP in the first mode is enabled to switch the primary channel. In other words, if the first non-AP STA and the first AP successfully enter the first mode through signaling-based negotiation, the first non-AP STA is enabled to switch the primary channel when it determines that the primary channel needs to be switched, for example, based on the first TWT information. For a solution to whether the first non-AP STA needs to switch the primary channel, please refer to the relevant embodiments described above. Further details will not be explained again.

[0218] The embodiments shown in Figures 9, 3, and 6 may be implemented separately or in combination. For example, the embodiments in Figures 9 and 3 are combined. In the implementation shown in Figure 9, see the contents of Figure 3 for the solution that determines whether the first AP and the first non-AP STA in the first mode switch the primary channel. Details are again not explained. See some descriptions in Figure 9 for examples related to combinations.

[0219] Step 901 may include multiple implementation forms, for example, implementation forms C1 and C2 described below. In implementation form C1, the first AP transmits information indicating a request to enter the first mode. In response, the first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode. In implementation form C2, the first non-AP STA transmits information to the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode. In step 902, the first non-AP STA transmits information to the first AP indicating that it has successfully entered the first mode. The first AP may also transmit information indicating that it has successfully entered the first mode. In response, the first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating that it has successfully entered the first mode. A detailed explanation using implementation forms C1 and C2 is provided below.

[0220] Implementation form C1: The first AP sends information indicating a request to enter the first mode.

[0221] In implementation form C1, Figure 10 is a possible schematic flowchart of one example of a communication method according to one embodiment of this application. For a related explanation of the first non-AP STA, the first AP, and the second AP in Figure 10, please refer to the content described above in Figure 3. Further details will not be explained again.

[0222] As shown in Figure 10, the method includes the following steps.

[0223] Step 1001: The first AP sends the first frame.

[0224] In response, the first non-AP STA receives the first frame.

[0225] The first frame may contain information indicating a request to enter the first mode.

[0226] The first frame may have a different name, for example, it may be referred to as the ASS initialization frame. The ASS initialization frame may contain the parameters required by the first mode (e.g., all parameters).

[0227] The embodiment provided in Figure 9 may, alternatively, be used in combination with the embodiment in Figure 6. In this case, the ASS initialization frame (e.g., the first frame) may include indication information for the second channel. The parameters required by the first mode may include indication information for the second channel. The parameters required by the first mode may be carried in the anchor channel information field in Figure 7 or Figure 8. In one possible implementation, the indication information for the second channel may be understood as all the parameters required by the first mode.

[0228] Step 1002: Determine whether the first non-AP STA agrees to enter the first mode.

[0229] If the first non-AP STA agrees, step 1003 is performed.

[0230] If the first non-AP STA does not agree, step 1004 is performed.

[0231] Step 1003: The first non-AP STA sends the second frame.

[0232] In response, the first AP receives the second frame. The information in the second frame may indicate that the first non-AP STA should enter the first mode, or that the first non-AP STA has successfully entered the first mode, or that the first non-AP STA agrees to enter (or successfully enter) the first mode based on the parameters in the first frame.

[0233] The second frame may have a different name, for example, it may be referred to as the ASS follow-up frame.

[0234] Step 1004: The first non-AP STA sends the third frame.

[0235] In response, the first AP receives a third frame. The information in the third frame may indicate that the first non-AP STA refuses to enter the first mode, or that the first non-AP STA was unable to enter the first mode, or that the first non-AP STA does not agree to enter the first mode based on the parameters in the first frame.

[0236] The third frame may have a different name, for example, it may be referred to as the ASS follow-up frame.

[0237] Implementation form C2: The first non-AP STA sends information to the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode.

[0238] In implementation form C2, Figure 11 is a possible schematic flowchart of an example of a communication method according to one embodiment of this application. For a related explanation of the first non-AP STA, the first AP, and the second AP in Figure 11, please refer to the content described above in Figure 3. Further details will not be explained again.

[0239] As shown in Figure 11, this method includes the following steps.

[0240] Step 1101: The first non-AP STA sends the fourth frame.

[0241] In response, the first AP receives the fourth frame.

[0242] The fourth frame may contain information indicating a request to enter the first mode.

[0243] The fourth frame may have a different name, for example, it may be referred to as the ASS initialization frame. The ASS initialization frame may contain the parameters required by the first mode (e.g., all parameters such as the indication information for the second channel). For more relevant information about the fourth frame, please refer to the above description of the first frame. Further details will not be provided again.

[0244] Step 1102: Determine whether the first AP agrees to enter the first mode.

[0245] If the first AP agrees, step 1103 is performed.

[0246] If the first AP does not agree, step 1104 is carried out.

[0247] Step 1103: The first AP transmits the fifth frame.

[0248] In response, the first non-AP STA receives the fifth frame. The information in the fifth frame may indicate that the first AP is entering the first mode, or that the first AP has successfully entered the first mode, or that the first AP agrees to enter (or successfully enter) the first mode based on the parameters in the first frame.

[0249] The fifth frame may have a different name, for example, it may be referred to as the ASS follow-up frame.

[0250] Step 1104: The first AP transmits the sixth frame.

[0251] In response, the first AP receives the sixth frame. The information in the sixth frame may indicate that, based on the parameters in the fourth frame, the first AP does not agree to enter the first mode.

[0252] The sixth frame may have a different name, for example, it may be referred to as the ASS follow-up frame.

[0253] In another possible implementation, the sixth frame further includes parameters (e.g., anchor channel information) requested by the first mode and recommended by the first AP. In this case, the flowchart shown in Figure 11 may further include the following steps.

[0254] Step 1105: Based on the parameters required by the first mode in the sixth frame, determine whether the first non-AP STA agrees to enter the first mode.

[0255] If the first non-AP STA agrees, step 1106 is performed.

[0256] If the first non-AP STA does not agree, step 1107 is performed.

[0257] Step 1106: The first non-AP STA sends the seventh frame.

[0258] In response, the first AP receives the seventh frame. The information in the seventh frame may indicate that the first non-AP STA is entering the first mode, or that the first non-AP STA has successfully entered the first mode, or that the first non-AP STA has agreed to enter (or successfully enter) the first mode based on the parameters in the sixth frame.

[0259] The seventh frame may have a different name, for example, it may be referred to as the ASS follow-up frame.

[0260] Step 1107: The first non-AP STA sends the eighth frame.

[0261] In response, the first AP receives the eighth frame. The information in the eighth frame may indicate that the first non-AP STA refuses to enter the first mode, or that the first non-AP STA was unable to enter the first mode, or that the first non-AP STA does not agree to enter the first mode based on the parameters in the sixth frame.

[0262] The eighth frame may have a different name, for example, it may be referred to as the ASS follow-up frame.

[0263] After step 902, the first AP and the first non-AP STA successfully enter the first mode. After successfully entering the first mode, the first AP may transmit (e.g., broadcast) information (e.g., first TWT information) regarding the TWT setup between one or more APs in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. The first non-AP STA may process the received information (e.g., first TWT information) regarding the TWT set up between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP. For example, the first non-AP STA and the first AP may decide whether to perform communication during the SP phase of the TWT set up between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP on the primary channel to which it is switched. For this embodiment, please refer to the relevant embodiment in Figure 3. Further details will not be described again. The first TWT information may be transmitted after the first AP and the first non-AP STA have successfully entered the first mode, or it may be transmitted before the first AP and the first non-AP STA have entered the first mode.

[0264] In another possible implementation, the first AP and the first non-AP STA return the primary channel to the first channel at the end of the SP of the TWT set up between the AP in OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with that AP, or during the period before or after the end of the SP.

[0265] For example, the first AP broadcasts both TWT#1 of OBSS#1 and TWT#2 of OBSS#2. SP#1 of TWT#1 precedes SP#2 of TWT#2. The first non-AP STA and the first AP may switch their primary channel from the first channel to the second channel at the start time of SP of TWT#1 of OBSS#1, or during the period before or after the start time, and communicate on the second channel which functions as the primary channel. The first AP and the first non-AP STA switch their primary channel back to the first channel at the end time of SP of TWT#1 of OBSS#1, or during the period before or after the end time. Then, the first non-AP STA and the first AP may switch their primary channel from the first channel to the second channel at the start time of SP of TWT#2 of OBSS#2, or during the period before or after the start time, and communicate on the second channel which functions as the primary channel. The first AP and the first non-AP STA will return the primary channel to the first channel at the end time of the SP of TWT#2 of OBSS#2, or during the period before or after the end time.

[0266] In one possible implementation, after successfully entering the first mode, the first AP and the first non-AP STA may also update parameters required by the first mode (e.g., anchor channel information). For example, after entering the first mode, the first AP and the first non-AP STA may update the anchor channel to the third channel. Then, if it is determined that the primary channel needs to be switched, the first non-AP STA must switch the primary channel from the first channel to the third channel. The frames used to update the parameters required by the first mode may include an ASS initiation frame and an ASS follow-up frame. The ASS initiation frame may contain the updated parameters required by the first mode, and the ASS follow-up frame may be used to determine whether to agree to perform the subsequent primary channel switching procedure based on the updated parameters required by the first mode. The ASS initiation frame may be sent by the first AP or the first non-AP STA. In response to this, the ASS follow-up frame may be fed back by the first non-AP STA or the first AP based on the ASS initialization frame. For the parameter update process, please refer to the contents shown in Figures 10 and 11. Further details will not be explained again.

[0267] Step 903: Information indicating the termination of the first mode is transmitted between the first non-AP STA and the first AP.

[0268] In step 903, if either the first AP or the first non-AP STA needs to exit the first mode, information indicating the termination of the first mode may be transmitted. This information may be carried in a frame, which may be an ASS teardown frame.

[0269] For example, the first non-AP STA sends information to the first AP indicating that it is terminating the first mode. In response, the first AP receives information from the first non-AP STA indicating that it is terminating the first mode. The first AP may further send an acknowledgment (ACK) frame to indicate that the first AP acknowledges the termination of the first mode.

[0270] As another example, the first AP may transmit information indicating that it is terminating the first mode. In response, the first non-AP STA receives information from the first AP indicating that it is terminating the first mode. The first non-AP STA may further transmit an acknowledgment frame to indicate that the first non-AP STA acknowledges the termination of the first mode.

[0271] After the first non-AP STA and the first AP have left the first mode, i.e., when the first non-AP STA and the first AP are not in the first mode, the first non-AP STA and the first AP may not be restricted by the rules of the first mode. For example, when the first non-AP STA and the first AP are not in the first mode, even in the SP phase of the TWT set up between the AP in the OBSS of the first AP and the non-AP STA associated with that AP, the first non-AP STA will not switch primary channels and will continue to communicate with the first AP on the first channel which functions as the primary channel.

[0272] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, all steps may be performed, or some steps may be performed. For example, one or more of steps 901, 902, or 903 may be omitted. For example, step 903 may be omitted. In this case, it may be assumed by default that neither the first non-AP STA nor the first AP leaves the first mode, or that the time in the first mode is set. In another example, step 902 may be performed. In step 901, the device receiving information is assumed by default to enter the first mode. In another example, step 901 may be omitted. In this case, it may be assumed by default that the first non-AP STA and the first AP enter the first mode.

[0273] The format of the message used to carry the information in the embodiments of this application (for example, at least one of information indicating a request to enter a first mode, information indicating success in entering a first mode, and information indicating termination of a first mode) may have multiple structures, for example, the message may be an action frame or a management frame.

[0274] In one possible implementation, the information in Figures 9, 10, and 11 can be carried in ASS initialization frames, ASS follow-up frames, and ASS teardown frames. Figures 12 and 13 show examples of several possible frame formats.

[0275] Please refer to Figure 12. The frame is either an action frame or a management frame.

[0276] As shown in Figure 12, the frame includes fields such as a category field, a dialog token field, a control field, and an anchor channel information (AnCH Info) field.

[0277] The category field can be used to assign a new category value. The dialog token field can be used to identify the procedure (e.g., negotiation procedure) that corresponds to a frame. Within the same procedure, the values ​​carried in the dialog token field of a frame may be identical. For example, within a procedure, the values ​​carried in the dialog token fields of the ASS initialization frame, ASS follow-up frame, and ASS teardown frame may be identical. Thus, the first AP and the first non-AP STA can determine which procedure each frame belongs to. The control field is used to carry control information.

[0278] The control field may include the teardown field, the initialization field, the success field, and the AnCH ​​Info present field.

[0279] The value carried in the frame's initialization field indicates whether the frame is an initialization frame. The value carried in the frame's success field indicates whether the frame is a success frame. The value carried in the frame's teardown field indicates whether the frame is a teardown frame.

[0280] For example, a frame is an initialization frame. In this case, the value carried in the frame's initialization field may be set to 1. The success field may be considered a reserved field, and the value carried in the success field is not considered by the receiver. The teardown field may be set to 0.

[0281] In another example, the frame is an ASS follow-up frame, and the frame indicates success in entering the first mode. In this case, the value carried in the frame's success field may be set to 1. The values ​​carried in the teardown and initialization fields may be set to 0. The AnCH ​​Info present field may be set to 0 or 1. Whether or not an AnCH ​​Info field exists is determined by the AnCH ​​Info present field. For example, if the AnCH ​​Info present field is 0, the AnCH ​​Info field cannot exist in the frame. For example, if the AnCH ​​Info present field is 1, the AnCH ​​Info field may exist in the frame.

[0282] In another example, the frame is a teardown frame. In this case, the value carried in the teardown field of the frame can be set to 1. The success field and the initiation field can be regarded as reserved bits, and the values carried in those fields are not considered by the receiver. In this example, the remaining subfields of the control field can be reserved, and the AnCH Info field may not exist in the frame. The dialog token field can also be reserved.

[0283] For the content of the AnCH Info present field, refer to the relevant content in Figure 7. Details will not be described again. For the specific meaning of the information shown in Figure 12, refer to the description of the IEEE 802.11 series of protocols.

[0284] Figure 13 shows the element fields within an action frame or a management frame.

[0285] As shown in Figure 13, the element includes fields such as an element ID field, a length field, an element ID extension field, a control field, and an AnCH Info field.

[0286] ​​​​​To implement the functions of the foregoing embodiments, it can be understood that the first AP and the first non-AP STA include corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for implementing the functions. Those skilled in the art can easily recognize, by referring to the units and method steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, that this application can be implemented by hardware or by a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether the function is implemented by hardware or by hardware driven by computer software depends on the specific application scenario of the technical solution and the design constraints.

[0288] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are diagrams of the structures of possible communication devices according to embodiments of the present application. Since these communication devices can be configured to implement the functions of the first non-AP STA or the first AP in the foregoing method embodiments, accordingly, the beneficial effects of the foregoing method embodiments can also be implemented. In the present embodiment of the present application, the communication device may be the non-AP STA shown in FIG. 1, may be the AP shown in FIG. 1, or may be a module (for example, a chip) used in the non-AP STA or the AP.

[0289] As shown in FIG. 14, the communication device 1300 includes a processing unit 1310 and a transceiver unit 1320. The communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functions of the first non-AP STA or the first AP in the method embodiments shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, or FIG. 11.

[0290] When the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functions of the first non-AP STA in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the processing unit 1310 uses the transceiver unit 1320 to receive the first TWT information from the first AP, and based on the first instruction information, determines that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT set up between the AP within the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP.

[0291] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functionality of the first non-AP STA in the embodiment of the method shown in Figure 3, the processing unit 1310 is configured to receive second TWT information from the first AP using the transceiver unit 1320.

[0292] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functionality of the first non-AP STA in the embodiment of the method shown in Figure 3, the processing unit 1310 is configured to switch the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel based on the first TWT information and to communicate with the first AP on the second channel which functions as the primary channel.

[0293] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functionality of the first non-AP STA in the embodiment of the method shown in Figure 3, the processing unit 1310 is configured to switch the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel and communicate with the first AP on the first channel which functions as the primary channel.

[0294] When the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functions of the first non-AP STA in the embodiment of the method shown in Figure 6, the processing unit 1310 is configured to use the transceiver unit 1320 to receive instruction information for the second channel, switch the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicate with the first AP on the second channel which functions as the primary channel.

[0295] When the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functionality of the first non-AP STA in an embodiment of the method shown in Figure 9, Figure 10, or Figure 11, the processing unit 1310 uses the transceiver unit 1320 to transmit information to the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode, or receives information from the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode.

[0296] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functionality of the first non-AP STA in an embodiment of the method shown in Figure 9, Figure 10, or Figure 11, the processing unit 1310 uses the transceiver unit 1320 to transmit information to the first AP indicating success in entering the first mode, or to receive information from the first AP indicating success in entering the first mode.

[0297] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functionality of the first non-AP STA in an embodiment of the method shown in Figure 9, Figure 10, or Figure 11, the processing unit 1310 uses the transceiver unit 1320 to transmit information to the first AP indicating that it is ending the first mode, or to receive information from the first AP indicating that it is ending the first mode.

[0298] When the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functions of the first AP in the embodiment of the method shown in Figure 3, the processing unit 1310 is configured to acquire the first TWT information and transmit the first TWT information using the transceiver unit 1320.

[0299] In one possible implementation, if the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functions of the first AP in the embodiment of the method shown in Figure 3, the processing unit 1310 is configured to transmit the second TWT information using the transceiver unit 1320.

[0300] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functions of the first AP in the embodiment of the method shown in Figure 3, the processing unit 1310 is configured to switch the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel based on the first TWT information, and to communicate with the first non-AP STA on the second channel which functions as the primary channel.

[0301] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functions of the first AP in the embodiment of the method shown in Figure 3, the processing unit 1310 is configured to switch the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel and communicate with the first non-AP STA on the first channel which functions as the primary channel.

[0302] When the communication device 1300 is configured to perform the functions of the first AP in the embodiment of the method shown in Figure 6, the processing unit 1310 is configured to use the transceiver unit 1320 to transmit instruction information for the second channel, switch the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel, and communicate with the first non-AP STA on the second channel which functions as the primary channel.

[0303] When the communication device 1300 is configured to perform the functions of the first AP in the embodiment of the method shown in Figure 9, Figure 10, or Figure 11, the processing unit 1310 uses the transceiver unit 1320 to transmit or receive information indicating a request to enter the first mode.

[0304] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functions of the first AP in an embodiment of the method shown in Figure 9, Figure 10, or Figure 11, the processing unit 1310 uses the transceiver unit 1320 to transmit or receive information indicating success in entering the first mode.

[0305] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 1300 is configured to implement the functions of the first AP in the embodiments of the methods shown in FIGS. 9, 10, or 11, the processing unit 1310 uses the transceiver unit 1320 to transmit information indicating the end of the first mode or receive information indicating the end of the first mode.

[0306] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 1310 and the transceiver unit 1320, please refer to the descriptions related to the embodiments of the methods shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 10, or 11.

[0307] As shown in FIG. 15, the communication device 1400 includes a processor 1410 and an interface circuit 1420. The processor 1410 and the interface circuit 1420 are coupled to each other. It can be understood that the interface circuit 1420 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may further include a memory 1430 configured to store instructions executed by the processor 1410, or store input data necessary for the processor 1410 to activate instructions, or store data generated after the processor 1410 activates the instructions.

[0308] When the communication device 1400 is configured to implement the methods shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 9, 10, or 11, the processor 1410 is configured to implement the functions of the processing unit 1310, and the interface circuit 1420 is configured to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1320.

[0309] If the communication device is a chip used in the first non-AP STA, the chip of the first non-AP STA implements the functions of the first non-AP STA device in the embodiment of this method. The reception of information by the first non-AP STA chip from the first AP can be understood as the information being first received by another module in the first non-AP STA (e.g., a radio frequency module or antenna) and then transmitted to the first non-AP STA chip by that module. The transmission of information by the first non-AP STA chip to the first AP can be understood as the information being first transmitted to another module in the first non-AP STA (e.g., a radio frequency module or antenna) and then transmitted to the first AP by that module.

[0310] If the communication device is a chip used in the first AP, the chip of the first AP implements the functions of the first AP in the embodiment of this method. The reception of information by the chip of the first AP from the first non-AP STA can be understood as the information being first received by another module in the first AP (e.g., a radio frequency module or antenna) and then transmitted by the module to the chip of the first AP. The transmission of information by the chip of the first AP to the first non-AP STA can be understood as the information being distributed to another module in the first AP (e.g., a radio frequency module or antenna) and then transmitted by the module to the first non-AP STA.

[0311] In this application, the transmission of information by entity A to entity B may be either A directly transmitting the information to B, or A indirectly transmitting the information to B through another entity. Similarly, the reception of information by entity B from entity A may be either entity B directly receiving the information transmitted by entity A, or entity B indirectly receiving the information transmitted by entity A through another entity. Here, entities A and B may be a first AP or a first non-AP STA, or modules within a first AP or a first non-AP STA. Information transmission and reception may be an exchange of information between a first AP and a first non-AP STA, for example, an exchange of information between a first AP and a first non-AP STA. Alternatively, information transmission and reception may be an exchange of information between two first APs, for example, an exchange of information between a CU and a DU. Alternatively, information transmission and reception may involve information exchange between different modules within the device, for example, between a first non-AP STA chip and another module of the first non-AP STA, or between a first AP chip and another module of the first AP.

[0312] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or another programmable logic device, transistor logic device, hardware component, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any ordinary processor, etc.

[0313] The steps of the method in embodiments of this application may be implemented by hardware or by a processor that executes software instructions. The software instructions may include corresponding software modules. The software modules may be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, removable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. For example, the storage medium is coupled to the processor to enable the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium may, alternatively, be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC may be located in a first AP or a first non-AP STA. The processor and the storage medium may, alternatively, exist as separate components in a first AP or a first non-AP STA.

[0314] All or part of the embodiments described above may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. If software is used to implement an embodiment, all or part of the embodiment may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When a computer program or instruction is loaded into a computer and executed, all or part of the procedures or functions in the embodiments of this application are performed. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, a computer network, a network device, user equipment, or another programmable device. The computer program or instruction may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, a computer program or instruction may be transmitted by wire or wirelessly from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, or a data storage device, such as a server or data center integrating one or more available media. The usable media may be magnetic media, such as floppy disks, hard disks, or magnetic tapes; optical media, such as digital video discs; or semiconductor media, such as solid-state drives. The computer-readable storage medium may be volatile or non-volatile, or may include both types of storage media, such as volatile and non-volatile.

[0315] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or unless there is a logical inconsistency, terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and may refer to one another, and the technical features of different embodiments may be combined on the basis of their internal logical relationships to form new embodiments.

[0316] In this application, “at least one” means one or more, and “multiple” means two or more. “And / or” describes a relationship between related subjects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may indicate the following three cases: that only A exists, that both A and B exist, and that only B exists, where A and B may be singular or plural. In the textual descriptions of this application, the letter “ / ” indicates an “or” relationship between related subjects. In the formulas of this application, the letter “ / ” indicates a “division” relationship between related subjects. “Containing at least one of A, B, and C” may mean containing A, containing B, containing C, containing A and B, containing A and C, containing B and C, and containing A, B, and C.

[0317] It should be understood that the various numbers in the embodiments of this application (e.g., numbers such as "1st," "2nd," etc., and letters such as "Parameter A," "Parameter B," "Parameter C," etc.) are merely for distinction to facilitate explanation and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The sequential numbering of the processes described above does not indicate the execution order. The execution order of the processes should be determined based on the function and internal logic of the processes. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0318] 1300 Communication equipment 1310 Processing Unit 1320 Transceiver Unit 1400 Communication equipment 1410 Processor 1420 Interface Circuit 1430 memory

Claims

1. A method of communication, A first non-access point station (non-AP) STA receives first target wake time (TWT) information from a first access point (AP), wherein the first non-AP STA is associated with the first AP, the first TWT information includes first instruction information, the first instruction information indicates that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT set up between an AP in the overlapping basic service set (OBSS) of the first AP and the non-AP STA associated with the AP. The first non-AP STA determines, based on the first instruction information, that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is the TWT set up between the AP in the OBSS and the non-AP STA associated with the AP. A method that includes this.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first TWT information is conveyed by the first TWT element, and the first instruction information is conveyed by the reserved field B7 in the control field of the first TWT element.

3. The first TWT information further includes a third instruction information, The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third instruction information instructs the first non-AP STA to communicate with the first AP on the primary channel to which it is switched.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the first TWT information is conveyed by the first TWT element, and the third instruction information is conveyed by the TWT parameter information field of the first TWT element.

5. The first TWT information further includes a fourth instruction information, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fourth instruction information instructs the first non-AP STA to communicate with the first AP on the primary channel to which it is switched when the state of the first channel is busy.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the first TWT information is conveyed by the first TWT element, and the fourth instruction information is conveyed by the TWT parameter information field of the first TWT element.

7. The first non-AP STA switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel based on the first TWT information, and communicates with the first AP on the second channel which functions as the primary channel. It further includes, The start time for switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel is either the start time of the SP of the first TWT, or before the start time of the SP of the first TWT, and / or The completion time for switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel is either the start time of the SP of the first TWT or before the start time of the SP of the first TWT. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first non-AP STA, based on the first TWT information, switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel, and after the step of communicating with the first AP on the second channel which functions as the primary channel, The first non-AP STA switches the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel and communicates with the first AP on the first channel which functions as the primary channel. It further includes, The start time for switching the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel is either the end time of the SP of the first TWT, or after the end time of the SP of the first TWT, and / or The completion time for switching the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel is either the end time of the SP of the first TWT, or after the end time of the SP of the first TWT. The method according to claim 7.

9. The first non-AP STA obtains instruction information for the second channel. The method according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising:

10. The first non-AP STA transmits information to the first AP indicating a request to enter a first mode, or The first non-AP STA receives the information from the first AP indicating a request to enter the first mode. It further includes, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first mode is characterized in that a non-AP STA and / or AP in the first mode is enabled to switch the primary channel based on the first TWT information.

11. The first non-AP STA transmits information to the first AP indicating success in entering the first mode, or The first non-AP STA receives the information from the first AP indicating success in entering the first mode. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

12. The first non-AP STA transmits information to the first AP indicating that the first mode is being terminated, or The first non-AP STA receives the information from the first AP indicating that the first mode is being terminated. The method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising:

13. A method of communication, A first access point AP obtains first target wake time TWT information, wherein a first non-access point station (non-AP STA) is associated with the first AP, the first TWT information includes first instruction information, the first instruction information indicates that the TWT indicated by the first TWT information is a TWT set up between an AP in the overlapping basic service set (OBSS) of the first AP and a non-AP STA associated with the AP. The first AP transmits the first TWT information. A method that includes this.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first TWT information is conveyed by the first TWT element, and the first instruction information is conveyed by the reserved field B7 in the control field of the first TWT element.

15. The first TWT information further includes a third instruction information, The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the third instruction information instructs the first AP to communicate with the first non-AP STA on the primary channel to which it is switched.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first TWT information is conveyed by the first TWT element, and the third instruction information is conveyed by the TWT parameter information field of the first TWT element.

17. The first TWT information further includes a fourth instruction information, The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the fourth instruction information instructs the first AP to communicate with the first non-AP STA on the primary channel to which it is switched when the state of the first channel is busy.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the first TWT information is conveyed by the first TWT element, and the fourth instruction information is conveyed by the TWT parameter information field of the first TWT element.

19. The first AP switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel based on the first TWT information, and communicates with the first non-AP STA on the second channel which is functioning as the primary channel. It further includes, The start time for switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel is either the start time of the SP of the first TWT, or before the start time of the SP of the first TWT, and / or The completion time for switching the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel is either the start time of the SP of the first TWT or before the start time of the SP of the first TWT. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18.

20. The first AP, based on the first TWT information, switches the primary channel from the first channel to the second channel, and after the second channel, which functions as the primary channel, communicates with the first non-AP STA, The first AP switches the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel and communicates with the first non-AP STA on the first channel, which functions as the primary channel. It further includes, The start time for switching the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel is either the end time of the SP of the first TWT, or after the end time of the SP of the first TWT, and / or The completion time for switching the primary channel from the second channel to the first channel is either the end time of the SP of the first TWT, or after the end time of the SP of the first TWT. The method according to claim 19.

21. The first AP transmits instruction information for the second channel. The method according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising:

22. The first AP transmits information indicating a request to enter a first mode, or The first AP receives the information indicating a request to enter the first mode. It further includes, The method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the first mode is characterized in that a non-AP STA and / or AP in the first mode is enabled to switch the primary channel based on the first TWT information.

23. The first AP transmits information indicating success in entering the first mode, or The first AP receives the information indicating success in entering the first mode. The method according to claim 22, further comprising:

24. The first AP transmits information indicating that the first mode is ending, or The first AP receives the information indicating that the first mode is ending. The method according to claim 22 or 23, further comprising:

25. A communication device comprising a module configured to carry out the method described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or a module configured to carry out the method described in any one of claims 13 to 24.

26. A communication device comprising a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is configured to receive a signal from another communication device and transmit the signal to the processor, or to transmit a signal from the processor to another communication device, and the processor is configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 24 by using logic circuits or by executing code instructions.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instruction, and when the computer program or instruction is executed by a communication device, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 24 is performed.

28. A chip system comprising at least one processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit and the at least one processor are interconnected via a line, and the processor implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or any one of claims 13 to 24 by invoking an instruction.

29. A computer program product, wherein the computer program product stores a computer program, the computer program includes program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed by a computer, the computer is enabled to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or the method according to any one of claims 13 to 24.

Images