Cooperative communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a cooperative communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: receiving, by a first device, a first frame from a second device on a first link, the first device using a Non-Simultaneous Transmission and Reception (NSTR) link pair comprising the first link and a second link, the first link being a secondary link of the first device, the second link being a primary link of the first device, the first frame being used for instructing to share a first time-frequency resource on the first link, a time-domain location of the first time-frequency resource being within a first Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) of the second device on the first link; and determining, by the first device according to states of the first link and the second link, whether to send a second frame to the second device on the first link, the second frame being an acknowledgement frame of the first frame. According to the method, cooperation between a plurality of APs can be made easier and simpler and more efficient.

Description

Collaborative communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on June 16, 2023, with application number 202310731838.7 and invention name “Method and Apparatus for Collaborative Communication”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and more particularly, to a collaborative communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0003] With the development of wireless networks and the increasing popularity of wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, WLAN devices are becoming increasingly dense. While wireless access points (APs) are easy to deploy, the increasing density of APs also leads to increased inter-cell interference. In current multi-AP networking scenarios, the following channel selection rule applies: if the operating channels (bandwidths) of two APs overlap, the primary channels of these two APs should be located in the same location. Based on this rule, to minimize inter-cell interference, APs typically select smaller, non-overlapping bandwidths.

[0004] However, smaller bandwidth results in lower peak rates for AP communication, and non-overlapping bandwidth limits collaboration between multiple APs, hindering user quality of service. Therefore, improving the efficiency of collaboration between multiple APs while ensuring user quality of service is a pressing issue.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a collaborative communication method and apparatus, which can make collaboration between multiple APs simpler and more efficient while ensuring user service quality.

[0007] In a first aspect, a method for collaborative communication is provided, the method comprising: a first device receives a first frame from a second device on a first link, the first device uses the first link and the second link, the first frame is used to instruct the second device to share a first time-frequency resource on the first link with the first device, the time domain position of the first time-frequency resource is within a current first transmission opportunity TXOP, and the first TXOP is a transmission opportunity for the second device on the first link; when a first condition is met, the first device sends a second frame to the second device on the first link, the second frame being a response frame to the first frame, the first condition comprising: the first device determines that the first link is currently in an idle state; and the first device determines that the second link is currently in a busy state, or the first device is able to send data on the second link.

[0008] It should be understood that the first device and the second device can be multi-link devices (MLD), or the first device and the second device can be access points (AP) in the multi-link device MLD, or the first device and the second device can be stations (STA) in the multi-link device MLD. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0009] It should be noted that the first device uses the first link and the second link, which can be understood as the first device establishing the first link and the second link.

[0010] It should be noted that, when the second device is an MLD, the first TXOP is a transmission opportunity of the second device on the first link, which can be understood as the first TXOP is a transmission opportunity of an AP or STA in the second device.

[0011] It should be understood that the second frame is used to indicate that the first device confirms the use of the first time-frequency resource.

[0012] It should be understood that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific manner in which the first device determines that the first link is in an idle state. Exemplarily, the first device can determine that the second link is in an idle state through energy detection based on a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) mechanism.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, the first device receives the first frame from the second device, and determines whether to use the first time-frequency resource shared on the first link according to the status of the first link and the second link, so that multiple devices can share TXOP on one link, thereby improving the collaboration efficiency between multiple devices while ensuring the quality of user service.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second device uses the second link.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first link and the second link belong to a non-simultaneous sending and receiving NSTR link pair.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first link is a secondary link of the first device, and the first link is a primary link of the second device; the second link is the primary link of the first device, and the second link is a secondary link of the second device.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, the first device receives the first frame from the second device, and the first frame is used to share the first time-frequency resource on its secondary link. Furthermore, the first device determines whether to use the first time-frequency resource based on the status of its secondary link and the main link, so that when the first time-frequency resource of the secondary link is shared, the first device can use the first time-frequency resource under the premise of ensuring that it does not interfere with the transmission on the main link, thereby improving the collaboration efficiency between multiple devices while ensuring the quality of user service.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first device determines that there is currently a transmission from a non-cell on the second link.

[0019] Based on the above solution, the first device determines that the busy state of the second link is specifically that there is transmission from a non-cell on the second link, so that the first time-frequency resource can be used without interfering with the transmission on the main link.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: the first device determines a first time, which is the end time of the transmission of the non-cell; and the first device stops using the first time-frequency resource before the first time.

[0021] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit how to determine the first time. As an example and not a limitation, the first device determines the first time based on the duration of the data packet on the first link.

[0022] As an example but not a limitation, the first device implements virtual monitoring through a network allocation vector (NAV), thereby determining the first time according to a Duration / ID field in a data packet.

[0023] Based on the above scheme, the first device can use the first time-frequency resources shared on the secondary link before the end of the first time after determining the first time that its main link will be busy, so that the first time-frequency resources can be used while ensuring that the transmission on the main link is not interfered with.

[0024] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first device is able to send data on the second link, including: the first device completes backoff on the second link; or the first device shares a second time-frequency resource on the second link with the second device, the time domain position of the second time-frequency resource is within the second TXOP, and the second TXOP is a transmission opportunity for the second device on the second link.

[0025] Based on the above scheme, when the first device shares the first time-frequency resource on the secondary link, the first device determines that it can send data on its main link, that is, the first device completes the backoff before receiving the first frame, or the first device shares the second time-frequency resource before receiving the first frame, so that the main link and the secondary link can be used for transmission at the same time while ensuring that the transmission on the main link is not interfered with, thereby improving the efficiency of multi-device collaboration.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first device shares the second time-frequency resources on the second link with the second device, including: the first device receives a third frame from the second device on the second link, and the third frame is used to indicate that the second device shares the second time-frequency resources with the first device; when the first device determines that the second link is idle, the first device sends a fourth frame to the second device on the second link, and the fourth frame is a response frame to the third frame.

[0027] It should be understood that the fourth frame is used to indicate that the first device confirms the use of the second time-frequency resource.

[0028] Based on the above solution, when the first device shares the time and frequency resources on the main link, it determines that the main link is in an idle state when receiving the third frame, thereby improving the collaboration efficiency between multiple devices while ensuring the quality of user service.

[0029] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first frame and the third frame are MU-RTS frames, and the second frame and the fourth frame are CTS frames.

[0030] Based on the above scheme, the first frame and the third frame can use the Multi-User Request to Send (MU-RTS) frame, and the second frame and the fourth frame can use the Clear to Send (CTS) frame, thereby making the method of multi-device collaborative transmission simpler.

[0031] In a second aspect, a method for collaborative communication is provided, the method comprising: a second device obtains a first transmission opportunity TXOP on a first link; the second device sends a first frame to the first device on the first link, the first device uses a non-simultaneous sending and receiving NSTR link pair, the NSTR link pair includes the first link and a second link, the first link is a secondary link of the first device, the first frame is used to instruct the second device to share a first time-frequency resource on the first link with the first device, and the time domain position of the first time-frequency resource is within the first TXOP; the second device receives a second frame from the first device on the first link, the second frame being a response frame to the first frame.

[0032] It should be understood that the definitions of the first device and the second device can refer to the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0033] It should be understood that the second frame is used to indicate that the first device confirms the use of the first time-frequency resource.

[0034] It should be noted that the first device uses the NSTR link pair, which can be understood as the first device establishing the first link and the second link in the NSTR link pair.

[0035] Based on the above scheme, after the second device obtains a transmission opportunity on the first link, it can share the time-frequency resources within the transmission opportunity with the first device by sending a first frame, and the link is the secondary link of the first device. Correspondingly, the second device will determine whether to use the first time-frequency resources based on the status of its secondary link and the main link, so that when the first device shares the first time-frequency resources of the secondary link, it can use the first time-frequency resources while ensuring that it does not interfere with the transmission on the main link, thereby improving the collaboration efficiency between multiple devices while ensuring the quality of user service.

[0036] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second device uses the NSTR link pair, the first link is the primary link of the second device, the second link is the secondary link of the second device, and the second link is the primary link of the first device.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second device obtains a second TXOP on the second link; the second device sends a third frame to the first device on the second link, the third frame being used to indicate that the second device shares the second time-frequency resources on the second link with the first device, and the time domain position of the second time-frequency resources is within the second TXOP; the second device receives a fourth frame from the first device on the second link, the fourth frame being a response frame to the third frame.

[0038] It should be understood that the fourth frame is used to indicate that the first device confirms the use of the second time-frequency resource.

[0039] Based on the above scheme, after the second device obtains the second TXOP on the second link, it can share the second time-frequency resources in the second TXOP with the first device by sending a third frame on the second link, wherein the second link is the secondary link of the second device and the primary link of the first device. Correspondingly, after receiving the third frame, the first device determines that the second link is idle and replies with a fourth frame to confirm the use of the second time-frequency resources, thereby improving the collaboration efficiency between multiple devices while ensuring the quality of user service.

[0040] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, before the second device acquires the second TXOP on the second link, the method further includes: the second device determining that there is currently a transmission from a non-cell on the first link.

[0041] Based on the above solution, the second device determines that the busy state of the second link is specifically that there is transmission from a non-cell on the second link, thereby obtaining the second TXOP without interfering with transmission on the primary link.

[0042] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second device determines a second time, where the second time is the end time of the transmission of the non-cell; before the second time, the second device stops using the second TXOP.

[0043] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit how to determine the second time. The specific method can be referred to the description of determining the first method in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0044] Based on the above solution, the second device can obtain a second TXOP on the secondary link after determining the second time when its primary link will be busy, and use the second TXOP before sharing the second time-frequency resources within the second TXOP, thereby improving the efficiency of multi-device collaboration while avoiding interference with the primary link transmission.

[0045] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first frame and the third frame are multi-user request to send MU-RTS frames, and the second frame and the fourth frame are confirmation to send CTS frames.

[0046] Based on the above solution, the first frame and the third frame can use MU-RTS frames, and the second frame and the fourth frame can use CTS frames, thereby making the multi-device cooperative transmission method simpler.

[0047] According to a third aspect, a collaborative transmission method is provided, the method comprising: a first device receiving a third frame from a second device on a second link, wherein the second device uses a non-simultaneous sending and receiving NSTR link pair, the NSTR link pair including the first link and the second link, and the second link is a secondary link of the second device, the third frame is used to indicate that the second device shares a second time-frequency resource on the second link with the first device, the time domain location of the second time-frequency resource is within the second TXOP, and the second TXOP is a transmission opportunity for the second device on the second link; when the first device determines that the second link is idle, the first device sends a fourth frame to the second device on the second link, the fourth frame being a response frame to the third frame.

[0048] It should be understood that the definitions of the first device and the second device can refer to the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0049] It should be understood that the second frame is used to indicate that the first device confirms the use of the first time-frequency resource.

[0050] It should be noted that the second device uses the NSTR link pair, which can be understood as the second device establishing the first link and the second link in the NSTR link pair.

[0051] Based on the above scheme, the first device receives the third frame from the second device, and the third frame is used to share the second time-frequency resource on the second link. Furthermore, the first device sends the fourth frame when determining that its main link is in an idle state to determine the use of the second time-frequency resource, thereby improving the collaboration efficiency between multiple devices while ensuring the quality of user service.

[0052] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first device uses the NSTR link pair, and the second link is a primary link of the first device.

[0053] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the third frame is a MU-RTS frame, and the fourth frame is a CTS frame.

[0054] Based on the above solution, the third frame can use the MU-RTS frame, and the fourth frame can use the CTS frame, thereby making the multi-device collaborative transmission method simpler.

[0055] In a fourth aspect, a method for collaborative transmission is provided, the method comprising: a second device determines that a first link is in a busy state, the second device uses a non-simultaneous sending and receiving NSTR link pair, the NSTR link pair includes the first link and a second link, the first link is the primary link of the second device; the second device obtains a second transmission opportunity TXOP on the second link, the second link is the secondary link of the second device; the second device sends a third frame to the first device on the second link, the third frame is used to indicate that the second device shares a second time-frequency resource on the second link with the first device, and the time domain position of the second time-frequency resource is within the second TXOP; the second device receives a fourth frame from the first device on the second link, the fourth frame being a response frame to the third frame.

[0056] It should be understood that the definitions of the first device and the second device can refer to the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0057] It should be understood that the second frame is used to indicate that the first device confirms the use of the first time-frequency resource.

[0058] It should be noted that the second device uses the NSTR link pair, which can be understood as the second device establishing the first link and the second link in the NSTR link pair.

[0059] Based on the above scheme, after the second device determines that its main link (i.e., the first link) is in a busy state, it obtains a second TXOP on its secondary link (i.e., the second link), and shares the second time-frequency resources in the second TXOP with the first device through the third frame. Correspondingly, after receiving the third frame, the first device determines that the second link is in an idle state and sends the fourth frame to determine the use of the second time-frequency resources, thereby improving the collaboration efficiency between multiple devices while ensuring the quality of user service.

[0060] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the first device uses the NSTR link pair, and the first link is a primary link of the first device.

[0061] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the second device determines that the first link is in a busy state, including: the first device determines that there is transmission from a non-cell on the second link.

[0062] Based on the above solution, the second device determines that the busy state of the second link is specifically that there is transmission from a non-cell on the second link, thereby obtaining the second TXOP without interfering with transmission on the primary link.

[0063] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the second device determines a second time, the second time being the end time of the transmission of the non-cell; before the second time, the second device stops using the second TXOP.

[0064] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit how to determine the second time. The specific method can be referred to the description of determining the first method in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0065] Based on the above solution, the second device can obtain a second TXOP on the secondary link after determining the second time when its primary link will be busy, and use the second TXOP before sharing the second time-frequency resources within the second TXOP, thereby improving the efficiency of multi-device collaboration while avoiding interference with the primary link transmission.

[0066] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the end time of the second time-frequency resource is not earlier than the second time.

[0067] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the end time of the second time-frequency resource is earlier than the second time.

[0068] Based on the above solution, the present application does not limit the relationship between the second time-frequency resources shared by the second device to the first device and the second time, thereby further improving the efficiency of multi-device collaboration.

[0069] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the third frame is a MU-RTS frame, and the fourth frame is a CTS frame.

[0070] Based on the above solution, the third frame can use the multi-user request to send MU-RTS frame, and the fourth frame can use the confirmation to send CTS frame, thereby making the multi-device cooperative transmission method simpler.

[0071] In a fifth aspect, a method for collaborative transmission is provided, the method comprising: a first device receives a first frame from a second device on a first link, both the first device and the second link use the first link and the second link, the first frame is used to indicate that the second device shares a first time-frequency resource on the first link with the first device, the time domain position of the first time-frequency resource is within the current first transmission opportunity TXOP, and the first TXOP is the transmission opportunity of the second device on the first link; the first device receives a third frame from the second device on the second link, the third frame is used to indicate that the second device shares a second time-frequency resource on the second link with the first device, the time domain position of the second time-frequency resource is within the second TXOP, and the second TXOP is the transmission opportunity of the second device on the second link; when the first device determines that the second link is idle, the first device sends a fourth frame to the second device on the second link, the fourth frame being a response frame to the third frame; in response to the first device sending the fourth frame, and when the first device determines that the first link is currently in an idle state, the first device sends a second frame to the second device on the first link, the second frame being a response frame to the first frame.

[0072] It should be understood that the definitions of the first device and the second device can refer to the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0073] It should be understood that the second frame is used to indicate that the first device confirms the use of the first time-frequency resource, and the fourth frame is used to indicate that the first device confirms the use of the second time-frequency resource.

[0074] Based on the above scheme, after the second device obtains the transmission opportunity on the first link and the second link, it can share the first time-frequency resources and the second time-frequency resources in the transmission opportunity with the first device by sending the first frame and the third frame. Correspondingly, the second device will determine whether to use the first time-frequency resources and the second time-frequency resources based on the status of its first link and the second link, that is, whether the first link and the second link are idle, thereby improving the collaboration efficiency between multiple devices while ensuring the quality of user service.

[0075] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first link and the second link belong to a non-simultaneous sending and receiving NSTR link pair.

[0076] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first link is a secondary link of the first device, and the first link is a primary link of the second device; the second link is the primary link of the first device, and the second link is a secondary link of the second device.

[0077] Based on the above scheme, after the second device obtains a transmission opportunity on the main link and the secondary link, it can share the first time-frequency resources and the second time-frequency resources within the transmission opportunity with the first device by sending a first frame. Correspondingly, the second device shares the first time-frequency resources and the second time-frequency resources on its main link and the secondary link. The second device determines that its main link is in an idle state, and sends a fourth frame to confirm the use of the second time-frequency resources. Furthermore, the second device determines that the secondary link is in an idle state, and sends a second frame to confirm the use of the second time-frequency resources, thereby improving the collaboration efficiency between multiple devices while ensuring the quality of user service.

[0078] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: when the first device determines that the second link is in a busy state and the first link is in an idle state, the first device sends the second frame to the second device on the first link.

[0079] Based on the above scheme, when the first device shares the first time-frequency resource on the secondary link, when it is determined that the secondary link is idle and the main link will be busy for a period of time, the first device can send a second frame to the second device to confirm the use of the second time-frequency resource, so that the first time-frequency resource can be used under the premise of ensuring that the transmission on the main link is not interfered with.

[0080] In a sixth aspect, a method for collaborative transmission is provided, the method comprising: a second device obtains a first transmission opportunity TXOP on a first link, and obtains a second TXOP on a second link; the second device sends a first frame to the first device on the first link, the first device and the second device both use the first link and the second link, the first frame is used to indicate that the second device shares a first time-frequency resource on the first link with the first device, and the time domain position of the first time-frequency resource is within the first TXOP; the second device sends a third frame to the first device on the second link, the third frame is used to indicate that the second device shares a second time-frequency resource on the second link with the first device, and the time domain position of the second time-frequency resource is within the second TXOP; the second device receives a second frame from the first device on the first link, the second frame being a response frame to the first frame; the second device receives a fourth frame from the first device on the second link, the fourth frame being a response frame to the third frame.

[0081] It should be understood that the definitions of the first device and the second device can refer to the first aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0082] It should be understood that the second frame is used to indicate that the first device confirms the use of the first time-frequency resource, and the fourth frame is used to indicate that the first device confirms the use of the second time-frequency resource.

[0083] Based on the above scheme, after the second device obtains the transmission opportunity on the first link and the second link, it can share the first time-frequency resources and the second time-frequency resources within the transmission opportunity with the first device by sending the first frame and the third frame. Correspondingly, the second device will determine whether to use the first time-frequency resources and the second time-frequency resources based on the status of its first link and the second link, thereby improving the collaboration efficiency between multiple devices while ensuring the quality of user service.

[0084] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first link and the second link belong to a non-simultaneous sending and receiving NSTR link pair.

[0085] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first link is a secondary link of the first device, and the first link is a primary link of the second device; the second link is the primary link of the first device, and the second link is a secondary link of the second device.

[0086] Based on the above scheme, after the second device obtains a transmission opportunity on the main link and the secondary link, it can share the first time-frequency resources and the second time-frequency resources within the transmission opportunity with the first device by sending a first frame. Correspondingly, the second device shares the first time-frequency resources and the second time-frequency resources on its main link and the secondary link. Furthermore, the second device will determine whether to use the first time-frequency resources and the second time-frequency resources based on the status of its secondary link and the main link, thereby improving the collaboration efficiency between multiple devices while ensuring the quality of user service.

[0087] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, before sending the first frame, the first device can use the first TXOP.

[0088] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, before sending the third frame, the first device can use the second TXOP.

[0089] Based on the above solution, after obtaining the transmission opportunity, the second device can use the transmission opportunity and share the time and frequency resources within the transmission opportunity with the first device after the use ends, thereby further improving the collaboration efficiency between multiple devices.

[0090] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first frame and the third frame are MU-RTS frames, and the second frame and the fourth frame are CTS frames.

[0091] Based on the above solution, the first frame and the third frame can use MU-RTS frames, and the second frame and the fourth frame can use CTS frames, thereby making the multi-device cooperative transmission method simpler.

[0092] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which is used to execute the method provided in any one of the first to sixth aspects. Specifically, the communication device may include a unit and / or module for executing the method provided in the first aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the first aspect, or, include a unit and / or module for executing the method provided in the second aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the second aspect, or, include a unit and / or module for executing the method provided in the third aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the third aspect, or, include a unit and / or module for executing the method provided in the fourth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the fourth aspect, or, include a unit and / or module for executing the method provided in the fifth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the fifth aspect, or, include a unit and / or module for executing the method provided in the sixth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the sixth aspect, such as a processing unit and / or a transceiver unit.

[0093] In one implementation, the communication apparatus is a first device or a second device. When the communication apparatus is a device, the transceiver unit may be a transceiver or an input / output interface; and the processing unit may be at least one processor. Alternatively, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Alternatively, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0094] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in the first device or the second device. When the communication device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in a device, the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; and the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0095] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a memory for storing programs; and at least one processor for executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to execute the method provided by the first aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the first aspect, or to execute the method provided by the second aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the second aspect, or to execute the method provided by the third aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the third aspect, or to execute the method provided by the fourth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the fourth aspect, or to execute the method provided by the fifth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the fifth aspect, or to execute the method provided by the sixth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the sixth aspect.

[0096] In one implementation, the communication apparatus is a first device or a second device.

[0097] In another implementation, the apparatus is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit used in the first device or the second device.

[0098] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a processor for executing the methods provided in the above aspects.

[0099] For the operations such as sending and acquiring / receiving involved in the processor, unless otherwise specified, or if they do not conflict with their actual functions or internal logic in the relevant descriptions, they can be understood as processor output, reception, input and other operations, and can also be understood as sending and receiving operations performed by the radio frequency circuit and antenna. This application does not limit this.

[0100] In the tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a program code for execution by a device, wherein the program code includes instructions for executing the method provided by the first aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the first aspect, or includes instructions for executing the method provided by the second aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the second aspect, or includes instructions for executing the method provided by the third aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the third aspect, or includes instructions for executing the method provided by the fourth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the fourth aspect, or includes instructions for executing the method provided by the fifth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the fifth aspect, or includes instructions for executing the method provided by the sixth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the sixth aspect.

[0101] In the eleventh aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method provided by the first aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the first aspect, or the computer is caused to execute the method provided by the second aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the second aspect, or the computer is caused to execute the method provided by the third aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the third aspect, or the computer is caused to execute the method provided by the fourth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the fourth aspect, or the computer is caused to execute the method provided by the fifth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the fifth aspect, or the computer is caused to execute the method provided by the sixth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the sixth aspect.

[0102] In the twelfth aspect, a chip is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in the memory through the communication interface, executes the method provided by the first aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the first aspect, or executes the method provided by the second aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the second aspect, or executes the method provided by the third aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the third aspect, or executes the method provided by the fourth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the fourth aspect, or executes the method provided by the fifth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the fifth aspect, or executes the method provided by the sixth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the sixth aspect.

[0103] Optionally, as an implementation, the chip also includes a memory, in which a computer program or instruction is stored, and the processor is used to execute the computer program or instruction stored on the memory. When the computer program or instruction is executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided by the first aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the first aspect, or execute the method provided by the second aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the second aspect, or execute the method provided by the third aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the third aspect, or execute the method provided by the fourth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the fourth aspect, or execute the method provided by the fifth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the fifth aspect, or execute the method provided by the sixth aspect or any one of the above-mentioned implementations of the sixth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] FIG2 shows a schematic diagram of multi-link communication;

[0106] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a channel selection method;

[0107] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of another channel selection method;

[0108] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a channel selection method applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which two links transmit and receive non-simultaneously;

[0110] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a collaborative communication method 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a collaborative communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a usage scenario of solution A of method 200 proposed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a usage scenario of solution B of method 200 proposed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a usage scenario of solution C of method 200 proposed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] FIG12 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for collaborative communication according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0116] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 3000 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0117] FIG14 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 4000 according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0118] FIG15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 5000 according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0119] The technical solution provided in this application can be applicable to wireless local area network (WLAN) scenarios, for example, it can be applicable to IEEE 802.11 system standards, such as 802.11a / b / g standards, 802.11n standards, 802.11ac standards, 802.11ax standards, or their next generations, such as 802.11be standards or even later generations.

[0120] Although the present application is primarily described using the deployment of a WLAN network, particularly a network using the IEEE 802.11 system standard, as an example, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the various aspects of the present application can be extended to other networks using various standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, high-performance wireless local area networks (HIPERLANs), wide area networks (WANs), personal area networks (PANs), or other networks now known or later developed. Therefore, regardless of the coverage area and wireless access protocol used, the various aspects provided in the present application can be applied to any suitable wireless network.

[0121] The technical solution of the present application can also be applied to various communication systems, such as: global system for mobile communication (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), sixth generation (6G) system, Internet of Things (IoT) network or vehicle to X (V2X) and other wireless local area network systems, etc.

[0122] The above-mentioned communication system applicable to the present application is only an example, and the communication system applicable to the present application is not limited to this. It is described uniformly here and will not be repeated below.

[0123] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, a communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application is first described in detail with reference to FIG1 .

[0124] FIG1 is another schematic diagram of a wireless communication system 100 applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG1 , the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to a wireless local area network. The wireless communication system 100 may include at least two access point (AP) devices, such as AP 111 and AP 112 as shown in FIG1 . The wireless communication system 100 may also include at least two station (STA) devices, such as STA 121 and STA 122 as shown in FIG1 . For example, the AP may be a multi-link AP, or the STA may be a multi-link STA.

[0125] One or more STAs in a station device may establish an association with one or more APs in an access point device before communicating. For example, AP 111 may communicate with STA 121, e.g., after establishing an association between AP 111 and STA 121. AP 112 may communicate with STA 122, e.g., after establishing an association between AP 112 and STA 122.

[0126] In the embodiment of the present application, the first device and the second device may be, for example, access point devices, such as the first device may include AP 111 and the second device may include AP 112. Alternatively, the first device and the second device may be, for example, station devices, such as the first device may include STA 121 and the second device may include STA 122.

[0127] It should be understood that the communication system applicable to the present application described above in conjunction with FIG1 is merely an example, and the communication system applicable to the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the communication system may include a larger number of APs. For another example, the communication system may also include a larger number of STAs. For another example, the embodiments of the present application may be applied to scenarios involving multi-device collaboration, such as multi-AP (multiple access points) collaboration or multi-site collaboration.

[0128] The AP device in the embodiment of the present application can be a device in a wireless network. The AP device can be a communication entity such as a communication server, a router, a switch, a bridge, or the AP device can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, etc. Of course, the AP can also be a chip or circuit or processing system in these various forms of devices, thereby realizing the method and function of the embodiment of the present application. The AP device can be applied to a variety of scenarios, such as sensor nodes in smart cities (such as smart water meters, smart electricity meters, smart air detection nodes), smart devices in smart homes (such as smart cameras, projectors, displays, TVs, speakers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.), nodes in the Internet of Things, entertainment terminals (such as wearable devices such as AR and VR), smart devices in smart offices (such as printers, projectors, etc.), Internet of Vehicles devices in the Internet of Vehicles, and some infrastructure in daily life scenarios (such as vending machines, self-service navigation counters in supermarkets, self-service checkout devices, self-service ordering machines), etc.

[0129] In the embodiments of the present application, a STA device may be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, such as a device that supports the 802.11 series of protocols and can communicate with an AP or other STAs. For example, a STA is any user communication device that allows a user to communicate with an AP and, in turn, with a WLAN. Examples of STA devices include user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device.

[0130] The STA in the embodiment of the present application may also be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to users, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connection function. Examples include: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future-evolved public land mobile communication networks. The terminal equipment in the network (PLMN), etc., is not limited to this in the embodiments of the present application.

[0131] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of this application, the STA device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for wearable devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop wearable devices, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Examples include smart watches or smart glasses, as well as devices that focus on a specific application function and require integration with other devices, such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0132] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present application, the STA device can also be a terminal device in the Internet of Things (IoT) system. The IoT is an important component of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network that interconnects people and machines and things. In the embodiments of the present application, IoT technology can achieve massive connections, deep coverage, and terminal power saving through narrowband NB technology, for example.

[0133] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present application, the STA device may be a device in a connected vehicle system. The communication methods in the connected vehicle system are collectively referred to as V2X (where X represents everything). For example, V2X communication includes vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, and vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication.

[0134] In addition, in an embodiment of the present application, the STA device may also include sensors such as smart printers, train detectors, and gas stations. Its main functions include collecting data (partial terminal devices), receiving control information and downlink data from AP devices, and sending electromagnetic waves to transmit data to AP devices.

[0135] In addition, the AP device in the embodiment of the present application may be a device for communicating with a STA device. The AP device may be a network device in a wireless local area network. The AP device may be used to communicate with the STA device through the wireless local area network.

[0136] It should be understood that the specific forms of STA devices and AP devices in the embodiments of the present application are not particularly limited and are merely illustrative.

[0137] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application is not particularly limited. As long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, for example, the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be a device (such as an AP device or a STA device), or a functional module in the device (such as an AP device or a STA device) that can call and execute the program.

[0138] In addition, the computer-readable media of the present application may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical disks (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). In addition, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0139] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, several terms involved in the present application are briefly introduced below.

[0140] 1.Multi-link communication

[0141] The wireless communication system provided in the embodiments of the present application may be a WLAN or a cellular network. The method may be implemented by a communication device in the wireless communication system or a chip or processor in the communication device. The communication device may be a wireless communication device that supports parallel transmission over multiple links, for example, a multi-link device (MLD). Compared to devices that only support transmission over a single link, a multi-link device has higher transmission efficiency and higher throughput.

[0142] As an example, embodiments of the present application can also be used in multi-link communication scenarios. For example, the first device may be multi-link access point device 1, and the second device may be multi-link access point device 2. As shown in FIG2 , it is assumed that multi-link access point device 2 includes: AP21, AP22, ..., AP2n, and multi-link access point device 1 includes: AP11, AP12, ..., AP1n, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, AP21 and AP11 can communicate via link 1. For another example, AP22 and AP12 can communicate via link 2 as shown in FIG2 . For another example, AP2n and AP1n can communicate via link n as shown in FIG2 .

[0143] During the multi-link establishment (or multi-link association) process, a station in a multi-link station device can send an association request frame to an access point in a multi-link access point device. The association request frame carries a multi-link element (MLE, or multi-link information unit) to carry information about the multi-link station device and other stations in the device. Similarly, the association response frame sent by the access point to the station can also carry an MLE to carry information about the multi-link access point device and other access points in the device.

[0144] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are not limited to multi-link communication. The embodiments of the present application can be applied to any scenario of multi-device collaboration, such as multi-AP (multiple access points, Multi-AP) collaboration, and can also be applied to scenarios such as multi-site collaboration.

[0145] 2. Multi-AP collaboration scenario:

[0146] With the development of wireless networks and the increasing popularity of WLAN technology, WLAN devices are becoming increasingly dense. Because APs are easy to deploy, this increasing density also increases cell interference. How to reduce inter-cell interference and improve user service quality through collaboration between APs is a key consideration for next-generation Wi-Fi technology.

[0147] The forms of collaboration between multiple APs may include, but are not limited to, coordinated time division multiple access (Co-TDMA), coordinated orthogonal frequency division multiple access (Co-OFDMA), and coordinated spatial reuse (Co-SR).

[0148] 2.1 Co-TDMA

[0149] When an AP obtains a Transmit Opportunity (TXOP) and transmits, if the AP fails to use up its TXOP, it can allocate the remaining TXOP time to other APs for transmission, allowing other APs to obtain transmission faster, thereby reducing communication latency.

[0150] 2.2 Co-OFDMA

[0151] OFDM is the fundamental transmission method for current wireless communications, widely used in wireless communication systems such as LTE, WiMAX, and WiFi. Furthermore, OFDM has also been applied to fixed-line transmission, such as optical fiber, copper stranded wire, and cables. The fundamental principle of OFDM is to minimize the spacing between subcarriers within the permitted range of subcarrier orthogonality. This ensures the formation of multiple parallel, non-interfering pathways while also improving the system's frequency utilization efficiency. For example, when bandwidth is high, multiple access points (APs) can transmit on separate channels using OFDMA, thus preventing interference.

[0152] Furthermore, due to the aforementioned characteristics of OFDM, if non-interfering OFDM subcarriers are allocated to multiple users, OFDM can be used to implement multi-user access or transmission. This is known as OFDMA. OFDMA enables parallel transmission of multi-user data, effectively improving transmission concurrency. In Co-OFDMA, when a particular AP has low traffic volume and does not require the full channel bandwidth for transmission, it can transmit simultaneously with other APs. Using OFDMA, these transmissions can be staggered across different channels or resource blocks, effectively utilizing channel resources.

[0153] 2.3 Co-SR

[0154] When two APs are far apart, they can transmit simultaneously on the same channel / resource block. By controlling power and user selection, the interference between the two APs is kept low, thereby effectively utilizing channel resources.

[0155] Generally, the AP that initiates multi-AP coordinated transmission may be referred to as a sharing AP, and other APs that share transmission resources or transmission opportunities may be referred to as shared APs.

[0156] 3. Channel selection rules

[0157] In a multi-AP networking scenario, there are the following channel selection rules: If the working channels (bandwidth) of two APs overlap, the main channel positions of the two APs should be the same.

[0158] Figure 3 illustrates a channel selection scheme. As shown in Figure 3, AP1 and AP2 select a smaller 20MHz bandwidth to ensure their operating channels do not overlap with those of surrounding APs. However, this channel selection scheme results in a smaller bandwidth, which lowers the peak communication rate. Furthermore, since the operating channels of multiple APs do not overlap, meaning they operate independently, collaboration between them is not feasible.

[0159] Figure 4 illustrates another channel selection method. As shown in Figure 4, AP1 and AP2 use overlapping bandwidth and select the same primary channel. While this method enables multi-AP collaboration, some APs must temporarily relocate their primary channels during Co-OFDMA transmissions, requiring STAs connected to the APs to change accordingly, resulting in increased operational complexity.

[0160] In view of this, the present application proposes a method, starting from the collaboration of multiple AP MLDs in multiple links, which can make AP MLD collaboration more simple and efficient.

[0161] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a channel selection method applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0162] AP MLD can establish multiple links, which can occupy adjacent bandwidths. In addition, the bandwidths of multiple links of multiple AP MLDs can overlap with each other.

[0163] As shown in Figure 5, because Link 1 and Link 2 are located in close frequency domains, the same AP MLD cannot simultaneously transmit and receive across multiple links. For example, AP MLD 1 cannot simultaneously transmit on Link 1 and receive on Link 2. This situation is typically referred to as non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR), and Link 1 and Link 2 are referred to as an NSTR link pair. Accordingly, an AP MLD comprising an NSTR pair is referred to as an NSTR AP MLD. The multi-AP MLD collaboration method provided in this embodiment of the present application is applicable to NSTR AP MLDs.

[0164] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which two links are not sent and received simultaneously. As shown in Figure 6, among the multiple links established between an NSTR AP MLD and another multi-link device, when the NSTR AP MLD needs to receive Physical Protocol Data Units (PPDU) 1 and PPDU2 and send Block Acknowledgements (BA) 1 and BA2 accordingly, due to the small frequency interval between Link 1 and Link 2, if the time when BA2 of PPDU2 is sent on Link 2 overlaps with the time when PPDU1 is received on Link 1, the energy leaked during the transmission of BA2 on Link 2 will block the reception of PPDU1, thereby affecting the reception of PPDU1.

[0165] Furthermore, in an NSTR pair, one link can be designated as the primary link, and the other links as secondary links. As an example and not a limitation, AP MLD 1 can use link 1 as the primary link and link 2 as the secondary link. After the primary link is determined, to ensure that transmission on the secondary link does not interfere with ongoing or upcoming transmissions on the primary link, the AP MLD is allowed to transmit solely on the primary link, or simultaneously on both the primary and secondary links, but not solely on the secondary link. Similarly, to avoid interference from transmissions on the secondary link with transmissions on the primary link, if the AP MLD transmits on both the primary and secondary links simultaneously, the start times of the transmissions on the primary and secondary links must be exactly the same. The above rules are based on the 802.11be standard's definition of NSTR soft AP MLD.

[0166] The present embodiment proposes a different approach from the aforementioned link usage rules. It is understood that, to achieve better collaboration between AP MLDs, it is possible to specify that each AP MLD selects a different primary link. For example, in Figure 5 , AP MLD 1 selects Link 1 as the primary link, and AP MLD 2 selects Link 2 as the primary link. Based on this, the present embodiment provides a method for multi-AP MLD collaboration, improving transmission efficiency by sharing the time-frequency resources of one AP MLD's TXOP on one or more links with another AP MLD.

[0167] The various embodiments provided in this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. As an example, in each of the following embodiments, the device may be an AP MLD, e.g., the first device is a first AP MLD, and the second device is a second AP MLD. As another example, in each of the following embodiments, the device may be a non-AP MLD (or STA), e.g., the second device is a first non-AP MLD, and the first device is a second non-AP MLD. This means that the embodiments of this application can be applied to multi-AP collaboration and other scenarios, such as multi-site collaboration.

[0168] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a collaborative communication method 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 100 may include the following steps.

[0169] 110. The second device determines time #A (ie, second time), where time #A is the end time of the busy period of the first link, which is the main link of the second device.

[0170] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit how the second device determines time #A.

[0171] In one possible implementation, the second device can determine the time #A by the duration of the received data packet.

[0172] In another possible implementation, the second device implements virtual monitoring through a Network Allocation Vector (NAV), thereby determining the time #A according to a Duration / ID field in the data packet.

[0173] It should be understood that the time #A can be the duration of a data packet, or the time #A can be the duration of multiple data packets, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0174] Optionally, before step 110 , method 100 may further include step 101 .

[0175] 101. The second device determines whether the transmission on the first link is the transmission of the current cell.

[0176] In the following, step 101 is described by taking the second device being an AP MLD and the second device being a non-AP MLD as examples.

[0177] In one possible implementation, the second device is an AP MLD. When executing step 110, the AP MLD further determines whether the transmission on the primary link is local cell transmission, for example, whether the transmission on the primary link is point-to-point (D2D) transmission within the local cell. It is readily understood that since the AP MLD belongs to an NSTR link pair and cannot transmit and receive simultaneously, if the transmission on the first link of the AP MLD is local cell transmission, the second link cannot be used for transmission.

[0178] In another possible implementation, the second device is a non-AP MLD (or STA). When determining the time #A at which the primary link will be busy in step S110, the STA also needs to determine whether the transmission on the primary link is for the local cell. That is, whether the AP in the cell where the STA is located is transmitting to other STAs. Similarly, if the transmission on the STA's first link is for the local cell, the STA cannot use the second link for transmission.

[0179] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit how the second device determines whether the transmission on the first link is the transmission of the current cell.

[0180] In one example, the second device determines whether the transmission is in the local cell based on whether the address of the sender and / or receiver of the transmission on the first link is a site address in the local cell.

[0181] In another example, the second device determines whether the transmission is for the current cell based on whether the BSS Color field of the radio frame transmitted on the first link corresponds to the BSS Color of the current cell.

[0182] S120: The second device performs channel backoff on the second link, and transmits on the second link after the backoff is completed.

[0183] The second device obtains a transmission opportunity (TXOP) on the second link through channel contention, and transmits on the second link after the backoff time expires.

[0184] It should be noted that because the second device belongs to an NSTR link pair and cannot transmit and receive simultaneously, method 100 specifies that the second device's transmission on the second link must end before time #A to prevent the second device's transmission on the second link from interfering with transmissions that may occur on the first link after time #A. Specifically, the second device must end the TXOP acquired on the second link before time #A.

[0185] It should be understood that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the data transmitted by the second device on the second link. Exemplarily, the second device transmits a data frame on the second link after the backoff ends.

[0186] Based on the method 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application, after determining that the first link will be busy for time #A, the second device can use the second link alone for transmission, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0187] Based on the method 100 , for a multi-AP MLD scenario, an embodiment of the present application further provides a collaborative communication method 200 .

[0188] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a collaborative communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 200 may include the following steps.

[0189] 201. A second device obtains a transmission opportunity #1 (ie, a first TXOP) on a first link.

[0190] Optionally, the second device obtains transmission opportunity #2 (ie, a second TXOP) on the second link.

[0191] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit how the second device obtains the transmission opportunity.

[0192] In a possible implementation, the second device may obtain transmission opportunity #1 through channel competition.

[0193] It should be understood that the first device and the second device establish at least one identical link. For example, the first device establishes the first link and the second link, and the second device establishes the first link. Alternatively, the first device and the second device can both establish the first link and the second link, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. The following description takes the case where both the first device establishes the first link and the second link as an example.

[0194] In a possible implementation, the first link and the second link belong to the same NSTR link pair, wherein the first link is the primary link of the second device and the secondary link of the first device, and the second link is the secondary link of the second device and the primary link of the first device.

[0195] It should be understood that when the second link is a secondary link of the second device, the specific manner in which the second device obtains a transmission opportunity on the secondary link may refer to method 100 and will not be described in detail here.

[0196] 210. The second device sends a first wireless frame (i.e., the first frame) on the first link. The first wireless frame is used to indicate that the time-frequency resource #1 of the second device on the first link is shared with the first device. The time domain position of the time-frequency resource #1 is within the transmission opportunity #1.

[0197] Optionally, the above step 210 can be replaced by: the second device sends a second wireless frame (i.e., the third frame) on the second link, and the second wireless frame is used to indicate that the time-frequency resource #2 of the second device on the second link is shared with the first device, and the time domain position of the time-frequency resource #2 is within the transmission opportunity #2.

[0198] Optionally, the above step 210 can be replaced by: the second device sends a first wireless frame on the first link and sends a second wireless frame on the second link, the first wireless frame is used to indicate that the time-frequency resource #1 of the second device on the first link is shared with the first device, and the second wireless frame is used to indicate that the time-frequency resource #2 of the second device on the second link is shared with the first device.

[0199] It should be understood that the above-mentioned first radio frame, second radio frame, and the first confirmation frame (i.e., second frame) and second confirmation frame (i.e., fourth frame) are all named to distinguish different functions, and their naming does not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. In future protocols, the names used to represent the same functions shall apply to the embodiments of the present application.

[0200] The second device can share time and frequency resources with the first device. In other words, the first device can use the time resources of the second device. Through the embodiments of the present application, the various devices collaborate with each other, such as the various devices can share time and frequency resources.

[0201] In the following, for the purpose of distinction, the time-frequency resources shared (or allocated) by the second device on the first link are recorded as time-frequency resources #1, that is, the time-frequency resources shared by the second device to the first device on the first link are recorded as time-frequency resources #1; the time-frequency resources shared by the second device on the second link are recorded as time-frequency resources #2, that is, the time-frequency resources shared by the second device to the first device on the second link are recorded as time-frequency resources #2.

[0202] It should also be understood that in this application, it is mentioned many times that the first device shares time-frequency resource #1 or the first device uses time-frequency resource #1, which is used to indicate that the first device can use part of the time-frequency resources of the second device, that is, the first device can use this part of the time-frequency resources for transmission. Of course, the first device can also use all the time-frequency resources of the second device, and this is not limited. It can be understood that time-frequency resource #1 can be part of the time-frequency resources of the second device within transmission opportunity #1, or it can be all the time-frequency resources of the second device within transmission opportunity #1. Similarly, time-frequency resource #2 can be part of the time-frequency resources of the second device within transmission opportunity #2, or it can be all the time-frequency resources of the second device within transmission opportunity #2, and this is not limited. This will not be described below.

[0203] In this application, the sharing device is referred to as the second device, i.e., the second device represents the sharing device, such as a sharing AP; the shared device is referred to as the first device, i.e., the second device represents the shared device, such as a shared AP. This will not be further described below.

[0204] It should be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the timing at which the second device sends the first radio frame and / or the second radio frame is not limited. The following description is made using the timing at which the second device sends the first radio frame as an example.

[0205] In one example, the second device may send the first radio frame after obtaining transmission opportunity #1.

[0206] For example, after obtaining a TXOP through channel competition on the first link, the second device can send a first radio frame on the first link. The first radio frame is used to share the TXOP with the first device on the first link. In other words, the second device can share its TXOP with the first device on the first link, thereby improving the efficiency of multi-AP MLD collaboration.

[0207] As another example, the second device may obtain time resources and transmit first, and then send the first wireless frame after the transmission is completed.

[0208] For example, after obtaining a TXOP through channel competition on the first link, the second device can first transmit, and then after the transmission is completed, send a first radio frame on the first link. The first radio frame is used to share the TXOP with the first device on the first link. In other words, the second device can share the unused TXOP on the first link with the first device, thereby not only ensuring the transmission of the second device, but also allowing other devices (i.e., the first device) to communicate using the unused resources, thereby improving the efficiency of multi-AP MLD collaboration.

[0209] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the time resources shared by the second device.

[0210] 220. The first device determines whether to send a first confirmation frame (ie, a second frame) to the second device according to the states of the first link and the second link. The first confirmation frame is used to instruct the first device to use the time resource #1.

[0211] Optionally, in response to the second radio frame, the above step 220 can be replaced by: the first device determines whether to send a second confirmation frame to the second device on the second link according to the status of the second link, and the second confirmation frame is used to instruct the first device to use the time resource #2.

[0212] Optionally, in response to the first wireless frame and the second wireless frame, the above step 220 can be replaced by: the first device determines whether to send a first confirmation frame and a second confirmation frame to the second device based on the status of the first link and the second link, the first confirmation frame being used to indicate the first device to use the time resource #1, and the second confirmation frame being used to indicate the first device to use the time resource #2.

[0213] It should be understood that the specific manner in which the first device determines whether to send the first confirmation frame and / or the second confirmation frame according to the states of the first link and the second link will be described in detail later.

[0214] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the time-frequency resources shared by the second device to the first device. For example, the second device can only share the time-frequency resources on the primary link, or the second device can only share the time-frequency resources on the secondary link, or the second device can share the time-frequency resources on both the primary link and the secondary link.

[0215] In the method 200 provided in the embodiment of the present application, based on the specific time resource shared by the second device, the following three solutions can be included:

[0216] Solution A: The second device can share time-frequency resource #1 only through the first radio frame;

[0217] Solution B: The second device can share time-frequency resource #2 only through the second radio frame;

[0218] Solution C: The second device can share the time-frequency resource #1 and the time-frequency resource #2 through the first radio frame and the second radio frame, and there is no limitation on this.

[0219] The following describes three possible solutions. First, we will introduce Solution A. Solution A may include the following steps.

[0220] A10. The second device sends a first radio frame on the first link, where the first radio frame is used to indicate that the time-frequency resource #1 obtained by the second device on the first link is shared with the first device.

[0221] Optionally, before sending the first radio frame, the second device can transmit on the first link.

[0222] A20. When the first condition is met, the first device sends a first confirmation frame to the second device on the first link, and the first confirmation frame is used to confirm that the first device uses the time-frequency resource #1. The first condition includes: the first device determines that the first link is currently in an idle state; and the first device determines that the second link is currently in a busy state rather than an idle state within the time domain range of the first TXOP, or the first device is able to send data on the second link.

[0223] It should be noted that the first link is the primary link of the second device and the secondary link of the first device, and the second link is the secondary link of the second device and the primary link of the first device.

[0224] It is understandable that, since the first link is a secondary link of the first device, when the second device shares time resource #1 with the first device, the first device needs to ensure that transmission on the second link does not affect transmission on the first link.

[0225] It can be understood that based on the principle of using the secondary link alone proposed in the embodiment of the present application, before sending the first confirmation frame, the first device also needs to determine whether the first link and the second link meet the first condition, that is, while determining that the first link is idle, it is also necessary to determine whether the second link will be busy for a period of time, or whether the first device can send data on the second link to avoid the transmission on the secondary link affecting the transmission on the main link.

[0226] In a possible implementation, the first device can send the first confirmation frame to the second device on the first link only when the first device is idle on the first link and has completed backoff on the second link.

[0227] It should be understood that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific manner in which the first device determines that the first link is in the idle state.

[0228] In one example, the first device determines that the first link is in an idle state through energy detection according to a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) mechanism.

[0229] In another example, the first device performs virtual carrier sensing through NAV and determines that the first link is in an idle state.

[0230] It should be understood that in this implementation, the first device completes the backoff on the second link (ie, the backoff counter is 0) before receiving the first radio frame.

[0231] In another possible implementation, the first device can send the first confirmation frame to the second device on the first link only when the first link is idle and the first device determines that the second link is busy, for example, when there is non-local cell transmission on the second link. The specific implementation method can be referred to method 100 and will not be repeated here.

[0232] In this implementation, the first device determines the time #B (i.e., the first time) at which the second link ends being busy, and stops using the time resource #1 before time #B. In other words, the first device needs to end transmission on the first link before the time #B at which the second link ends being busy.

[0233] It should be understood that the time indicated by the Duration field in the first confirmation frame of the first device is earlier than the time #B.

[0234] It should be understood that the first wireless frame and the first confirmation frame in the embodiment of the present application can reuse the current wireless frame, or can be a newly added wireless frame, and there is no limitation on this.

[0235] In one example, the first radio frame is a MU-RTS (Multi-User Request to Send) frame, and the first confirmation frame is a CTS (Clear to Send, CTS) frame.

[0236] It can be understood that after sending the first confirmation frame, the first device uses the time-frequency resource #1 on the first link.

[0237] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the data transmitted by the first device on the first link. Exemplarily, the second device transmits a data frame on the first link after sending the first confirmation frame.

[0238] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a usage scenario for Solution A of method 200 proposed in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 9, after completing data transmission on Link 1, AP 11, affiliated with AP MLD1 (i.e., the second device), sends a first radio frame to AP 21, affiliated with AP MLD2 (i.e., the first device). In response, AP 21, after making the aforementioned determination (shown in the figure as AP 22, affiliated with AP MLD2, sending data on Link 2), sends a first acknowledgment frame to AP 11 on Link 1, and then continues data transmission on Link 1.

[0239] The following describes Scheme B. Scheme B may include the following steps.

[0240] B10. The second device sends a second radio frame on the second link. The second radio frame is used to indicate that the time-frequency resource #2 obtained by the second device on the second link is shared with the first device.

[0241] It should be noted that the first link is the primary link of the second device and the secondary link of the first device, and the second link is the secondary link of the second device and the primary link of the first device.

[0242] It can be understood that since the second link is a secondary link of the second device, regardless of whether the second device itself uses the second link for transmission (i.e., method 100) or the second device shares time-frequency resource #2 with the first device, the second device must ensure that the transmission on the second link does not affect the transmission on the first link.

[0243] Based on the above principles, before step B10, solution B also includes the following steps:

[0244] B01: The second device determines time #A, which is the end time of the busy period of the first link. Specific methods can be found in method 100 and will not be described in detail here.

[0245] B02: The second device performs channel backoff on the second link and determines time-frequency resource #2 after the backoff is completed. The specific method can be found in step 201 and will not be described in detail here.

[0246] In one possible implementation, before sending the second radio frame, the second device can transmit on the second link.

[0247] It should be understood that the second device needs to end transmission on the second link before time #A ends.

[0248] B20. The first device sends a second confirmation frame to the second device on the second link. The second confirmation frame is used to confirm that the first device uses the time-frequency resource #2.

[0249] It can be understood that, since the second link is the primary link of the first device, the first device can send the second confirmation frame after receiving the second radio frame and determining that the second link is idle.

[0250] It should be understood that the second radio frame and the second confirmation frame in the embodiment of the present application can reuse the current radio frame, or can be a newly added radio frame, and there is no limitation on this.

[0251] In one example, the second radio frame is a MU-RTS frame, and the second confirmation frame is a CTS frame.

[0252] B30. The first device uses time-frequency resource #2 on the second link.

[0253] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the data transmitted by the first device on the first link. Exemplarily, the second device transmits a data frame on the first link after sending the first confirmation frame.

[0254] It should be understood that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific end time of the first device using time-frequency resource #2 for transmission.

[0255] Specifically, the end time of the time-frequency resource #2 indicated by the second device in the second radio frame can be after time #A.

[0256] Correspondingly, the first device can end transmission on the second link before the first device ends at time #A, or, when the end time of the time-frequency resource #2 shared by the second device is after time #A, the first device can end transmission on the second link after time #A and before the end time of the time-frequency resource #2.

[0257] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a usage scenario for Solution B of method 200 proposed in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 10 , after completing channel preemption (not shown) and data transmission on Link 2, AP 12, affiliated with AP MLD1 (i.e., the second device), sends a second radio frame to AP 22, affiliated with AP MLD2 (i.e., the first device). In response, AP 22, after making the aforementioned determination, sends a second acknowledgment frame to AP 12 on Link 2, and then continues data transmission on Link 2.

[0258] Scheme C is described below. Scheme C may include the following steps.

[0259] C01, the second device obtains transmission opportunity #1 on the first link and obtains transmission opportunity #2 on the second link.

[0260] It should be understood that for how the second device obtains the transmission opportunity #2 on the second link, reference may be made to method 100, which will not be described in detail here.

[0261] C10, the second device sends a first radio frame on the first link and sends a second radio frame on the second link. The first radio frame is used to indicate that the time-frequency resource #1 obtained by the second device on the first link is shared with the first device, and the second radio frame is used to indicate that the time-frequency resource #2 obtained by the second device on the second link is shared with the first device.

[0262] In a possible implementation manner, the second device sends the first radio frame and the second radio frame simultaneously.

[0263] In a possible implementation manner, the first radio frame and the second radio frame have the same length.

[0264] C20, the first device sends a first confirmation frame to the second device on the first link, and sends a second confirmation frame to the second device on the second link. The first confirmation frame is used to confirm that the first device uses the time-frequency resource #1, and the second confirmation frame is used to confirm that the first device uses the time-frequency resource #2.

[0265] It should be understood that before the first device sends the first confirmation frame and the second confirmation frame, the first device must first determine that the first link and the second link are in an idle state. Specifically, the conditions for the first device to reply to the first confirmation frame include: the first link is idle and the second link is also idle, or the first link is idle and there is a transmission outside the cell on the second link; the conditions for the first device to reply to the second confirmation frame include: the second link is idle. The specific method for the first device to determine whether the first link and the second link are idle can be referred to Solution A and will not be repeated here.

[0266] It should be understood that based on the principle of using the secondary link exclusively as proposed in the embodiments of the present application, if the first device determines that the second link is busy and the first link is idle, the first device can send the first confirmation frame. In other words, the first device can use time-frequency resource #1 on the secondary link exclusively, while preventing transmission on the secondary link from affecting transmission on the primary link.

[0267] It should be understood that the first wireless frame and the first confirmation frame in the embodiment of the present application can reuse the current wireless frame, or can be a newly added wireless frame, and there is no limitation on this.

[0268] In one example, the first radio frame is a MU-RTS frame, and the first confirmation frame is a CTS frame.

[0269] C30. The first device uses time-frequency resource #1 on the first link and uses time-frequency resource #2 on the second link.

[0270] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the data transmitted by the first device on the first link and the second link. For example, the second device transmits a data frame on the first link after sending a first confirmation frame, and sends a control frame on the second link after sending a second confirmation frame.

[0271] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a usage scenario for Solution C of method 200 proposed in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11, after completing data transmission on Link 1, AP11, which belongs to AP MLD1 (i.e., the second device), sends a first radio frame to AP21, which belongs to AP MLD2 (i.e., the first device). After completing data transmission on Link 2, AP12, which belongs to AP MLD1, sends a second radio frame to AP22, which belongs to AP MLD2. In response, after making the above determinations, AP22 sends a first acknowledgment frame to AP11 on Link 1 and a second acknowledgment frame to AP12 on Link 2. Data transmission then continues on Link 1 and Link 2, respectively.

[0272] It should be noted that the above links are only used as examples for convenience of description, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the scenario of collaborative transmission between multiple AP MLDs.

[0273] Optionally, the above-mentioned link can be replaced by a channel, and the main link is the main channel.

[0274] Optionally, the above-mentioned link can be replaced by a frequency domain position, and the primary link is the frequency domain position where the primary channel is located, wherein the frequency domain position can represent an interval in the spectrum, such as [f1, f2].

[0275] Similarly, the links in the NSTR link pair in the embodiment of the present application can be replaced by frequency domain positions, that is, the device cannot transmit and receive at the same time at two frequency domain positions.

[0276] Furthermore, the above-mentioned link 1 and link 2 can be replaced by two frequency domain positions on the same link, wherein the frequency domain position where the main channel is located is used as the main link.

[0277] Exemplarily, a link includes one or more anchor channels. When the primary channel on the link is busy, transmission can be performed on other anchor channels. In this example, the primary channel in the link can be analogous to the primary link, and the remaining anchor channels can be analogous to secondary links.

[0278] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail above with reference to Figures 7 to 11. Below, the apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail with reference to Figures 12 to 15. It should be understood that the description of the apparatus embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment. Therefore, for matters not described in detail, reference can be made to the method embodiment above, and for the sake of brevity, no further description will be given here.

[0279] The above mainly describes the solution provided by the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of interaction between various devices. It is understandable that each device, such as the second device and the first device, includes a hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to the execution of each function in order to implement the above functions. Those skilled in the art should be aware that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of protection of this application.

[0280] In the embodiment of the present application, the second device and the first device can be divided into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above-mentioned integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. There may be other feasible division methods in actual implementation. The following is an example of dividing each functional module corresponding to each function.

[0281] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for collaborative communication according to an embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 2000 includes a transceiver unit 2010 and a processing unit 2020. The transceiver unit 2010 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing unit 2020 is used for data processing. The transceiver unit 2010 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0282] Optionally, the device 2000 may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 2020 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0283] In the first design, the communication device 2000 can be the second device in the aforementioned embodiment, or a component (such as a chip) of the second device. The communication device 2000 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second device in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver unit 2010 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the second device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 2020 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the second device in the above method embodiment.

[0284] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 2010 is used to receive a first frame from a second device on a first link, the first device uses the first link and the second link, the first frame is used to instruct the second device to share a first time-frequency resource on the first link with the first device, the time domain position of the first time-frequency resource is within the current first transmission opportunity TXOP, and the first TXOP is the transmission opportunity of the second device on the first link; when a first condition is met, the transceiver unit 2010 is also used to send a second frame to the second device on the first link, the second frame is a response frame to the first frame, and the first condition includes: the first link is currently in an idle state; the second link is currently in a busy state, or data can be sent on the second link.

[0285] In another possible implementation, the transceiver unit 2010 is configured to receive a third frame from the second device on the second link, where the second device uses a non-simultaneous transmission and reception NSTR link pair, the NSTR link pair includes the first link and the second link, and the second link is a secondary link of the second device, and the third frame is used to instruct the second device to share a second time-frequency resource on the second link with the first device, the time domain location of the second time-frequency resource is within the second TXOP, and the second TXOP is a transmission opportunity for the second device on the second link; the processing unit 2020 is configured to determine that the second link is in an idle state; and the transceiver unit 2010 is further configured to send a fourth frame to the second device on the second link, where the fourth frame is a response frame to the third frame.

[0286] In the second design, the communication device 2000 can be the second device in the aforementioned embodiment, or a component (such as a chip) of the second device. The communication device 2000 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the second device in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver unit 2010 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the second device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 2020 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the second device in the above method embodiment.

[0287] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 2020 is configured to obtain a first transmission opportunity TXOP on the first link, where the second device uses a non-simultaneous transmission and reception NSTR link pair, where the NSTR link pair includes the first link and the second link, and the first link is the primary link of the second device; the transceiver unit 2010 is configured to send a first frame to the first device on the first link, where the first device uses the NSTR link pair, where the first link is the secondary link of the first device, and where the first frame is used to instruct the second device to share a first time-frequency resource on the first link with the first device, where the time domain location of the first time-frequency resource is within the first TXOP; and the transceiver unit 2010 is further configured to receive a second frame from the first device on the first link, where the second frame is a response frame to the first frame.

[0288] In another possible implementation, the processing unit 2020 is configured to determine that the first link is in a busy state, and the second device uses an NSTR link pair for non-simultaneous transmission and reception, where the NSTR link pair includes the first link and the second link, and the first link is the primary link of the second device; the processing unit 2020 is further configured to obtain a second TXOP on the second link, where the second link is the secondary link of the second device; the transceiver unit 2010 is configured to send a third frame to the first device on the second link, where the third frame is used to instruct the second device to share a second time-frequency resource on the second link with the first device, and the time domain location of the second time-frequency resource is within the second TXOP; the transceiver unit 2010 is further configured to receive a fourth frame from the first device on the second link, where the fourth frame is a response frame to the third frame.

[0289] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0290] It should also be understood that the communication device 2000 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combined logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device 2000 can be specifically the second device in the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the second device in the above-mentioned method embodiments; or, the communication device 2000 can be specifically the first device in the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the first device in the above-mentioned method embodiments. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here. The above-mentioned transceiver unit 2010 can also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it can include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit 2020 can be a processing circuit.

[0291] The communication device 2000 in FIG12 may be a device in the aforementioned embodiments, or may be a chip or chip system, such as a system on a chip (SoC). The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit may be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. This is not limited here.

[0292] The communication device 2000 of each of the above-mentioned solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the second device or the first device in the above-mentioned method. The functions can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as the processing unit, can be replaced by a processor to respectively perform the sending and receiving operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0293] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 3000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 3000 includes a processor 3010, which is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory 3020, or read data / signaling stored in the memory 3020, to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, there are one or more processors 3010.

[0294] Optionally, as shown in FIG13 , the communication device 3000 further includes a memory 3020, which is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 3020 may be integrated with the processor 3010, or may be separately provided. Optionally, there may be one or more memories 3020.

[0295] Optionally, as shown in Figure 13, the communication device 3000 further includes a transceiver 3030, which is used to receive and / or send signals. For example, the processor 3010 is used to control the transceiver 3030 to receive and / or send signals.

[0296] As a solution, the communication apparatus 3000 is used to implement the operations performed by the second device in each of the above method embodiments.

[0297] For example, the processor 3010 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 3020 to implement the relevant operations of the second device in each of the above method embodiments, such as the methods performed by the second device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 11.

[0298] As another solution, the communication apparatus 3000 is used to implement the operations performed by the first device in each of the above method embodiments.

[0299] For example, the processor 3010 is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 3020 to implement the operations related to the second AP in the above various method embodiments. For example, the methods performed by the first device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 11.

[0300] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0301] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0302] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0303] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0304] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 4000 according to an embodiment of the present application. Communication device 4000 may be a multi-link access point secondary device (PMLD) (i.e., a second device or a first device), or a chip. Communication device 4000 may be configured to perform the operations performed by the second device or the first device in the method embodiments shown in Figures 7 through 11 above.

[0305] When the communication device 1000 is an AP MLD, it is, for example, a base station. Figure 14 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the base station structure. The base station includes a module 4010, a module 4020, and a module 4030. Module 4010 is mainly used for baseband processing, controlling the base station, etc.; module 4010 is usually the control center of the base station, which can usually be called a processor, and is used to control the base station to perform the processing operations on the network device side in the above method embodiment. Module 4020 is mainly used to store computer program code and data. Module 4030 is mainly used for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals into baseband signals; module 4030 can usually be called a transceiver module, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc. The transceiver module of module 4030 can also be called a transceiver or a transceiver, etc., which includes an antenna 4033 and a radio frequency circuit (not shown in Figure 14), wherein the radio frequency circuit is mainly used for radio frequency processing. Alternatively, the device for implementing the receiving function in module 4030 may be considered a receiver, and the device for implementing the transmitting function may be considered a transmitter, that is, module 4030 includes a receiver 4032 and a transmitter 4031. The receiver may also be referred to as a receiving module, a receiver, or a receiving circuit, and the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitting module, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit.

[0306] Modules 4010 and 4020 may include one or more boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor is used to read and execute programs in the memory to implement baseband processing functions and control the base station. If multiple boards are present, the boards may be interconnected to enhance processing capabilities. As an optional implementation, multiple boards may share one or more processors, multiple boards may share one or more memories, or multiple boards may simultaneously share one or more processors.

[0307] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver module of module 4030 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes performed by the second device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 11. The processor of module 4010 is used to execute the processing-related processes performed by the second device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 11.

[0308] In another implementation, the processor of module 4010 is used to execute processes related to the processing performed by the first device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 11.

[0309] In another implementation, the transceiver module of module 4030 is used to execute the transceiver-related processes performed by the first device in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 11.

[0310] It should be understood that FIG14 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the network device including the processor, memory, and transceiver described above may not rely on the structures shown in FIG12 to FIG13 .

[0311] When communication device 1000 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, memory, and a processor. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor can be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. The network device's transmit operation in the above method embodiment can be understood as the chip's output, and the network device's receive operation in the above method embodiment can be understood as the chip's input.

[0312] Figure 15 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 5000 according to an embodiment of the present application. Communication device 5000 may be a non-AP MLD (i.e., a second device and a first device), a processor of a non-AP MLD, or a chip. Communication device 5000 may be configured to perform the operations performed by the second device and the first device in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0313] When communication device 5000 is a non-AP MLD, and the non-AP MLD is a terminal device, Figure 10 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the terminal device structure. As shown in Figure 15, the terminal device includes a processor 5010, a memory 5020, and a transceiver 5030. The memory 5020 can store computer program code, and the transceiver 5030 includes a transmitter 5031, a receiver 5032, a radio frequency circuit (not shown in Figure 15), an antenna 5033, and input / output devices (not shown in Figure 15).

[0314] The processor 5010 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the terminal device, execute software programs, and process software program data. The memory 5020 is primarily used to store software programs and data. The radio frequency circuit is primarily used to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna 5033 is primarily used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touch screens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used to receive user input and output data to the user. It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have input / output devices.

[0315] When data needs to be sent, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent, and then outputs the baseband signal to the RF circuit. The RF circuit performs RF processing on the baseband signal and then sends the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data. For ease of explanation, Figure 15 only shows one memory, processor, and transceiver. In an actual terminal device product, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory may also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device, etc. The memory may be set independently of the processor or integrated with the processor, and this is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0316] In the embodiment of the present application, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the transceiver module of the terminal device, and the processor with processing function can be regarded as the processing module of the terminal device.

[0317] As shown in Figure 15, the terminal device includes a processor 5010, a memory 5020, and a transceiver 5030. The processor 5010 may also be referred to as a processing unit, a processing board, a processing module, a processing device, etc., and the transceiver 5030 may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, a transceiver device, etc.

[0318] Alternatively, the device used to implement the receiving function in transceiver 5030 may be considered a receiving module, and the device used to implement the transmitting function in transceiver 5030 may be considered a transmitting module. That is, transceiver 5030 includes a receiver and a transmitter. A transceiver may also be sometimes referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver module, or a transceiver circuit. A receiver may also be sometimes referred to as a receiver, a receiving module, or a receiving circuit. A transmitter may also be sometimes referred to as a transmitter, a transmitting module, or a transmitting circuit.

[0319] For example, in one implementation, the processor 5010 is used to perform the processing actions on the second device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 11, and the transceiver 5030 is used to perform the transceiver actions on the second device side in Figures 7 to 11.

[0320] For example, in one implementation, the processor 5010 is used to perform the processing actions on the first device side in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 11, and the transceiver 5030 is used to perform the transceiver actions on the first device side in Figures 7 to 11.

[0321] It should be understood that FIG15 is merely an example and not a limitation, and the terminal device including the transceiver module and the processing module may not rely on the structures shown in FIG12 to FIG13 .

[0322] When the communication device 5000 is a chip, the chip includes a processor, memory, and a transceiver. The transceiver can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor can be a processing module, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. The sending operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiment can be understood as the chip's output, and the receiving operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiment can be understood as the chip's input.

[0323] An embodiment of the present application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes the methods in the above examples.

[0324] An embodiment of the present application also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, a processor and a memory, wherein the input interface, the output interface, the processor and the memory are connected via an internal connection path, and the processor is used to execute the code in the memory. When the code is executed, the processor is used to execute the methods in the above examples.

[0325] An embodiment of the present application further provides a processor, which is coupled to a memory and configured to execute the methods and functions involving a satellite or user equipment in any of the above embodiments.

[0326] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer program product is provided. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the method of the above embodiment is implemented.

[0327] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the method described in the above embodiment is implemented.

[0328] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" refers to two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit them to be different. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions.

[0329] Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding.

[0330] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist, for example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0331] It should be understood that reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0332] Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In various embodiments of the present invention, the sequence numbers of the aforementioned processes do not necessarily indicate a specific order of execution. The order of execution of the processes is determined by their functions and inherent logic, and does not constitute any limitation on the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0333] It will be understood that reference to "embodiment" throughout this specification means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present application.

[0334] Therefore, the various embodiments throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0335] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0336] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed.

[0337] On the other hand, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, which may be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0338] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment. In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0339] If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk, and other media that can store program codes.

[0340] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of collaborative communication, It is characterized in that include: A first device receives a first frame from a second device on a first link, the first device uses a non-simultaneous sending and receiving NSTR link pair, the NSTR link pair includes the first link and the second link, the first link is a secondary link of the first device, the second link is a primary link of the first device, the first frame is used to instruct the second device to share a first time-frequency resource on the first link with the first device, the time domain position of the first time-frequency resource is within a current first transmission opportunity TXOP, and the first TXOP is a transmission opportunity of the second device on the first link; When a first condition is met, the first device sends a second frame to the second device on the first link, where the second frame is a response frame to the first frame, and the first condition includes: The first device determines that the first link is currently in an idle state; and The first device determines that the second link is currently busy, or the first device is able to send data on the second link.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first device determines that the second link is currently in a busy state, including: The first device determines that there is currently transmission from a non-cell on the second link.

3. The method according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: The first device determines a first time, where the first time is an end time of the transmission of the non-cell; The first device stops using the first time-frequency resource before the first time.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The first device is capable of sending data on the second link, including: The first device completes backoff on the second link; or The first device shares the second time-frequency resources on the second link with the second device, the second device uses the NSTR link pair, the second link is the secondary link of the second device, the time domain position of the second time-frequency resources is within the second TXOP, and the second TXOP is the transmission opportunity of the second device on the second link.

5. The method according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The first device shares a second time-frequency resource on a second link with the second device, including: The first device receives a third frame from the second device on the second link, where the third frame is used to instruct the second device to share the second time-frequency resource with the first device; When the first device determines that the second link is idle, the first device sends a fourth frame to the second device on the second link, where the fourth frame is a response frame to the third frame.

6. The method according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The first frame and the third frame are multi-user request to send MU-RTS frames, and the second frame and the fourth frame are confirmation to send CTS frames.

7. A method of collaborative communication, It is characterized in that include: The second device obtains a first transmission opportunity TXOP on the first link; The second device sends a first frame to the first device on the first link, the first device uses a non-simultaneous sending and receiving NSTR link pair, the NSTR link pair includes the first link and the second link, the first link is a secondary link of the first device, the first frame is used to indicate that the second device shares a first time-frequency resource on the first link with the first device, and the time domain position of the first time-frequency resource is within the first TXOP; The second device receives a second frame from the first device on the first link, where the second frame is a response frame of the first frame.

8. The method according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The second device uses the NSTR link pair, the first link is a primary link of the second device, the second link is a secondary link of the second device, and the second link is a primary link of the first device; as well as The method further comprises: The second device acquires a second TXOP on the second link; The second device sends a third frame to the first device on the second link, wherein the third frame is used to instruct the second device to The first device shares a second time-frequency resource on the second link, and the time domain location of the second time-frequency resource is within the second TXOP; The second device receives a fourth frame from the first device on the second link, where the fourth frame is a response frame to the third frame.

9. The method according to claim 8, It is characterized in that Before the second device acquires the second TXOP on the second link, the method further includes: The first device determines that there is currently transmission from a non-cell on the first link.

10. The method according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: The second device determines a second time, where the second time is an end time of the transmission of the non-cell; Before the second time, the second device stops using the second TXOP.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, It is characterized in that The first frame and the third frame are multi-user request to send MU-RTS frames, and the second frame and the fourth frame are confirmation to send CTS frames.

12. A method of collaborative communication, It is characterized in that include: The first device receives a third frame from the second device on the second link, wherein the second device uses a non-simultaneous sending and receiving NSTR link pair, the NSTR link pair includes the first link and the second link, the second link is a secondary link of the second device, and the third frame is used to instruct the second device to share a second time-frequency resource on the second link with the first device, the time domain position of the second time-frequency resource is within the second TXOP, and the second TXOP is a transmission opportunity of the second device on the second link; When the first device determines that the second link is idle, the first device sends a fourth frame to the second device on the second link, where the fourth frame is a response frame to the third frame.

13. A method of collaborative communication, It is characterized in that include: The second device determines that the first link is in a busy state, and the second device uses a non-simultaneous sending and receiving NSTR link pair, the NSTR link pair includes the first link and the second link, and the first link is a main link of the second device; The second device obtains a second transmission opportunity TXOP on a second link, where the second link is a secondary link of the second device; The second device sends a third frame to the first device on the second link, where the third frame is used to instruct the second device to share a second time-frequency resource on the second link with the first device, where a time domain location of the second time-frequency resource is within the second TXOP; The second device receives a fourth frame from the first device on the second link, where the fourth frame is a response frame to the third frame.

14. The method according to claim 13, It is characterized in that The second device determines that the first link is in a busy state, including: The first device determines that there is transmission from a non-cell on the second link.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: The second device determines a second time, where the second time is an end time of the transmission of the non-cell; Before the second time, the second device stops using the second TXOP.

16. The method according to claim 15, It is characterized in that The end time of the second time-frequency resource is no earlier than the second time.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, Features The third frame is a multi-user request to send MU-RTS frame, and the fourth frame is a confirmation to send CTS frame.

18. A communication device, It is characterized in that The communication device includes a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or includes a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, or includes a unit for executing the method according to claim 12, or includes a unit for executing the method according to any one of claims 13 to 17.

19. A communication device, It is characterized in that include: A processor, configured to execute computer instructions stored in a memory so that the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, or the communication device performs the method according to claim 12, or the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 13 to 17.

20. The communication device according to claim 19, It is characterized in that The communication device further comprises the memory.

21. The communication device according to claim 19 or 20, It is characterized in that The communication device further includes a communication interface, which is coupled to the processor and is used to input and / or output information.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, It is characterized in that Used to store a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, or comprising instructions for implementing the method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, or comprising instructions for implementing the method as claimed in claim 12, or comprising instructions for implementing the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17.

23. A computer program, It is characterized in that The computer program comprises instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or comprises instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, or comprises instructions for implementing the method according to claim 12, or comprises instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 13 to 17.

Images